Shanghai
Country: China · Region: East Asia · Currency: Chinese Yuan
Shanghai is China's most developed city and a major global financial hub featuring a fascinating blend of historic shikumen houses, Art Deco architecture, and modern skyscrapers divided by the Huangpu River into older Puxi and newer Pudong areas.
Top sights
The Bund, People's Park, Pudong skyline and Lujiazui financial district, French Concession, Old City, Suzhou Creek
Things to do
- The Bund
- Historic waterfront area featuring British-style colonial buildings and now the center of modern Shanghai's financial activity.
- People's Park
- Major public park built on the site of the former British horse-racing track with a significant metro interchange.
- French Concession
- Historic district spanning Luwan and Xuhui with preserved French colonial architecture and museums including houses of Communist leaders.
- Pudong New Area
- Modern skyscraper-filled financial center east of the Huangpu River that transformed from rural area to major development since 1990.
Beaches
- Fengxian beaches
- Popular weekend beach destination for Shanghai residents along the southern seacoast of the municipality.
- Jinshan beaches
- Beach area along the southern seacoast popular with locals as a weekend getaway.
Where to eat
- Inner suburb student restaurants
- Low-priced restaurants and bars catering to university students in areas like inner suburbs with considerable dining variety.
Bars and nightlife
- Inner suburb bars
- Low-priced bars catering to student markets in inner suburb areas near universities.
Getting around
Shanghai has extensive metro service with multiple lines running through downtown and connecting to all districts and outer suburbs.
What to eat
Shanghai offers diverse dining options including affordable Sichuan food and West-of-China noodles from migrant communities, plus restaurants catering to international visitors.
Tips
Visit during autumn for mild weather with warm and sunny conditions; avoid summer with temperatures exceeding 35°C and high humidity.
Best for
History, architecture, shopping