shanghai tourist information centre

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Visitor Information in Shanghai

China's travel industry, though ostensibly controlled by a central authority, is generally quite mired in misinformation and obfuscation, so that it is often difficult for visitors to get truly reliable and accurate information either inside or outside the country. The all-controlling China National Tourism Administration has branches in foreign countries known as China National Tourist Offices (CNTO); their purpose is supposedly to provide tourist information and services. Traditionally, however, CNTO has usually funneled visitors to the agency handling all travel within China, China International Travel Service ( CITS or guoji luxingshe ). There are more tour operators inside China now, but don't expect the information CNTO provides to always be accurate or up-to-date. For a list of CNTO office addresses, see below.

Shanghai online: The best way to receive fairly up-to-date information on Shanghai before departure is to use the Internet, though it's best to surf a variety of websites so you can compare information. Treat with some skepticism "official sources" of information, including the official city website (www.shanghai.gov.cn), which is not always up-to-date either. Also beware of unofficial Chinese-run sites, especially those that also sell travel services -- they are a dime a dozen on the Web and there is no guarantee of reliability.

Shanghai's English-language newspaper, Shanghai Daily (www.shanghaidaily.com), offers both Shanghai and China news, albeit of the highly filtered and uncontroversial variety.

Of the online editions of the English-language magazines, the best of the lot are the long-running bi-weekly City Weekend (www.cityweekend.com.cn) which offers news and features, along with its restaurant, bar, and arts reviews and listings; the 2010-launched Time Out Shanghai (www.timeoutcn.com/tosh); and the monthly that's Shanghai (www.shanghai.urbananatomy.com), with longer feature articles and listings for just about everything the visitor or even expat can want to look up. "Smart Shanghai" (www.smartshanghai.com) is an urban webzine on local nightlife, dining, and culture, while "Shanghaiist" (www.shanghaiist.com) is one of the best blogs on the latest happenings in Shanghai. Other Shanghai blogs include www.sinosplice.com and www.wangjianshuo.com.

The Oriental-List offers an ad- and spam-free discussion of issues relating to travel in China, and is a good place to ask questions that may not be addressed in this guide. To subscribe, send a blank e-mail to: [email protected].

In Shanghai: The best source of visitor information is the 24-hour Shanghai Call Center (tel. 021/962-288 ). Staffed by very helpful English- and Chinese-speaking university graduates, it's the first of its kind to offer such a service in the country, providing information on culture, entertainment, medical services, the economy, tourism, dining, transportation, entry-exit issues, and other related topics on Shanghai.

Otherwise, Shanghai has an official Tourism Hot Line (tel. 021/6439-8947 or 021/962020) with the occasional English speaker who can be helpful. You can also try the 24-hour Tourist Information Line maintained by Spring Travel Service (tel. 021/6252-0000 ). Hotel staff and concierges can be a font of information as well, though even the most friendly and knowledgeable guest-relations officers at the top hotels can sometimes still be in the dark about any options off the beaten path. Also, beware of those who would try to sell you expensive tours.

There are about a dozen Tourist Information Service Centers (Lu[gum]you Zixun Fuwu Zhongxin) around Shanghai. They appear to exist mainly to sell various city tours and to book hotels but, depending on who is sitting behind the desk, they may be able to offer some guidance. You can also pick up city maps, postcards, brochures, and information on local sights, shopping, and restaurants here. The main office is at Zhongshan Xi Lu 2525, Room 410, Changning District (tel. 021/6439-9806 ), with smaller branch offices at Nanjing Xi Lu 1699, Jing An District (tel. 021/6248-3259 ); Nanjing Dong Lu 561, Huangpu District (tel. 021/5353-1117 ); Chengdu Nan Lu 127, Luwan District (tel. 021/6372-8330 ); and Lujiazui Xi Lu 168, Zhengda Guangchang first floor, Pudong (tel. 021/6887-7888 ).

The best sources for current information about Shanghai events, shopping, restaurants, and nightlife are the free English-language newspapers and magazines distributed to hotels, shops, and cafes around town.

Contact these China National Tourist Offices (www.cnto.org):

• In the United States: 350 Fifth Ave., Ste. 6413, New York, NY 10118 (tel. 212/760-8218; fax 212/760-8809; [email protected]); 600 W. Broadway, Ste. 320, Glendale, CA 91204 (tel. 818/545-7505; fax 818/545-7506; [email protected]).
• In the U.K.: 71 Warwick Rd., London SW5 9HB (tel. 020/7373-0888; fax 020/7370-9989; [email protected]).
• In Australia: 44 Market St., Level 19, Sydney NSW 2000 (tel. 02/9299-4057; fax 02/9290-1958; [email protected]).
• In Canada: 480 University Ave., Ste. 806, Toronto, ON M5G 1V2 (tel. 416/599-6636; fax 416/599-6382; www.tourismchina-ca.com).

Online Traveler's Toolbox

• ATM Locators: Visa ATM Locator (www.visa.com) provides locations of PLUS ATMs worldwide; MasterCard ATM Locator (www.mastercard.com), gives locations of Cirrus ATMs worldwide.
• China Digital Time (www.chinadigitaltimes.net) is a U.C. Berkeley-based website that delivers the best collection of China-related news stories from media sources around the world.
• C-trip (www.english.ctrip.com) is a Chinese consolidator hotel and airplane booking site that is very popular with many Chinese. English-speaking agents are available to help with bookings.
• eLong (www.elong.net) offers excellent prices on both domestic and international flights, which can be booked online or via telephone. Credit cards are accepted (with a 3%-5% surcharge), or pay in cash when the tickets are delivered. English-speaking agents can help with the booking process.
• Foreign Languages for Travelers (www.travlang.com) provides a lexicon, with pronunciation guide, of basic useful traveling terms in English, Chinese characters, and pinyin.
• Online Chinese Tools (www.mandarintools.com) has Chinese dictionaries for Mac and Windows users, and also provides conversions between the solar and lunar calendar.
• The Oriental-List is a spam- and ad-free moderated mailing list focusing only on travel in China, and is an excellent location to post questions not already covered in this guide. To subscribe, send a blank e-mail to [email protected].
• Travelchinaguide.com (www.travelchinaguide.com) is an online tour operator in China. While it offers both package and private tours, the information (especially on train travel and getting around locally) and community sections are the most helpful.
• Travel Advisories are available at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html, www.fco.gov.uk/travel, www.voyage.gc.ca, and www.dfat.gov.au.
• Universal Currency Converter (www.xe.net/currency) provides the latest exchange rates for any currency against the yuan.
• Weatherbase (www.weatherbase.com) provides month-by-month temperatures and rainfalls for individual cities in China.
• The Weather Channel (www.weather.com) provides current temperatures in Shanghai.
• World Health Organization (www.who.org) and the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) both provide information on health concerns that may affect travelers around the world, including in China.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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Shanghai Travel Guide

Attractions

Tour Planning

• How to Plan a Trip to Shanghai: 6 Step
• Where to Stay - 10 Best Areas
• Weekend Trips

Things to Do & Places to Visit

• Top 10 Things to Do
• Best Observation Decks on Skyscrapers
• Places of Interest: 12 Historical Sites
• 8 Best Water Towns
• Amusement Parks: Top 5 Places to Go
• 8 Theme Parks
• 15 Free Things to Do
• 8 Fun Things to Do with Family
• 15 Things to Do in Shanghai with Kids
• 11 Most Romantic Places for Honeymoon
• 9 Interesting Places You Should Not Miss
• 10 Cool Things to Do for Youngsters
• 8 Unique Things to Do in Shanghai Only
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• Off the Beaten Path: 8 Lesser-Known Places
• Top 10 Famous Temples in Shanghai

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Shanghai Tours

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Shanghai Tourist Information and Tourism

(shanghai, china), more shanghai information / fast facts and orientation.

• Country: People's Republic of China
• Location: Shanghai municipality, east China
• Status: city
• Area: approximately 2,450 square miles / 6,350 square kilometres
• Population: approximately 13.5 million
• Language: Chinese
• Currency: Renminbi (RMB / CNY)
• Time zone: GMT - 8 hours Eastern Standard Time (daylight saving time not observed)
• Country dialing code: +86
• Telephone area code: 021
• Religion: including Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Taoism
• Average daily Shanghai January temperature: 1°C / 34°F
• Average daily Shanghai July temperature: 25°C / 77°F

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Shanghai travel guide

Shanghai is a cosmopolitan metropolis that blends modernity with traditional Chinese heritage. The Bund's old Western-style buildings and Pudong's modern skyscrapers shine brightly together. Hymns echo from Xujiahui Cathedral while incense smoke drifts from Jade Buddha Temple. Mahjong-playing seniors on the streets and soccer-loving youth in the alleys. Local Huju and comedic Xi quadrille in small theaters, symphony and ballet at grand theaters. Classic Shanghainese fare at old restaurants, Cantonese-style dim sum at Xinghualou, French cuisine at Maison Rouge. Teahouses in old alleys, bars on Hengshan Road - East meets West in spectacular fusion.

Beyond a city, "Shanghai" symbolizes fashion, progress, sophistication and speed. Old shikumen structures are now trendy elements and brands. Across the river, farmland has been replaced by maglev trains and an ultramodern airport. Former racetracks like People's Square have become parks. Despite changes, Shanghai remains China's commercial hub and gateway to the world.

From early trading port to glamorous "Ten Li of the Foreign Quarter", Shanghai embraced diverse cultures. The Bund and Pudong Skyline, Nanjing Road and the Bund, People's Square, Huaihai Road and Xujiahui - each area has its own character and charm. Shanghai constantly reinvents itself yet retains its essence as China's most cosmopolitan city.

Shanghai Peach Blossom Festival

Experience the Shanghai Peach Blossom Festival

Locals in Shanghai have a custom of appreciating peach blossoms in spring. Pudong New Area is one of the most important spots for flower viewing, and in recent years, the Peach Blossom Festival held there has become a popular spring outing destination for Shanghai residents. At the festival, visitors can not only view flowers, but also enjoy various celebratory events at attractions around Taohua Village and nearby Xinchang Ancient Town, including Taoyuan, Binhai Seaworld Peach Blossom Village, Shanghai Fresh Flower Port, Shanghai Wild Animal Park, Binhai Golf Club, and Pudong Shooting Club. It allows people to have a fulfilling experience all in one go.

Location: Taoyuan Folk Village, Pudong New Area Time: Every March-April

Stroll under canopies of delicate pink blossoms in Shanghai. Meander peaceful trails lined with peach trees in full bloom. Stop and sniff fragrant flowers fluttering in the breeze. Capture stunning photos of petals framing traditional water towns. After flower viewing, unwind at tea houses serving refreshing peach juice. As spring's first blooms emerge, celebrate rebirth with Shanghai's joyous festival of flowers.

Shanghai Tourism Festival

F1 shanghai station race, chenghuang temple yuanxiao (filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for lantern festival) temple fair, shanghai spring international music festival, shanghai international film festival, shanghai art expo, shanghai international art festival, shanghai international tea culture festival, shanghai international fashion culture festival, best travel time, dressing guidelines.

Shanghai's hot, humid summer months of July and August can be oppressive for outdoor activities. Conversely, January and February bring Shanghai's coldest winter temperatures, requiring layers for warmth if braving the chill. Around June and July, Shanghai enters its rainy season marked by the plum rains. Pack rain protection like foldable ponchos and umbrellas to stay dry when Shanghai's skies open up. Planning outfits around Shanghai's seasonal shifts prevents weather woes. Breathable fabrics that wick moisture keep summer sightseeing comfortable. Adding or removing items like sweaters, jackets, and scarves allows adapting to winter's cold while avoiding overheating indoors. And water-resistant shoes and outer layers provide insurance during the rainy months. Checking forecasts and packing versatile layers makes easy work of Shanghai's variable conditions.

Although Shanghai was established as a town in 1267 and walled in 1553 during the Song and Ming dynasties, it left an indelible mark on Chinese history after 1843. That year, Shanghai was forcibly opened as a treaty port after the First Opium War.

Foreign imperialist powers rushed in to establish concessions in Shanghai, building extravagant architecture along the Bund and in People's Park. For over a century, Shanghai was an "adventurer's paradise" for foreign aggressors.

In 1921, the CCP secretly formed in the French Concession, holding its first congress in the present day site. The May 30th Movement erupted in 1925, sparking armed struggle against imperialism. The bloody Battle of Shanghai engulfed the city in 1937.

On May 27, 1949, Shanghai was liberated. Since the 1990s, Shanghai has reemerged as China's foremost economic, financial and trade hub. The Pudong New Area accelerated development after opening in 1993. Now a global financial center, Shanghai hosted the 2010 World Expo.

Shanghai currently has two main international passenger ferry and cruise terminals - Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal and Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal.

The Shanghai Port terminal is located where the Huangpu River meets the Yangtze River in northern Shanghai's Baoshan district. This large terminal serves domestic routes along the Yangtze River and international routes to Japan and South Korea.

Wusongkou terminal is located further south where the Huangpu meets the East China Sea. This more centrally located terminal primarily serves international cruise ships traveling from Shanghai to destinations in Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, Singapore and beyond.

For travelers, Shanghai's terminals provide direct access to popular Yangtze River cruises, as well as international cruise holidays departing from the cosmopolitan city. Tickets can be booked via cruise company websites. With state-of-the-art facilities, Shanghai is now one of Asia's major cruise hubs, offering convenient cruise getaways across the region.

Medical treatment

Emergency call, shanghai surrounding cities.

Popular tourist cities in China

15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Shanghai

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Mar 23, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Shanghai, China's largest city, offers many exciting sightseeing opportunities for travelers. Despite having a population of more than 24 million, this always busy city offers a number of quieter historic districts and places to visit alongside its many newer tourist sites. One of the world's busiest container ports thanks to its position at the mouth of the Yangtze River, the city also provides opportunities for exploration by water along the Chinese coast and its inland waterways.

Things to do here include visiting the city's world-class museums and art galleries, such as the Shanghai Museum and the China Art Museum; wandering through lovely gardens and parks; or getting in some shopping, especially in the "New World" pedestrian area with its luxury boutiques and galleries. Also fun is exploring the city's many fine old temples and traditional pagodas.

To help you plan your visit to China's most exciting city, be sure to read through our list of the top attractions and things to do in Shanghai.

See also: Where to Stay in Shanghai

1. Take a Stroll along Shanghai's Promenade: The Bund

2. visit shanghai's oldest green space: yu garden, 3. see the priceless statues of the jade buddha temple, 4. learn about chinese culture at the shanghai museum, 5. visit historic longhua temple and pagoda, 6. see the views from the oriental pearl tower, 7. shop 'til you drop on nanjing road, 8. gather at the people's square, 9. the french connection: tianzifang, 10. xujiahui cathedral and the sheshan basilica, 11. visit the shanghai science and technology museum, 12. the china art museum, 13. visit shanghai disney resort, 14. jin mao tower and skywalk, 15. shanghai natural history museum, where to stay in shanghai for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions & things to do in shanghai, shanghai, china - climate chart.

Best known by its Anglo-Indian name of Bund (Wàitan), the Zhongshan Lu is a lovely broad promenade running along the west bank of the Huangpujiang River. It's particularly popular among tourists - the area has retained a European feel, as it was once the location of the city's International Settlement. This influence is particularly noticeable in the many old English and French buildings now serving as restaurants, boutique stores, galleries, and offices.

Always bustling, it's a splendid place for a stroll day or night as you take in the Bund's 52 unique buildings, constructed in a variety of styles including Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, Neoclassical, and Renaissance influences. The Bund is also home to what amounts to one of the world's most impressive collections of Art Deco architecture.

Moving from south to north, the dominant buildings are the former headquarters of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation with its splendid cupola, the harbor customs office with its bell tower, the old Peace Hotel, and the Bank of China.

Huangpu Park , located at the north end of The Bund, opened in 1886 and is famous as the country's oldest public park. It's a pleasant place to visit, and has an interesting museum dedicated to The Bund's history. The Bund is also a great place from which to embark upon a sightseeing tour aboard a boat around the port and the confluence of the Huangpujiang and Yangtze rivers.

Address: Zhongshan East 1st Road, Huangpu, Shanghai

To the northeast of the old town and laid out in 1559 is the splendid Yu Garden (Yù Yuán). Also known as the Garden of Happiness, this vast green space covers an area of more than 20,000 square meters and consists of an outer and an inner garden.

The oldest section is the Outer Garden , with further changes being made in the 18th century when Sansui Tang, the park's main hall, was added. This impressive building is notable for its lovely roof ornaments, figurative representations in bas-reliefs, and window openings, as well as its dragon-adorned walls.

The best-known building is the Hall of Spring , where the Company of the Little Swords (Xiaodao Hui) had its headquarters between 1853 and 1855 when it ruled Shanghai. Of great historical importance are the artificial rocks in this part of the garden, the only work of the master garden designer Zhang Nanyang that has been preserved.

The newer and much smaller Inner Garden is also worth seeing. Dating from 1709, it includes features typical of a classical Chinese writer's garden: attractive little pavilions, decorative stones, and miniature mountain ranges, dividing walls and small ponds, and even a richly decorated theatrical stage.

Address: 279 Yuyuan Old Street, Huangpu, Shanghai

Located in the Anyuan Lu district of Shanghai, the beautiful Jade Buddha Temple houses two Shakyamuni statues, which the monk Huigen brought with him from Burma. The present building, erected in 1928 to replace the original temple built in 1882, is divided into three halls and two courtyards.

The most impressive structure is the splendid Hall of the Kings of Heaven (Tian Wang Dian), notable for its statues of the four heavenly kings and two Shakyamuni sculptures. Carved from white jade, one of these impressive statues stands nearly two meters high in the Wentang Main hall, where a collection of Buddhist manuscripts is also kept (the smaller statue is in the west courtyard).

Also of interest is the charming Hall of the Great Hero (Daxiong Baodian) with its Buddhas of the Three Ages, along with 18 Luohan figures. Another of Shanghai's many important Buddhist sites is the stunning Jing'an Temple on Nanjing West Road.

Address: 170 Anyuan Road, Jing'an, Shanghai

Official site: www.yufotemple.com/en/

Founded in 1952, the Shanghai Museum remains China's most important museum of classical Chinese art. Set in a modern building that's something of a work of art itself - its unique round top and square base encompasses traditional Chinese concepts of the Earth - the museum's four floors include impressive displays of bronzes and ceramics from prehistoric cultures to the 19th century.

Other highlights of the collection include ink drawings, calligraphy and seals, as well as large collections of art from ethnic minorities. It's also home to large collections of jade, coins, furnishings from the Ming and Qing periods (1368-1912), and a well-stocked gift shop.

Address: 201 Renmin Avenue, Ren Min Guang Chang, Huangpu, Shanghai

Official site: www.shanghaimuseum.net/mu/frontend/pg/en/index

Located in a pleasant park in the southwest area of Shanghai, the splendid Longhua Temple remains one of the oldest religious sites in China. Built along with the nearby 40-meter-tall wood and brick pagoda around AD 242, this important place of worship was destroyed and rebuilt many times through the years, with the present structure dating back to the 10th century.

The site is still used for regular Buddhist ceremonies and consists of five large halls, including the Maitreya Hall (Mile Dian), with its large Buddha statue; the Heavenly King Hall (Tian Wang Dian), dedicated to the Four Heavenly Kings; and the Grand Hall of the Great Sage (Daxiong Baodian), with its fine statues and a 16th-century bell.

Other highlights include the Bell Tower with an even older, two-meter-tall, five-ton bell from 1382, which is still used on special occasions; the Library with its old manuscripts and ceremonial instruments; and the impressive sight of some 500 gold-painted Luohan Buddhas.

Address: 2853 Longhua Rd, Xuhui, Shanghai

A must-visit while in Shanghai is the 468-meter-tall Oriental Pearl Radio and TV Tower (Dongfang Míngzhuta). It's located in Pudong-Park on the east bank of the Huangpu River. In addition to its excellent views over the busy river and the new city, you'll be rewarded with superb views over the historic Bund promenade.

Built in 1991, the tower takes its name from its 11 linked spheres of various sizes, the highest of which - the Space Module - contains an observation level at the 350 meter mark with a glass-floored outside deck. All told, the tower boasts 15 viewing areas, including the Sightseeing Floor and Space City, as well as a revolving restaurant with great views.

Other highlights include a lower level shopping mall, the Space Hotel offering rooms with spectacular views, and a fun virtual reality rollercoaster ride. Even if you can't make it up the tower, you'll enjoy viewing it at night when the whole structure is lit up as part of a fascinating light show.

Address: 1 Century Ave, Lu Jia Zui, Pudong, Shanghai

Nanjing Road (Nánjing Lù) is Shanghai's principal shopping street. Constructed in the second half of the 19th century, it runs from the Zhongshan Lu for several miles towards the west. Along this largely pedestrian-friendly street, you'll find every conceivable type of consumer goods, from street vendors selling Chinese-themed souvenirs to expensive boutiques selling traditional arts and crafts. There are also a number of large shopping malls and department stores such as the iconic Yibai and Jiubai.

It's also a busy entertainment district, home to many restaurants and cinemas, as well as a hub for street performances. It's especially fun to visit during major holidays such as Chinese New Year when the street becomes a focal point for festivities and fireworks.

Another dedicated shopping area to explore is Xintiandi , an affluent pedestrian zone that retains some of the ambience of the old city.

Built on what was once the city's racecourse, the People's Square (Rénmín Guangchang) has been transformed over the years into Shanghai's premier public space. Home to the new Shanghai City Hall , the Shanghai Museum, and the state-of-the-art Grand Theatre , it's a perfect spot from which to begin touring the city.

You'll also want to spend time visiting the excellent Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center . Here, you'll find superb displays and models - even a 360-degree movie theater - showing both existing and planned-for buildings. Be sure to view this massive scale-model from the upper galleries for a fascinating bird's-eye perspective of this modern metropolis.

Address: Wusheng Road, Huangpu, Shanghai

In what was once Shanghai's French Concession, Tianzifang has been transformed into a fascinating arts and crafts destination. While much of the older homes and buildings have been replaced, the character of this old European district has been carefully preserved in its architecture and layout, with numerous small laneways and alleys just begging to be explored.

In addition to its many shopping opportunities - it consists of numerous small galleries and craft shops, rather than the bigger stores found elsewhere in the city - it's also a fun place to visit at night due to its many restaurants serving traditional fare, its numerous cafés and music joints, as well as artists' studios and workshops.

Fuxing Park is another notable tourist attraction with a distinct French flavor. The city's largest park when constructed in 1909, it remains a delightful place to wander due to its many fountains, gardens, and pavilions.

Address: 10 Taikang Road, Da Pu Qiao, Huangpu, Shanghai

Built in 1911 in Neo-Romanesque style, Xujiahui Cathedral - also known as St. Ignatius Cathedral - is another splendid reminder of Shanghai's rich multi-national heritage. In the southern city district of Xujiahui, it's the largest place of Roman Catholic worship in Shanghai, and in addition to its splendid park-like setting is worth visiting for its twin 50-meter-high bell-towers and restored interior with fine stained-glass windows.

Another important religious site is the Sheshan Basilica (the National Shrine and Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Sheshan). This fine old Roman Catholic church stands on the western peak of the hill after which it's named. Like so many other religious sites, it was heavily damaged during the Chinese Cultural Revolution but in recent years has undergone extensive renovations and remains an important pilgrimage site. A highlight of a visit is following the 14 Stations of the Cross, which zigzag up the hill to the church, along with the many splendid views along the way.

Address: 158 Puxi Road, Xu Jia Hui, Xuhui District, Shanghai

In keeping with its status as a world-class city, Shanghai is not without its fair share of top-notch museums. In addition to the splendid Shanghai Museum, the city is home to the huge Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, the largest of its kind in China and one of the city's top draws with more than two million visitors each year.

Opened in 2001, the museum offers numerous things to see and do, including interactive multimedia exhibits, permanent displays, and state-of-the-art science theaters. Highlights include a large collection of animals native to the region, scientific achievements, a fascinating exhibit on robotics, as well as exhibits focusing on space travel.

Other fun attractions for families include the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium . This worthwhile attraction is popular for its 120-meter underwater tunnel, which provides a close-up view of the region's diverse marine life. Also worth a visit is the Shanghai Zoo , famous for its large collection of native species, including giant pandas and South China tigers.

Address: 2000 Century Ave, Pudong, Shanghai

Official site: http://en.sstm.org.cn

Also often referred to as the China Art Palace, the China Art Museum (Zhonghuá Yìshù Gong) is the largest art gallery in Asia. It's also home to the country's most important collections of modern art, housed in the city's spectacular China Pavilion, the sole survivor of the city's Expo 2010 event (and looking a little like an upside-down pyramid).

Highlights of a visit include its fascinating collections of Chinese modern art, exhibits of prominent Chinese artists, as well as numerous works related to Shanghai's cultural development over the decades. Culture lovers should also invest a little time visiting the Oriental Art Center , one of the city's most important venues for performances of classical music, opera, and theatrical productions.

Also of note is the splendid Shanghai Grand Theatre , well regarded for its regular roster of concerts, operas, ballet performances, and traditional theater.

Address: 205 Shangnan Road, Pudong, Shanghai

Shanghai Disney Resort, China's second Disney venture after Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, opened to great fanfare and huge crowds in 2016 and shows every sign of being a massive success.

In addition to its two themed hotels and the Disneytown entertainment and shopping district, this nearly 1,000-acre site in the city's Pudong district is home to the Shanghai Disneyland Park, the hub of all the action and the real reason some 10 million people visit the resort each year.

And it's every inch the kind of Disney experience fans and families alike can't seem to get enough of. The fun starts on Mickey Avenue, with its character meet and greets and merchandise-cum-souvenir shops, before guests head off to their favorite part of the park.

Highlights include Gardens of Imagination, with its pleasant Chinese gardens and Dumbo carousel, and Fantasyland, in many ways the parks "heart and soul." It's here you'll find the Enchanted Storybook Castle and hordes of mini wannabe princesses waiting to catch a glimpse of their favorite Disney royalty. Also popular is Treasure Cove, home to a thrilling Pirates of the Caribbean -inspired ride.

Address: 310 Huangzhao Road, Pudong, Shanghai

Official site: www.shanghaidisneyresort.com/en/

In a country that seems to build super-tall skyscrapers at a rate of knots, the Jin Mao Tower (Jinmoh Dusa) certainly manages to stand out. Reaching 93-stories skyward (420.5 meters), this impressive tower stands as testament to the new found prosperity that is so evident in Shanghai - hence the building's name, which in Chinese translates to "Golden Prosperity Building."

One of the world's tallest freestanding structures, it has become a popular tourist attraction for its thrilling Skywalk, a massive enclosed observation deck located on the 88th floor that's capable of holding upwards of 1,000 people at a time. While the views over the city and the Bund are of course impressive, it's the building's unique and spectacular interior view down to the atrium of the Grand Hyatt Shanghai Hotel far below that draws the biggest "oohhs" and "aahhs."

While here, be sure to visit the large shopping center at the base of the tower. Also worth visiting are the other neighboring skyscrapers, including the 121-story Shanghai Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center, which together with the Jin Mao Tower make for the world's tallest trio of super-tall skyscrapers.

Address: 88 Century Ave, Lu Jia Zui, Pudong, Shanghai

Museum goers won't want to miss the chance to visit the Shanghai Natural History Museum. This stunning world-class facility was established in 1956 and only recently opened up in its new state-of-the-art location in Jing'an Sculpture Park in 2015. This is one of the country's largest museums - it covers an impressive 40,000 square meters.

You'll be rewarded with a chance to peruse a vast collection of more than 240,000 artifacts, many of them unique to China and including everything from rare animal and plant specimens, some dating back as far as 140 million years (there is a rare dinosaur skeleton, which stands over four stories high). Also fun to see are the many large animatronic dinosaurs, which provide a pretty good idea of the sheer size, power, and appearance of these extinct beasts.

Location: Jing'an District, Shanghai

If you're visiting Shanghai for the first time and want to see the top tourist attractions, the best place to stay is in the city center, near the Bund, Shanghai's famous waterfront promenade, which intersects with Nanjing Road, the bustling shopping street. Another popular base is near the People's Square, with the Shanghai Museum, Grand Theatre, and the exhibition center. Here are some highly rated hotels in these convenient locations:

Luxury Hotels:

• In a fantastic location right on the Bund, the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund exudes grand elegance, with its chandeliers, lavish marble, and soaring columns.
• Also on the Bund, overlooking Nanjing Road and decked out in beautifully preserved Art Deco style, is the Fairmont Peace Hotel , with a pool and spa, plush rooms, and attentive staff.
• Near the Shanghai Museum, the art museum, and the Bund, JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai at Tomorrow Square delivers the same impeccable service found at other luxury Shanghai hotels for more affordable rates.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Fresh and modern with textural Chinese accents, Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund , near Yu Garden, is a popular boutique option with large city-view rooms and a glass-encased pool overlooking the river.
• Also on the Bund and near Yu Garden, Les Suites Orient, Bund Shanghai sits on the banks of the Yangtze River, a few blocks from Nanjing Road, while the Marriott Hotel City Centre is a 12-minute walk from the People's Square, near great shopping.

Budget Hotels:

• Within walking distance of Nanjing Road and the Bund, Shanghai Fish Inn Bund offers clean, contemporary rooms and apartments, which are great value for groups, while the Jinjiang MetroPolo Hotel Classiq Shanghai Peoples' Square is a little pricier but offers excellent value for money in a fantastic location right next to its namesake attraction.
• Across the Yangtze River from the Bund, about 12 minutes away by car, Jinjiang Inn (Shanghai Lujiazui) offers clean, basic rooms for budget prices.

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Historic Hangzhou : Just a two-hour train ride away from Shanghai is the historic city of Hangzhou . Famous for its many beautiful temples, including the 13th-century Yue Fei Temple, and the six-square-kilometer West Lake with its lovely waterside parks and pagodas, Hangzhou is also a great place to explore on foot, especially around the historic Qinghefang Ancient Street area, popular for its old cobbled streets, quaint squares, traditional restaurants, and shopping.

Taking Flight : Thanks to its being a major transportation hub - both nationally and internationally - Shanghai serves as a great jumping-off point to explore other parts of the country. An easy two-hour flight away, Beijing , the country's capital, is a must for visitors to China. Highlights include the magnificent Imperial Palace, the Forbidden City, Tian'anmen Square, and more modern wonders, including the Beijing National Stadium, famous for its role in the 2008 Summer Olympics, and the Beijing Capital Museum.

Beijing also offers a variety of interesting day trip options , the most popular being a trip to Badaling Pass and the Great Wall of China.

A little further afield but still under three hours flying time, Chengdu is where you'll have the unique opportunity to spend time getting up close to the country's most iconic animals at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (be sure to opt for one of the special, immersive caretaking packages, which include feeding and cleaning up after these cuddly creatures).

China Vacation Ideas : Thanks to its immense size, China offers a wide variety of interesting landscapes to explore. One of the most popular is a Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo . Starting in Guilin, you'll spend the best part of a day drifting along the Li River, enjoying the beautiful karst mountain scenery along the way, before disembarking in Yangshuo. Here, you can enjoy activities like exploring the riverside pathways by bike, or taking a ride on one of the traditional bamboo rafts available for hire.

Another great option for adventurous types is to take the (silk) road less traveled to Dunhuang and Jiayuguan . Located in the northwestern corner of the country, here you can enjoy such experiences as a spectacular sunset camel ride across the Gobi Desert, or exploring parts of the Great Wall of China not normally visited by tourists around the spectacular Jiayuguan Pass.

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Shanghai: few cities in the world evoke so much history, excess, glamour, mystique and exotic promise in name alone.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Yuyuan Gardens & Bazaar

Shanghai Old City

With its shaded alcoves, glittering pools churning with fish, plus pavilions, pines sprouting wistfully from rockeries, and roving packs of Japanese…

The Bund & People's Square

Symbolic of concession-era Shanghai, the Bund was the city’s Wall Street, a place of feverish trading and fortunes made and lost. Originally a towpath for…

Jade Buddha Temple

One of Shanghai’s few active Buddhist monasteries, this temple was built between 1918 and 1928. The highlight is a transcendent Buddha crafted from pure…

Shanghai Tower

China’s tallest building dramatically twists skywards from its footing in Lujiazui. The 121-storey, 632m-tall, Gensler-designed Shanghai Tower topped out…

French Concession

Tianzifang and Xintiandi are based on a similar idea – an entertainment complex housed within a warren of lòngtáng (弄堂, alleyways). Unlike Xintiandi,…

With its own namesake metro station, Xintiandi has been a Shanghai icon for over a decade. An upmarket entertainment and shopping complex modelled on…

Shanghai Museum

This must-see museum escorts you through the craft of millennia and the pages of Chinese history. It's home to one of the most impressive collections in…

Shanghai may be known for its glitz and glamour, but it's got an edgy subculture too. The industrial M50 art complex is one prime example, where galleries…

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Travel Guide To Shanghai

Shanghai is hipper than Hong Kong and more alluring than Beijing. After forty years of stagnation, the city dubbed the Pearl of the Orient and the Paris of the east is undergoing one of the fastest economic expansions the world has seen - the pace of growth is electrifying. In this capitalist mecca it is easy to forget the city's communist past, although an after-dinner stroll round Xintiandi (a new pedestrianised quarter which at night becomes a street party), serves as a surprising reminder when you see the site of the Communist Party's first Congress next to Starbucks. With decadent new bars, the stately colonial building Three on the Bund which houses Armani's flagship store in China, three exclusive restaurants, an art gallery and a spa, the city seems set to recapture its position as East Asia's most thrilling metropolis.

Where to stay in Shanghai

88 XINTIANDI 380 Huangpi South Road (00 86 21 5383 8833; www.88xintiandi.com ). The decor in the 53 suites is East-meets-West: pale walls, cream sofas and dark-wood cabinets. ASTOR HOUSE HOTEL 15 Hang Pu Road (00 86 21 6324 6388; www.pujianghotel.com ). Just off the top of the Bund, the Astor is off the main track but still within walking distance of most attractions. The Astor first opened in 1846 and is being renovated to its Old World glory. There are 116 rooms including Celebrity Rooms (where names such as Einstein and Chaplin stayed) and four-bed rooms. Richard's Restaurant offers Huaiyang and Szechuan dishes, and the décor is typically Chinese. The hotel offers great value-for-money, the rooms are huge, the staff helpful, and the location is fantastic. £ FOUR SEASONS 500 Weihai Road (00 86 21 6256 8888; www.fourseasons.com ). The first Four Seasons development in modern China, this 37-storey hotel sits between two major shopping streets, Nanjing and Huaihai. The rooms are beautiful, huge and airy, the beds almost impossible to get out of and the lobby café luxurious. £ GRAND HYATT SHANGHAI Jin Mao Tower, 88 Century Boulevard, Pudong (00 86 21 5049 1234; www.shanghai.grand.hyatt.com ). The Grand Hyatt is part of Jin Mao Tower in Pudong, overlooking Shanghai's famous landmark, The Oriental Pearl Tower. There are 510 rooms and 45 suites, and a total of 88 floors, making it the world's tallest hotel. Like the rest of the hotel, rooms are simple and elegant, with Chinese inscriptions on the walls. Shanghai's jeunesse dorée has made The Hyatt its own. There are 12 restaurants, all with views, but the star attraction is Cloud 9, the cocktail bar on level 87, for its Star Trek interiors and mesmerising views. PUDONG SHANGRI-LA 33 Fu Cheng Road, Pudong, Shanghai (00 86 21 6882 8888; fax: 86 21 6882 6688; www.shangri-la.com ). Pudong Shangri-La Hotel is located on the famous Huangpu River, and has lovely views of Shanghai's riverfront - the Bund and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. In 2005, the hotel added an extra 375 luxurious rooms and suites in its Grant Tower. The ones to book are the spacious Premier rooms, the largest in the city, many of which have lovely views of the river. Yi Café serves international cuisine in a market-style design with stalls showcasing food from around the world. Fook Lam Moon serves excellent Cantonese food. Chi Spa has luxurious private spa suites, a jacuzzi, sauna and herbal steam rooms. There are also two swimming pools. ££££ RAFFLES BEIJING HOTEL 33 East Chang An Avenue ( www.Beijing.raffles.com ). Neoclassical Raffles Beijing Hotel reopened in June 2006 after a year's restoration. Its 171 rooms and suites include nine Personality Suites named after Sun Yat Sen, George Bernard Shaw and others. Jaan serves excellent French food and East 33 offers 33 kinds of dumpling. ££ RBL 53 Dong An Men Street ( www.rbl-china.com ). Handel Lee's all-white RBL features traditional sushi and inventive Japanese-Western dishes such as teriyaki, duck breast and sushi wrapped in daikon (Japanese radish). ST REGIS HOTEL 889 Dong Fung Road, Pudong (00 86 21 5050 4567; www.stregis.com/shanghai ). In the heart of Pudong, Shanghai's futuristic financial centre. All modern metal and an orgy of marble within: this is luxury on a grand scale, with 274 rooms and 44 suites. The St Regis attracts a cosmopolitan mix to match the décor. Standard rooms are decked out in subtle browns, giving the feel of a gentleman's club. Have drinks at the Mezanine Lounge and Bar, all-day dining at Saints and modern Italian food at Danieli's. There is 24-hour butler service with female butlers provided for female guests. THE PORTMAN RITZ-CARLTON Shanghai Centre, 1376 Nanjing Xi Road (00 86 21 6279 8888; www.ritzcarlton.com ). The Ritz-Carlton is smack in the centre of Shanghai's smartest shopping street, Nanjing Xi Road, with everything you need at hand. The décor is bold and modern, with traditional Chinese overtones. It attracts local and expat businessmen. 518 rooms and 60 suites are styled with muted tones, not especially innovative, but restful. ££

Where to eat out in Shanghai

BAO LUO 271 Fumin Lu (00 86 21 6279 2827). This dim sum establishment is so popular that locals will wait for two hours for a table. Go at lunch and enjoy the family outings and hubbub around you. CREEK ART CENTER 101 Chang An Road (00 86 21 6380 6002; www.creekart.cn ). The hippest hang-out in the up-and-coming Suzhou Creek warehouse district. Seven storeys of wooden floors and stripped brick, the former mill has a cool bar and spacious top-floor restaurant. FACE Rui Jin Hotel, No.4 Building, 118 Rui Jin 2 Road (00 86 21 6466 4328). A small room in a large chateau within a walled garden in the French quarter. The bar is warm and cosy, filled with Chinese artefacts. GARDEN OF DELIGHTS 53 Dong An Men Dajie ( www.gardenofdelights.com.cn ). Antonio Ochoa-Piccardo, the architect of Cantilever House at Kempinski's Commune by the Great Wall hotel, has opened the Latin American restaurant Garden of Delights with a menu by consulting chef Edgar Leal of Cacao in Miami. Try the salmon ceviche and Argentine matambre. HAZARA Rui Jin Hotel, No.4 Building, 118 Rui Jin 2 Road (00 86 21 6466 4328). Also in the building is Hazara which serves north Indian cuisine. An outside table, if you can get one, is the ultimate breezy spot from which to smell the flowers. LAN NA THAI Rui Jin Hotel, No.4 Building, 118 Rui Jin 2 Road (00 86 21 6466 4328). In the same building is Lan Na Thai, a buzzing and beautiful Thai restaurant. SI JI YUAN Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai, 500 Weihai Road (00 86 21 6256 8888; www.fourseasons.com/shanghai ). In Shanghai, just as there is no shame in eating in chain restaurants or shopping malls, or even chain restaurants in shopping malls, so too there is no stigma attached to hotel dining. The menu at the Four Seasons high-ticket Cantonese restaurant, Si Ji Yuan, is extensive, there are, for example, 12 types of tea on offer). Opt for a mix of the traditional Cantonese dishes and the restaurant's cutting-edge signature dish, a plate of carefully fried scallops each sitting on a plinth of barely cooked pear and topped with a tiny lozenge of crispy bacon, all washed down with Fujian Silver Needle white tea. SOUTH BEAUTY 28 Taojiang Lu, Xuhui District (00 86 21 6445 2581; www.qiaojiangnan.com ). Szechuan cooking is the Indian of China: the nation's favourite hot and spicy cuisine. And South Beauty is considered Shanghai's best Szechuan restaurant - or restaurants, to be more accurate, as it is a mini-chain. Lunch begins with delicate chrysanthemum tea. Then the heavy artillery arrives in the form of a large glass bowl filled with hot stones and sub-boiling oil. Shredded beef is then plunged into the oil, producing an outstanding flavour and chewy but not tough texture. Be warned: the cold shredded chicken with spicy Szechuan sauce contains enough chilli to make a grown man weep. The 'waterboiled' fish is a fabulously aromatic concoction of fish plunged into hot oil with a large number of peppercorns. Light relief comes in the form of a pak-choi type vegetable covered in a thick chicken soup and shrimp in a sweet pineapple sauce served with crispy rice. Expect really excellent food. Forget the wine list. THAI GALLERY 127 Datian Road (00 86 21 6217 9797). Warehouse chic meets arthouse cool at Thai Gallery, a split-level restaurant-bar hung with large, colourful portraits: try the deep-fried fish-and-shrimp cakes. THREE ON THE BUND 5 Zhong Shan Dong Yi Road (00 86 21 6323 3355; www.threeonthebund.com ). Unpopular among locals because it's so expensive, Three is nonetheless essential viewing. Restaurants include Jean Georges, a sumptuous suede restaurant;and the New Heights, an open-air bar with Shanghai's best view. Three is as delicious as it is designer. T8 8 Xintiandi North Part, Lane 181, Tai Cang Road (00 86 21 6355 8999). Remarkable, bold Asian fusion in a modern, glassy establishment with an open kitchen, a lovely wine list and a cool club upstairs. WHAMPOA CLUB 5th Floor, 3 The Bund. Zhong Shan Dong Yi Road (00 86 21 6321 3737; www.threeonthebund.com ). This occupies prime waterfront space perched above a stack of designer boutiques on The Bund, and is beautifully done up in 1930s Shanghai style, with lots of polished floors, red and gold lacquer, leather club chairs and crisp napery. The cooking is subtle and self-assured, the view of buys river traffic is wonderful and the Art Dec bathrooms are worth a visit. YIN Jinjiang Gourmet Street, 59 Maoming Nan Road (00 86 21 5466 5070). There are so many good things about Yin. For one it is just across the way from Shanghai Tang, which makes for an excellent shopping aperitif. Yin's interior design is another outstanding essay in recreated 1930s Shanghai, with a marble-topped bar, distressed paintwork and fancy carved screens and window frames. Modern paintings hang on the walls and there is a little stage where a jazz band sometimes plays. There are beautiful waitresses in Mao jackets. And a menu with a philosophy: In a city where the local cuisine is usually described as oily and sweet this is all rather good news. The kitchen here is top-class, managing to be subtle and restrained with losing the fundamental gustiness of a lot of Chinese cooking. Try cold and silky drunken chicken, excellent thinly sliced ox tongue perfumed with cloves and Lion's Head: poetically named large and fierce-looking pork meatballs.

What to see in Shanghai

Although most parts of Shanghai that you are likely to visit lie to the west of the Huangpu River and its classic colonial riverfront, the Bund, by far the most easily recognizable landmark in the city is the rocket-like Oriental Pearl TV Tower on the east side, in the Pudong Special Economic Zone. The best way to check out both banks of the Huangpu River and their sights is to take the Huangpu River Tour (you can book the river tours at the jetty - daily 8am to 4.30pm).

Nanjing Lu, reputedly the busiest shopping street in China, runs through the heart of downtown Shanghai, marked at its eastern end by the famous Peace Hotel and leading west to Renmin Park, which today houses Shanghai's excellent new Museum.

Shanghai's other main sights lie about 1.5km south of Nanjing Lu in the Old City, the longest continuously inhabited part of the city, with a fully restored classical Chinese garden, the Yu Yuan, neighbouring bazaars and the traditional Huxinting Tea House at its heart.

To the southwest of here lies the marvellous old French Concession, from when France claimed a part of Shanghai with its cosmopolitan cooking traditions. European-style housing and revolutionary relics. Even marks of the Japanese occupation remain, alongside what used to be the Jewish ghetto and the Russian quarter.

The energetic eating and nightlife centre of Shanghai, Huaihai Lu, serves as the area's main artery.

Make sure you visit the People's Square where people gather at sunrise to perform t'ai chi and the city's most famous traditional pharmacy, Tong Han Chun Tang on the Old City's Li Shui Road where glass jars on the counter prescribe such dubious ingredients as dried placenta and dead seahorses, both prescribed for the kidneys.

Further out from the centre remains a scattering of sights. North of Suzhou Creek is the interesting Hongkou Poark, with its monuments to the great twentieth-century writer, Lu Xun. Finally, in the far west are two of Shanghai's most important surviving religious sites, the Longhua Si and Yufo Si.

SHANGHAI ACROBATICS TROUPE

Shanghai Centre, 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu (00 86 21 6279 8663). These acrobats are so startling that the audience cheers with excitement. There are strongmen tossing Chinese vases around, revolting contortionists and a lot of spinning plates. They often go on to Cirque du Soleil.

Where to shop in Shanghai

It's worth seeking out the local markets for their value as well as their atmosphere. Once there, haggle furiously as expected, and the bargains will beggar belief. Chinese silks and brocades cost next to nothing at markets and even less to have made up. River pearls go for a song at the Old Town's pearl market on the Li Shui Road, the women behind the counter will string them while you wait. Head to the outdoor antiques market on Dong Tai Lu Road for old lacquered boxes, colourful china and communist memorabilia. Watch out for fakes, though.

When it comes to brands, there's little that Shanghai cannot offer. Nanjing Lu Road, around the corner, is where you'll find labels such as Dior and Cartier, mostly in Plaza 66, Shanghai's second tallest building. Giorgio Armani has just opened at the base of Three on the Bund, and Bund 18, opening soon, will house other designers. Huaihai Road is the next rung down; Xiang Yang Lu Fashion Market is where you'll find the fakes, if you can face being hassled, not to mention jostling with the crowds.

Xintiandi looks like Covent Garden, and among its many bars and restaurants sit shops like Shanghai Tang and X, which is the ultimate for party outfits: big beads, feathery handbags and fur trims.

When you're all shopped out, recover at Jingbin Blindman's Massage Parlour, 370 Hua Shan Road (00 86 21 6248 1888).

How to get to Shanghai

The new Pudong International Airport is 45km east of the city along the mouth of the Yangzi River.

AIRLINES FROM THE UK

Virgin Atlantic (0870 380 2007; www.virgin-atlantic.com ) flies from London to Shanghai five times a week.

The best way to get around Shanghai

Taxis are cheap and easy. But have your destination written down in Chinese and there's no need to tip.

Tourist information for Shanghai

Rough Guide to China (£17.99; www.roughguides.com</a>) has a good selection on Shanghai, as does Lonely Planet (www.lonelyplanet.com).

Visas are required for all UK nationals. 31 Portland Place, London, W1 (020 7631 1430).

• Destinations

Shanghai is one of China’s most famous and popular cities with travellers, reflective of China’s fast modernisation. It is multicultural, with residents from all over the world living there for work and its unique blend of modern and traditional cultures. Shanghai is a global financial hub and is the “showpiece” of China’s booming economy.

Tours and activities in Shanghai

There’s no place in China quite like Shanghai, so be prepared for a busy trip! To make sure you see everything, consider arranging an organised tour or use a local guide. They’ll be able to give you ideas on where to visit that can help you escape the crowds, and can also help you to book tickets to some of the main attractions.

Check out our tour offers and get in touch if you’d like to discuss specific requirements.

Best time to visit

Shanghai has a mild and wet climate with four seasons. July and August are the hottest months and late January to early February the coldest. The best times to visit are March to May or October to November, when the weather is at its most pleasant and comfortable. Mid-summer is incredibly busy and also very warm, so might be best avoided.

Top Attractions in Shanghai

The Bund is the largest waterfront area of Shanghai and probably its most famous symbol. A testament to the unique melding of cultures in the city over the years, here you’ll find buildings in an array of architectural styles, from Gothic and Baroque to Romanesque and Renaissance.

The flood control wall became known as ‘Lover’s Wall’ and was a romantic spot during the last 100 years. There are now added hollows in the wall for couples and it is covered in flowers and lit up at night.

There are too many museums in Shanghai to list them all, but the first one on your list should be Shanghai Museum. Located in the middle of People’s Square, this is home to an incredible amount of ancient Chinese art and artefacts.

It has eleven galleries and three exhibition halls, including ceramics, bronze wares, paintings and calligraphy. There are also displays showcasing early Chinese currency – it was one of the first countries to use monetary coins.

If time allows, you should also visit the Jewish Refugees Museum, the Chinese Martial Arts Museum and the Power Station of Art.

Qibao Ancient Town in the centre of Minhang District is a thousand-year-old town with waterways with beautifully preserved ancient architecture. Here you can take in traditional Shanghai culture, including cricket fighting, the wonderful Qibao Temple and an absolute must-see: The Shadow Plays. Using colourful drawings, music and actors, these tell stories about famous historical events.

Yuyuan Garden is the largest ancient garden in Shanghai with Ming and Qing dynastic architecture. Dongping National Forest Park is an area of stunning beauty – a massive man-made forest with recreational activities like grass skiing and rock climbing.

Shanghai Disneyland Park is what you would expect from a Disney resort, and is an ideal place for the family. With six theme lands, the park blends typical Disney styles and favourite characters with Chinese culture and there are plenty of rides and exhibits to keep the kids occupied.

For a more sedate activity with the family, check out Shanghai Wild Animal Park, covering 153 hectares and home to over 200 species. You can see performing animals, take a tour bus through the park and interact with some of the animals there.

Another theme park is Happy Valley, and more wildlife fun can be found at Ocean Aquarium.

 For older children, Madame Tussards is always a source of great amusement!

Shanghai is known as the “Oriental Paris” thanks to its incredible shopping areas. You can get a tax refund and tax-free shopping on Nanjing Road and Yuyuan Garden. You’ll find shopping malls selling high-end items on Nanjing Road, and for traditional wares, try the Yuyuan Tourist Mart. Here you can pick up antiques, jade, gold and silver items, as well as local arts and crafts.

For traditional wares, try the Yuyuan Tourist Mart. Here you can pick up antiques, jade, gold and silver items, as well as local arts and crafts.

Shanghai fashion is popular, and it now hosts its own Fashion Week twice a year in April and October. You’ll find international designers showcasing their latest designs, but the event is primarily based around promoting new Chinese talent.

Getting here and getting around

Travel to and from Shanghai is easy, as you would expect from a modern metropolis. With two international airports, Pudong and Hongqiao, over 1,000 flights travel in and out of Shanghai every day, connecting it with many domestic cities as well as New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Tokyo and many more.

An airport shuttle bus will take you to Shanghai itself, as well as other destinations in mainland China. A comprehensive railway network with high-speed trains will take you to and from the city, or you can travel by metro from the airport to the city centre. There are also tourist trains that will take scenic tours through other areas.

You can, of course, access Shanghai by water as it is an international port. Cruises from South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore are all possible, and you can also tour the Yangtze River.

Shanghai is a city packed with people, so traffic congestion is possible, however the city does have an efficient and convenient transport infrastructure. You can take city buses across the city and there are currently 14 subway lines in operation. The Maglev train is also very fast and efficient.

Currently more than 50,000 taxis service Shanghai and are high-priced in comparison with many other Chinese cities; however, this is still a good way of getting around while you get your bearings. Fares start at ¥11 for daytime and ¥13.2 for night-time travel, although this rises depending on the operating company and type of cab. 

Eating and drinking

Given its rich cultural heritage, it’s no surprise to hear that Shanghai cuisine is a blend of styles and nationalities. Local dining comics in two styles: Benbang, which uses fresh fish, pork, chicken and bright colours and is mellow and sweet, and Haipai Cuisine, which is a mix of other Chinese and international dishes, with endless variety but a distinct focus on seafood.

Signature dishes include Xia Zi Da Wu Shen, which is dried and rehydrated sea cucumber stewed in oil, yellow wine and soybean sauce, Yan Du Xian, a stew of pork and ham with bamboo shoots and Ba Bao La Jiang, one of Shanghai’s rare spicy dishes, made with bean and chilli sauce, shrimps, chicken, pork, offal and bamboo shoots.

You can also enjoy local snacks like Nanxiang steamed stuffed buns, yellow pastry, chop rice cake and Leisha dumplings.

The Shanghai Chinese Restaurant has been open since 1875 and is a great place to try authentic traditional food, as is Lao Zheng Xing, which has a simple style. At Wang Bao, He you can try crab banquet and for upmarket dining, try Noble House.

Nightlife in Shanghai is sedate, but there is still plenty to do. The fashionable Xin Tian Di area offers galleries, themed restaurants, coffee shops and bars.

Getting a good night's sleep

One of the top hotels in the city is the IFC Residence, located in the financial district. This high-end hotel has luxurious rooms overlooking the city, including their own kitchen areas, an indoor pool, fitness centre, a garden, sun terrace and children’s playground.

Charms Hotel is a great mid-priced accommodation with modern rooms, a fitness centre and beauty salon. The on-site restaurant serves fantastic local cuisine and is very highly rated by visitors. It also has a great location, only five minutes from People’s Square.

For those on a budget, Jinjiang Inn Shanghai Lujiazui is a great choice. Elegant décor and plenty of facilities mean this property is rated as being great value for money.

To find out more about these hotels and view others, click here.

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Shanghai Maps

Our Shanghai maps cover Shanghai's location in China, the Shanghai area, attractions locations in and around the city, Shanghai's subway and key roads, and recommended hotels.

Shanghai's Location in China

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Shanghai Districts Map

Shanghai Municipality covers an area of 6,340 sq km (2,500 sq mi). This map covers the main districts and some attractions in the Shanghai area.

Shanghai Nearby Attractions Map

This map covers some main attractions near Shanghai City, including Wuzhen Water Town, Zhouzhuang Water Town, Tongli Water Town, and Xitang Water Town. Read more about the top 8 ancient water towns near Shanghai .

Shanghai City Tourism Map

As the largest and the most developed metropolis in Chinese mainland, Shanghai has plenty of attractions.

This map shows some of the main tourist attractions in and around Shanghai City, including the Huangpu River, the Bund, Nanjing Road, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Jinmao Tower, and Yuyuan Garden. Learn more about Shanghai Attractions .

Shanghai Subway Map

This is Shanghai's most up-to-date subway map. At present there are 14 lines in and around the city. Each line is coded with a color, and all stations are marked with both English names and Chinese names.

Shanghai Hotels Map

Our Shanghai hotels map shows the locations of the main five-star, four-star and three-star hotels in Shanghai. Click to enlarge it. Learn more about Shanghai Hotels

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48-Hour Itinerary

48 Hours in Shanghai: The Ultimate Itinerary

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Dynamic, glamorous, a meeting point of the east and west, Shanghai is known for many things. After the British opened its port in the 1840s, Shanghai grew into a mega-city, over 24 million people strong. Now, past and future meet here too: swirls of history are found throughout the former concessions, and a look across the Huangpu River at Pudong’s skyscrapers makes one feel they as if they are seeing the world of tomorrow. Nanjing Road alone holds new luxury malls with five-star hotels, as well as classic street vendors peddling cheap wares. Opposites combine in sharp contrast here.

Years ago, when former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping declared it was okay for Chinese citizens to pursue wealth, Shanghai took the go-ahead and galloped into capitalism full-on, churning out millionaires and even a few billionaires in the process. That wealth can be seen not only in its impressive buildings and VIP clubs but also in the high-end food and fashion trends of the city, leading to the tastemaker reputation it enjoys.

So indulge yourself in its history, rich foods, and extreme entertainment, but don’t forget to take it in quietly, as well. Some of its magic can only be found by sitting by the river early in the morning or sipping a coffee as you wander around shikumen houses. Enjoy the great and little pleasures of the city, and you’ll get an authentic taste of Shanghai.

Day 1: Morning

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2 a.m.: After landing at Pudong International Airport, catch a taxi (or use the complimentary airport transfer service) to the Pacific Hotel. Located in the middle of Shanghai next to People's Square, all of the Pacific's rooms have balconies overlooking the city or Huangpu River, the heartbeat of Shanghai. Stand on your balcony, marvel and the city's lights, and then get a few hours of shuteye before exploring the city.

6 a.m.: Sunrise, Bundrise! Hop out of bed, freshen up, and head to The Bund, Shanghai's famous riverfront area, for a stunning sunrise. Walk (or jog, if you're sporty) along the river, and take in the orange-yellow early morning glow of the infamous Pudong skyline across the river, complete with the Shanghai and the Oriental Pearl Towers. Look out for early morning groups of tai chi practitioners, dancers, and runners, ushering in the first light with vigorous exercise.

7:30 a.m.: Catch the subway to the Shunchang Lu Breakfast Market near the Madang Lu metro stop (about a 15-minute ride) to have your pick of stalls selling Shanghainese breakfast staples. Your mission? To find and eat the "four warriors" of Shanghainese breakfast: youtiao (油条) fried dough sticks, dou jiang (豆浆), hot soy milk, da bing ( 大饼) sesame pancake, and ci fan ( 粢饭) glutinous rice balls.

9 a.m.: Take a taxi back up north to Nanjing Road to experience the most famous shopping street in China. Here, you'll find the Shanghai No.1 Department Store (the city's oldest department store), luxury malls Plaza 66 and the Jing An Kerry Centre, old-fashioned street vendors, and the largest Starbucks in the world. Stick to the western part if you want high end stuff or go east for more local flavor and cheaper deals in silks, Traditional Chinese medicine, calligraphy artwork, and many other souvenirs.

Day 1: Afternoon

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12 p.m.: Either walk or take the subway from East Nanjing Road to Yuyuan Gardens . Admire the Ming Dynasty architecture of these 400-year-old walled-off gardens rife with pavilions and pagodas. Stroll along the waterways and dragon headwalls. Gape at the five-ton jade rock of unknown origin, and bring yourself luck by walking across the Jiu Qu Bridge to Shanghai’s oldest teahouse, Mid-Lake Pavilion Teahouse.

1 p.m.:  Make your way into the Yuyuan Bazaar for more shopping, and fantastical street food like or just go straight to lunch at the Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant to feast on xiaolongbao , delicious soup-filled dumplings full of pork or shrimp broth. Open for over 100 years, Nanxiang is one of the most famous and time-honored xiaolongbao restaurants in the city. Pro tip: go to the top of the restaurant if you want to be seated immediately, you’ll pay more but save time and not have to deal with line pushers.

3 p.m.: After lunch, take the metro to the Centre Pompidou x West Bund Museum Project. The space is both cultural institution and art museum housing three art galleries (some featuring Chinese contemporary art), a book store, and a café all perched on the Huangpu River. The installations, workshops, and other offerings aim to bring patrons a “full-sensory artistic experience” in this Franco-Sino exchange.

Day 1: Evening

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6 p.m.: Hop in a cab and head to The Swatch Art Peace Hotel and make your way to its rooftop bar to catch some sunset views of the Pudong skyline. Kick your feet back on one of their lounges, order a cocktail, and enjoy the laid-back vibe. If drinking isn't your thing, but river lights, bridges, and famous buildings like the Customs House are, opt for a river cruise instead, casting off from Shiliupu Wharf.

7:30 p.m.: After a short metro ride back to the hotel, freshen up (option to power nap, too), then hail a cab. You're on your way to experience one of the most Shanghainese dishes ever: the infamous hairy crab. After all the walking, shopping, and speeding around, you'll appreciate the peaceful atmosphere of Fu 1088 (福1088), as much as their xiefen , a steamed custard of crab roe and their hong shao rou (red braised pork belly), another Shanghainese classic dish. Located in a 1920s Spanish-style mansion, each room is decorated with antiques, while music wafts through from the grand piano downstairs. Make sure to reserve your table well in advance and be aware of their 300 yuan (about $43) minimum spending requirement.

9 p.m.: From Fu 1088, hop in a cab to The Pearl , (not to be confused with the Oriental Pearl Tower) where you can experience everything from the opulent to the eclectic side of Shanghai nightlife. The club occupies a former Buddhist temple and each night features a different kind of entertainment: cabaret shows, fire performers, stand up comedy, big band jazz, and gospel music acts, all perform within this two-story, three-bar, live entertainment venue. Try a craft cocktail or one of the frozen margaritas and prepare to boogie.

Day 2: Morning

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9 a.m.: Sleep in, then walk 20 minutes to Yang’s Dumplings on Ningbo Road for another Shanghainese breakfast staple: pan-fried pork buns. Known as sheng jian bao in Chinese, these cuties are a plump fried Shanghainese dim sum dish with juicy pork broth inside and fresh sesame seeds and chives on top. Chew and slurp as many as you need to fuel you up for a walk around the Former French Concession. 

10:30 a.m.: Take the metro to Xintiandi station and meander through Fuxing Park, where you’ll find an odd mix of beautifully landscaped rose gardens and giant Marx and Engels statues. Afterward, walk some more or take a quick taxi ride to the Lost Bakery for a croissant—it is the French Concession after all—and a solid cup of joe.

Day 2: Afternoon

Xie Huang Yu / Moment Unreleased

12:30 p.m.: Continue walking or take a taxi to the Propaganda Poster Art Centre , a private museum that displays around 6,000 Mao-era propaganda posters depicting coy-looking women in qipaos, fantastical military parades, and children flying planes, among many other things.

1:30 p.m.: Take your pick of what to do: architecture buffs should check out the Wukang Mansion (the flatiron building designed by the famed Shanghai-based architect László Hudec), history nerds should go to the former residence of Madame Sun Yat-sen (known as the Soong Ching Ling Memorial Residence 宋庆龄故居), and shopaholics will want to browse the shops of the Shikumen houses (classic Shanghai-style houses) in Tianzifang for unique handicrafts, clothing, and jewelry.

2:30 p.m.: For lunch, try another traditional Shanghainese dish: yellow croaker noodles. Conveniently, one of the best places to slurp down a bowl of this delicate broth is right next to your starting point of the Xintiandi metro station at Xie Huang Yu .

4 p.m.: You’ve seen Shanghai at sunrise, sunset, and up close. Now it’s time to get an aerial view from the second tallest building in the world. Jump back on the metro and take it to the other side of the river, to the Lujiazui station in Pudong. Head straight to the Shanghai Tower and ride one of their 45 mph elevators to the 118 th floor, a whopping 1,791 ft above the city. Take a moment to admire the panoramic view of Shanghai in its grandeur, and reflect on the highlights of your trip. Stay for a while, or if you want to do some shopping at one of China’s famous “ fake markets ,” head to A.P. Plaza for sensory overload and reasonable prices on clothes and electronics (if you know how to haggle).

Day 2: Evening

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6:30 p.m.: Walk to Dongchang Road Pier and take the ferry across to Puxi to experience the quintessential mode of transportation of old Shanghai. From the pier, grab a taxi to Wujie , a Michelin-starred veggie restaurant with set menus, seasonal ingredients, and innovative dishes, like chestnut wintertime soup, crackling yellow curry, and Shepherd’s Purse, a medley of pine nuts, gingko, and rice.

8 p.m.: For your last drink in Shanghai, take a taxi to the Union Trading Company, arguably one of Shanghai’s best bars , and named one of the world’s top 50 bars . In this narrow but cozy neighborhood spot, toast your departure with the appropriately bittersweet Witchy Woman (Campari, rum, citrus juices, and Angostura bitters) or another one of their “alluring cocktails,” like the slightly tropical Waltzing Matilda.

9 p.m: Swing by the Pacific to grab your bags and get on the metro for one last ride to Longyang Road. From here, take the fastest commuter train in the world: the Maglev train to the Pudong International Airport in a mere 10 minutes. Check in and rest easy until your flight to your next destination.

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Shanghai, known as the Paris of the East, is a gateway city to visit China. Sightseeing in Shanghai can be a daunting task. In a megacity Shanghai where there's something different to see around every corner, it can be hard to know where to start. If you are planning your visit, use our definitive guide to the top Shanghai attractions whenever you're entertaining out-of-town guests or simply want to play tourist and revisit iconic places. We've compiled the most popular sights and spots in Shanghai on tripadvisor with detailed info about their location, opening hours, tickets, and recommended visiting time, and the attractions include towering skyscrapers, great parks, museums, exotic streets, historical venues, etc. Landmarks like the Bund , Nanjing Road , Oriental Pearl TV Tower , Yu Garden & Bazaar are perennial favorites, but we’ve also highlighted a few of our favorite gems, such as Zhujiajiao Water Town , Shanghai Disneyland . Thirsty for more? Discover the 35 very best attractions in Shanghai to learn about its past and present, Start your Shanghai tour now!

3 Days Shanghai Past and Present Contrast Tour (at Leisure Pace)

Shanghai Attractions Map (Click to Enlarge)

Shanghai Attractions by Category - Table of Page Contents

Skyscrapers & observation decks & towers.

• Oriental Pearl TV Tower
• Shanghai World Financial Center
• Shanghai Tower
• Jinmao Tower

Exotic Buildings

• Wukang Road
• Heping Fandian
• Xujiahui Catholic Church

Shopping Areas

• Nanjing Road
• Shanghai Xintiandi

Traditional Chinese Gardens & Temples

• Yu Garden & Bazaar
• Jade Buddha Temple
• City God Temple
• Jing'an Temple
• Longhua Temple

Museums in Shanghai

• Shanghai Museum
• Urban Planning Exhibition Center
• Shanghai History Museum
• Shanghai Natural History Museum
• China Arts Museum
• Shanghai Maglev Museum
• Shanghai Science and Technology Museum

Entertainment Sites in Shanghai

• Shanghai Disney Resort
• Huangpu River Cruise
• Shanghai Circus World
• Shanghai Sightseeing Tunnel
• Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
• Shanghai Zoo

Ancient Water Towns in Shanghai

• Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
• Fengjing Water Town
• Qibao Ancient Town

Artistic Zones

• Shanghai Tianzifang
• M50 Creative Park

Public Parks in Shanghai

• People's Square
• Century Park

No. 1: The Bund

The Bund, “a gallery of international architectures”, is the landmark of Shanghai. It is always the best place to view Shanghai. Take a stroll along the embankment of the Huangpu River, and you’ll get various architectural styles from Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque to Classicism and the Renaissance in your camera. The modern skyscrapers of Lujiazui across Huangpu River in Pudong New Area provide another backdrop. The night view here is more breathtaking, how about taking an evening cruise or a stroll by it?

Type: Historic Walking Areas, Points of Interest & Landmarks, Sights & Landmarks

Opening Hours: All Day

Tickets: Free Entry

Recommended Visiting Time: 1 - 2 hours

Address: On the bank of Huangpu River, Shanghai, Huangpu District, Shanghai 上海市黄浦区中山东一路(临黄浦江)

No. 2: Oriental Pearl TV Tower

Standing at the end of the Huangpu River, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower soars 468 meters, setting the character of the new urban area as well as its cityscape. An all-around panorama view of Shanghai from the tallest TV tower in Asia and the third tallest in the world can be amazing, walking on the glass bottom and feeling your adrenaline pumps is also cool. It is worthy to visit in the late afternoon that you could see the sunset and the city come alive with lights.

Type: Observation Decks & Towers, Modern Buildings & Landmarks

Opening Hours: 8:00-21:30

Tickets: CNY 35- CNY 458

Recommended Visiting Time: 2 hours

Address: No. 1, Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China 上海市浦东新区世纪大道1号

No. 3: Yu Garden & Bazaar

Dating back to the 16th Century, Yuyuan Garden is the most revered green space in Shanghai. Known as the “Mountains and Forest within the City”, it is crowded to bursting point every day. And yet, it managed to maintain something of its air of serenity. Here, you’ll find ornate structures as well as intimate enclaves that are divided by “dragon walls”. Highlights include the Heralding Spring Hall, the Jade Magnificent Hall, and the Lotus Pool. Out of the Yuyuan Garden is the Yuyuan Bazaar where you could explore how elaborating and cute the traditional Chinese handicrafts and art works are, and also savor some local flavor snacks here…

Type: Gardens, Nature & Parks, Bazaar

Opening Hours: 09:00-16:30, No entry after 16:00, closed on Monday

Tickets: CNY 40 - Peak Season (Apr to Jun, Sep to Nov); CNY 30 - (Jul to Aug, Dec to Mar)

Address: No. 168 Fuyou Street, Huangpu District, Shanghai 上海市黄浦区福佑路168号

No. 4: Shanghai Disney Resort

Shanghai Disney Resort is the first Disney resort in mainland China and the sixth one in the world. In Disneyland Park, you can lignite your dream by exploring Mickey Avenue, Gardens of Imagination, Fantasyland, Treasure Cove, Adventure Isle, and Tomorrowland with different themes, characters, and activities. It is about 18 kilometers from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, about 27 kilometers from the Huangpu River area. Disney is a dreamland for both children and adults. With Disney Resort, your Shanghai tour will be more enjoyable.

Type: Theme Parks, Water & Amusement Parks

Opening Hours: 09:00~21:00

Tickets: CNY 261 - CNY 1250

Recommended Visiting Time: half day to one day

Address: No. 310 Huangzhao Road, Chuansha Town, Pudong New District, Shanghai 上海市浦东新区川沙镇黄赵路310号

No. 5: Nanjing Road

Running west from the Bund, Nanjing Road is Shanghai’s foremost shopping street and is one of the world’s busiest shopping streets. The Shanghai equivalent of New York’s Fifth Avenue, Nanjing Road boasts retailers from all over the world. In the daylight, you’ll admire the graceful architecture of the surrounding buildings. At night, you’ll marvel at the illuminated logos and brand names that line the avenue.

Type: Shopping, Street, Points of Interest & Landmarks

Address: Nanjing East Road & Nanjing West Road, Huangpu District & Jing’an district, Shanghai 上海市黄浦区&静安区,南京东路&南京西路

No. 6: Shanghai World Financial Center

Shanghai World Financial Center in the key CBD is a new and vital landmark in Shanghai. Being the fifth tallest building in the world with a total height of 492 meters, SWFC provides visitors the world's highest observatory at 474 meters high that is the best deck to appreciate the panorama of the whole old and new Shanghai, including the Bund, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Jinmao Tower, and Huangpu River, and so on.

Sky Walk Opening Hours: 11:00~21:00 (No entry after 20:00, except for major festivals)

Tickets: Free Entry (Sky Walk: CNY 135 per person, CNY 200 for two)

Address: 上海市浦东新区世纪大道88号

No. 7: Shanghai Tower

Just Completed in 2016, Shanghai Tower of 632 m high is at present the tallest skyscraper in China and proudly the second tallest one in the entire world, with the 828 m high Burj Khalifa Tower in Dubai being the No. 1. Designed by Gensler from America with the fabulous stream-lined spiral facade, the world's highest observation, great functions to save more energy, top-class environment for offices and other functions, Shanghai Tower is so much attractive to visitors from the globe. Catch the chance to stimulate your body at the over 500 m high place. Let's Go!

Opening Hours: 8:30-22:00

Tickets: CNY 180

Address: No. 501, Middle Yincheng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai China

No. 8: Jinmao Tower

The Jinmao Tower is situated in the heart of Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone in Pudong New Area. This 88-story skyscraper, Jinmao Tower rises 420 meters, making it one of the tallest buildings in the world. The Observation Deck of Jinmao Tower is on Level 88, 340 meters above the ground. In bright and comfortable light, you could enjoy a bird’s eye view of Shanghai City. In addition, it offers a topside view of the hotel atrium lobby.

Opening Hours: Jan - 08:30-21:00 (no entry after 20:30); Feb to Dec - 09:00-20:30 (no entry after 20:00)

Sightseeing Tickets: CNY 85

Address: 88 Century Avenue, Lujiazui, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 上海市浦东新区陆家嘴世纪大道88号

No. 9: Huangpu River

The Huangpu River, known as the Mother River of Shanghai as well as the largest river in Shanghai, is a 113-kilometer long river flowing through Shanghai which is the last tributary of Yangtze River ends in the East China Sea. Puxi (West Bank) and Pudong (East Bank) are bounded by it, forming the world-famous Bund, Lujiazui financial zone, and other important landmarks. The western side of Puxi is home to “An Exhibition of International Buildings”. The eastern side of Pudong is a recent development of the last few decades and is the new business and financial district boasting many awesome glass and steel towers.

Type: River Cruise; Bodies of Water

Opening Hours: 11:00~21:30

Tickets: CNY 120 per person (without dining and snacks onboard)

Recommended Visiting Time: 2 - 3 hours

Address: Huangpu River, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 上海市浦东新区黄浦江

No. 10: Shanghai Museum

Shanghai Museum is not only the cultural landmark of Shanghai but the biggest museum in China with numerous fine Chinese artifacts. It contains over 120,000 items rated precious cultural relics. Unlike many museums in China, it arranges its exhibits by theme rather than by dynasty. The collection consists of 21 categories, having its highlights bronze wares from Shang and Zhou Dynasties, pottery and porcelain spanning 8,000 years, and a large variety of calligraphy works and paintings.

Type: Comprehensive Museum, historical & Cultural site

Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00, no entering after 16:00, closed on Monday (except national holidays)

Tickets: Free Ticket

Address: No. 201, Peoples Avenue, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China (上海市黄浦区人民大道201号)

No. 11: Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

Known as the “Venice in Shanghai”, Zhujiajiao Ancient Town has a history of 1,700 years and is a well-preserved waterside ancient town. In Zhjiajiao Water Town, You could take the traditional boat to cruise along the canals and see the old residences, shops and bridges that are filled with classic architectural tone in Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368 - 1911).

Type: Water Town, Architectural Buildings, Historic Site

Address: Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai 上海市青浦区朱家角古镇旅游区

No. 12: Jade Buddha Temple

Quite different from many other temples hidden in mountains and forests, Jade Buddha Temple shows itself in the center of Shanghai city. It enjoys a high reputation both home and abroad for the extraordinary jade Buddha enshrined within it, hence the temple’s name. Among the clouds of incense smoke, it’s kind of unexpected to see so many pilgrims in such a modern city, no fewer than in Tibet.

Type: Buddhist Temples, Sacred & Religious Sites, Architectural Buildings

Opening Hours: 8:00-16:30 (Except for Major Festivals, No entry after 16:00)

Tickets: CNY 20

Address: No. 170 Anyuan Road, Putuo District, Shanghai 上海市普陀区 安远路170号

No. 13: Old Wukang Road

Shanghai Old Wukang Road area is located in Huangpu district (黄浦区) and Xuhui District (徐汇区). Since its opening up in 1849, groups of foreigners from many countries came to Shanghai and settled down. Travelers can appreciate the diverse types of old buildings in exotic styles and feel the rich culture mixed with local Shanghai features and Western styles, with leafy trees side by.

Type: Historic & Cultural Site, Walking Streets, Old Exotic Buildings

Address: 22 Jianguo Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 上海市黄浦区建国中路22号

No. 14: Tianzifang

Tianzifang at Taikang Road is one of the coolest places to wander in Shanghai. A lot of artistic and cultural studios of celebrities and young creatives set here in the typical Shikumen houses of both Shanghai and western styles make the mazy lanes full of artistic culture. Strolling along the old paths to see the daily life of the residents here to feel the old Shanghai flavor, watching people chatting and laughing in the restaurants and bars from many other countries, and finding various kinds of interesting items and Chinese crafts are especially funny!

Type: Historical & Cultural Lanes, Artistic Shops, International Restaurants

Address: No. 210, Taikang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China

No. 15: Shanghai Xintiandi

Located in the downtown area of Shanghai City, Shanghai Xintiandi is a historical site as well as a fashionable center full of entertainment, restaurants, and shopping malls. You could enjoy the antique and rebuilt Shikumen structure which is a witness of the communication between the building cultures of western countries and China. Despite in old appearance, the inside life is tailor-made for people in modern society, you can feast on the international art galleries, fashion shops, coffee houses, themed restaurants, and so forth.

Type: Neighborhoods, Points of Interest & Landmarks, Shopping & Entertainment

Address: Xintiandi, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200021, China 上海市黄浦区新天地

No. 16: Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center

Are you curious about what turned Shanghai into today’s super city? Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center is a must-see to witness how Shanghai became a cosmopolitan city from a shabby fishing village. With the theme of “ City, man, environment, and development” it serves for exhibition, research, communication, consultation, education, and sightseeing. The 3rd Floor is perhaps the most impressive, which displays a scale model of Shanghai. A cup of coffee on the top will be a good ending to this time travel.

Type: Museum, Exhibition Hall, Points of Interest

Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00; Tuesday to Sunday

Tickets: CNY 30

Address: No. 100, Peoples Avenue, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China.

No. 17: City God Temple

City God Temple of Shanghai, an important Taoist temple, also known as Chenghuang Temple or Cheng Huang Miao is located in the most prosperous and prestigious Yu Garden scenic area. It was built in the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty (1403 - 1424). It has a history of nearly six hundred years and witnessed the rise and fall, the peace and war of Shanghai. The main building includes the front square, the main hall, the Yuan Chen hall, the God of wealth hall, the Ci Hang Hall, the city god hall, and the goddess hall. It was destroyed during the war and closed in 1966, and rebuilt and reopened in 1994.

Type: Temple, Park, Bazaar

Opening Hours: 08:30-16:30, No entry after 16:00, except for major holidays

Tickets: CNY 10

Address: 249 Fangbang Zhong Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 上海市黄浦区方浜中路249号

No. 18: Shanghai Circus World

Referred as the No. 1 Circus World in China, Shanghai Circus World is a world-renowned comprehensive recreational venue with a uniquely designed building and acrobatic performance. It enjoys excellent hardware like complete facilities, advanced devices, and full-equipped functions as well as preeminent acrobats. Two great programs are performed in the Shanghai Circus World. One is ERA - Intersection of Time, from which the audiences could watch the most magical scenes and breathtaking acrobatics. The other is the Happy Circus, which is most loved by the kids and recommended as a family tour.

Type: Architectural Buildings, Theatre, Shows & Performance

Opening Hours: 09:00 ~ 19:30

Tickets: 130 RMB ~ 880 RMB

Address: No. 2266, Gonghexin Road, Zhabei District, Shanghai 200073, China

No. 19: Shanghai Sightseeing Tunnel

The Bund sightseeing tunnel is located in the Pudong New Area between Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the Nanjing East Road. It is a pioneering work in the history of tunnel construction. It is the first cross-river pedestrian tunnel in China, with a total length of 646.70 meters, with a total construction area of nearly 17500 square meters. With the ocean-themed lighting and shadow, it is like a dreamland. The entrance to the Bund sightseeing tunnel is located on the west side of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, on the south side of the International Conference Center, and the other entrance is located on the north side of Chen Yi square of Puxi.

Type: Sightseeing, Points of Interest & Entertainment

Opening Hours: 09:00-21:30

Tickets: CNY 50 - CNY 70

Recommended Visiting Time: 1 hour

Address: 2789 Binjiang Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 上海市浦东新区滨江大道2789号

No. 20: Shanghai Ocean Aquarium

Shanghai ocean aquarium is next to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. You can get to see all kinds of marine life from all over the world, as well as interesting animal shows. The four underwater tunnels are very popular, where allow you to step into them to watch sharks and turtles swimming overhead. Here, you can see the Australian archerfish, African multi finfish, Southeast Asian White ax shark, South American eel, Antarctic penguin, lovely seahorse, etc. It is the only aquarium in the world that has an independent Chinese exhibition area to display aquatic lives, such as Chinese sturgeon, rouge fish, Chinese alligator, giant salamander, etc.

Type: Features Animals, Aquariums

Opening Hours: 09:00-18:00 (no entry after 17:30)

Tickets: CNY 155

Address: 1388 Lujiazui Ring Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 上海市浦东新区陆家嘴环路1388号

No. 21: Fengjing Water Town

With a history of more than 1,500 years, Fengjing is the only township in Shanghai on the list of Historic Towns of China. This town is renowned for its cultural background, elegant waters, well-preserved ancient houses, and traditional lifestyle with a strong local flavor. It is also known as the birthplace of the famed Jinshan Peasant Painting, which has won popularity for its creative designs and bright colors that vividly depict town’s culture and customs.

Opening Hours: Aug to Apr: 08:00-16:30 (No entry after 16:00); May to Sep: 08:00-17:00 (No entry after 16:30)

Address: Lane 8588, Tingfeng highway, Fengjing town, Jinshan District, Shanghai 上海市金山区枫泾镇亭枫公路8588弄

No. 22: Jing'an Temple

Jing'an Temple is located in the prosperous Jing'an district, with convenient transportation. The architectural style of the temple is integrated with the Tibetan temple. The silver Buddha in the main hall weighs 15 tons. Guanyin hall is set in the East Chamber on the right side of the first floor. The Guanying Buddha inside is 6.2 meters high. On the left side of the west chamber is the hall of Sakyamuni, which houses the 3.87-meter-high Sakyamuni Jade Buddha. This jade Buddha is much larger than the Jade Buddha in Jade Buddha Temple. The roof of Jing'an Temple is covered with copper tiles, and the top of the pagoda behind the temple is painted in gold. Looking afar, the whole temple is shining under the sun.

Type: Historic Sites, Sacred & Religious Sites

Opening Hours: 07:30-17:00

Tickets: CNY 50

Address: 1686 Nanjing West Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai 上海市静安区南京西路1686号

No. 23: Longhua Temple

Longhua Temple is the oldest and largest ancient temple in Shanghai with a history of more than 1700 years. From south to north, along the central axis of Longhua temple is Maitreya hall, Tianwang Hall, Daxiong Hall, Sansheng hall, and Sutra library. The Daxiong hall is very solemn. In front of it, there are three golden statues of Buddhas, Tathagata, Manjusri, and Puxian. On the back, there are exquisite statues of Guanyin. On both sides of the hall, there are carved sixteen Arhats. There are bell and drum towers on the East and west sides of the temple.

Type: Sacred & Religious Sites

Opening Hours: 9:00-16:30

Address: 2853 Longhua Road, Longhua Town, Xuhui District, Shanghai 上海市徐汇区龙华镇龙华路2853号

No. 24: Shanghai History Museum

Shanghai History Museum was founded in 1983, formerly known as the Shanghai Museum of historical relics. In 1991, Shanghai History Museum was changed to its current name. It reflects the historical development of Shanghai. It has collected a large number of cultural relics and documents representing the historical process of Shanghai. If you are interested in the history of Shanghai, there are more than 4 hundred relics to see. Shanghai History Museum was founded in 1983, formerly known as the Shanghai Museum of historical relics. In 1991, Shanghai History Museum was changed to its current name.

Type: History Museums

Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00 (No entry after 16:00), Tuesday to Sunday

Address: 325 Nanjing West Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 上海市黄浦区南京西路325号

No. 25: China Arts Museum

China Arts Museum used to be the National Pavilion of China in the Shanghai World Expo. The multimedia version of Qingming Riverside is the treasure of the China Arts Museum, there are many works of modern artists on display here. The exhibition hall of the art palace is mainly located on the 0-m, 5-m, 33-m, 41-m, and 49-m floors. You can take the elevator to go up and down the stairs. It is recommended to take the direct elevator to the 49-m floor to enjoy the multimedia "Qingming Riverside map". Then you can visit it from top to bottom. The other floors mainly display various works of modern Chinese artists, as well as temporary exhibitions of works of art at home and abroad.

Type: Specialty Museums

Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00 (No entry after 17:00), Tuesday to Sunday

Recommended Visiting Time: 3 - 5 hours

Address: 205 Shangnan Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 上海市浦东新区上南路205号

No. 26: Shanghai Natural History Museum

Shanghai Natural History Museum is one of the largest natural history museums in China, located in Jing'an District. In the museum, the skeleton of a 26-meter long Zhongjiamamen River dinosaur is the most eye-catching. It is the largest dinosaur in Asia with the longest neck in the world. The new museum has five floors, two on the ground and three underground. It usually starts from the second floor above the ground and goes down in turn. The whole journey takes about half a day to a day. The last two underground floors are the most abundant exhibition areas. There are 10 permanent exhibitions in the museum, which are divided into three systems: natural evolution, living environment, and human civilization.

Type: Features Animals, Specialty Museums

Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00 Tuesday to Sunday

Address: 510 Beijing West Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai 上海市静安区北京西路510号

No. 27: Shanghai Science and Technology Museum

Shanghai Science and Technology Museum is the largest science education site in Shanghai. Through various modern equipment and rich interactive ways, you can have an all-around understanding of natural science with shocking audio-visual effects. Shanghai Science and Technology Museum is rich in exhibits. There are hundreds of exquisite Wildlife Specimens and geological specimens, various robot performances with different functions, various models of electronic equipment and aerospace equipment, and a variety of scientific and technological inventions. The science and technology museum also has an IMAX three-dimensional giant screen, ball screen, four-dimensional and high-tech special cinema, etc.

Opening Hours: 9:00 - 17:00, Tuesday to Sunday

Tickets: CNY 45

Address: 2000 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 上海市浦东新区世纪大道2000号

No. 28: People's Square

The People's Park is located in the center of Shanghai, on the east side of Nanjing Road pedestrian street, and it is very easy to reach by metro. It has always been known as the "lung" of the city. If you are a museum-goers, there are many museums nearby. In the park, you can see the very special matchmaking corner in China. The park can be roughly divided into three scenic spots: East, Center, and West. The central area is an open space with scenery building, teahouse, open-air theater; the scenic spots in the west area, including pavilions, corridors, gardens, rockeries, pools, etc. It is the main scenic spot of the park.

Type: Architectural Buildings, Parks

Address: 185 Renmin Avenue, Huangpu District, Shanghai 上海市黄浦区人民大道185号

No. 29: Shanghai Zoo

Shanghai Zoo is near Hongqiao Airport. There are more than 600 kinds of animals in the zoo, including a panda, elk, golden monkey, Siberian tiger, and other rare animals. There are amphibians and reptiles, herbivores, beasts of prey, birds of prey, and other animal exhibition areas, as well as a science and Education Museum, goldfish Gallery, butterfly museum, and other exhibition halls. There is also a reed-covered Swan Lake, inhabiting pelicans, swans, mandarin ducks, and other birds. It is also a good choice to stay in the zoo to rest on the lawn, bask in the sun, row boats and ride Ferris wheel.

Type: Features Animals, Zoos

Opening Hours: 08:00-17:00

Tickets: CNY 40

Address: 2381 Hongqiao Road, Changning District, Shanghai 上海市长宁区虹桥路2381号

No. 30: Century Park

Century Park is located at the southeast end of Century Avenue in Pudong. It is a large natural ecological park in Shanghai. The park is divided into a rural area, lakeside area, forest and lawn area, bird protection area, exotic area, etc. It is a good place for relaxation and entertainment in the city. Jingtian Lake in the garden is a large artificial lake, which is approximately around and about 300 meters in diameter. Another Zhangjiabang river passes through the park, creating an ecological environment with vertical and horizontal waterways in the garden.

Type: Parks, Points of Interest & Landmarks

Opening Hours: 06:00-18:00

Address: 1001 Jinxiu Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 上海市浦东新区锦绣路1001号

No. 31: Heping Fandian

Peace Hotel Museum or Heping Fandian Museum is the first museum in China built in the form of a hotel. The museum displays a number of "antique" items engraved with the words "华懋饭店", such as copper ice pot, copper key plate, copper thermos, copper ashtray, and the silver spoon, as well as calligraphy and paintings by famous artists. Due to its profound historical background, it has become the recording site of 33 films and TV plays. The South Building of Peace Hotel imitates the balanced apartment building of Renaissance, while the north building is the Gothic building of Chicago school.

Type: Points of Interest & Landmarks, Architectural Buildings

Opening Hours: 10:00-19:00

Address: 20 Nanjing East Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 上海市黄浦区南京东路20号

No. 32: Shanghai Maglev Museum

The predecessor of the Shanghai Maglev Museum is the Shanghai Maglev Science and Technology Exhibition Hall, which is a professional exhibition hall to show the maglev technology and the development history of the Shanghai maglev train. It officially opened on August 16, 2007, with an area of 1250 square meters. It is divided into five parts: the birth of maglev, Shanghai maglev line, maglev exploration, maglev advantages, and maglev prospects. There are many interactive projects for tourists to participate in. Tourists can visit the maglev train for free with maglev train tickets of the day.

Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00

Tickets: Free Entry with valid Maglev Train Ticket

Address: 2100 Longyang Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 上海市浦东新区龙阳路2100号

No. 33: M50 Creative Park

M50 is the abbreviation of No. 50 Moganshan Road. It is located in the peninsula area on the South Bank of Suzhou River. It is a creative park reconstructed from the original textile factory. Compared with other creative parks, the biggest feature here is the graffiti and free gallery exhibition along the street. You can see the artworks of abstract, realistic, watercolor, oil painting, and so on. Over the past few years, M50 has attracted more than 130 artists from 17 countries and regions including UK, France, Italy, Switzerland, Israel, Canada, Norway, and Hong Kong, etc. The presence of these artists and creative design institutions creates a strong cultural atmosphere along the Suzhou River.

Type: Civic Centers, Art Museums

Opening Hours: 10:00-21:00

Address: 50 Moganshan Road, Putuo District, Shanghai 上海市普陀区莫干山路50号

No. 34: Qibao Ancient Town

Qibao ancient town was built in the Northern Song Dynasty. It is only 5 kilometers away from the downtown area of Shanghai. It can be reached directly by metro line 9. Qibao ancient town is the nearest ancient town to Shanghai, which retains the characteristics of a water town in the metropolis and shows a new and simple cultural atmosphere. Qibao means seven treasures. It is said that there are seven treasures in the ancient town, namely, the Golden Sutra, the sacred tree, the flying Buddha, the golden rooster, the jade chopsticks, and the Jade axe. The area of the ancient town is small, with only a few streets in total. The main scenic spots are Qibao old street, Qibao pawnshop, Zhou's Micro carving hall, cricket cottage, etc. It is also a food street with all kinds of local snacks.

Type: Ancient Town, Points of Interest & Landmarks

Opening Hours: 9:00-18:00

Recommended Visiting Time: 1 - 3 hours

Address: Intersection of Qingnian Road and Hengli Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 上海市闵行区青年路与横沥路路口

No. 35: Xujiahui Catholic Church

Xujiahui Catholic Church is adjacent to the prosperous Xujiahuidistrict. It is the largest Catholic Church in Shanghai. The red brick walls and two towering bell towers make this medieval Gothic building with hundreds of years of history particularly eye-catching. The simple exterior modeling and gorgeous interior decoration carry a strong religious atmosphere. You can also feel the rare tranquility in the city. Every night, the church is particularly charming under external lighting.

Opening Hours: 9:00-16:00 Monday to Saturday; 14:00-16:00 on Sunday

Address: 158 Puxi Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 上海市徐汇区蒲西路158号

How to Plan a Shanghai Tour

How to Get to Shanghai: You can fly to Shanghai directly from Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, London, Los Angeles & many overseas countries (regions) and almost all major Chinese cities, like Beijing, Xian; or take high speed bullet train to Shanghai from domestic cities.

Best Time to Visit Shanghai: March to May (in spring) & September to November (in autumn), because these periods offer beautiful nature scenery and comfortable weather for outdoor sightseeing and activities.

Top Attractions to Visit in Shanghai: The Bund, Lujiazui Skyscrapers, Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum, Wukang Road, Shanghai Disney Resort…

Best known as an international popular tourist destination, Shanghai perfectly preserves mixed culture of the western and eastern. The duration and theme of your Shanghai tour can be flexibly arranged based on your time and interests. Usually, tourists spend 2 days on sightseeing the most famous landmarks, including the Bund , Yu Garden, skyscrapers like Shanghai Tower, World Financial Center, Wukang Road, Shanghai Museum, etc. With one extra day, you can enjoy family fun in Disneyland Park or visit Zhujiajiao Water Town in the suburb. Don't miss the Shanghai Maglev Train, wonderful nightlife and Shanghai Cuisine.

✔ 2 Days Classic Shanghai City Tour ✔ 3 Days Shanghai Past and Present Contrast Tour ✔ 3 Days Shanghai Highlights & Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour

Travel Shanghai with Hangzhou Suzhou, More Nearby Destinations

Convenient transportation makes it quite efficient and popular to make day trips from Shanghai to Hangzhou , Suzhou , and longer vacation in Huangshan Mountain , Nanjing, Mount Jiuhua and other places in surrounding areas. So you can visit West Lake and learn Chinese tea culture in Hangzhou, marvel at tasteful classical gardens and witness Chinese silk productive process. Splendid rocky mountains with exotic pine trees are highlights in Huangshan Mountain.

✔ 5 Days Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou Highlights Tour ✔ 6 Splendid East China Tour by Bullet Train ✔ 5 Days Shanghai Huangshan Tour by High Speed Train

Travel Shanghai with Beijing, Xian & More China Destinations

Beijing Xian Shanghai are golden triangle cities often visited together for a week holiday. You can use 3 days to visit the Great Wall and major iconic spots like Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven in Beijing, and leave 2 days for fulfilling your Terracotta Warriors tour in Xian. With more time, you can extend the trip from Shanghai to Zhangjiajie, Guilin, Chengdu, Yunnan, Silk Road, Tibet and more phenomenal destinations to enrich your China discovery. (more top China tours from Shanghai >> )

✔ 6 Days Beijing Shanghai Tour by High Speed Train ✔ 8 Days Best of China Tour (Beijing/Xian/Shanghai) ✔ 7 Days Shanghai Suzhou Beijing Contrast Tour by High Speed Train

Travel with China Discovery

As a leading travel agency in China which dedicates to offering high-quality China tours, China Discovery has helped thousands of travelers enjoy their trips to Shanghai, Beijing, Xian, etc., in China. Travel with us, you can enjoy worry-free tour services as well as well-organized itineraries, even our assistance of Chinese Visa application, convenient airport/train station pick-up & drop-off and transfer between all scenic spots, knowledgeable tour guide, safe & licensed private vehicle, satisfactory accommodation and dining and so on. You are free to choose from our most popular Shanghai tour packages or contact us to design a memorable holiday in Shanghai, China.

Recommended Shanghai Tour Packages

No matter how many days you plan to stay in Shanghai, there is always a tour suitable for you. Following are some best Shanghai tour packages covering most highlights in Shanghai. If you still have no idea where to start, you can design a tailor-made Shanghai trip with us.

2 Days Classic Shanghai City Tour

Highlights: The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai French Concession, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai World Financial Center

3 Days Beijing Essential Short Stay Tour

Highlights: The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum,Shanghai World Financial Center, Jade Buddha Temple

5 Days Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou Tour

Highlights: The Bund, Shanghai Museum, West Lake, Tea Village, Lingyin Temple, Lingering Garden, Silk Factory, Tongli Water Town

Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.

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Tarek Afif Bizri

Really enjoyed the trip. Loved the effort made to show us different parts of the wall every day. The last day was so rural, it felt very special. The lake ...

After years of stagnation, the great metropolis of Shanghai (上海, shànghăi) is undergoing one of the fastest economic expansions the world has ever seen. As Shanghai begins to recapture its position as East Asia’s leading business city, a status it last held before World War II, the skyline is filling with high-rises – there are well over a thousand now. Gleaming shopping malls, luxurious hotels and prestigious arts centres are rising alongside, while underneath everything snakes the world’s longest subway system. Shanghai’s 23 million residents enjoy the highest incomes on the mainland, and there’s plenty for them to splash out on; witness the rash of celebrity restaurants and designer flagship stores. In short, it’s a city with a swagger, bursting with nouveau-riche exuberance and élan. And yet, for all the modernization, Shanghai is still known in the West for its infamous role as the base of European imperialism in mainland China during the 1930s.

Brief history of Shanghai

Accommodation in shanghai, eating in shanghai, entertainment in shanghai, shopping in shanghai, central shanghai, north of suzhou creek, western shanghai, around shanghai, world financial centre, the shanghai museum.

Whichever side you were on, life in Shanghai then was rarely one of moderation. China’s most prosperous city, in large part European- and American-financed, Shanghai introduced Asia to electric light, boasted more cars than the rest of the country put together, and created for its rich citizens a world of European-style mansions, tree-lined boulevards, chic café society, horse-racing and exclusive gentlemen’s clubs. Alongside, and as much part of the legend, lay a city of singsong girls, warring gangsters and millions living in absolute poverty.

Then came the Japanese invasion, civil war and the communist victory. With their egalitarian, anti-Western stance, China’s new rulers despised everything that pre-war Shanghai had stood for and deliberately ran the city down, siphoning off its surplus to other parts of the country. Shanghai came to resemble a living museum, housing the largest array of Art Deco architecture in the world. Yet the Shanghainese never lost their ability to make waves for themselves. The present boom dates back to 1990, with the opening of the “New Bund” – the Special Economic Zone across the river in Pudong. Ever since, the city has enjoyed double digit growth, and if present plans for a new economic free trade zone come to pass, it will likely one day rival Hong Kong as Asia’s financial centre.

Yet old Shanghai has not disappeared. Most of the urban area was partitioned between foreign powers until 1949, and their former embassies, banks and official residences still give large sections of Shanghai an early twentieth-century European flavour. It’s still possible to make out the boundaries of what used to be the foreign concessions, with the bewildering tangle of alleyways of the old Chinese city at its heart. Only along the Huangpu waterfront, amid the stolid grandeur of the Bund, is there some sense of space – and here you feel the past more strongly than ever. It’s ironic that the relics of hated foreign imperialism are now protected as city monuments.

Shanghai does not brim with obvious attractions, however. Besides the Shanghai Museum, the Suzhou-reminiscent gardens of Yu Yuan, and the Huangpu River cruise, there are few tourist sights with broad appeal. But the place absolutely excels in all materialistic pleasures, so make sure you sample the fantastic restaurant and nightlife scenes, and budget some time for serious shopping. Perhaps the greatest fascination is in simply absorbing the splendour of a city so extravagantly on the up. Shanghai is also one of the few Chinese cities that rewards aimless wandering, and it’s fascinating to stroll the Bund, explore the pockets of colonial architecture in the former French Concession, or get lost in the old city’s alleys.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for China, created by local experts

8 days  / from 2208 USD

Sichuan Specialities: Chengdu, Temples and Pandas

Discover the Buddhist history and the natural wonders of Sichuan. From bustling Chengdu and its giant pandas, to the national parks and lake districts of Sichuan Province, to the giant Buddha statue at Leshan, this trip is perfect for those who want to discover this culturally rich part of China.

5 days  / from 838 USD

Family Time in Guilin and Yangshuo

This 5-day family trip is a magnificent opportunity to experience the beautiful outdoor settings of Guilin and Yangshuo. Walk, cycle and raft through awe-inspiring scenery, including dramatic limestone karst mountains, and learn about the everyday lives of the Zhuang and Yao ethnic groups.

8 days  / from 1962 USD

Sichuan Family Adventure

Sichuan is home to a rich and vibrant culture, stunning scenery and wildlife, and delicious cuisine. Spend time with Chengdu's giant pandas, trek around Mount Qingcheng, stand in awe of the world’s largest Buddha at Leshan, and much more, all with this exciting trip, which is perfect for families!

Located at the confluence of the Yangzi River, the Grand Canal and the Pacific Ocean, Shanghai served as a major commercial port from the Song dynasty, channelling the region’s extensive cotton crop to Beijing, the hinterland and Japan. By the Qing dynasty, vast mercantile guilds had established economic and, to some extent, political control of the city. In the words of East India Company representative Hugh Lindsay, “the city had become the principal emporium of Eastern Asia” by the 1840s.

The Concession Era

Following the Opium Wars, the British moved in under the Treaty of Nanking in 1842, to be rapidly followed by the French in 1847. These two powers set up the first foreign concessions in the city – the British along the Bund and the area to the north of the Chinese city, the French in an area to the southwest, on the site of a cathedral a French missionary had founded two centuries earlier. Later the Americans (in 1863) and the Japanese (in 1895) came to tack their own areas onto the British Concession, which expanded into the so-called International Settlement. Traders were allowed to live under their own national laws, policed by their own armed forces, in a series of privileged enclaves that were leased indefinitely. By 1900, the city’s favourable position, close to the main trade route to the major silk- and tea-producing regions, had allowed it to develop into a sizeable port and manufacturing centre. At this time, it was largely controlled by the “Green Gang”, the infamous Chinese crime syndicate founded in the 1700s by unemployed boatmen, which by the 1920s ran the city’s vast underworld. Businessmen and criminals who flouted the Green Gang’s strict code of behaviour were subject to “knee-capping” punishment – having every visible tendon severed with a fruit knife before being left to die on a busy pavement.

Shanghai’s cheap workforce was swollen during the Taiping Uprising by those who took shelter from the slaughter in the foreign settlements, and by peasants attracted to the city’s apparent prosperity. Here China’s first urban proletariat emerged, and the squalid living conditions, outbreaks of unemployment and glaring abuses of Chinese labour by foreign investors made Shanghai a natural breeding ground for revolutionary politics. The Chinese Communist Party was founded in the city in 1921, only to be driven underground by the notorious massacre of hundreds of strikers in 1927.

The Communist era

Inevitably, after the Communist takeover in 1949, the bright lights dimmed. The foreign community may have expected “business as usual”, but the new regime was determined that Shanghai should play its role in the radical reconstruction of China. The worst slums were knocked down to be replaced by apartments, the gangsters and prostitutes were taken away for “re-education”, and foreign capital was ruthlessly taxed if not confiscated outright (although Chiang Kai-shek did manage to spirit away the gold reserves of the Bank of China to Taiwan, leaving the city broke). For 35 years, Western influences were forcibly suppressed.

Even after 1949, the city remained a centre of radicalism – Mao, stifled by Beijing bureaucracy, launched his Cultural Revolution here in 1966. Certain Red Guards even proclaimed a Shanghai Commune, before the whole affair descended into wanton destruction and petty vindictiveness. After Mao’s death, Shanghai was the last stronghold of the Gang of Four in their struggle for the succession, though their planned coup never materialized.

Modern Shanghai

Shanghai’s fortunes rebounded during China’s opening up in the post-Mao era: many key modernizing officials in the central government came from the Shanghai area, and Jiang Zemin and Zhu Rongji were both former mayors of the city.

As well as an important power base for the ruling party, Shanghai has always been the most fashion-conscious and outward-looking city in China, its people the most highly skilled labour force in the country, and renowned for their quick wit and entrepreneurial skills. Many Shanghainese fled to Hong Kong after 1949 and oversaw the colony’s economic explosion, while a high proportion of Chinese successful in business elsewhere in the world emigrated from this area. Even during the Cultural Revolution, Western “excesses” like curled hair and holding hands in public survived in Shanghai. Despite the incomprehensibility of the local Shanghainese dialect to other Chinese, it has always been easier for visitors to communicate with the locals here than anywhere else in the country, because of the excellent level of English spoken and the familiarity with foreigners and foreignness.

Accommodation in Shanghai is plentiful, and in places extremely stylish, but prices are higher than elsewhere in China. The grand old-world hotels that form so integral a part of Shanghai’s history cost at least US$150 per night, and for comfort and elegance have been overtaken by new arrivals, such as the clutch of boutique hotels. If you want to be near the centre of the action, go for somewhere around Renmin Park or the Bund; there are options here for all budgets. For style and panache, head to the genteel former French Concession, where attractive mid-range hotels are close to upmarket dining and nightlife. For the latest in corporate chic, Pudong has the fanciest options, but the area is rather dull. If you’re simply looking for somewhere that’s good value and convenient, stay in the outskirts near a subway station.

Food in Shanghai is fantastic; though there is fairly little in the way of cheap street food, most forms of international and Chinese cuisine are widely available and there are plenty of stylish and classy restaurants. It’s hard to believe that up until the early 1990s, simply getting a table in Shanghai was a cut-throat business. Compared to, for example, Sichuan or Cantonese, Shanghai cuisine is not particularly well known or popular among foreigners. Most of the cooking is done with added ginger, sugar and Shaoxing wine, but without heavy spicing. There are some interesting dishes, especially if you enjoy exotic seafood. Fish and shrimp are considered basic to any respectable meal, and eels and crab may appear as well. In season (Oct–Dec), you may get the chance to try dazha crab, the most expensive and, supposedly, the most delicious. Inexpensive snack food is easily available in almost any part of the city at any time of night or day – try xiao long bao, a local dumpling speciality.

Most visitors take in an acrobatics show, but equally worthy of note are the flourishing contemporary art and music scenes. The Shanghai Arts Festival (www.artsbird.com) is held from mid-October to mid-November – though you’d be forgiven for not noticing it – when the city receives a lot of visiting shows. For listings of big cultural spectaculars such as visiting ballet troupes, check the China Daily, but for the lowdown on punk gigs, underground art shows and the like, get an up-to-date expat magazine such as cityweekend, or check smartshanghai.com. The simplest way to buy tickets is at the box office before the show starts, or a few days earlier if there’s any danger that it will sell out. You can also buy tickets from the booking centre behind the Westgate Mall on Nanjing Xi Lu. The contemporary art scene can be conveniently checked out at the Moganshan Art District. The Shanghai Biennale, held in venues all over town, is held on even-numbered years.

Celluloid Shanghai

China’s first movie studios were in Shanghai, in the 1930s, and you can see old classics such as Sister Flower and The Goddess – both surprisingly hard-hitting naturalistic tragedies – at the Old Film Café. The old studios that produced these movies might have gone-but, increasingly, you can find Shanghai depicted on film, most successfully in Lou Ye’s tragic love story Suzhou Creek (2002). The best of many concession-era “lipstick and qipao” films is Shanghai Triad (1995). The brutal end to those days is shown in Steven Spielberg’s decent adaptation of J.G. Ballard’s classic novel, Empire of the Sun (1987). Shanghai is successfully made to look like a city of the future in the neat and twisty sci-fi thriller, Looper (2012).

The shopping is great in Shanghai, and it’s a rare visitor who doesn’t end up having to buy another bag to keep all their new goodies in. The Shanghainese love luxury goods, and it’s not uncommon to find young women spending several months’ salary on a handbag, but all those glitzy brand names that give the streets such a lot of their shine are not good value; high-end goods and international brands are generally twenty percent more expensive than they would be in the West. Ignore them, and instead plunge into the fascinating world of the backstreet boutiques and markets.

Made to measure

Getting tailored clothes is a recommended Shanghai experience, as it will cost so much less than at home and the artisans are skilled (provided you’re clear about exactly what you’re after) and quick. At the textile market in the Old City, near Liushui Lu at 399 Lujiabang Lu (南外滩轻纺面料市场, nánwàitān qīngfǎng miànliào shìchǎng; daily 10am–7pm), on-site tailors will make you a suit for around ¥500, including material (you’ll have to barter a bit), which will take a couple of days; a shirt should be around ¥150. It’s all a bit hit and miss, but Jennifer at Unit 237, Andy at 295 and Xia at 326 are all considered a good bet.

If you’re looking for a more sedate experience, or a tailored qipao, your best bet is to head to one of the dozen or so specialist tailors on Maoming Nan Lu, just south of Huaihai Lu. Three shirts in one of these stores should come to around ¥800, a suit will be around twice that.

A good place to get your bearings in Central Shanghai is at the Bund, on the west bank of the Huangpu River. To the north, across Suzhou Creek, is the area of the old Japanese Concession; while east over the Huangpu is Pudong, and the city’s most conspicuous architectural landmarks. Nanjing Lu, one of China’s busiest shopping streets, runs west from the Bund, to Renmin Park in the centre of the city, where you’ll find the excellent Shanghai Museum. South and west of the Bund, you’ll find the oval-shaped area corresponding to the Old City, the longest continuously inhabited part of Shanghai, with the Yu Yuan – a fully restored classical Chinese garden – and bazaars at its heart. To the southwest of here lies the marvellous former French Concession, with its cosmopolitan cooking traditions, chic European-style housing and revolutionary relics. The energetic eating and nightlife centre of Shanghai, Huaihai Lu, serves as the area’s main artery. Central Shanghai is pleasingly compact, and it’s not hard to find your way around on foot – though you’ll certainly need to use the subway or taxis to cross from one quarter to the next. Be aware that, with so many tourists about to prey on, this is a particularly bad area of the city for scams.

Shanghai’s original signature skyline is the Bund, a strip of grand Neoclassical colonial edifices on the west bank of the Huangpu River, facing the flashy skyscrapers of Pudong on the opposite shore – a backdrop domestic visitors queue up against to have their picture taken. Named after an old Anglo-Indian term, “bunding” (the embanking of a muddy foreshore), the Bund’s official name is Zhongshan Lu, but it’s better known among locals as Wai Tan (literally “Outside Beach”). By whatever name, this was old Shanghai’s commercial heart, with the river on one side, the offices of the leading banks and trading houses on the other. During Shanghai’s riotous heyday it was also a hectic working harbour, where anything from tiny sailing junks to ocean-going freighters unloaded under the watch of British – and later American and Japanese – warships. Everything arrived here, from silk and tea to heavy industrial machinery. Amid it all, wealthy foreigners disembarked to pick their way to one of the grand hotels through crowds of beggars, hawkers, black marketeers, shoeshine boys, overladen coolies and even funeral parties – Chinese too poor to pay for the burial of relatives would launch the bodies into the river in boxes decked in paper flowers.

Great British drug dealers

Jardine Matheson, founded by William Jardine – the man who did more than any other individual to precipitate the Opium Wars and open Shanghai up to foreign trade – was the first foreign concern to buy land in Shanghai. Their former base (they lost all of their holdings in China after 1949), just north of the Peace Hotel, is now occupied by the China Textiles Export Corporation.

The wealth of the Sassoon family, too, was built on opium, but by the early years of the last century, the family fortune had mostly been sunk into Shanghai real estate, including the Cathay (originally known as Sassoon House). The flamboyant Victor Sassoon lived long enough to see his hotel virtually destroyed by the Japanese, including his rooftop private apartment, with 360-degree views and dark oak panelling (it has recently been restored), but also long enough to get most of his money away to the Bahamas.

Huangpu river tours

One highlight of a visit to Shanghai, and the easiest way to view the edifices of the Bund, is to take one of the Huangpu River tours (黄浦江旅游, huángpŭ jiāng lǚyóu). On the tour, you’re introduced to the vast amount of shipping that uses the port, and you’ll also be able to inspect all the paraphernalia of the shipping industry, from sampans and rusty old Panamanian-registered freighters to sparkling Chinese navy vessels. You’ll also get an idea of the colossal construction that is taking place on the eastern shore. Evening cruises offer spectacular views, as Shanghai is lit up like a pinball machine at night.

Cruises leave from Shiliupu Wharf at the south end of the Bund, opposite Jinling Dong Lu at 171 Zhongshan Nan Lu. You can buy tickets at the wharf or at the Bund Tourist Information Centre, beside the entrance to the Bund Tourist Tunnel. You can also book direct with one of the many cruise operators. You can book tickets a few days in advance over the phone and they will deliver to your hotel.

Departure times vary depending on season and weather. Ninety-minute long cruises (¥128) depart at least twice an hour daily between 11am and 9.30pm. Hour-long cruises (¥100) are rarer, usually hourly, and there is one daily three-hour cruise (¥150) at 2pm, which goes all the way to the mouth of the Yangzi and back. Cruises that include a buffet dinner run between 7pm and 9pm (¥200).

It is also possible to take half-hour cruises from Pudong. These leave from the Pearl Dock, every half hour between 10am and 1.30pm (¥100).

Turning right from the end of Sinan Lu onto Taikang Lu (泰康路, tàikāng lù) will bring you to the latest fashionably artsy shopping and lunching quarter, Tianzifang. The unassuming entrance, an arch over alley 210 on the north side of the road, leads onto Taikang Art Street, a narrow north–south alleyway off which you’ll find an expanding web of alleys filling up with trendy boutiques, coffee shops, handmade jewellery stores, art galleries and restaurants, all housed in converted shikumen houses. At its northern end, Tianzifang exits onto Sinan Lu, but don’t even try to come in from there – the entrance is really tough to find.

Inevitably, Tianzifang gets compared with Xintiandi; but whereas the architecture there is modern pastiche, this is a set of real, warts-and-all longtangs, with the result that it’s quainter, shabbier, more charming. If you’re looking for an artsy knick- knack or accessory, quirky souvenir, tasteful homeware or a designer original, this is the place to come, though try to visit on a weekday as the narrow lanes get very crowded at weekends. For a coffee stop, central Kommune is a local institution.

A classical Chinese garden featuring pools, walkways, bridges and rockeries, the Yu Yuan was created in the sixteenth century by a high official in the imperial court in honour of his father. The Yu Yuan is less impressive than the gardens of nearby Suzhou, but given that it predates the relics of the International Settlement by some three hundred years, the Shanghainese are understandably proud of it. Despite fluctuating fortunes, the garden has surprisingly survived the passage of the centuries. It was spared from its greatest crisis – the Cultural Revolution – apparently because the anti-imperialist “Little Sword Society” had used it as their headquarters in 1853 during the Taiping Uprising.

North across the Waibaidu Bridge from the Bund, you enter an area that, before the war, was the Japanese quarter of the International Settlement. The area immediately north of the bridge is tipped for a big renovation – you’ll see some flashy new buildings, such as the bulbous International Cruise Terminal, and many more are planned. For the moment, the obvious interest lies further north, in the Lu Xun Park area (also known as Hongkou Park) and its monuments to the political novelist Lu Xun, although the whole district is lively and architecturally interesting.

Due west from the city centre there is less to see, with a sprinkling of widely scattered sights, much too far apart to walk between. Moganshan Art District is worth a visit to experience the commercial side of China’s modern art movements; while the Longhua and Yufo temples are two of Shanghai’s most important surviving religious sites.

Moganshan Art District

Moganshan Arts District (or M50) is a complex of studios and galleries located in an old textile mill beside Suzhou Creek, just west of Shanghai train station. Attracted by cheap rents, artists took over the abandoned buildings in the 1990s and used them as studios; then the art galleries moved in, and now the design studios, cafés and arty shops are arriving. It’s an intriguing mix of shabby and sophisticated, jumbling together paint-spattered artists, pretentious fashionistas and baffled locals. Recently a glut of lame commercial galleries have opened, but there are enough good ones left, including those listed here. Many of the galleries are closed on Mondays, and there’s a map on the wall to the right of the entrance. When you’re arted out, have a coffee at the nearby Bandu café.

Moganshan’s galleries

New galleries tend to show insipid copies of the works of famous artists. Here are some established and worthwhile venues.

Buildings 16 and 18 (daily 10am–6pm; 021 63593923, shanghartgallery.com). One of the first galleries in China to show work by modern Chinese artists, now with a stable of more than forty and a reputation for exciting work.

Island 6 Art Centre

Building 6, first floor (daily 10am–7pm; 021 62277856, island6.org). This collective prides itself on its technological nous, and puts together lively multi-media shows.

Second floor, 97 Moganshan Lu (Tues–Sun 10am–6pm; 021 62661597, m97gallery.com). The best photography gallery in the area – it’s over the road from the main M50 complex, but worth seeking out.

Room 207, building 4 (Tues–Sun 11am–6pm; 021 54667768, ovgallery.com). Themed shows from up-and-coming artists, mostly Chinese.

Shanghai Municipality covers approximately two thousand square kilometres, comprising ten counties and extending far beyond the limits of the city itself. Very little of this huge area is ever visited by foreigners, though there are a couple of interesting sights – notably the attractive water towns, very popular with domestic tourists – which make enjoyable excursions from downtown Shanghai.

Historically, Pudong (浦东, pŭdōng) – the district opposite the Bund on the east bank of the river – was known as the “wrong side of the Huangpu”; before 1949, the area was characterized by unemployed migrants, prostitution, murders and the most appalling living conditions in the city. It was here that bankrupt gamblers would “tiao huangpu”, commit suicide by drowning themselves in the river. Shanghai’s top gangster, Du Yuesheng, more commonly known as “Big-eared Du”, learned his trade growing up in this rough section of town. In 1990, however, fifteen years after China’s economic reforms started, it was finally decided to grant the status of Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to this large tract of mainly agricultural land, a decision which, more than any other, is now fuelling Shanghai’s rocket-like economic advance. The skyline has since been completely transformed from a stream of rice paddies into a sea of cranes, and ultimately a maze of skyscrapers that seemingly stretches east as far as the eye can see.

The best views of the city are from the observation deck at the top of the 492m Shanghai World Financial Centre, China’s tallest building (at least until the neighbouring Shanghai Tower is complete). In contrast to nearby Jinmao Tower, its lines are simple: it’s just a tapering slab whose most distinctive feature is the hole in the top, and locals call it “the bottle opener”. That hole was originally meant to be circular, but was redesigned as an oblong when the mayor complained that it would look like a Japanese flag hovering over the city.

The entrance and ticket office is in the southwest side. The top level – the top bar of the bottle opener – features hardened glass tiles in the floor that allow you to look right down between your feet. Landmarks are pointed out in the booklet that comes with your ticket, and you can get a photo printed for ¥50. The view is at least as impressive at night.

The unmistakeable pot-shaped Shanghai Museum is one of the city’s highlights, with a fantastic, well-presented collection. On the ground floor, the gallery of ancient bronzes holds cooking vessels, containers and weapons, many covered with intricate geometrical designs that reference animal shapes – check out the cowrie container from the Western Han dynasty, with handles shaped like stalking tigers. Most of the exhibits in the sculpture gallery next door are of religious figures – boggle-eyed temple guardians, serene Buddhas and the like, including a row of huge, fearsome Tang-dynasty heads. Tang-dynasty figurines again steal the show in the first-floor ceramics gallery, in the form of multicoloured ferocious-looking beasties placed to guard tombs.

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written by Andy Turner

updated 26.04.2021

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