Shanghai

Shanghai Travel Guide: Where the Future Meets the Past

Shanghai, China’s most dynamic metropolis, is a city of dramatic contrasts — where sky-piercing skyscrapers rise beside century-old colonial relics, and modern luxury mingles with everyday tradition in narrow lilongs and bustling wet markets.

The Skyline of the Future: Pudong & the Bund

Pudong’s iconic skyline, dominated by the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and Jin Mao Tower, glows with colorful LED animations after dark, creating one of Asia’s most recognizable cityscapes. Across the Huangpu River, the Bund promenade is a heritage lover’s dream, home to 22 historic buildings in neoclassical and Art Deco styles.

Yuyuan Garden: A Slice of Ming-Era Serenity

Just south of the Bund lies Yuyuan Garden, a tranquil 16th-century retreat surrounded by lotus ponds, moon gates, and ancient wisteria trees. The nearby bazaar is vibrant and crowded — great for souvenirs and street snacks — but step inside the garden and you’re in a different world.

Old Shanghai: The French Concession & Traditional Lilongs

Discover the city’s quieter, more nostalgic side by exploring the French Concession, with its tree-lined avenues, shikumen stonegate homes, and cozy lilongs. On a guided cycling tour, you can witness Shanghai’s daily rhythms — from mahjong games and knitting neighbors to open-air markets and vintage wet stalls.

These lane neighborhoods reflect a vanishing lifestyle, with shared lanehouses, intricate stone carvings, and communal courtyards still lingering despite urban expansion.

Modern Shanghai: Art, Shopping, and Innovation

Back in the modern world, Nanjing Road buzzes with global brands and neon lights. For boutique shopping and nightlife, head to Xintiandi and Tianzifang, where repurposed alleys house chic galleries, craft shops, and trendy restaurants.

Art lovers should explore M50, a former industrial zone turned creative hub, where young designers and contemporary artists exhibit edgy works in once-abandoned factory spaces.

Cultural Highlights and Local Life

Maoist Propaganda Poster Museum: A hidden gem for history buffs.
Buddhist temples and local parks host morning tai chi, folk dance, and water calligraphy.
The Art Deco heritage is unparalleled — Shanghai boasts more Art Deco buildings than any other city in the world.

Best Time to Visit Shanghai

The ideal times to explore Shanghai are:

Late March to May (spring)
Late September to October (autumn)

Avoid the first week of May and October, when public holidays make attractions crowded and accommodation scarce.