Shanghai Travel Guide: Where History, Culture, and Nature Collide

Shanghai, China’s most dynamic metropolis, is a city where futuristic skyscrapers, historic architecture, and traditional culture exist side by side. As the largest city in China, Shanghai offers bustling markets, serene gardens, a world-class culinary scene, and vibrant nightlife.

Whether you’re walking along The Bund, exploring old shikumen alleyways, or enjoying panoramic city views from the world’s tallest towers, Shanghai offers a perfect blend of history, modernity, and natural beauty.

📍 Top Attractions in Shanghai

1️⃣ The Bund – Shanghai’s Iconic Waterfront

🌆 Why Visit?

A historic waterfront with breathtaking views of Shanghai’s skyline.
Features colonial-era buildings on one side and futuristic skyscrapers on the other.
Best place for night views of the city’s neon-lit skyline.

📷 Photo Opportunity: The illuminated skyline reflecting on the Huangpu River

🎟 Tip: Visit at sunrise or after sunset for the best photography.

2️⃣ Oriental Pearl Tower – Shanghai’s Futuristic Landmark

🎡 Why Visit?

A unique, futuristic tower with 15 observation decks.
Features a glass-floor observation deck at 259 meters.
Houses a museum showcasing Shanghai’s history.

📷 Photo Opportunity: A panoramic shot of the city from the tower’s observation deck

🎟 Tip: Buy skip-the-line tickets to avoid long waits.

3️⃣ Shanghai Tower – China’s Tallest Skyscraper

🏢 Why Visit?

The tallest building in China (632 meters) and the second-tallest in the world.
Features the world’s fastest elevators taking you to the 118th-floor observation deck.
Offers unmatched 360-degree views of Shanghai.

📷 Photo Opportunity: A bird’s-eye view of the Bund and Pudong skyline from above

🎟 Tip: Visit on a clear day for the best visibility.

4️⃣ Yuyuan Garden – A Tranquil Oasis in the City

🏯 Why Visit?

A beautiful classical Chinese garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty.
Features rockeries, pavilions, koi ponds, and traditional architecture.
A peaceful escape from the bustling city streets.

📷 Photo Opportunity: A picturesque tea house surrounded by traditional Chinese gardens

🎟 Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds.

5️⃣ Shanghai Old City & City God Temple

⛩ Why Visit?

The oldest part of Shanghai, filled with traditional shikumen houses and narrow alleys.
The City God Temple is a historic Taoist temple over 600 years old.
Great place to shop for souvenirs and try authentic Shanghainese food.

📷 Photo Opportunity: A traditional Chinese gateway leading to a bustling street

🎟 Tip: Try xiao long bao (soup dumplings) at one of the local eateries.

6️⃣ Nanjing Road – The Ultimate Shopping Street

🛍 Why Visit?

The busiest shopping street in China, stretching over 5 km.
Features luxury boutiques, malls, and local specialty stores.
A perfect place to experience Shanghai’s urban energy.

📷 Photo Opportunity: Neon-lit shopping signs and crowded streets at night

🎟 Tip: Walk towards the Bund for the best views at the end of the street.

7️⃣ French Concession – Shanghai’s European Quarter

🌳 Why Visit?

A charming area with tree-lined streets, colonial-era mansions, and trendy cafés.
Features Tianzifang and Xintiandi, two famous arts & shopping districts.
A great place to experience Shanghai’s international and artistic culture.

📷 Photo Opportunity: A café-lined street with French-style buildings

🎟 Tip: Rent a bike and cycle through the beautiful alleys.

8️⃣ Zhujiajiao Water Town – Venice of the East

🛶 Why Visit?

An ancient water town with canals, stone bridges, and traditional houses.
Offers boat rides along the canals for a unique experience.
A great day-trip option from central Shanghai.

📷 Photo Opportunity: A traditional wooden boat passing under a stone bridge

🎟 Tip: Visit in the late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds.

🚆 How to Get to & Around Shanghai

✈ By Air:

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) – Main international hub.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) – Closer to the city center.

🚄 By Train:

High-speed trains connect Shanghai to Beijing, Hangzhou, Suzhou, and other cities.

🚇 By Metro:

The fastest and cheapest way to travel around the city.
Shanghai Metro has 20 lines covering all major attractions.

🚖 By Taxi/Didi:

Use the Didi app for convenient rides instead of hailing a taxi.

🚢 By Ferry:

Cross the Huangpu River using local ferries for a scenic ride.

🚲 By Bike:

Rent a bike or use a bike-sharing app to explore parks and historic neighborhoods.

🌦 Best Time to Visit Shanghai

🌸 Spring (March–May): Best for cherry blossoms and pleasant weather.
☀ Summer (June–August): Perfect for shopping, nightlife, and city lights.
🍂 Autumn (September–November): The best time for mild temperatures and fall colors.
❄ Winter (December–February): Magical for festive lights and winter foods.

🕰 Opening Hours: Most attractions open from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

🍽 What to Eat in Shanghai

✅ Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings) – A must-try Shanghainese delicacy.
✅ Sheng Jian Bao – Crispy-bottom fried dumplings filled with juicy pork.
✅ Hairy Crab (Seasonal) – A luxury delicacy available in autumn.
✅ Shanghai Fried Noodles – Stir-fried noodles with savory soy sauce.
✅ Cifantuan (Sticky Rice Rolls) – A popular breakfast street food.
✅ Scallion Pancakes – Crispy, flaky pancakes filled with spring onions.
✅ Red Braised Pork Belly – A classic slow-cooked Shanghai dish.