With its futuristic skyline, traditional shikumen (stone gate) architecture, and vibrant bursts of neon, Shanghai seamlessly combines glamour, history, and Chinese flair. The Bund (Waitan) represents the colonial center of Shanghai and evokes the architectural spirit of a European city, while the Jade Buddha Temple (Yufo Si) pays homage to China’s religious heritage. Shanghai’s Old Town (Nanshi) offers an abundance of historic charm, and the Old French Concession wows with lofty mansions and an international culinary scene. Guided city tours—from walking and biking to minivan and hop-on-hop-off bus options—help you easily navigate these areas and tick off can’t-miss highlights such as Yuyuan Garden, the Freshwater Pearl Gallery, People’s Square (Renmin Guang Chang), and the city’s picturesque lanes and alleyways. Come evening, when the Shanghai skyline lights up like a firework, take a Huangpu River cruise followed by an evening food tour. Popular day tours leave Shanghai for the traditional water towns of Suzhou and Zhouzhuang, as well as Hangzhou, home to the UNESCO World Heritage–listed West Lake. Some full-day and overnight tours whisk travelers from Shanghai to Beijing’s iconic Great Wall of China and Forbidden City; the enchanting landscapes of Guilin; or the Army of Terracotta Warriors in Xian.
If it’s culture that you’re after, venture to Shanghai in the spring, when its events calendar is filled to bursting. From March’s Peach Blossom Festival to April’s Chinese Grand Prix and Shanghai International Film Festival in June, there’s no shortage of options. For a less crowded experience, visit during the pleasant autumn months.
Vibrant, cosmopolitan Shanghai is famous for being China’s commercial capital: during the 1930s, it was called “The Paris of the East”. Today, it boasts one of the world’s most recognizable skylines as well as The Bund, a historic waterfront strip. Foodies seek out Shanghai hairy crabs in season and dumplings all year round.
...MoreThe Huangpu River waterfront is probably the most visited place in Shanghai. On the west side of the river is The Bund, a charming cocktail of heritage architecture; on the east side lies Lujiazui, where iconic skyline sights include the twisting Shanghai Tower and the rocket-shaped Oriental Pearl Tower.
...MoreAs a major world city, Shanghai is absolutely worth visiting. Besides the cultural and culinary delights you’d expect in a city with three times the population of New York, heritage areas include the The Bund, Yuyuan Garden, a classical Chinese garden, and Jing’An Temple, with a history dating back to the 13th century.
...MoreDo keep your phone and wallet in a zipping pocket and watch your bags: pickpockets are common in Shanghai, as in other big cities. Don’t dabble in drugs: China has extremely harsh penalties and has tested foreigners at random and prosecuted them. Never join a stranger for tea: the tea scam is a Shanghai signature.
...MoreShanghai has all the nightlife you’d expect in an international city this size—and it’s well worth exploring. For a more distinctively local experience, take a Huangpu River night cruise, inhale skyline views from the 1,844-foot (562-meter) Shanghai Tower Observation Deck, or experience an acrobatics show or Shanghai opera.
...MoreYes, by Chinese standards Shanghai is expensive: it’s the nation’s most expensive city. But by international standards prices are reasonable. Some luxury hotels can run to four figures, but budget-conscious travelers can find hostel dorm beds for around US$15, while public transport costs pennies and street food is very affordable.
...MoreNumber of Attractions | 50 |
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Number of Tours | 1,543 |
Number of Reviews | 7,797 |
Currency | CNY |
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