SHANGHAI
Shanghai is China’s most cosmopolitan city, a place where global finance and fashion meet ancient traditions. Its skyline of futuristic skyscrapers across the Huangpu River stands opposite the historic colonial architecture of the Bund.
This bustling metropolis is a cultural blend of East and West, offering everything from world-class museums and designer boutiques to tranquil classical gardens and historic ‘shikumen’ alleyways.
Most Popular Attractions
Historic & Traditional Core
The Bund (Waitan): A famous waterfront promenade showcasing a spectacular display of colonial-era architecture (the “Museum of World Architecture”) juxtaposed with the modern Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River.
Yu Garden (Yuyuan Garden): The most famous classical Chinese garden in Shanghai, featuring Ming Dynasty architecture, rockeries, ponds, and pavilions.
City God Temple (Chenghuangmiao): A historic Taoist temple complex next to Yu Garden, surrounded by a lively traditional market and snack street.
Jade Buddha Temple: A serene, active Buddhist temple famous for its two stunning white jade Buddha statues imported from Myanmar.
Longhua Temple and Pagoda: Shanghai’s oldest and largest temple, known for its seven-story pagoda, first built in the 3rd century.
Jing’an Temple: A grand, traditional Buddhist temple with a gold roof, surprisingly located right in the heart of the bustling Nanjing West Road commercial district.
Former French Concession: A charming, leafy district known for its European-style sycamore-lined avenues, Art Deco villas, and trendy boutiques and cafes.
Tianzifang: A cluster of narrow alleyways filled with preserved shikumen (stone-gate) houses, now home to quirky art studios, craft shops, and small bars.
Xintiandi: A car-free zone that reimagines preserved shikumen buildings into an upscale area of restaurants, cafes, and entertainment venues.
Shanghai Museum: A world-class museum dedicated to ancient Chinese art, housing priceless collections of bronze, ceramics, calligraphy, and sculpture.
Modern & Iconic Landmarks
Oriental Pearl Tower: Shanghai’s iconic, futuristic TV and radio tower, instantly recognizable by its multiple spheres, with observation decks and a revolving restaurant.
Shanghai Tower: Currently the tallest building in China and the second-tallest in the world, featuring an observation deck on the 118th floor with the world’s fastest elevators.
Shanghai World Financial Center: A distinctive “bottle opener” shaped skyscraper with a stunning sky bridge and observation deck on the 100th floor.
Jin Mao Tower: An elegant skyscraper blending traditional Chinese architectural motifs with modern design, featuring a Grand Hyatt hotel and an 88th-floor observation deck.
Nanjing Road: China’s premier, sprawling shopping street, divided into the pedestrian-friendly East Nanjing Road and the upscale West Nanjing Road.
People’s Square: A large public space in the city center, home to the Shanghai Museum, the Shanghai Grand Theatre, and the Shanghai City Hall.
Shanghai Disneyland Park: A world-class theme park combining classic Disney storytelling with unique Chinese cultural experiences.
M50 Creative Park (50 Moganshan Road): A vibrant contemporary art district set in former industrial warehouses and textile mills, featuring numerous art galleries and design studios.
Shanghai Science and Technology Museum: A massive, modern complex offering interactive exhibits on science, technology, and nature.
The Shanghai Maglev Train: The world’s first commercial high-speed magnetic levitation line, connecting Pudong Airport to the city’s outskirts at speeds up to $431 \text{ km/h}$.
Outlying Attractions & Water Towns
Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town: The best-preserved water town near Shanghai, featuring canals, ancient bridges, traditional houses, and gondola rides.
Happy Valley Shanghai: A large, modern amusement park in the Songjiang District with numerous thrilling roller coasters and themed areas.
Sheshan Basilica (Our Lady of Sheshan): A beautiful Roman Catholic church and pilgrimage site atop Sheshan Hill in Songjiang District, offering panoramic views.
Qibao Ancient Town: A smaller, closer-to-the-city water town known for its local snacks, historic streets, and Shadow Play Theater.
China Art Museum (Power Station of Art): Housed in the former China Pavilion of the 2010 World Expo, this is the largest art museum in Asia, focusing on modern and contemporary Chinese art.
Fuxing Park: A classic French-designed park in the Former French Concession where locals often gather to dance, practice Tai Chi, and play cards.
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium: A large aquarium in Pudong with the longest undersea viewing tunnel in the world.
C.Y. Tung Maritime Museum: A museum dedicated to the history of Chinese shipping and maritime trade, located at Shanghai Maritime University.
Thames Town: A uniquely designed suburban town in Songjiang District that meticulously replicates an English market town, complete with cobbled streets and red phone booths.
Gucun Park: A massive park in Baoshan District famous for its stunning display of cherry blossoms in the spring.
Activities & Experiences
Cruise the Huangpu River at Night: Experience the dazzling juxtaposition of the colonial-era architecture of The Bund and the futuristic skyscrapers of Lujiazui illuminated after dark.
Wander through Yu Garden (Yuyuan): Escape the city bustle in this classic Chinese garden, a tranquil sanctuary of rockeries, pavilions, and koi-filled ponds dating back to the Ming Dynasty.
Stroll The Bund Promenade: Walk along the historic waterfront to admire the famous skyline and the 26 Western-style colonial buildings that showcase the city’s past as a major international port.
Ascend the Shanghai Tower: Take one of the world’s fastest elevators to the observation deck of China’s tallest building for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
Explore the Former French Concession: Wander the leafy, plane-tree-lined avenues, discovering unique boutiques, trendy cafes, and preserved shikumen (stone-gate) architecture.
See an Acrobatic Show: Attend a spectacular performance, often at Shanghai Circus World, to witness world-class traditional Chinese acrobatics, from gravity-defying stunts to dazzling multimedia displays.
Take a Day Trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town: Visit this ancient water village, often called the “Venice of Shanghai,” to take a boat ride on the canals and stroll across its 36 old stone bridges.
Immerse Yourself in an Art District: Explore the contemporary galleries and studios of Moganshan Road (M50) or the West Bund to see Shanghai’s cutting-edge art scene.
Shop on Nanjing Road: Walk the bustling pedestrian street, which stretches for over 5 kilometers and is home to both traditional silk and embroidery stores and modern global brand flagships.
Master the Art of Dumplings: Take a local cooking class to learn how to make iconic Shanghai dishes like Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) or Sheng Jian Bao (pan-fried pork buns).
Visit a Serene Temple: Seek peace at a place like the Jade Buddha Temple, home to two priceless jade Buddha statues, or the beautifully preserved Jing’an Temple right in the city center.
Local Tips & Transport
The Shanghai Metro is King: The subway system is vast, efficient, and affordable, covering almost all major sights. It is the recommended way to travel. Look for maps in English and Chinese, and consider buying a Shanghai Public Transportation Card for easy, tap-and-go travel on the metro, buses, and ferries.
Peak Hour Warning: Avoid the metro during morning (approx. 7:30–9:00 AM) and evening (approx. 5:00–7:00 PM) rush hours, as trains become extremely crowded.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing: Taxis are metered and relatively affordable. A major tip is to have your destination address written down or displayed on your phone in Chinese to show the driver, as not all drivers speak English. Alternatively, use a ride-hailing app like DiDi (the Chinese equivalent of Uber/Lyft), which has an English interface.
From the Airport: The Shanghai Maglev Train provides a futuristic, high-speed connection from Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Longyang Road Station in Pudong, where you can then transfer to the metro. This is the fastest way into the city but requires a connection. The Metro (Line 2) is the most affordable.
Shared Bikes: Shanghai is very bike-friendly. Shared bike services are widely available and can be unlocked via apps (often integrated with Alipay/WeChat Pay) for a cheap and convenient way to cover short distances.
Mobile Payment is Essential: Shanghai operates largely on a cashless system. Locals primarily use Alipay (Zhifubao) and WeChat Pay. It is highly recommended to set up one of these apps to link to your international credit card, as cash is becoming increasingly cumbersome and sometimes difficult to use in smaller establishments.
Dining Culture: Meals are traditionally eaten family-style, with multiple dishes shared among everyone. Don’t stick your chopsticks upright into a bowl of rice; it is considered bad luck as it resembles incense at a funeral.
Language Barrier: While English is spoken in major hotels and tourist attractions, it is less common in everyday life. Having a translation app and being able to show addresses and requests written in Chinese characters will be invaluable.
Embrace the Parks: To see local culture, visit a park like People’s Park or Guilin Park in the early morning or late afternoon. You’ll see locals practicing Tai Chi, playing Mahjong, dancing, or singing opera—it’s a wonderful, authentic spectacle.
The Weather: The best times to visit are Spring and Autumn. Summers (July-August) are notoriously hot and humid, and the city experiences a “Plum Rain” season with heavy rainfall. Winters (December-February) are cold and damp.
Hidden Gems:
- Tianzifang: A maze of narrow alleyways and old shikumen architecture in the former French Concession, filled with artisan shops, galleries, and unique cafes.
- Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre: A small, fascinating museum dedicated to China’s political poster art history, tucked away in the basement of a residential complex.
- Daxue Lu (University Road): A lively street near Fudan University with a concentration of independent cafes, bookstores, and creative eateries—a popular hangout for the younger, creative crowd.
Top Restaurants
Ren He Guan (人和馆) [$20-$30] – A decades-old local favorite known for its classic, authentic Shanghainese cuisine, including their famous braised pork (Hong Shao Rou).
Rui Fu Yuan (瑞福园) [$20-$30] – Highly regarded for traditional Shanghainese dishes like braised pork shoulder and exquisite yellow croaker wontons, offering a genuine local experience.
Lao Jishi (老吉士) [$30-$45] – The original location in the former French Concession is a local institution for authentic, home-style Shanghainese cuisine in an intimate, classic setting.
Jianguo 328 (建国328小馆) [$25-$35] – Serves traditional Shanghainese fare in smaller portions, perfect for sampling more dishes. It maintains a low-key, local feel.
Lan Xin (兰心餐厅) [$20-$30] – A very down-to-earth, homely spot in the former French Concession, popular with older locals for its simple, traditional Shanghainese cooking.
Maotou Laodie Fandian (毛头老爹饭店) [$20-$30] – A newer, unpretentious local chain offering classic Shanghai dishes with a slight, fresh twist, such as black truffle Hong Shao Rou.
Er Guang Huntun (耳光馄饨) [$10-$20] – Famous for its late-night Shanghainese huntun (dumplings) and congyou banmian (scallion oil noodles). A simple, late-night favorite.
Jia Jia Tang Bao (佳家汤包) [$10-$20] – A classic, no-frills local hotspot known for its freshly-made, authentic xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and a very local atmosphere.
Yang’s Dumpling (小杨生煎) [$5-$15] – A popular chain that is the go-to place for sheng jian bao (pan-fried soup dumplings) which have a crispy bottom and a burst of soup inside.
Lu Bo Lang (绿波廊) [$25-$40] – A century-old, famous restaurant near Yu Garden, known for its refined Shanghai snacks and cuisine, particularly the crab meat soup dumplings.
Shanghai Classical Restaurant (上海老饭店) [$25-$40] – A venerable, century-old institution committed to preserving the traditional flavors of Shanghai’s culinary culture.
Lost Heaven (迷城) [$35-$55] – Serves excellent and beautifully presented Yunnan cuisine (from Southwestern China), blending traditional tribal flavors with modern flair in a beautiful, atmospheric setting in the former French Concession.
Yaya’s [$30-$50] – A buzzy neighborhood pasta bar that playfully merges Italian and Chinese comfort food, offering inventive dishes like mapo-tofu lasagna.
Mercato [$40-$70] – A Jean-Georges Vongerichten Italian restaurant on the Bund offering a vibrant atmosphere and modern Italian cuisine focused on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Moose Restaurant & Bar (慕氏) [$50-$80] – A stylish restaurant offering high-quality Huaiyang (Jiangsu and Zhejiang) gastronomy, which is often considered one of the ‘Four Great Traditions’ of Chinese cuisine.
Babar [$40-$70] – A popular wine bar and restaurant known for its French-Asian fusion dishes and an excellent wine selection in a trendy setting on Donghu Lu.
Cila (慈蘭) [$40-$60] – A contemporary Chinese restaurant and wine bar offering a modern twist on the flavors of Western China, focusing on contemporary presentation and pairing.
Shanghai Chic (沪上馨) [$35-$55] – Offers traditional Shanghai cuisine like Grandma’s braised pork, but in a refined setting with modern presentation and ambiance.
La Fu You (辣府友) [$25-$40] – A casual but popular Sichuan eatery that delivers on authentic flavor and spice, standing out for its excellent execution of fiery dishes like spicy fried intestines.
Yeats [$35-$55] – A modern Irish bistro blending Irish comfort food with French technique and local ingredients, offering a unique fusion in the Jing’an area.
NAMU [$50-$80] – A contemporary Korean restaurant offering a creative seasonal set menu with fine ingredients in an unstuffy, modern atmosphere.
NABI [$50-$80] – An upmarket creative Korean restaurant by a notable chef, presenting seasonal set menus in a fine-dining style.
Mona [$30-$50] – The all-day dining restaurant at the Fotografiska museum, serving Western cuisine with a contemporary Asian twist that is both comforting and creative.
Taian Table (泰安门) [$200-$350] – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant offering an intimate, modern European dining experience with a monthly changing tasting menu from an open kitchen.
Fu He Hui (福和慧) [$150-$250] – A tranquil, Michelin-starred vegetarian fine-dining restaurant that creates elegant, inventive dishes from seasonal Chinese ingredients in a Zen-like atmosphere.
Mr & Mrs Bund [$100-$200] – A “Modern French Eatery” by Paul Pairet, offering an extensive, creative menu of French classics with an Asian-influenced flair in a chic setting with a Bund view.
Da Vittorio Shanghai [$250-$450] – The Shanghai branch of the three-Michelin-starred Italian icon, offering exquisite classic Italian fine dining with a focus on seafood and stunning Bund views.
Jean-Georges [$120-$200] – Serving the internationally acclaimed French cuisine of Jean-Georges Vongerichten with a slight Asian twist in an elegant setting on the Bund.
Fu 1015 (福1015) [$180-$300] – An elegant villa restaurant that specializes in high-end, classic Shanghainese cuisine, offering a refined interpretation of local flavors.
The House of Rong (荣府) [$250-$400] – Offers high-end Jiangzhe (Jiangsu-Zhejiang) and Taizhou cuisine in an incredibly elegant setting inside the PEI Mansion Boutique Hotel.
L’ATELIER de Joël Robuchon [$180-$300] – A two-Michelin-starred French restaurant on the Bund, featuring the late master chef’s signature counter seating around an open kitchen.
Le Comptoir de Pierre Gagnaire [$150-$250] – Offers the particular and complex flavor of superstar French chef Pierre Gagnaire, known for his unique approach to contemporary French fine dining.
TSURU [$150-$250] – A refined Japanese restaurant in the Jing’an Shangri-La, led by a veteran chef and offering premium fine-dining Japanese cuisine.
Lost Heaven on the Bund (迷城) [$35-$55] – The second, larger location of Lost Heaven, serving its signature Yunnan cuisine in a magnificent colonial building with views of the Bund.
Hai Di Lao (海底捞) [$25-$45] – A famous, highly-rated Sichuanese hotpot chain known less for being non-touristy and more for its exceptionally high service standards and fun, theatrical experience (e.g., noodle dancers).
Lost Heaven Silk Road (丝路迷城) [$35-$55] – Another Lost Heaven concept, focusing on the regional cuisines along the Silk Road (Northwest Chinese and Central Asian flavors) in a highly-themed environment.
YONG RESTAURANT [$120-$200] – Offers high-end Ningbo (Jiangzhe) cuisine in an elegant villa, known for its classic but refined local dishes.
Lost Heaven Bar [$30-$50] – Located in the former French Concession, this spot serves unique Yunnan cuisine in a charming setting with traditional Chinese interiors.
Terrakota [$35-$55] – A vibrant and stylish venue in Jing’an serving Mediterranean cuisine with fabulous vibes and creative chef specials.
Villa Le Bec (Bistro 321 le Bec) [$50-$80] – A French bistro concept housed in a century-old villa on tree-lined Xinhua Lu, offering authentic French country-style cuisine.
Pyongyang (平壤馆) [$40-$60] – A North Korean restaurant (one of the few outside the country) where the waitresses also perform songs and dances—an incredibly unique and surreal cultural dining experience.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Speak Low: A celebrated speakeasy in the Huangpu District (near Fuxing Zhong Lu) that started Shanghai’s hidden bar trend, accessible through a sliding bookcase in a cocktail tools shop. It features a unique, multi-level concept with different bar experiences on each floor.
Sober Company: A multi-concept space located in the Huangpu District (near Fuxing Park), with three interconnected areas: a café/cocktail lounge (Kissa), an izakaya, and a cocktail bar (Sakaba), with a hidden speakeasy, Tipsy, only accessible to certain patrons.
Union Trading Company: Found in the Xuhui District, this is a warm, inviting American-style cocktail bar that avoids speakeasy gimmicks, focusing on simple, excellent drinks and a rotating list of fun, experimental cocktails.
The Odd Couple: A retro-inspired cocktail bar in the Huangpu District from the same team as Speak Low, offering imaginative cocktails with a playful 80s aesthetic.
VUE Bar: A high-end establishment on the 32nd/33rd floor of the Hyatt on the Bund in the Hongkou District, offering an incredible, sweeping view of the Lujiazui skyline and the historic Bund.
Flair Rooftop Bar: Boasting the highest rooftop venue in Shanghai, located on the 58th floor of the Ritz-Carlton in the Pudong Lujiazui area, offering luxurious views and a chic, stylish atmosphere.
Flask: A well-known speakeasy in the Xuhui District (near Xiangyang Bei Lu) with an enigmatic allure, hidden behind a trapdoor inside a sandwich bar called Tiger’s Bite.
Senator Saloon: One of Shanghai’s longest-running craft cocktail bars, found in the cozy Xuhui District (near Wuyuan Lu), serving classic Prohibition-era drinks in a dim, wooden, saloon-style setting.
J. Boroski: An intimate, luxurious, and pricey bespoke cocktail bar in the Jing’an District (near Fumin Lu), with no menu—the bartender creates a drink tailored to your preferences.
Bar Constellation: A pioneer in China’s cocktail scene, with a location in the Xuhui District (Xinle Lu) prized for its extensive selection of expertly made cocktails and classic style.
Epic: Located in the heart of Jing’an, this boundary-pushing bar lives up to its name with cocktails that feature theatrical presentation and cutting-edge mixology.
Root Down: A humble hole-in-the-wall vinyl bar on a quiet, leafy street in the Huangpu District (Nanchang Lu), serving chill tunes and a small selection of creative cocktails.
The Broken Dagger: A compact speakeasy in the Xuhui District (Xiangyang Bei Lu), hidden behind a large, unmarked mural, specializing in creative cocktails.
Pony Up: Located on Jinxian Road, this popular bar has a retro-themed, light-hearted vibe and offers classic cocktails with innovative twists.
The Nest: A super popular bar, restaurant, and lounge in the Huangpu District (near the Rockbund Art Museum), known for its good design and great cocktails.
KEV (formerly Bar Rouge): A sleek, contemporary club and trendy nightlife spot perched high atop Bund 18 in the Huangpu District, offering stunning views of the Lujiazui skyline and an upscale vibe.
INS Complex (multiple venues): Located in Fuxing Park in the Huangpu District, this multi-story building is a nightlife hub with several clubs and bars under one roof (e.g., La Fin, Playground, Sober Company) catering to different music genres like hip-hop and techno.
Le Baron: A part of a global chain, this glossy, Paris-imported club in the Jing’an District (near Fumin Lu) is a see-and-be-seen spot for the fashion-forward, known for its exclusivity.
Fusion: Located in the Xuhui District, this is a large, high-energy nightclub known for its commercial music, light shows, and frequent international DJ appearances.
Dada: A no-frills, unpretentious dive bar and club located in the Huangpu District, featuring local DJs who spin everything from techno to house and is a favorite for the underground scene.
All Club: An electronic music haven with an underground, warehouse-like ambiance, located in the Xuhui District, focused on the dance floor and cutting-edge sound.
The Apartment: A hugely popular multi-room club in the Xuhui District (near Fuxing Lu) that’s been an expat central for years, featuring a popular rooftop patio and separate areas for different music genres.
Revolucion Cocktail Shanghai: A casual, colorful cocktail bar that transforms into a lively danceclub in the heart of Jing’an, known for its Latin-style vibes and high-energy atmosphere.
Playground: Located in the INS Complex (Huangpu District), this renowned underground nightclub specializes in techno and house music, popular with high-energy partygoers.
Celia: A mainstay in Shanghai’s underground scene, located in the Jing’an District, that focuses on electronic music, including deep house, tech house, and techno, with events happening almost nightly.
La Suite: A bustling and busy nightspot for Shanghai’s international community located on Wuding Lu in the Jing’an District, known for its drinks, music, and vibrant party atmosphere.