How to Explore Shanghai's Magical Modernization?

Last updated: May 2026. Prices and hours subject to change—verify before visiting.

Shanghai never resolved the tension between glamour and grit—and stopped trying. Art Deco skyscrapers and laundry-strung longtang alleys exist within the same block, and both feel completely at home. This is Shanghai—not burdened by six centuries of imperial weight like Beijing, nor built on a blank canvas like Shenzhen. It was Asia's most international city in the 1920s, known as the "Paris of the East," then reinvented itself in the 1990s. Now, it's China's largest city, its most modern and prosperous—some call it the "Manhattan of the East."

At a Glance

Why Shanghai Belongs on Your China Itinerary

Shanghai isn't "traditional China"—that's exactly its value. If you want to see the Great Wall and Forbidden City, go to Beijing. But if you want to understand how modern China coexists with globalization, come to Shanghai. There's a unique urban temperament here: morning coffee under plane trees in the French Concession, midday meetings between skyscrapers in Lujiazui, evening watching century-old buildings face off against a neon skyline on the Bund. This juxtaposition—only Shanghai can provide it.

Ways to Experience Shanghai

The Bund & Beyond

The Bund isn't just a photo checkpoint. 19th-century bank buildings and 21st-century skyscrapers face each other across the river—Shanghai's core visual metaphor. Best times: Sunrise (fewer crowds) or night (lighting). Don't just stand on the viewing platform—walk into those historic buildings, now mostly hotels and restaurants where you can freely enter the lobbies.

French Concession Walk

The French Concession isn't an attraction, it's an atmosphere. Plane trees, old villas, independent cafés, hidden longtang alleys. Best route: Start on Wukang Road, pass Ba Jin's former residence, walk to Anfu Road, then turn into any interesting-looking alley. Getting lost is part of the experience.

Shanghai Food Tour

Shanghai cuisine skews sweet—this is the first thing visitors need to adjust to. Dark, rich sauces, heavy caramelization, but the sweetness isn't for its own sake—it's to enhance umami. Start with street shengjian (Yang's Fry Dumpling), move to xiaolongbao (Jia Jia Tang Bao), then benbang hongshaorou (Lao Ji Shi). Finish with scallion oil noodles—this is Shanghai's soul food.

Top Attractions in Shanghai

The Bund & Lujiazui

Historic architecture on the Bund faces off against Lujiazui's skyline across the river. See architectural details by day, light shows by night. Don't miss: Peace Hotel lobby (free entry), historic buildings at the Bund Source, photo spots on Lujiazui's circular pedestrian bridge.

Yu Garden & Old Town

Yu Garden is a Ming Dynasty garden; City God Temple is a bustling commercial district. Touristy but worth seeing. Tip: The garden opens at 8:30 AM—go then for fewer crowds. The snack street can be walked through quickly; real Shanghai snacks aren't in tourist areas.

Disneyland Shanghai

The world's largest Disney castle, family-friendly. If you've been to other Disney parks, this one has Chinese characteristics—like the Chinese zodiac murals. Tip: Book tickets in advance, weekdays offer better experience, download the Disney app to check wait times.

What to Eat in Shanghai

Shanghai cuisine's core is "nong you chi jiang"—dark, rich, sweet.

Hongshaorou (Red-Braised Pork)

The representative dish. Pork belly stewed until tender, caramelized to a red sheen, sweet but not cloying. Where to eat: Lao Ji Shi (Tianping Road), Yuan Yuan (Huaihai Road), Guang Ming Cun (Huaihai Road, expect queues)

Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)

Thin skin, abundant soup. Bite a small hole first to drink the soup, then dip in vinegar and eat. Where to eat: Nanxiang Steamed Bun (City God Temple, touristy), Din Tai Fung (chain, consistent), Jia Jia Tang Bao (Huanghe Road, local favorite)

Shengjian (Pan-Fried Pork Buns)

Golden crispy bottom, fluffy top, juicy pork filling. Where to eat: Yang's Fry Dumpling (chain, convenient), Da Hu Chun (old-school, traditional flavor)

Scallion Oil Noodles

Shanghai's soul breakfast. Scallion oil fragrance, simple but addictive. Where to eat: Any local restaurant has it, Lao Ban Zhai (Fuzhou Road) is famous

Pork Chop with Rice Cakes

Fried pork chop with rice cakes, Xian De Lai (Yunnan Road) is the old-school spot.

Where to Stay in Shanghai

[Historic Center] The Bund/Nanjing Road

Walking distance to the Bund and Nanjing Road pedestrian street, surrounded by historic architecture, convenient but tourist-heavy. Best for: First-time visitors, landmark proximity, higher budget Note: Prices double during holidays, book early

[Bohemian Living] French Concession

Plane tree-lined streets, old villas, independent cafés, the most "Shanghai" living experience, good subway coverage. Best for: Walking explorers, experiencing local life, photography enthusiasts Note: Old alleys are easy to get lost in—but that's the fun

[Modern Business] Jing'an Temple

High-end shopping malls, business hotels, convenient transport, suited for business travel. Best for: Business travelers, modern conveniences, shopping focus

Getting to and Around Shanghai

Getting to Shanghai

By Air:

• Pudong Airport (PVG): Main international hub, Metro Line 2/Maglev to downtown (45–60 minutes)
• Hongqiao Airport (SHA): Mainly domestic flights, Metro Line 10 to downtown (30 minutes) By Train:
• Hongqiao Railway Station: Main high-speed rail hub, connected to Hongqiao Airport, Metro Lines 2/10/17, 30 minutes to downtown
• Shanghai Railway Station: Some high-speed trains, city center, Metro Lines 1/3/4 Important: Confirm which station your train ticket is for—Hongqiao and Shanghai stations are about 15 kilometers apart. Going to the wrong one is a costly mistake.

Getting Around Shanghai

Subway: 16 lines, covers the whole city, Alipay/WeChat QR code entry, most recommended Taxi/DiDi: Convenient but congested during rush hour, ¥30–50 from Lujiazui to French Concession Bike Share: Good for short distances, excellent riding experience in French Concession, watch traffic safety Walking: French Concession is best for walking, Bund to Nanjing Road is also walkable

Before You Go

→ How to pay in China — Setting up mobile payment before arrival → Staying connected — SIM cards and VPN → Is China Safe — Safety tips for travelers Shanghai-Specific Tips:

• Shanghai cuisine is sweet: Red-braised dishes are heavily caramelized. First-time visitors may need to adjust. If you don't like sweet, order steamed or blanched dishes.
• French Concession is best for walking: But old alleys are easy to get lost in—download offline maps.
• The Bund at night is essential: But extremely crowded during holidays—weekday evenings are better.
• Disneyland requires advance booking: Weekdays offer better experience, avoid weekends and holidays.
• Plum rain season (June): Humid and uncomfortable, not recommended for visits.
• Typhoon season (July–September): Monitor weather forecasts, may affect flights.
• Confirm your railway station: Hongqiao and Shanghai are different stations—double-check to avoid going to the wrong one.

Shanghai isn't a city you "see"—it's a city you "feel." Feel the visual tension between Art Deco buildings and communist-era housing, the temporal fold between French Concession cafés and Lujiazui finance towers, the sweetness and umami of local cuisine. This city won't give you postcard-perfect impressions of China. It gives you the complexity of modern China—and that's exactly why it's worth visiting.

Related Guides:

• Shanghai Street Food — Deep dive into local cuisine
• Shanghai in Spring — Seasonal guide
• The Bund & Lujiazui — Detailed attraction guide
• Shanghai Disneyland
• French Concession Walking
• Yu Garden & Old Town