Shanghai上海

Why visit Shanghai

Shanghai grew from a walled county town into a treaty port after 1842 and then into Asia’s busiest port. That history is written into its streets: colonial banks and trading houses on the Bund, shikumen lane houses, art deco apartment blocks in the former French Concession, and the Pudong skyline across the river.

For first-time visitors it is the easiest Chinese city to navigate. English is more common, card payments are more widely accepted in hotels and malls, and the metro network is one of the longest in the world.

Two or three days covers the city itself. Add Suzhou, Hangzhou or a water town as side trips — all are under about an hour away by high-speed train or a short drive.

Must-see in Shanghai

• The Bund — Walk it twice: early morning and after dark.
• Yu Garden and the old city — Ming-dynasty garden surrounded by the busy bazaar; go at opening time.
• Shanghai Museum — Outstanding bronzes, ceramics and paintings; check which branch hosts what.
• Former French Concession — Wukang Road, Anfu Road and the lanes around Tianzifang.
• Lujiazui observation decks — Shanghai Tower has the highest indoor observation deck in China.

Getting there, getting around, staying

Best time to visit

April–May and October–November. June brings the plum rains; July–August is hot and humid.

Getting there

Pudong (PVG) handles most international flights and is linked to the city by metro and the Maglev to Longyang Road. Hongqiao (SHA) is mostly domestic and sits next to the Hongqiao rail hub. Shanghai is a 240-hour transit port.

Getting around

Metro for almost everything; DiDi or taxis late at night. Walking the former French Concession is the best way to see it.

Stay: The Bund / Nanjing Road East

River views and heritage hotels; walking distance to Yu Garden and People’s Square.

Stay: Former French Concession (Xuhui / Jing’an)

Leafy streets, cafés and restaurants; quieter at night.

Stay: Jing’an Temple

Central, well connected and good for shopping.

What to eat in Shanghai

• Xiaolongbao soup dumplings and shengjian bao (pan-fried buns).
• Hairy crab in autumn (roughly October–November).
• Benbang (local Shanghainese) dishes such as red-braised pork.
• Scallion oil noodles for a cheap, quick lunch.

Day trips

• Suzhou — classical gardens and canals, about 25–35 minutes by high-speed train.
• Hangzhou — West Lake and Longjing tea villages, about an hour by high-speed train.
• Zhujiajiao, Xitang or Wuzhen water towns.

Field notes

• Many museums close on Mondays; check before you go.
• Use Hongqiao station for trains to Suzhou and Hangzhou — it is next to the domestic airport.
• The Maglev runs only to Longyang Road; you will still need the metro or a taxi to most hotels.

FAQ