Shanghai

Dazzling Magic City, Bund charm, and a fusion of Shanghai culture.

City Overview

Shanghai, located at the mouth of the Yangtze River, is one of China's most bustling cities. Its character is unique—there's the quiet charm of old villas and plane trees, and the sharp skyline of Lujiazui's skyscrapers, with the Huangpu River separating these two faces. First-time visitors usually come for its international vibe and refined lifestyle, but what really hooks you is that everyday blend of old and new: the aroma of coffee drifting through alleyways, and century-old shikumen houses around the corner. It's perfect for those who love city walks, food exploration, or simply want to feel the pulse of modern China.

City Character

Shanghai is a city with a distinct rhythm. By day, office workers hurry along West Nanjing Road, while cafes are filled with people leisurely soaking up the sun. By night, the Bund glitters with lights, and in the bars on Yongkang Road, people chat in low voices. Its signature is the mix—you can see French plane trees and old villas on Wukang Road, then turn a corner and find trendy concept stores. Tradition and modernity aren't opposites; they coexist: an older lady carrying a vegetable basket walks into Xintiandi, while uncles play chess in People's Park, right next to young people skateboarding. It suits both slow exploration and efficient sightseeing—it all depends on the pace you prefer.

Districts

Shanghai's main sightseeing areas can be divided into Puxi and Pudong. Puxi is where history and local life thrive: the Bund, East Nanjing Road, and People's Square in Huangpu District are classic landmarks, great for first-timers. Around Jing'an Temple and the Wukang Road–Anfu Road area in Xuhui District, you'll find clusters of old French Concession villas, with cafes, concept stores, and galleries packed together—ideal for strolling and photos. The old Luwan area, including Tianzifang and Xintiandi, is more commercialized, but the alleyway atmosphere remains. Pudong is mainly the Lujiazui financial district, with the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower rising high—great for skyline views, but accommodation and dining are pricey and lack a sense of everyday life. For convenient stays, I recommend near People's Square or Jing'an Temple—they're metro hubs, so everything is close. The Hongqiao area to the west suits business trips. For food, Yunnan South Road in Huangpu is a food street, Jing'an Temple has upscale restaurants, and Changshou Road in Putuo offers affordable local eateries. The metro connects all districts easily, but taxis can get stuck in traffic, especially during rush hours.

Itinerary

For a first visit to Shanghai, I'd suggest three days for a comfortable pace. Day one: start at the Bund to see the colonial architecture, walk along East Nanjing Road to People's Square, and visit the Shanghai Museum or the Urban Planning Exhibition Center (book in advance). For lunch, grab shengjian or xiaolongbao on Yunnan South Road. In the afternoon, take the metro to Xintiandi to experience the trendy shikumen neighborhood, then wander over to Tianzifang—it's crowded, but the little shops in the alleyways have character. In the evening, head to Yu Garden to see the old city's night scene and try Nanxiang xiaolongbao. Day two: in the morning, go to Wukang Road, starting from the Wukang Building, and stroll along Wukang, Anfu, and Wuyuan Roads—this area is full of old villas and cafes, perfect for photos. For lunch, pick any brunch spot on Anfu Road. In the afternoon, visit the West Bund Art Center (Long Museum, Yuz Museum) and take a walk along the river. In the evening, you can see the Bund's night view, or go to the North Bund's riverside promenade—fewer people and beautiful scenery. Day three: if you like modern vibes, go to Lujiazui and ascend the Shanghai Tower or the World Financial Center for a bird's-eye view, then head to Century Park or cycle along the Pudong riverside. If you prefer local life, visit Caoyang New Village or the area around Lu Xun Park in Hongkou to feel the old Shanghai community. Note: use the metro as much as possible between sights and avoid rush hours; after 10 p.m., the Bund is less crowded and great for a walk. If you're short on time, two days can work, but it'll be a bit rushed—I recommend splitting the French Concession and Lujiazui across two days.

Travel Tips

The best travel seasons are spring and autumn (March to May, September to November), when the weather is comfortable—not too hot or cold. Summers are hot and humid with frequent rain, while winters are damp and cold without central heating, which can be uncomfortable. For accommodation, prioritize areas near People's Square, Jing'an Temple, or Xintiandi—they have convenient metro access and plenty of dining options. The metro is the main way to get around, with buses and taxis as backups, but during peak hours (8–9:30 a.m. and 5–7 p.m.), taxis are very congested, so the metro is the most reliable. Popular attractions like the Shanghai Museum and Disneyland require advance booking, especially on holidays. For the Bund's night view, I recommend going after 9 p.m., when there are far fewer people. There's a lot of walking, especially in the French Concession, so wear comfortable shoes. For your return trip at night, check the last metro times—usually around 10:30 to 11 p.m.—or use ride-hailing apps. Many attractions have security checks, so keep your ID card handy.

Landmarks

Shanghai's skyline is its calling card. The three towers in Lujiazui — the Shanghai Tower, the World Financial Center, and the Jin Mao Tower — have almost become the visual symbol of modern China. The Huangpu River acts like a ribbon, placing the historic buildings of the Bund on the west bank and the skyscrapers of Pudong on the east, facing each other across the water. The Bund's 'Exhibition of World Architecture' has witnessed the glory of the old Shanghai's ten-mile foreign concession, and every building has a story. Meanwhile, in the old city, the Yu Garden's Nine-Bend Bridge and the City God Temple represent another Shanghai — with small bridges, flowing water, and upturned eaves, hiding the elegance of Jiangnan gardens. Together, these landmarks sketch out Shanghai's dual personality: one side is an international future, the other is local everyday life.

Food

Shanghai's cuisine blends the rich, oily, and saucy flavors of Benbang cuisine with influences from all over the country. Locals love soup dumplings — thin skin, fresh filling, and a burst of soup when you bite into them. I recommend Jia Jia Tang Bao or Lai Lai Xiao Long. Pan-fried buns have a crispy bottom and savory meat filling. Xiao Yang Sheng Jian is a chain, but Da Hu Chun is more traditional. In Benbang cuisine, braised pork, oil-burst shrimp, and salted pork with bamboo shoot soup are classics, but they tend to be on the sweet side. You can try time-honored restaurants like Shanghai Lao Fan Dian or Green Wave Hall. Shanghai also has a unique 'Shanghai-style Western food,' like fried pork chop with Worcestershire sauce and borscht — a fusion of East and West. For breakfast, I recommend the 'Four Heavenly Kings': flatbread, fried dough sticks, soy milk, and sticky rice rolls. Best to eat them at a small stall at the entrance of a lane. For food, you can go to Yunnan South Road or Huanghe Road food street, or follow locals to community canteens — authentic and cheap. Avoid overpriced places near tourist attractions, like some snack stalls at the City God Temple that are mediocre but expensive.

Stories

Shanghai has a very interesting detail: at the entrance of many old lanes, there's a sign that says 'Public Telephone Booth.' Even though almost no one uses public phones now, those signs are still there. As you walk along Wukang Road, look up at the windows of the old villas. Some of the wrought-iron balconies are engraved with the year '1928,' and you can almost hear the jazz from a vintage phonograph. Also, Shanghainese call bicycles 'jiaotache' and wallets 'pijiazi' — these words have an old-fashioned charm. The Bund's 'Lovers' Wall' used to be a place for young couples to date. It's gone now, but the river breeze on the Bund is still just as gentle. Shanghai's stories often hide in details: a house number, a wooden window, a faded slogan.

Culture

Shanghai's cultural character is very 'Haipai' — it values dignity, refinement, and a sense of boundaries. Shanghainese like to use 'nong' and 'ala' in their speech, with a soft tone but a fast pace. People here care about quality of life; even if they live in old houses, they'll fill the balcony with flowers. When socializing, Shanghainese keep an appropriate distance and don't easily open up, but once you're close, they're very warm. This city has a strong sense of contract — queuing and punctuality are basic rules. Aesthetically, Shanghainese prefer simple, clean, and well-designed things, like modern furniture in an old villa or a small coffee shop at the entrance of a lane. Traditional festivals are also celebrated with a sense of ritual here, such as eating fresh meat mooncakes at Mid-Autumn Festival and tea eggs at the start of summer — these are the local wisdom of life.

Local Life

To experience a day in the life of a local Shanghainese, go to People's Park or Fuxing Park at seven in the morning to watch the elderly doing tai chi or ballroom dancing, or go to the wet market to buy groceries, like the small market on Julu Road — lively and fresh. At ten in the morning, the aunties in the old lanes will bring out small stools, sit at the door, and shell edamame while chatting. At noon, eat at a community canteen — a set meal for a dozen yuan, home-style cooking. In the afternoon, you can visit a barber shop on the corner with old-fashioned swivel chairs and skilled barbers. In the evening, stroll through Luxun Park, where people sing opera and play chess. At night, find a barbecue stall in an old neighborhood, order some skewers and beer, and listen to the uncles at the next table discussing world affairs. Local life isn't in the tourist spots; it's in those old communities under the plane trees.

History

Shanghai's history can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty when Huating County was established, but what truly changed its fate was its opening as a treaty port after the Treaty of Nanking in 1842. From then on, Shanghai became a trading port, and foreigners carved out concessions, creating a mixed society of Chinese and foreigners. In the early 20th century, Shanghai rapidly rose to become the largest metropolis in the Far East, with thriving finance, trade, and industry, earning it the nickname "Paris of the East." After 1949, Shanghai transformed into an industrial base, but after the reform and opening-up, it regained its status as a financial center. In 1990, with the development and opening of Pudong, Lujiazui went from farmland to a cluster of skyscrapers, and Shanghai once again became a world-class city. This history means Shanghai has both colonial-era architectural heritage and the ambition of modern China, and the city's character is full of openness, pragmatism, and inclusiveness.

Nightlife

Shanghai's nightlife is rich and varied. The night views of the Bund and Lujiazui are a must-see for tourists, but a more local night can be found on the small streets of the French Concession: around Yongjia Road, Yongkang Road, and Julu Road, where bars and cafés turn into bistros at night, perfect for chatting with a few friends. If you like lively scenes, you can go to Xintiandi or the bar street on Huaihai Road, which have live performances and dancing. For those interested in arts and culture, you can catch a play or a musical; the Shanghai Culture Square and the Grand Theatre often have performances. Also, a night cruise on the Huangpu River is a bit touristy, but it's pleasant to feel the river breeze and see the lights on both banks. Note: the metro runs until 22:30-23:00 at night, after which you'll mainly rely on taxis. Taxis are hard to get around the Bund, so it's recommended to book a car in advance.

Shopping

Shanghai is a shopping paradise, with everything from luxury brands to local creative products. Nanjing West Road is a hub for high-end malls; Plaza 66 and Meilongzhen Plaza are good for big-name brands. Huaihai Road has young and trendy brands, and Xintiandi has designer stores and concept stores. If you want local specialties, you can go to the small shops in Tianzifang or on Wukang Road to buy handicrafts, silk scarves, and creative products with old Shanghai style. For souvenirs, we recommend Shanghai Lady face cream, White Rabbit candy, Shikumen rice wine, or the pear syrup candy from the Old City God Temple in Yu Garden. Note: the quality of small goods near tourist attractions varies, so it's recommended to buy from regular malls or specialty stores.

Modern Life

Shanghai is a city full of modernity, and urban renewal has given new life to old neighborhoods. For example, the West Bund has transformed from an industrial area into an art corridor, with the Long Museum, the West Bund Museum, and the Tank Shanghai art center lining the river. You can run or bike while enjoying the exhibitions. Zhangjiang Science City and New Jiangwan City reflect the integration of technology and ecology. Meanwhile, old factories in the city center have been converted into creative parks, such as M50 and 1933 Old Millfun, which preserve industrial heritage while injecting contemporary art. Public spaces are also very people-friendly, like the walkways along Suzhou Creek and the riverside greenway along the Huangpu River, which stretches 45 kilometers and is perfect for walking or cycling—a rare breathing space in the city. Shanghai's modernity is not about cold skyscrapers, but about living scenes with warmth.

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