What to See in Shanghai?

As soon as somebody mentions Shanghai, these words may appear in your mind: prosperous, multicultural, modernized, fashionable, luxury goods, and interesting. Why is Shanghai so charming, and what to see in Shanghai?

Unlike Beijing or Xi'an, Shanghai can't boast about its long history or splendid attractions. However, this cosmopolitan city has a perfect blend of traditional Chinese culture and colonial legacy. It's also an unbelievable city that has undergone a fast economic expansion and has become China's biggest city. In the daytime, it is a prosperous city that attracts worldwide businessmen to trade. When night descends, this city is decorated with numerous colorful lights and you can always feel the prosperous pulse of Shanghai.

Top Reasons to Visit Shanghai

• Shanghai is China's most prosperous city and you can experience the most modernized area of China.
• Experience a unique fusion of traditional Chinese culture and colonial legacy, modern and ancient, East and West.
• Explore the legacy of the colonial period in the 1800s. Shanghai is a living museum that displays its colonial history.
• Admire one of the most colorful and beautiful night sceneries in China. Colorful lights will brighten your heart and become an unforgettable part of your trip.

Top 5 Things to Do in Shanghai

• Roaming around Cheng Huang Temple, exploring the local people's lifestyle, and experiencing the most authentic view of Shanghai from a special angle.
• Seeking Shanghai's past, present, and future by visiting the Bund. There are 52 buildings in different styles, which reveal Shanghai's unique and charming stories to you.
• Taking a stroll in Shanghai's alleys. Like Beijing's hutongs, Shanghai's alleys are typical representatives of the local lifestyle. Shanghai is a lively city, and the alleys display the authentic daily lifestyle.
• Tasting delicious local foods from famous snacks to grand feasts, including pan-fried buns, small steamed buns, and sweet and sour fillets.
• Walking in the ancient streets of the French Concession and touching the remnants from history. They not only reflect the times and geographical cultural characteristics, but also show the profound traditional Chinese arts.

Top Hot Attractions of Shanghai

The Bund

There is a popular saying: "The story of the Bund is the story of Shanghai". It is not only the most recognizable symbol of Shanghai, but is also a living museum of the colonial history. Take a cruise to admire the beautiful scenery along the Bund. Admire the Bund and you will learn more about Shanghai — all of its stories are revealed there.

Yuyuan

This pearl to the south of the Yangtze River is regarded as an "urban forest". Unlike the prosperous Bund, Yuyuan is a scarce example of traditional Chinese-style architecture in Shanghai. Like other Chinese-style gardens, Yuyuan contains pavilions, man-made ponds, rockeries, and numerous trees. It's a paradise for the Shanghainese to flee from urban life and relax on the weekends.

Oriental Pearl TV Tower

The Oriental Pearl TV Tower consists of nine "balls", and there is a romantic revolving restaurant in the middle of it. This 468-meters-tall tower was the tallest building in China between 1994 and 2007. It offers visitors a good angle from which to overlook the entire city. When the weather is good, you can even see Chongming Island and Sheshan Hill.

Zhujiajiao Water Town

It is located in Qingpu District and is 50 kilometers away from the Bund. This ancient water town has a history of over 1,700 years, displaying preserved ancient bridges and offering boat rides. Zhujiajiao Water Town is filled with traditional Chinese-style residences and attracts visitors from across the globe every day to experience the authentic atmosphere.

Cheng Huang Temple

Compared with Pudong New Area, Cheng Huang Temple is a typical place that fully displays traditional Chinese architectural beauty and the charm of olden-day Shanghai. Roam around the City God Temple and explore an authentic part of Shanghai. Taste some delicious local snacks and experience the traditional Chinese culture. This is the most special trip experience you can have of Shanghai.

Travel Tips

• Chinese: 上海 (Shànghăi)
• Location: It is located in the middle of China's east coast, adjacent to Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces.
• Status: China's most prosperous city
• Features: modernized, business center, a colonial city in the 1800s, multicultural
• Best times: March to May, September to November
• Duration: 3–5 days

Top Recommended Foods

• Pan-fried bun stuffed with pork: It is the most famous Shanghai snack with a history of over 100 years. The bun is fried to a golden color, the inside is filled with pork, and the outside is covered in sesame seeds. "Xiaoyangshengjian" is a famous shop for selling these delicious pan-fried buns in Shanghai.
• Steamed buns: Compared with pan-fried buns, steamed buns are milder and fresher. They're also a traditional local dish. Nanxiang steamed bun shops are well-known in Shanghai.
• Shanghai wonton: Unlike wontons found in other cities, Shanghai wontons are only filled with meat. However, they are not greasy and you will like them.
• Pork chop with rice cake: It is a cheap and special local snack with a history of 50 years. There are two popular shops in Shanghai where you can find this dish: "Xiaochangzhou" and "Xiandelai".
• Stewed duck in soy sauce: It is a well-known dish that is known to every household in Shanghai. The skin of the duck is red, the meat is fresh, and it fully encompasses the features of Shanghai cuisine.

More information about Shanghai's food: Shanghai Chinese Food and Recommended Shanghai Restaurants

Transportation

• Subway: Taking the subway is the most convenient mode of transportation. You can easily escape difficulties, such as traffic jams and getting lost. Travelers can pay 18 yuan for a 1-day card or 45 yuan for a 3-day card without restrictions.

• Bus: The public transportation system in Shanghai is exceptional, and it is divided into conventional routes (covering the suburbs), dedicated lines, and tourist routes. You can take a bus for just 2 yuan, and the buses can transfer you to almost any place within Shanghai.

• Sightseeing bus: The city sightseeing lines are divided into two parts and there are 15 stations, including People's Square Station, Nanjing Road Station, the Bund Station, and Cheng Huang Temple. A 1-day ticket is 30 yuan, and you can enjoy free unlimited transfers.

• Taxi: Shanghai taxis have a starting price of 14 yuan (for 3 kilometers), plus 2.5 yuan per kilometer over 3 kilometers. The nighttime (11pm–5am) charges are 30% higher than the daytime fares. Therefore, the nighttime starting fee is 17 yuan plus 1 yuan for fuel costs.

More information about Shanghai's transportation: Shanghai Transportation - Trippest's Shanghai Travel Guide

Recommended Accommodations

There is a common trend in Shanghai: the hotels which are close to the city center are more expensive than others. Shanghai has all kinds of accommodations ranging from 5-star hotels to inns. Choose a hotel that is close to your destination and make a comparison before booking it. Bear in mind that you should book your hotel in advance; if you don't, you might not be able to find a satisfactory room during the peak travel season.

More information about where to stay in Shanghai: 4 Best Places to Stay in Shanghai

Shopping

Shopping is an important part of your trip to Shanghai. Bear in mind that Chinese consumers purchase up to 47% of the luxury goods available worldwide. Therefore, you can not only find traditional Chinese-style souvenirs but you can also find luxury goods. There are some famous shopping areas in Shanghai.

• Nanjing Road: Nanjing Road is a special shopping area with a history of 100 years. There are all kinds of goods and shops, and you can enjoy your shopping experience while admiring classic Chinese-style architectures.
• Lujiazui: Compared with Nanjing Road, Lujiazui has fewer people and you can have an easy shopping experience. There are mainly international famous brand shops.
• Jingan Temple: If you are interested in limited edition luxury goods, Jingan Temple is a good place for you.
• Xujiahui: Compared with the other shopping areas, Xujiahui is more authentic and interesting. Just experience the local lifestyle.

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