Shanghai 上海
About Shanghai 上海
Highlights
- ✓ The Bund — the waterfront promenade at night
- ✓ Lujiazui — the Pudong skyline with the Oriental Pearl Tower
- ✓ French Concession — tree-lined streets and cafes
- ✓ Yuyuan Garden — 400-year-old Ming Dynasty garden
- ✓ Shanghai Museum — over 1 million artifacts
- ✓ Nanjing Road — the longest pedestrian street in China
- ✓ West Bund art district — contemporary art
Trip Essentials
Photo Gallery
Shanghai Bund skyline at night
Local cuisine
Local people
Adventure
Shanghai 上海 Itinerary
Suggested Travel Plan
Suggested Itinerary
The Bund
Walk the 1.5km waterfront promenade. The row of European-style buildings from the 1920s-1930s is the city's most iconic image. The best time is early morning before the crowds.
Cross to Pudong
Take the metro or a taxi across the Huangpu River to Lujiazui. The skyline changes dramatically: the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower (632m), and the Shanghai World Financial Center.
Shanghai Tower
The tallest building in China (632m). The observation deck on the 118th floor offers the best view of the city. The interior is a work of art itself.
Lunch — Dim Sum
A classic Shanghai dim sum restaurant: xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), har gow, and siu mai. The best version is at a local spot, not a tourist trap.
Lujiazui Riverside
Walk the Pudong waterfront. The view of the Bund from across the river is the best. The river is wide and the skyline is a mix of old and new.
Nanjing Road
The longest pedestrian street in China (1.5km). Shopping, street food, and the famous Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. The best time is at dusk when the lights come on.
Dinner — Shanghai Cuisine
A proper Shanghai restaurant: xiaolongbao, braised pork, and sweet and sour spare ribs. The city's food is a mix of local and international.
French Concession
A maze of tree-lined streets with cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. The area was a French concession from 1849 to 1943. The architecture is a mix of French, Art Deco, and Chinese. Walk the main streets: Wukang Road, Anfu Road, and Fuyou Road.
Yuyuan Garden
A 400-year-old Ming Dynasty garden. The pavilions, bridges, and rockeries are the best example of classical Chinese garden design. The Yuyuan Bazaar next door is a maze of street food and souvenirs.
Lunch at Yuyuan Bazaar
A proper Shanghai meal: xiaolongbao, har gow, and braised pork. The bazaar is a labyrinth of food stalls and souvenir shops. Come hungry.
Shanghai Museum
One of the best museums in Asia, with over 1 million artifacts. The bronze and jade collections are world-class. The museum is free but requires reservation. Allow 3 hours.
West Bund Art District
A new art district on the west bank of the Huangpu River. The galleries, museums, and public art installations are the best in the city. The area is still developing — come early.
Dinner in the Former French Concession
A local Shanghai restaurant or an international spot. The city's food scene is one of the best in the country.
Location
Practical Information
✈️ Getting There
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is 30km from the city. Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is 15km from the city. High-speed trains from Beijing (4.5h), Guangzhou (7h), and Nanjing (1h) arrive at Shanghai Hongqiao Station. The city has the world's largest subway system — get a transportation card at the airport.
🏨 Where to Stay
Stay near the Bund / Lujiazui for the best views ($80-300/night). The Former French Concession is quieter and more local ($50-150/night). The Hongkou area is a good budget option. The city has hotels for every budget.
💡 Travel Tips
Shanghai is best visited April to June and September to November. The city is 10m above sea level, so the climate is mild but humid. The Bund is best visited at night when the buildings are lit up. The French Concession is best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes — you'll be walking a lot. The subway is the best way to get around the city.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is 30km from the city. Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is 15km from the city. High-speed trains from Beijing (4.5h), Guangzhou (7h), and Nanjing (1h) arrive at Shanghai Hongqiao Station. The city has the world's largest subway system — get a transportation card at the airport.
Stay near the Bund / Lujiazui for the best views ($80-300/night). The Former French Concession is quieter and more local ($50-150/night). The Hongkou area is a good budget option. The city has hotels for every budget.
Shanghai is best visited April to June and September to November. The city is 10m above sea level, so the climate is mild but humid. The Bund is best visited at night when the buildings are lit up. The French Concession is best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes — you'll be walking a lot. The subway is the best way to get around the city.
Travel Tips
The Bund is the city's icon
The waterfront promenade facing the Huangpu River is the most photographed spot in Shanghai. The row of European-style buildings from the 1920s-1930s is a UNESCO-listed heritage site. The best time to visit is at night when the buildings are lit up and the skyline across the river is glowing. The view from the Pudong side is equally impressive.
Shanghai is the most expensive city in China
A full day of sightseeing, meals, and transport costs around $50-80. The Shanghai Tower ticket is $15, the Yuyuan Garden is $8, and the Shanghai Museum is free. Meals range from $5 for street food to $30 for a proper restaurant. The city is 50-100% more expensive than Beijing or Xi'an.
The French Concession is the best neighborhood
A maze of tree-lined streets with cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. The area was a French concession from 1849 to 1943. The architecture is a mix of French, Art Deco, and Chinese. Wukang Road and Anfu Road are the main streets. The area is best explored on foot, with stops at the local cafes and galleries.
Pack for Four Seasons in One Day
China's climate varies dramatically by region. In the north, winters can be -20°C; in the south, it's 30°C year-round. Pack layers, a light rain jacket, and comfortable walking shoes for any trip.
High-Speed Trains Are a Game Changer
China's high-speed rail network covers most major cities. A Beijing-Shanghai trip that used to take 12 hours by plane now takes 4.5 hours by train — and the experience is far more comfortable. Book tickets on the 12306.cn website or app.
Cash Is Still King in Small Towns
While major cities are increasingly cashless (WeChat Pay and Alipay), many smaller towns and rural areas still rely on cash. Always carry RMB bills (¥10, ¥20, ¥50, ¥100) for small purchases and street food.
The Bund is the city's icon
The waterfront promenade facing the Huangpu River is the most photographed spot in Shanghai. The row of European-style buildings from the 1920s-1930s is a UNESCO-listed heritage site. The best time to visit is at night when the buildings are lit up and the skyline across the river is glowing. The view from the Pudong side is equally impressive.
Shanghai is the most expensive city in China
A full day of sightseeing, meals, and transport costs around $50-80. The Shanghai Tower ticket is $15, the Yuyuan Garden is $8, and the Shanghai Museum is free. Meals range from $5 for street food to $30 for a proper restaurant. The city is 50-100% more expensive than Beijing or Xi'an.
The French Concession is the best neighborhood
A maze of tree-lined streets with cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. The area was a French concession from 1849 to 1943. The architecture is a mix of French, Art Deco, and Chinese. Wukang Road and Anfu Road are the main streets. The area is best explored on foot, with stops at the local cafes and galleries.
Pack for Four Seasons in One Day
China's climate varies dramatically by region. In the north, winters can be -20°C; in the south, it's 30°C year-round. Pack layers, a light rain jacket, and comfortable walking shoes for any trip.
High-Speed Trains Are a Game Changer
China's high-speed rail network covers most major cities. A Beijing-Shanghai trip that used to take 12 hours by plane now takes 4.5 hours by train — and the experience is far more comfortable. Book tickets on the 12306.cn website or app.
Cash Is Still King in Small Towns
While major cities are increasingly cashless (WeChat Pay and Alipay), many smaller towns and rural areas still rely on cash. Always carry RMB bills (¥10, ¥20, ¥50, ¥100) for small purchases and street food.