“Shanghai is my favorite city for showing friends who think China is only about ancient history. Walk along the Bund at night with Pudong's skyscrapers lit up across the river, then duck into a tiny lane in the French Concession for cocktails in a hidden speakeasy. For food, skip the tourist places on Nanjing Road — go to Jia Jia Tang Bao for soup dumplings. Trust me, the line is worth it.”
Overview
Shanghai is where old China and new China collide at full speed. The Bund's colonial-era banks face off against Pudong's space-age towers across the Huangpu River. In between, the French Concession's tree-lined streets hide independent boutiques, craft coffee shops, and some of the best restaurants in Asia.
This is China's commercial capital and its most cosmopolitan city. With 26 million people, it can feel overwhelming, but the excellent metro system and walkable neighborhoods make it surprisingly easy to explore. The city rewards wandering — you'll stumble onto century-old shikumen lane houses, cutting-edge galleries, and dumpling shops that have been perfecting their craft for generations.
Shanghai is also a launching point for day trips to nearby water towns like Zhujiajiao and Zhouzhuang, and just 45 minutes by bullet train from Hangzhou's West Lake.
Top Things to Do
The Bund (Waitan)
Shanghai's iconic waterfront promenade. Walk the 1.5 km stretch at sunset to see Pudong's towers light up, then turn around to admire the Art Deco and Neoclassical buildings behind you. Best experienced twice — once by day, once at night.
Must SeeYu Garden (Yuyuan)
A 400-year-old classical Chinese garden with rockeries, pavilions, and koi ponds in the heart of the Old City. The surrounding bazaar is touristy but photogenic. Go early morning when it opens to beat the crowds.
Must SeeFrench Concession
Shanghai's most charming neighborhood — plane tree-lined avenues, colonial villas, independent cafes, and boutique shopping. Wander Wukang Road and Anfu Road for the best vibe. No agenda needed; just explore.
Must SeePudong Skyline & Shanghai Tower
The Shanghai Tower observation deck (632 m) offers the highest views in China. On a clear day, you can see for miles. The neighboring Oriental Pearl Tower and Jin Mao Tower also have observation decks at various heights.
Highly RecommendedTianzifang
A maze of narrow lanes in a renovated shikumen neighborhood, packed with art studios, craft shops, and hole-in-the-wall cafes. It's touristy but the architecture and atmosphere are genuine. Best in the afternoon.
Highly RecommendedXiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)
Shanghai's signature dish. Din Tai Fung is reliable, but Jia Jia Tang Bao and Fu Chun Xiao Long are where locals go. Dip in black vinegar with ginger, bite a small hole, sip the soup, then eat. Don't burn your mouth.
Highly RecommendedZhujiajiao Water Town
A 1,700-year-old canal town just 50 minutes from central Shanghai by bus. Stone bridges, gondola rides, and rice wine shops. A perfect half-day escape from the city's intensity.
Highly RecommendedM50 Art District
A cluster of contemporary art galleries in converted textile mills along Suzhou Creek. Less polished than Beijing's 798 but more raw and local. Free to enter most galleries.
Worth a Visit
Getting There
By Air
Pudong International (PVG) handles most international flights; Hongqiao (SHA) is the domestic hub. Pudong is farther out (50 min by Maglev, ¥50) while Hongqiao is well-connected by metro. Both airports have direct subway access.
By High-Speed Rail
Shanghai Hongqiao station is one of Asia's busiest rail hubs. Beijing is 4.5 hours, Hangzhou is 45 minutes, Nanjing is 1 hour, and Suzhou is just 25 minutes. Tickets via 12306 or Trip.com.
Getting Around
Shanghai's metro is clean, fast, and covers virtually the entire city (20+ lines). Rides cost ¥3–9. Taxis are cheap and plentiful. The Maglev train from Pudong Airport hits 431 km/h — the fastest commercial train in the world.
From the Airport
From Pudong: Maglev to Longyang Road (8 min, ¥50) then transfer to metro, or Metro Line 2 direct (70 min, ¥7). From Hongqiao: Metro Lines 2 and 10 direct to city center (30 min, ¥4–6).
Where to Stay
The French Concession is the top pick for atmosphere — boutique hotels, walkable streets, great food, and easy metro access. Jing'an is a good alternative with a more central location and luxury options. For views, the Pudong side puts you right under the skyline.
Budget travelers will find excellent hostels near People's Square. Mid-range options are plentiful in Jing'an and Xuhui. For a splurge, the Fairmont Peace Hotel on the Bund is a Shanghai icon, and the Park Hyatt in the Shanghai World Financial Center has some of the highest hotel rooms in the world.
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Best Time to Visit
March – May & September – November
Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather — mild temperatures, lower humidity, and occasional clear skies. October is ideal. Summer (June to August) is brutally hot and humid with heavy rain. Winter (December to February) is cold and gray but the city is less crowded, hotel prices drop, and the holiday lights along the Bund are beautiful.