Shanghai

Introduction

Shanghai, China's most internationally charming metropolis, is a city writing legends on both banks of the Huangpu River. The Bund's architectural museum of international styles faces the Lujiazui skyscraper cluster across the river, where a century of vicissitudes meets future aspirations in a breathtaking tableau. Strolling along the Bund, 52 European-style buildings of various styles tell the story of the 'Wall Street of the Far East's' past glory; looking up at Pudong, the skyline formed by the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and Shanghai World Financial Center is the best footnote to modern China's rise. Walking into the depths of the old city's longtang alleys, Shikumen buildings hide Shanghai people's everyday life—morning youtiao and doujiang stalls, afternoon neighborhood gossip at alley entrances, evening leisurely walks under plane trees are all the city's gentlest undertones. The pavilions and nine-turn bridge of Yu Garden carry four centuries of Jiangnan garden elegance, while Nanjing Road's neon lights flash with shopping paradise prosperity. Shanghai's cuisine is equally unforgettable: Nanxiang xiaolongbao's burst of soup, shengjian bao's crispy bottom, Benbang red-braised pork's rich sauce—each dish represents Haipai culture's ultimate pursuit of taste. From Tianzifang's creative shops to Xintiandi's fashionable bars, from Wukang Road's plane tree mansions to Disneyland's fantasy kingdom, Shanghai uses her unique East-meets-West temperament to let every visitor find their own surprise and emotion. This is also China's most international city, with comprehensive English signage, developed transportation network, and ubiquitous mobile payments, especially friendly to foreign tourists. Whether you're drawn to the historical depth of international architecture or yearn for the modern pulse of skyscrapers, this city known as the 'Paris of the East' will never disappoint.

Shanghai is one of China's most suitable cities for foreign tourists, with high internationalization, comprehensive English signage, and convenient metro network. Recommend at least 3-4 days, with the Bund night view and Lujiazui skyline as must-sees. If time permits, spend a day at Zhujiajiao Ancient Town to experience Jiangnan water town, or enjoy a day at Disneyland. Autumn (October-November) has the most pleasant weather in Shanghai, with golden plane tree leaves—the best season for strolling Wukang Road and the Hengfu Historic Area.

Traveler Reviews

Travel Highlights

Top Attractions

Local Cuisine

Nanxiang Xiaolongbao

Shanghai's most representative traditional snack, originated in Nanxiang Town during Qing Dynasty Tongzhi period. Known for thin skin, large filling, and abundant soup. Bite a small opening, suck the soup first then eat the filling—the proper way to enjoy xiaolongbao.

📍 Yu Garden Nanxiang Mantou Dian (century-old shop), Din Tai Fung, Jia Jia Tang Bao

Shengjian Bao

Soul food of Shanghai breakfast, bottom pan-fried to golden crispy, top sprinkled with sesame and scallions. Bite into crispy outside, tender inside with bursting soup. Unlike xiaolongbao, shengjian has thicker dough and the crispy bottom is its signature feature.

📍 Xiao Yang Shengjian (multiple locations), Da Hu Chun, Fengyu Shengjian

Hairy Crab

Autumn (Sept-Nov) is the best season for hairy crabs, with Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs most renowned. Golden roe and creamy paste, steamed and eaten with ginger-vinegar dip—Shanghai autumn's most anticipated seasonal delicacy.

📍 Wang Baohe Restaurant, Chenglong Hang Crab King Palace, Xinguang Restaurant

Benbang Red-Braised Pork

Classic representative of Benbang cuisine, using pork belly, slow-cooked with soy sauce, rock sugar, and Shaoxing wine. Finished product is glossy red, rich-sauced, fatty but not greasy, melts in mouth. Embodies Benbang cuisine's 'rich oil, heavy sauce, moderately salty-sweet' flavor profile.

📍 Shanghai Old Restaurant, Dexing Guan, Lao Zhengxing

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