Why Visit Shanghai?
Shanghai is China's largest city and its financial and commercial capital, built on a striking contrast: the colonial-era Bund, a mile of early-20th-century banks and trading houses, faces off across the Huangpu River against Pudong's cluster of supertall skyscrapers, including the 632-meter Shanghai Tower. Between the two you'll find one of Asia's best food scenes, a genuinely walkable French Concession full of plane trees and boutique cafés, and some of the most efficient public transport of any megacity on Earth.
It's also an easy base for day trips — the ancient canal town of Zhujiajiao and the classical gardens of Suzhou are both under an hour away by high-speed train, making Shanghai a natural hub for exploring the wider Jiangnan region.
Getting Around Shanghai
Shanghai's metro is the longest system in the world by route length, covers nearly the entire city, and is cheap, clean and easy to navigate with English signage throughout. Didi (China's equivalent of Uber) is the standard ride-hailing app and works well for trips the metro doesn't cover directly. From Pudong Airport, the Maglev train covers the 30km into the city in about 8 minutes, reaching speeds over 400km/h — worth riding at least once purely for the novelty.
Download a translation app and a VPN before you arrive — many Western apps and sites (including Google Maps, Gmail and social media) aren't accessible in mainland China without one.
Top Attractions
The Bund
Shanghai's historic waterfront promenade, lined with colonial-era banks and facing the futuristic Pudong skyline across the river.
Yu Garden
A Ming Dynasty classical garden and surrounding bazaar, the best-preserved slice of old Shanghai in the city center.
Pudong Skyline
China's tallest skyscraper cluster, anchored by the Shanghai Tower, with observation decks looking back at the Bund.
Where to Stay in Shanghai
| Area | Best For | Avg. Price/Night |
|---|---|---|
| The Bund / People's Square | First-time visitors, sightseeing, iconic skyline views | $40–$300 |
| Jing'an | Upscale shopping, business travelers, metro connectivity | $50–$250 |
| French Concession | Leafy streets, boutique hotels, café and bar culture | $35–$180 |
| Pudong | Skyscraper views, business district, close to Disneyland | $50–$300 |
What to Eat in Shanghai
Xiaolongbao
Thin-skinned soup dumplings filled with pork and a burst of hot broth, Shanghai's most famous dish.
Shengjianbao
Pan-fried pork buns with a crisp fried base and soft steamed top, a classic Shanghai breakfast.
Hongshao Rou
Slow-braised pork belly in a sweet, glossy soy-and-sugar glaze, a Shanghainese home-cooking staple.
Skip the picture-menu restaurants directly on the main tourist bazaars — the best xiaolongbao and shengjianbao are usually at unglamorous stalls with a line of local customers, not the ones with English signage out front.
Travel Budget
| Travel Style | Daily Budget | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | $35–$55 | Hostel dorm, metro rides, street food and casual restaurants |
| Mid-Range | $80–$160 | 4-star hotel, restaurant meals, one observation deck or attraction ticket |
| Luxury | $300+ | 5-star hotel, fine dining, private drivers |
Skip the priciest Pudong observation deck and get the same skyline view for free from the Riverside Avenue promenade, or pay for the noticeably cheaper Jin Mao Tower deck instead.
