City Guide for Shanghai

The Bund is Shanghai's iconic waterfront promenade stretching along the western bank of the Huangpu River. It features a parade of grand colonial-era buildings representing European architectural styles, built during Shanghai's early 20th-century trading boom. Visitors walk the broad riverside walkway to admire these historic facades and enjoy striking views of the futuristic Pudong skyline across the water, making it one of China's most photographed urban landscapes.

Yu Garden is a classical Chinese garden located in the heart of Shanghai's Old City. Built during the Ming Dynasty in 1559, it features traditional pavilions, rockeries, ponds, and zigzag bridges spread across six acres. Adjacent to the garden is the bustling Yu Garden Bazaar, a lively marketplace selling local snacks, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Entry to the garden costs around 40 CNY.

The Pudong district showcases Shanghai's dramatic modern skyline, best viewed from the Bund across the Huangpu River. The Oriental Pearl Tower, with its distinctive pink spheres, was the city's first major skyscraper and remains an iconic landmark. Visitors can ride to observation decks for panoramic city views. The surrounding Lujiazui financial district also features the Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and the Shanghai World Financial Center.

Hongkou and Suzhou Creek combine Jewish wartime history, converted industrial art spaces, and a scenic waterfront promenade into one of Shanghai's most thoughtful and rewarding off-the-beaten-path areas.

The French Concession enchants with plane-tree-lined streets, art deco architecture, stylish cafes, and vibrant restaurants, making it the perfect neighborhood for a slow and indulgent wander.

The Bund blends grand colonial architecture with river views and Pudong's skyline, while the nearby Old Town offers winding alleys, a Ming Dynasty garden, and delicious street food.

Tianzifang is a maze of narrow Shikumen alleyways filled with galleries, craft shops, cozy cafes, and bars. It perfectly blends creative energy with authentic everyday Shanghai neighborhood life.

Zhouzhuang, one of China's oldest water towns, captivates with its ancient canals, stone bridges, and Ming dynasty architecture, offering a beautifully preserved glimpse into traditional Chinese life just outside Shanghai.

Hangzhou and its legendary West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer breathtaking scenery, ancient temples, and famous Longjing tea, all just about an hour from Shanghai by high-speed train.

Suzhou, just 30 minutes from Shanghai by high-speed train, enchants visitors with its UNESCO-listed classical gardens, ancient canals, and rich silk heritage, offering a perfect escape into traditional Chinese culture.

Tongli is a tranquil ancient water town near Shanghai, beloved for its UNESCO-listed Tuisi Garden, scenic canals, and historic stone bridges, offering a more peaceful and authentic alternative to busier water towns.