Shanghai — The Pearl of the Orient
China's Most Cosmopolitan City
Shanghai (上海), literally "Upon the Sea," is China's largest city and global financial center. Once known as the "Paris of the East," Shanghai today embodies China's ambitions — bold, modern, and always looking forward.
Did You Know? Shanghai's skyline has more skyscrapers than New York City, and the Shanghai Tower (632m) is the world's third-tallest building.
Top Attractions
The Bund (外滩)
Shanghai's iconic waterfront promenade showcases the city's dual personality:
- West side: 26 buildings of various architectural styles from the colonial era (Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Art Deco)
- East side (across the river): Pudong's futuristic skyline
Best times: Early morning for tai chi practitioners, evening for the spectacular light show
Pudong Skyline
- Shanghai Tower — 632m, observation deck on 118th floor with panoramic views
- Shanghai World Financial Center — "Bottle opener" building, 492m
- Jin Mao Tower — Art Deco-inspired skyscraper, 421m
- Oriental Pearl Tower — Shanghai's most recognizable landmark
Yu Garden (豫园)
A 400-year-old Ming Dynasty classical garden in the heart of the Old City. The surrounding bazaar area is perfect for souvenir shopping and street food.
French Concession
Tree-lined streets, colonial-era mansions, trendy boutiques, and cafes. The most walkable and photographable area of Shanghai.
Shanghai Museum
One of China's finest museums, featuring exquisite collections of ancient bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, and jade. Free admission.
Food in Shanghai
Must-Try Dishes
- Xiaolongbao (小笼包) — Soup dumplings, Shanghai's most famous dish
- Sheng Jian Bao (生煎包) — Pan-fried pork buns
- Hairy Crab (大闸蟹) — Seasonal delicacy (Sept–Nov)
- Beggar's Chicken (叫花鸡) — Chicken wrapped in lotus leaves and clay
- Shanghai-style Smoked Fish (熏鱼) — Sweet, savory cold appetizer
Recommended Food Streets
- Yunnan Road — Classic Shanghainese eateries
- Huanghe Road — Late-night dining
- Wujiang Road — Snack paradise
- Shouning Road — Crayfish street
Shopping
| Area | Specialty |
|---|---|
| Nanjing Road East | Mainstream shopping, pedestrian street |
| Nanjing Road West | Luxury brands, Plaza 66 |
| Huaihai Road | Mid-to-high-end, trendy fashion |
| Xintiandi | Boutique shopping, upscale dining |
| Tianzifang | Artsy lanes, crafts, galleries |
| Fake Market (Science & Tech Museum) | Bargain souvenirs, custom tailor |
Getting Around
From Airports
- Pudong Airport (PVG) — Maglev train (8 min, ¥50) or Metro Line 2 (60 min, ¥7) to city center
- Hongqiao Airport (SHA) — Metro Lines 2, 10 (30 min to city center)
Public Transport
- Metro: 19 lines, one of the world's best metro systems
- Didi: Very affordable within the city
- Bike sharing: Hello Bike, Meituan — ubiquitous
Suggested Itinerary (3 Days)
- Day 1: The Bund → Nanjing Road → People's Square → Shanghai Museum → Nanjing Road night walk
- Day 2: Yu Garden & Bazaar → Old City → Xintiandi → French Concession walk → Tianzifang
- Day 3: Pudong skyline → Shanghai Tower observation deck → Riverside Promenade → Art galleries
Day Trips
| Destination | Travel Time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Suzhou | 30 min by train | Classical gardens, canals |
| Hangzhou | 1 hr by train | West Lake, tea plantations |
| Zhujiajiao Water Town | 1 hr by bus | Canals, ancient bridges |
| Nanjing | 1.5 hrs by train | Ming Dynasty history |
Insider Tip: Take a sunset cruise on the Huangpu River for the best photos of both the Bund and Pudong. And don't miss the French Concession on a Sunday morning — it's when the brunch scene comes alive.
More Cities to Explore
Beijing
Beijing — China's majestic capital where ancient imperial grandeur meets cutting-edge modernity.
Chengdu
Chengdu — the land of pandas, fiery Sichuan cuisine, and a laid-back teahouse culture that epitomizes China's 'Heavenly State.'
Xi'an
Xi'an — the ancient capital of 13 dynasties, home to the legendary Terracotta Warriors, and the starting point of the Silk Road.