Shanghai Travel Guide
Shanghai is located at the mouth of the Yangtze River and is China's largest economic and financial center. The Bund's international architecture and the Lujiazui skyline face each other across the river, while Yu Garden, shikumen, and the plane-tree-lined districts preserve the city's old appearance, and its blend of Chinese and Western urban character is captivating.
Shanghai has convenient transportation, is an important port of entry into China, and is also an ideal starting point for trips to various places in Jiangnan (Suzhou, Hangzhou, Wuzhen).
Must-Visit Attractions
The Bund — a collection of international architecture on the west bank of the Huangpu River, especially enchanting at night; Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower — climb high for panoramic views of the city skyline; Yu Garden and City God Temple — classical Jiangnan gardens and a traditional market; Tianzifang — a creative district converted from shikumen lanes; Zhujiajiao Ancient Town — a water town on the outskirts of Shanghai; Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street — a bustling commercial avenue; Shanghai Museum — famous for its collection of bronzes, calligraphy, and paintings.
Specialty Foods
Xiaolongbao, pan-fried buns, Benbang cuisine (braised pork, oil-exploded shrimp), pork chop with rice cakes, crab shell pastry, white cut chicken, and four-joy braised gluten.
Best Time to Travel
Spring and autumn have comfortable weather and are best for city walks; summer is hot, humid, and rainy, while winter is rather gloomy and cold but has fewer tourists.
Transportation Guide
Shanghai's subway network is dense and convenient for getting around; the two airports, Pudong and Hongqiao, connect to domestic and international destinations; high-speed rail provides quick direct access to Jiangnan cities such as Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Nanjing.
Suggested Itinerary
Classic two-day tour: On day one, visit the Bund, Nanjing Road, and Yu Garden, and at night take a boat to see the night views on both sides of the Huangpu River; on day two, go up Shanghai Tower or the Oriental Pearl Tower for the view, then in the afternoon head to Tianzifang or Xintiandi, and in the evening extend to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town.
Travel Tips
The Bund night view and the Lujiazui observation decks are must-do experiences; weekends and holidays are crowded, so it is recommended to travel off-peak; you can also connect with water town and garden trips to Suzhou and Hangzhou.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Cycle through the plane-tree-lined districts of Wukang Road–Anfu Road and see old villas and corner cafes; in the early morning, go to the Suzhou Creek and pass residents jogging and practicing tai chi; see an exhibition in industrial relics such as 1933 Old Millfun; at night, take a Suzhou Creek cruise and enjoy the lights of the Bund and Lujiazui from a different angle.
One-Day Trips Around the City
Zhujiajiao or Fengjing Ancient Town — Jiangnan water towns close at hand; Suzhou — the Humble Administrator's Garden and Pingjiang Road, about half an hour by high-speed rail; Wuzhen — a classic water town; Chongming Island — wetlands, farmhouses, and cycling, for a pastoral feel at the mouth of the Yangtze River.
