Shanghai 上海 — Where East Meets West
Shanghai is China's largest city and its most cosmopolitan. The skyline along the Huangpu River — a wall of futuristic skyscrapers on one side, colonial-era buildings on the other — tells the story of China's transformation better than any museum could. Shanghai is where you'll find the country's best dining, shopping, and nightlife, alongside pockets of traditional culture that have survived the city's relentless modernization.
As a former international settlement, Shanghai has always been China's window to the world. That legacy is visible everywhere: in the Art Deco buildings of the French Concession, the Jewish refugee heritage sites, and the city's famously international food scene.
Top Attractions
The Bund 外滩
Shanghai's most iconic sight. The Bund is a waterfront promenade along the Huangpu River, lined with 52 buildings in styles ranging from Gothic to Art Deco, built during the 1920s-1940s when Shanghai was known as the "Paris of the East." Across the river, the Lujiazui skyline gleams with landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower (东方明珠), Shanghai Tower (上海中心, 632m, China's tallest building), and Jin Mao Tower.
Best time: Visit at sunset and stay for the night view. The buildings light up after 7 PM. Free access, always open.
Yu Garden 豫园
A classical Chinese garden dating to 1559, Yu Garden is an oasis of rockeries, pavilions, koi ponds, and dragon-shaped walls in the heart of the old city. The surrounding bazaar area (豫园商城) is touristy but fun, selling souvenirs and traditional snacks.
Admission: 40 RMB (Apr-Oct), 30 RMB (Nov-Mar). Open: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Metro: Yuyuan Garden Station (Line 10).
French Concession 法租界
The former French Concession (1914-1943) is now Shanghai's most charming neighborhood. Tree-lined streets, colonial villas, boutique shops, cafés, and galleries make this the best area for wandering. Key streets: Wukang Road (武康路), Anfu Road (安福路), and Xingfu Road (幸福路). The Wukang Mansion (武康大楼) is a must-see architectural landmark.
Free to explore. Best accessed by metro: South Shaanxi Road Station (Lines 1, 10, 12).
Shanghai Disneyland 上海迪士尼乐园
China's first Disney park, opened in 2016, features unique attractions not found in other Disney parks worldwide, including the TRON Lightcycle Power Run roller coaster and the Pirates of the Caribbean ride (considered the best in any Disney park).
Admission: 435-769 RMB depending on date. Open: 8:30 AM - 8:30 PM (varies). Metro: Disneyland Resort Station (Line 11). Book tickets in advance via the official app.
Nanjing Road 南京路
China's most famous shopping street, stretching 5.5 km from the Bund to Jing'an Temple. The eastern section (pedestrian-only) is packed with department stores, restaurants, and crowds. Great for people-watching and trying street food.
Shanghai Tower Observation Deck 上海中心大厦
The observation deck on the 118th floor (546m) offers panoramic views of Shanghai from China's tallest building. On clear days, you can see for 100+ kilometers.
Admission: 180 RMB. Open: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM. Metro: Lujiazui Station (Line 2).
Jade Buddha Temple 玉佛禅寺
An active Buddhist temple housing two jade Buddha statues brought from Myanmar in 1882. A peaceful escape from the city hustle.
Admission: 50 RMB. Open: 5:00 AM - 7:00 PM. Metro: Jiangping Road Station (Line 13).
Zhujiajiao Water Town 朱家角
A well-preserved water town on the outskirts of Shanghai (about 1 hour by metro/bus), featuring canals, Ming dynasty bridges, and traditional architecture. Less commercialized than Suzhou's water towns.
Free to wander; individual attractions 10-30 RMB each. Metro: Zhujiajiao Station (Line 17).
What to Eat
- Xiaolongbao 小笼包: Soup dumplings. Best at Jia Jia Tang Bao or Din Tai Fung.
- Shengjian Bao 生煎包: Pan-fried soup buns. Try Yang's Dumplings (小杨生煎).
- Hairy Crab 大闸蟹: Seasonal delicacy (Sep-Nov). Best at local restaurants near Yu Garden.
- Red-braised Pork 红烧肉: Shanghai's signature dish. Try at Jesse Restaurant.
- Scallion Oil Noodles 葱油拌面: Simple but iconic Shanghai breakfast.
Practical Information
Airports: Pudong International (PVG) for international flights; Hongqiao (SHA) for domestic. Maglev train connects PVG to the city (430 km/h, 8 minutes).
Getting Around: Extensive metro system (20+ lines). Taxis and Didi readily available. Ride-hailing apps essential — street hailing is difficult.
Best Time: March-May and September-November. Summer (June-August) is hot and humid. Winter is cold and damp.
Tip: Download the Alipay or WeChat Pay apps and add a Shanghai Public Transport Card (上海交通卡) for easy metro/bus access.