Shanghai Travel Guide

Shanghai, which attracts millions of tourists every year, has consistently ranked at the top of China's most popular tourist cities. This makes a lot of people wonder — why is it so appealing? To begin with, as the most modern international metropolis in China, Shanghai boasts the largest number and tallest skyscrapers, as well as the most magnificent night views. A futuristic world constructed by scientific technology is vividly demonstrated here. While Shanghai is more than just modernization. With streets surrounded by luxuriant plane trees and numerous European-style buildings, it still retains the feeling of old Shanghai from a hundred years ago. It is precisely this blend of modernity and retro, Western and Chinese elements that gives this city its greatest charm.

European-style Buildings along the Bund

Besides, by virtue of Shanghai’s well-developed tourism supporting facilities, you will find everything here including transportation, payment, and accommodation very convenient. Moreover, as the third-largest aviation hub in the world, Shanghai has an extensive network of routes connecting to other parts of the globe, making it the first stop for countless overseas tourists when embarking on their journey to China.

The Huangpu River and the Bund are the must-see attractions in Shanghai. Strolling along this river, you will have a strong feeling for the contrast between the modernization and the retro charm of the city. On the east bank stand towering skyscrapers presenting a prosperous urban image, while on the west bank is the Bund with a group of century-old European-style architectures.

Yu Garden, featuring a totally different style from its surroundings, is a hidden gem in the city center. As one of the most representative classical Chinese gardens, it fully showcases the elegance of traditional Chinese architecture. Traveling farther, you will feel the diversity of Shanghai more deeply in Zhujiajiao Ancient Town. Located in the suburbs, it contrasts sharply with the hustle and bustle of the urban area. Here, you can quietly admire the bridges and flowing water and stroll along the cobblestone paths, enjoying the peacefulness of the town. If you are interested in Chinese history and culture, you will be amazed about the comprehensive collection of ancient Chinese art in the Shanghai Museum East.
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  Shanghai is the most comprehensive transportation hub in China. It boasts extensive international and national air routes, as well as rail routes, so whether you fly directly from overseas, make a flight transfer within China, or take the high-speed train from other Chinese cities, you can smoothly reach Shanghai.

Besides, there are various transportation options for you to travel around Shanghai. Just plan your itinerary in advance and decide which mode of transportation to take.

Shanghai Pudong Airport Terminal

Shanghai Metro

 Shanghai has two major international airports, Hongqiao and Pudong, with routes connecting to 302 destinations in 53 countries around the world. No matter where you depart from – Asia, Europe, Americas, Africa, Oceania, or from any of China’s major cities – you can get to Shanghai successfully. Additionally, the land transportation in Shanghai is well-connected. If you are going to start from any other Chinese cities, such as Beijing, Xi’an, Chongqing, Guangzhou, etc., just a high-speed rail ticket can send you directly to Shanghai.
 The public transportation system within Shanghai is both diverse and intelligent. Metro, bus, and ferry all take turns to serve your travel around the city. Among them, metro is the most recommended transportation tool, as it facilitates your journey by avoiding traffic congestion on the roads. Moreover, the subway lines cover most of the popular attractions and commercial zones in the city, which provides tourists with great convenience. However, during off-peak hours or if you want to visit some scenic spots in the suburbs, then taking a taxi is also an optimal choice. It not only enhances the travel comfort but also allows you to directly reach the destination.
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       The most recommended areas to stay in Shanghai are locations near the Bund on the west bank of Huangpu River where a lot of popular attractions gather around. Also, these places feature well-connected transportation networks, providing great convenience for your trip. Furthermore, there are diverse hotels to pick, ranging from mid-range to high-end. Just standing by the hotel window, you can enjoy an enchanting night view of the Bund. However, the accommodation expenses in these areas are relatively high.

If you want to stay in a more cost-effective hotel, then locations near all the subway stations on the west bank of Huangpu River are suitable. Additionally, if you are a business traveler, then living in places on the east bank would be ideal since major conference centers are located here.
 Tourists with a tight schedule can generally complete an itinerary in 2 - 3 days by visiting core landmarks such as the Bund, Yu Garden, Lujiazui, and Nanjing Road. If you are interested in Chinese history and culture, it’s recommended to spend an extra day to visit the Shanghai Museum East and explore the Shikumen buildings of Tianzifang. Anyway, it’s not possible to fully explore Shanghai in just one short journey since its diverse landscapes are scattered at every corner of the city. Yet regardless of how much time you spend here, you’ll always gain a precious travel memory.
 

Shanghai Food: Pan-fried Pork Bun

Shanghai local cuisine offers a balanced flavor of sweetness and saltiness. Braised pork is one of the most representative Shanghai dishes. Having been simmered slowly over a long time, the fatty part of the pork has become velvety so it melts in your mouth immediately, while the lean part has become very tender. Other than that, Shanghai local snacks are worth trying, too. Taking a bite of pan-fried pork bun with thin wrapper and crispy bottom, you can taste the delicious meat filling with rich gravy. The butterfly pastry, with a rich butter aroma, has a soft texture and just right sweet flavor.

Above all, Shanghai is a melting pot of cuisines from all over China, meaning you are able to enjoy various authentic dishes of other Chinese cities without stepping out of this city, such as Xi’an Chinese hamburger, Beijing fried sauce noodles, Chongqing hotpot, etc. Also, Shanghai is rich in coffee culture, with the largest number of coffee shops across the country. It would be very nice to enjoy a quiet coffee time while strolling around the city.
 Apart from visiting popular attractions, shopping is another main purpose for many tourists to come to Shanghai. Numerous large shopping zones gather here enticing shoppers from home and abroad. Nanjing Road, as the top commercial street in China, houses almost all the types of goods you want, including trendy clothing designed by emerging designers, high-end custom-made suits and cheongsams, as well as electronic products like drones and mobile phones. In addition, many tax refund shops are scattered around the city, enabling you to enjoy Instant Tax Refund service in the store after buying the souvenirs.

Shanghai Nanjing Road

Tourists Shopping in the Store

 Shanghai is renowned as the “Everbright City”. The night view of the Bund, together with that of Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbor, is regarded as one of the most beautiful nightscapes in Asia. When the night falls, ripples of the Huangpu River shine brilliantly with tenderness as neon lights illuminate the magnificent architecture of the Bund and the grand buildings on the opposite. Taking a cruise is the best way to enjoy such beautiful view. Just in one hour, you will be able to fully appreciate the panoramic night views of both banks.

Throughout the city, there are numerous commercial streets, restaurants and various bars that remain open until late at night. 

Night View of the Huangpu River

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