A Quick Glance at Shanghai
Shanghai has always been a city shaped by foreign influences. From being one of the first Chinese cities to open its doors to international trade, it grew into the bustling “Paris of the East,” where cultures from around the world blend together. The old Western-style architecture on the Bund contrasts beautifully with the sleek skyscrapers in Pudong. You’ll hear hymns echoing from the Xujiahui Cathedral and smell incense drifting from Jing’an Temple. Under old archways, you’ll find elderly folks playing mahjong, while kids play soccer in the narrow alleys. In small neighborhood theaters, you can catch traditional Shanghai opera and comedy performances, while in the grand theaters, you’ll find symphonies and ballet. The local dishes at old-school restaurants, dim sum at Xinghualou, and French cuisine at the Red House offer a taste of the city’s diverse culinary scene. Whether you’re sipping tea in an old teahouse on Shanghai Old Street or grabbing drinks at a bar on Hengshan Road, the mix of Eastern and Western flavors makes Shanghai a city like no other.
Nanjing Road and the Bund are iconic landmarks of both Shanghai and its commercial scene—bustling by day and even more lively at night. People’s Square is right in the heart of the city, offering easy access to any of Shanghai’s major attractions. Huaihai Road and Xujiahui are two of Shanghai’s most notable areas. The former is known as the most beautiful, modern, and stylish street in Shanghai, while the latter is a diverse shopping hub, somewhat like Beijing’s Zhongguancun.
Then there’s Pudong New District, a futuristic area that represents the cutting-edge side of Shanghai.
My Impression:
Shanghai is a city that’s both open-minded and conservative. Walking through the Shikumen, with their stories etched into every brick, you can hear the soft, lilting tones of the Shanghainese dialect alongside the chatter of foreign languages. It’s like sipping a cocktail that mixes Chinese huangjiu with a margarita—unexpected but intriguing. Or, it’s like a mixed-race beauty elegantly walking towards you, dressed in a peacock-blue cheongsam embroidered with red peonies.
Special Recommendations
Shanghai Alleys (Longtang)
In Beijing, the streets are laid out in a neat, grid-like fashion. When people give directions, they’ll tell you to head north or east, showing off the city’s grand, straightforward vibe. But Shanghai? It’s different. You never know when a sharp turn will lead you down a narrow, winding lane, especially in the alleys known as longtang. These alleys are like the inner workings of a Shanghainese heart—twisting, turning, full of subtlety. The story of Shanghai, in many ways, is the story of its longtang.
Bengbang Cuisine (Local Shanghainese Food)
Shanghainese food is known for its mix of flavors. You’ve got the lighter, sweeter dishes, and then there’s the rich, heavier dishes cooked with soy sauce and oil, like lion’s head meatballs, braised pork, stuffed gluten (you mian jin), and salted pork soup with tofu skins. While these dishes are delicious, what really steals the show in Shanghai are the snacks. You’ve got to try the “Three Must-Haves”: soup dumplings (tangbao), tofu skins (baiye), and stuffed gluten (you mian jin). But if there’s one snack that’s practically a legend, it’s the shengjianbao—pan-fried pork buns.
Haipai Qingkou
Created by Zhou Libo, Haipai Qingkou has risen to a level where it stands alongside the likes of xiangsheng (comic dialogue) represented by Guo Degang, and the er’renzhuan (a form of comedy and song performance) of Zhao Benshan. Haipai represents Shanghai’s unique blend of East and West, while qing stands for the pursuit of excellence, truth, and honesty, and kou refers to speech. It’s a solo performance style, similar to a stand-up monologue, where Zhou uses humor to comment on current events and social issues, all while celebrating the simple joys of life.
The Bund: Best in the Morning and Evening
The real charm of the Bund isn’t just in its diverse architectural styles—it’s what happens in the early morning and late evening that truly captures its essence. Head over around 6 or 7 a.m., and you’ll find people practicing Tai Chi, some even wielding swords. It’s like the entire city of Shanghai is just waking up. As for the evening, the Bund comes alive with a stunning night view. The blend of modern and historic lights up the skyline, while the occasional honk from a cruise ship on the Huangpu River adds to the experience. For many, this is their first and lasting impression of Shanghai. Sure, it might sound a bit cliché, but you haven’t really been to Shanghai until you’ve felt it for yourself.
Sycamores and Old Western-Style Houses
One of the most unique charms of old Shanghai can be found on a quiet street, especially on a warm afternoon. Picture this: a street lined with towering sycamore trees, their leaves forming a green canopy overhead, with old Western-style villas scattered throughout. In this fast-paced, global city, these streets hold onto the original, authentic flavor of Shanghai. Whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll or hopping on a bike, it’s the perfect way to soak it all in.
Where to Experience This:
Shanghai’s old Western-style villas are mostly found in four central districts: Xuhui, Changning, Huangpu, and Jing’an. The streets most famous for these homes are Fenyang Road, Yuyuan Road, Wukang Road, Hunan Road, Sinan Road, Changle Road, Huashan Road, Xingguo Road, and Maoming Road. Two standout examples are the Moller Villa and Zhou Mansion, which are must-see landmarks.
Jin Mao Tower 88th Floor Observation Deck
Jin Mao Tower used to be the tallest building in Shanghai and remains a landmark. It houses offices, restaurants, and a hotel, offering a full range of services. The 88th-floor observation deck, surrounded by glass walls, provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the urban scenery along both sides of the Huangpu River and even the Yangtze River estuary in the distance. From up here, you can also look down at the atrium of the Grand Hyatt Shanghai, which the architect famously called a “time tunnel.” Two high-speed elevators, running at 9.1 meters per second, will whisk you to the top in just 45 seconds, earning them the nickname “time machines.”
Sky Post Office:
On the observation deck, there’s also the highest post office in China. Sending a postcard from here to a friend or even to yourself makes for a unique gift.
How to Relax:
On the 87th floor, you can enjoy a cup of coffee at the lounge, sitting by the window to take in the view while receiving six-star hotel service.
Address:
88 Century Avenue, Pudong New District, Shanghai
Price: ¥120 for adults, ¥50 for children. Students with valid ID can enjoy a discounted rate of ¥90. Children between 0.8m and 1.3m in height: ¥60. Undergraduate students and below: ¥90. Seniors over 70 with ID: ¥100. Children under 0.8m, retired officials, and active military personnel with valid ID get free entry.
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Phone: 021-50475101
Transportation:
Take Metro Line 2, exit at Exit 6 or 3. Bus lines 81, 82, 85, 795, 996, 971, 774, 961, 583, 798, 799, 870, 871, 872 all stop at Lujiazui. Tunnel bus lines 3, 4, 5, and 6 are also available.
Recommended Duration: 1 hour
Shanghai World Financial Center
The Shanghai World Financial Center boasts 100 floors and features the Sky Walk, currently the highest observation deck in the world, surpassing the CN Tower in Canada, which once held the title. Walking at an elevation of 474 meters is like strolling among the clouds. From this height, you get a sweeping view of both sides of the Huangpu River. You can look straight across to the top of the Oriental Pearl Tower, and it almost feels like the roof of the Jin Mao Tower is right beneath your feet. The glass ceiling on the 97th-floor sky bridge can open, allowing visitors to look straight up at the blue sky and clouds, creating a true “oneness with the sky” experience when weather permits.
Address:
100 Century Avenue, Pudong New District, Shanghai
Price:
- Regular tickets (floors 100+97+94): ¥150
- Floor 94 only: ¥120
- Discounted tickets for seniors over 60, students under 23, and retired officials: ¥100/¥80
- Children under 140cm and those visiting on their birthday: free entry
Opening Hours:
8:00 AM – 11:00 PM (last entry at 10:00 PM)
Transportation:
Buses 01, 81, 82, 86, 96, 119, 583, 607, 630, 792, 798, 818, 971, 985, 992, 996, Tunnel lines 3, 4, 6, Hunan line, or Metro Line 2 to Lujiazui Station.
Recommended Duration: 1 hour
Qibao Ancient Town
Qibao Ancient Town, located in the Jiangnan region near Taihu Lake, is a picturesque, thousand-year-old town. It’s a typical “town within a city” and is the closest ancient town to downtown Shanghai. The main street of Qibao is lined with traditional architecture and filled with a variety of unique local snacks.
Local Specialties:
Some of the famous local treats include Baofang Cake, Qinglong Dumplings, Stuffed Tofu Pouches, Qibao Golden Melon, Qibao Daqv Liquor, and White-Stemmed Taro with Plum Sauce.
Accommodation:
Inside the scenic area, there’s a guesthouse called Zhifeng Inn, and just outside the area, there are several 2-star and 3-star hotels.
Address:
Fuqiang Street, Qibao Town, Minhang District (between Qixin Road and Xinzhen Road)
Entry Fee: Free. Scenic spots within the town have a combined ticket for ¥30, while individual spots range from ¥5-10.
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Transportation:
Bus lines 937, 748, 92, or take Metro Line 9, Exit 2, for direct access. It’s a 10-minute drive from Xinzhuang Station on Metro Line 1, and a 20-minute drive from Caobao Road Metro Station. You can also take buses 803, 513, 87, 91, 92, 92B, or the Xinnorth Line (get off at Fuqiang Street), or ride the Tourism Line 1 (from Shanghai Tourist Distribution Center). Metro Line 9 stops at Qibao Station, and from there, it’s a 10-15 minute walk to the town.
Personal Impression:
The streets are lined with imitation ancient buildings, and the products sold are more mainstream, available all over China. But there’s one hidden gem that pleasantly surprised us—the Zhang Chongren Memorial Hall! It’s a small two-story house, free to enter, and no photos are allowed. It’s also a patriotic education site for Chinese citizens. When we visited, it was nearly empty—just the two of us. Zhang’s mastery of sculpture is impressive, but I found myself more drawn to his watercolor paintings. His life was extraordinary and legendary, leaving us to wonder, why were people of that era so remarkable?
Accommodation Recommendations
As China’s largest city, Shanghai offers a wide range of hotels and lodgings at various price points. Hotels and guesthouses are scattered throughout the city, covering all major business districts, tourist attractions, and even residential areas. If your main sightseeing spots are concentrated in a particular area, it’s most convenient to find accommodation nearby. Hotels near transportation hubs may have slightly higher rates, but they can save you money on transport and precious time.
Traditional business centers like Huangpu, Jing’an, Nanshi, and Hongkou districts offer plenty of hotel options, while Pudong New District, Changning, and Xuhui districts are part of the city’s emerging business scene. Shanghai boasts countless four- and five-star, even ultra-luxury hotels, most of which are located in the city’s busiest commercial areas, forming three major hotel clusters: Jing’an, Hongqiao, and Pudong. Prices for high-end hotels range from ¥600 to several thousand per night. These hotels maintain top-notch management and service quality, often considered world-class, making them ideal for business travelers. Some well-known examples include The Westin Bund Center.
Shanghai is also home to a wide selection of budget-friendly chain hotels, which can be found in almost any neighborhood. Popular brands include Starway, Home Inn, Hanting, Motel 168, Jinjiang Inn, and 7 Days Inn. Prices for these chains are reasonable, usually ranging from ¥300 to ¥800 per night. While they don’t offer the luxury of higher-end hotels, they provide comfort and safety that often surpass similarly priced guesthouses.
For young backpackers and budget travelers, price is often the top priority. Youth hostels, job-seeker lodges, university guesthouses, and short-term rentals are good options. A bed in a hostel generally costs around ¥80 to ¥120, while a standard room is about ¥200 to ¥300. Most of these places are conveniently located in terms of public transport.
Shanghai Cuisine
Shanghai is a city that embraces flavors from all over the world. Not only can you find almost every Chinese cuisine here, but international flavors from across the globe are also easy to come by. However, the local Benbang cuisine, which blends both Eastern and Western influences with a unique twist, is a must-try for anyone visiting the city. Shanghai’s local fast food options are both affordable and incredibly satisfying.
When talking about food in Shanghai, it’s impossible not to mention the city’s traditional dining culture. The essence of Shanghai’s culinary tradition can be summed up in one word: “refined.” Everything, from the dining environment to the utensils, from the ingredients to the cooking techniques, is meticulously selected and prepared. The most iconic example of this attention to detail is the preparation of Hairy Crab (Da Zha Xie), a seasonal delicacy that perfectly captures Shanghai’s dedication to culinary excellence.
Best Time to Visit
As a global metropolis, Shanghai doesn’t have strict seasonal restrictions for travel. However, spring (March to May) is particularly beautiful, with the blooming of plum blossoms in Qingpu, rapeseed flowers in Fengxian, peach blossoms in Pudong, and bamboo shoots in Songjiang. In autumn (September to November), it’s the best time to savor Hairy Crab. As the saying goes, “When the autumn wind blows, the crabs start to itch.” At this time, the crabs are rich in roe, have thick meat, and are simply mouthwatering.
Clothing Guide
In July and August, Shanghai experiences high temperatures and high humidity, making it unsuitable for outdoor activities. The winter months of January and February are the coldest in Shanghai, so it’s important to dress warmly. June and July are also part of the plum rain season, so make sure to carry an umbrella when you go out.
