Shanghai
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Shanghai
Shanghai is the shiniest gem in modern China’s jewel box. It’s a hip, contemporary city that charges into the future with all the energy of its famous Maglev train. At the same time, if you veer away from the sleek highways and glitzy shopping streets, you can still stumble upon a more traditional Shanghai, with all its character and flavour. In the tiny back streets, wet-market vendors peddle their wares — buckets of bright green vegetables, fish flapping in shallow plastic bowls, and heaps of crayfish crawling over each other.Hitta resa
The Bund is Shanghai's iconic waterfront promenade, a living monument to the city's complex history. On one side, a row of grand, floodlit colonial-era buildings lines the boulevard, while across the Huangpu River, the futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong create a dazzling neon spectacle. This striking contrast between old and new is best experienced at dusk, when the lighting of both shores transforms the area into a breathtaking tableau. A stroll along the Bund offers a quintessential Shanghai experience, capturing the city's dynamic blend of tradition and modernity.
Tianai Road, whose name translates as 'Sweet Love', is a 600-metre-long tribute to romance. Local tradition holds that couples who walk its length hand-in-hand will earn a blessing for their future together. The stroll is punctuated every 20 metres by a framed love poem, 28 in total, and a dedicated red mailbox awaits love letters, each stamped with a special seal bearing the word 'love'.
People's Square forms the beating heart of Shanghai, a sprawling public space that functions as the city's central crossroads. Flanked by major institutions like the Shanghai Museum, the Grand Theatre, and the Municipal Building, the area is a focal point for politics, culture, and commerce. Beyond its grand edifices, it also serves as a major shopping destination and a constant, pulsing hub of urban life.
Nanjing Road is a busy, 5.5-kilometre pedestrian thoroughfare that serves as Shanghai's primary shopping destination. Stretching from the Bund to Jing'an Temple, its eastern section is a vibrant, all-weather pedestrian arcade. While historic stores remain, the street is now a dynamic mix of international brands, modern shopping malls, and specialty stores. The constant flow of shoppers, street performers, and the sheer energy of the area make a walk along Nanjing Road essential for feeling the metropolitan pulse of the city.
Yu Garden embodies the quintessence of classical ancient Chinese gardens south of the Yangtze River — a creation of maximum out of minimum. While it takes a familiar person only five minutes to walk from the entrance to the exit, most first-time visitors find themselves lost in this little paradise with fish ponds, rockeries, plants, bridges and buildings of various types arranged along zigzagging paths. The ingenious use of Chinese gardening art in combination with the garden’s 400-plus years of history makes Yu Garden one of the most popular tourist attractions in Shanghai.
Xintiandi, an upscale car-free district in Shanghai, emerged in the late 1990s as a vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment hub. Originally a neighbourhood of traditional Shikumen houses, many were replaced with modern apartments to improve living conditions, sparking concerns about the potential loss of cultural heritage. In response, the government preserved some Shikumen structures, blending history with contemporary flair. Today, Xintiandi stands as a dazzling landmark, boasting fine restaurants, chic clubs and luxury boutiques, seamlessly integrating Shanghai's past with its cosmopolitan present.
Tianzifang captures the soul of old Shanghai within a maze of narrow, stone-paved lanes. This regenerated corner of the former French Concession has become a bohemian enclave, where art galleries, craft workshops and intimate cafés occupy renovated shikumen houses. Wandering these alleys offers a welcome contrast to the city's modern skyline, revealing a more human-scale and creative side of this Chinese megalopolis.
It’s the view you’re going for: on a clear day, Jin Mao Tower offers incredible 360-degree panoramas across the city. It’s 88 storeys high and located at number 88 — have you guessed that eight is a lucky number for the Chinese? There are offices up to the 50th floor, then the Grand Hyatt hotel from floors 53 to 87. A public observation deck is located on the top floor. Otherwise, forget the lucky numbers and go for a drink at the Grand Hyatt’s Cloud 9 bar, just one storey below.
The Bund is Shanghai's iconic waterfront promenade, a living monument to the city's complex history. On one side, a row of grand, floodlit colonial-era buildings lines the boulevard, while across the Huangpu River, the futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong create a dazzling neon spectacle. This striking contrast between old and new is best experienced at dusk, when the lighting of both shores transforms the area into a breathtaking tableau. A stroll along the Bund offers a quintessential Shanghai experience, capturing the city's dynamic blend of tradition and modernity.
Tianai Road, whose name translates as 'Sweet Love', is a 600-metre-long tribute to romance. Local tradition holds that couples who walk its length hand-in-hand will earn a blessing for their future together. The stroll is punctuated every 20 metres by a framed love poem, 28 in total, and a dedicated red mailbox awaits love letters, each stamped with a special seal bearing the word 'love'.
Three on the Bund, situated in a historic building on Shanghai's iconic Bund, is a premier lifestyle destination offering a blend of fine dining, luxury retail and cultural events. Home to renowned restaurants like Jean-Georges and Mercato, it provides gourmet cuisine with stunning views of the Huangpu River. The venue also features art galleries, fashion boutiques and wellness centres.
The ground level of Tianshan Tea City really is a tea lover's paradise: the variety of teas on offer is seriously impressive, and most shop owners will conduct free-of-charge tastings to help you decide on a variety to purchase. Floors two and three are given over to porcelain and tea-making paraphernalia.
The only M&M's World in Asia, and the fifth globally, welcomes candy lovers with much more than just delicious chocolates. This world-famous chocolate bean brand's store features the iconic M&M tube wall, alongside a variety of T-shirts, toys, and an array of souvenirs, making it a fun and vibrant destination for fans of all ages.
With international brands and more than 40 Chinese brands selling fashion-forward outfits, digital gadgets, and a dazzling sky screen, this spacious place is one of the best places to shop in the area. Exhibitions are held occasionally in the lobby of the shopping mall.
The world's largest Disney store is crowned by a six-metre-tall replica castle, which comes to life with a brief spectacle every hour. Inside, dedicated zones celebrate Mickey Mouse, Disney Princesses, Pixar and Marvel. For a unique memento, the shop sells exclusive merchandise that blends classic Disney characters with Shanghai-themed designs, creating a truly memorable stop for enthusiasts.
Shanghai Old Street offers a vivid recreation of a historic market, providing a glimpse into the city's commercial life a century ago. The area blends sightseeing, shopping, and cultural exhibits, all housed in architecture that showcases the distinctive 'Hai Pai' style — a graceful fusion of Eastern and Western influences. Its 225 shops are carefully curated, with many specialising in traditional handicrafts, antiques, calligraphy, and jewellery, making it a rewarding place to browse for a unique souvenir.
Three on the Bund, situated in a historic building on Shanghai's iconic Bund, is a premier lifestyle destination offering a blend of fine dining, luxury retail and cultural events. Home to renowned restaurants like Jean-Georges and Mercato, it provides gourmet cuisine with stunning views of the Huangpu River. The venue also features art galleries, fashion boutiques and wellness centres.
The ground level of Tianshan Tea City really is a tea lover's paradise: the variety of teas on offer is seriously impressive, and most shop owners will conduct free-of-charge tastings to help you decide on a variety to purchase. Floors two and three are given over to porcelain and tea-making paraphernalia.
Most of Shanghai's attractions are city sights, so the change of seasons has little impact. However, given the weather, it is recommended to visit in spring or autumn, for winter might get too cold and summer too hot for comfort. There is also the possibility of typhoons during summertime and even early autumn. Try to avoid Chinese public holidays, such as between October 1st and 7th, during which the city could be flooded by local tourists.
Shanghai has two airports one of them is the international airport in Pudong, 35 km from the city centre. From the Pudong Airport, the most enthralling way to travel is on the Maglev (the high-speed magnetic-rail train) to Longyang Road in Pudong. There is an underground station and a taxi rank at Longyang Road for onward travel. Metro Line 2 is available when departing or arriving at Pudong International Airport. Operating Time 6 am 10 pm and leaves every 8.5 minutes. A taxi from Pudong Airport to the city centre takes up to an hour. Make sure you have your destination written in Chinese. The airport has regular shuttle buses to many areas in the city and the major hotels have desks at the airport and will arrange the transfer.
Another airport called Hongqiao Airport, which handles domestic flights, lies 15 km from downtown. Both Metro and buses run from this airport. A taxi from Hongquiao Airport will take 30-45 minutes. Make sure you have your destination written in Chinese. Hongqiao Airport has regular shuttle buses to many areas in the city. The major hotels have desks at the airport and will arrange the transfer.
If you fly into Shanghai’s International Airport in Pudong, be sure to take the Maglev into town rather than a taxi or regular metro. The Maglev is China’s futuristic magnetic levitation train and the fastest ride in its technological repertoire. The journey only lasts a few minutes, but during that time the train can reach a top speed of 430 kilometres per hour (although the average is closer to 300 km/h).
Due to China's strict internet policies, access to many popular Western websites and apps—such as Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Google services (including Google Maps), Skype, and others—is restricted. These websites are blocked as part of the government's internet censorship efforts, commonly known as the 'Great Firewall'. To bypass these restrictions, many travellers use a VPN (Virtual Private Network), which can help access blocked sites. However, it’s important to note that VPN use in China is legally complicated. While some VPN services are still used, unauthorized VPNs may be subject to scrutiny, and there have been reports of foreigners experiencing disruptions to their mobile service or being asked to visit the local police station if the use of a VPN is detected. It’s critical to comply with local laws and regulations regarding VPN usage. If you choose to use a VPN, ensure it’s approved by the Chinese government and used for legitimate purposes. Since Google Maps is often unreliable in China due to restrictions on Google’s services, travellers should consider using local alternatives such as Baidu Maps and AutoNavi (Gaode Maps). These apps offer more accurate and comprehensive mapping and navigation within China. However, most of these services are primarily in Chinese, so it might be helpful to familiarize yourself with their basic functions or use translation tools. Baidu Maps, in particular, is widely used and provides detailed information about public transport, routes, and traffic.
The Shanghai Metro is an efficient, affordable, and user-friendly mode of transportation for visitors. Its network has over 400 stations connecting major business districts, tourist attractions, residential areas, and airports. All metro stations and trains have signs and announcements in both Chinese and English, making it easier for non-Chinese speakers to navigate. Trains run frequently, usually every 2-5 minutes during peak hours and every 5-10 minutes during off-peak times. You can pay for metro rides using the Shanghai Public Transportation Card (also known as the Shanghai Jiaotong Card), which can be topped up at stations and convenience stores. Mobile payment options like Alipay and WeChat Pay are also widely accepted. There are several mobile apps available that provide real-time information about the metro system, including maps, schedules, and route planners.
Buses in Shanghai are usually busy and the network can be complicated to negotiate for non-speakers of Chinese. The 911, which runs along Huaihai Road, can be useful. Keep some loose change when travelling by bus, coins need to be placed in the slot at the entrance.
In Shanghai, finding a taxi is generally easy, especially in busy areas, commercial districts, and nearby hotels and tourist attractions. Ride-sharing apps like DiDi, the most popular in China, offer a convenient alternative to traditional taxis.
Most of Shanghai's attractions are city sights, so the change of seasons has little impact. However, given the weather, it is recommended to visit in spring or autumn, for winter might get too cold and summer too hot for comfort. There is also the possibility of typhoons during summertime and even early autumn. Try to avoid Chinese public holidays, such as between October 1st and 7th, during which the city could be flooded by local tourists.
Shanghai has two airports one of them is the international airport in Pudong, 35 km from the city centre. From the Pudong Airport, the most enthralling way to travel is on the Maglev (the high-speed magnetic-rail train) to Longyang Road in Pudong. There is an underground station and a taxi rank at Longyang Road for onward travel. Metro Line 2 is available when departing or arriving at Pudong International Airport. Operating Time 6 am 10 pm and leaves every 8.5 minutes. A taxi from Pudong Airport to the city centre takes up to an hour. Make sure you have your destination written in Chinese. The airport has regular shuttle buses to many areas in the city and the major hotels have desks at the airport and will arrange the transfer.
