Old Shanghai
To step into the city’s past, head to the Yu Garden (Yuyuan) in the old town, a beautiful Ming-dynasty garden begun in 1559 and set beside the atmospheric City God Temple. The classical pavilions, rockeries and ponds — restored after damage during the 19th-century Opium Wars — draw visitors from around the world, and the surrounding bazaar is a warren of teahouses and craft shops.
The Colonial Era
For the flavour of early-20th-century Shanghai, stroll the Bund, the grand riverside parade of European banks and trading houses, and the leafy streets of the former French Concession, with their plane trees, villas and boutiques. It is the best-preserved corner of the city’s cosmopolitan heyday.
The Modern Metropolis
Across the river, the Pudong district is a forest of skyscrapers — the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Shanghai Tower and the headquarters of the world’s biggest corporations. The city is packed with museums, galleries and cultural centres, and Nanjing Road is one of the world’s great shopping streets, lined with malls and international brands.
Food
Shanghai’s cuisine is distinctive — often a touch sweeter than other Chinese cooking, shaped by centuries as a trading port. Don’t miss the local specialities: soup dumplings (xiaolongbao), pan-fried buns (shengjianbao) and fresh river and seafood.
FAQ
What is Shanghai best known for?
Its futuristic Pudong skyline, the historic Bund waterfront, the Yu Garden, world-class shopping on Nanjing Road, and its distinctive cuisine.
How many days do you need in Shanghai?
Three to four days is enough to see the highlights and take in both the old town and the modern city.
What is the main airport?
Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) handles most long-haul flights; Hongqiao (SHA) serves domestic and regional routes.
