Travel Guide: Shanghai
The cosmopolitan port city offers unique architecture, excellent shopping, and nightlife.
Cover photo: Posing on the Bund (Waitan) with the Lujiazui skyline of Pudong in the distance, Shanghai, China (2025).
Intro
On China’s eastern coast, by the mouth of the Yangtze (“Long River”), lies Shanghai, one of the world’s largest cities. The swampy fishing village transformed into a global trading port by the 19th century, after it was colonized by “Western” powers. Today, it’s a gorgeous cosmopolitan metropolis with historic architecture and modern amenities. Read on for my personal experience and travel tips.
Click on an image above for details.
Experience
After some security troubles in Chengdu — I was unable to enter the letters on my Polish passport when buying my plane tickets online — I finally arrived in Shanghai! Although the cosmopolitan city is often recommended as the first destination for foreign tourists, I had decided to make it my last stop in China. I knew little about Shanghai prior to my trip, but like a moth to a flame, I was drawn to visions of its incredible skyline.
From Pudong International Airport (PVG), I was excited to board the Shanghai Maglev towards downtown. Operating by Magnetic Levitation, it’s called the world’s fastest train — yet it appeared the train never surpassed a speed of 217 kilometers (135 miles) per hour. I suppose I’m spoiled by Japan’s shinkansen (bullet trains) as I found the seven-minute ride underwhelming.
After settling into my hotel, I departed for the Bund, or “Waitan” in Chinese. The sun had already set. I maneuvered past the crowds of Nanjing Road, nearly sprinting towards the Huangpu River. Suddenly, I found myself awash in golden light, amidst a row of stately architecture from a bygone era. Across the water, the futuristic Lujiazui skyline of Pudong was shining in a kaleidoscope of colors. Standing between the two banks, I felt euphoric.
By 22:00 (10 PM), the skyline turned dark and so I concluded my evening at the Waldorf Astoria’s Long Bar. Measuring 34 meters (110 feet), it was hailed as the world’s longest bar upon debut in 1911. It was also the site of Shanghai’s first KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) chain, open from 1989 to 1996. I enjoyed the classic “Shanghai Buck” cocktail accompanied by live jazz.
I spent most of the following day wandering about Gucun Park, where I admired seasonal cherry blossoms. It was an idyllic site filled with blooming flowers, chirping birds, and laughing families. The park is so large that golf-carts are available for visitors to rent!
Friday began with a visit to the 1000 Trees complex designed by Heatherwick Studios. The verdant structure was beautiful, if a bit boring — a pattern I noticed in Shanghai. With matcha latte in hand, I walked to the Jade Buddha Temple. Today was the Qingming Festival! Fumes of smoke filled the air as worshippers burned ritual offerings for their deceased relatives. I watched monks parade through the courtyard to the sound of horns.
Afterwards, I hailed a car to the Propaganda Poster Art Center, a small, discrete gallery said to house the world’s largest collection of Mao-era propaganda art. Despite my American upbringing, I found myself moved by scenes of excited students, muscular farmers, and fearless soldiers. It’s no surprise that the U.S. government was desperate to combat Socialist Realism with abstraction.
The gallery’s founder Yang Peiming (杨培明) was also inside. I took the opportunity to speak with him. Mr. Yang made clear to me that he considers Socialist Realism the pinnacle of art and he lamented that no artists today were interested in nor capable of rendering such work. I purchased an original design guide book used as a reference by muralists in the Cultural Revolution.
I then walked to the marvelous Jing’an Temple. A towering pillar with four golden lions guards over the site, modeled after the Lion Capital of Ashoka in Sarnath, India. I dodged coins flying through the courtyard as worshippers targeted a bronze cauldron to fulfill their wishes. Inside the main hall, the principle Buddha statue is made from 15 tons of silver; it has a uniquely youthful appearance.
For dinner, I ate sumptuous yellow croaker fish noodles and drunken crab at Shanghainese diner Ren He Guan. It was one of my best meals in China! I ended the night at queer-friendly Potent Club at TX Huaihai, dancing to an international mix of pop music — mostly American, Korean, and Spanish.
I began the next day at Yuyuan (Garden), once the private respite of a Ming Dynasty bureaucrat. Visiting on a Saturday, the crowd was unbearable. Worse still, the popular Mid-Lake Pavilion Teahouse was closed for renovation.
Eager to escape the crowds, I stumbled upon the Bund 8 Cafe. The spot offers a perfect view of the Waitan, stretching from the HSBC Building to the Shanghai People’s Heroes Memorial Tower — dedicated to Chinese martyrs. In the afternoon, I walked around the historic Wukang Mansion, often compared to New York’s Flatiron Building. Inexplicably, the crowds here were even worse than Yuyan Garden!
To start my final day, I visited the Site of the First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party. The historic party was founded here in 1921, with delegate and future-party chairman Mao Zedong (毛泽东) in attendance. The exhibition includes no English, but I found it fascinating nonetheless.
While in Xintiandi, I did some last-minute shopping at Nice Rice, a local Shanghai clothing brand offering elevated basics. I also bought some delicious osmanthus oolong from T9 Premium Tea. Later, I enjoyed a show of Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama (空山 基) at Nanzuka Art Institute. His ‘sexy robots’ perfectly complement the city’s timeless atmosphere.
After one last walk around the Bund, I was ready to bid Shanghai farewell. I had spent some five days in this gorgeous city, rivaling the beauty of Paris, Amsterdam, and Venice. My time in China was extraordinary, and while I was ready to leave, I hope to return again someday soon.
History
Once a swampy fishing village, Shanghai (上海) — literally “on-the-sea” — developed into a bustling trading port by the 19th century. In 1842, Shanghai was colonized by “Western” powers, carved into British, American, and French “concessions” by the Treaty of Nanjing, resulting from the Qing Dynasty’s defeat in the Opium Wars against British drug trafficking.
Shanghai became a global hub of trade, finance, and industry — also synonymous with vice and exploitation. Amidst growing anti-imperialist sentiment, Shanghai witnessed the Chinese Communist Party’s founding in 1921, attended by delegate and future-party chairman Mao Zedong (毛泽东).
In 1937, Imperial Japan attacked Shanghai en route to the Chinese capital of Nanjing; the Battle of Shanghai marked the start of World War II in Asia. Japan occupied China until surrender in 1945, ultimately leading to the Chinese Communist Revolution in ‘49. U.S. President Richard Nixon visited the city in ‘72, where he signed the Shanghai Communiqué with Premier Zhou Enlai (周恩来), reopening China to the world.
In 2004, the Shanghai Maglev debuted as the world’s fastest train, reaching a maximum speed of 460 kilometers per hour (286 mph). The city hosted the World Expo in 2010 and is home to Shanghai Tower (opened 2016), the tallest building in China and third-tallest in the world. Today, the city boasts a population of 25 million.
The Bund (Waitan)
Shanghai’s top attraction is the Bund (Waitan), an historic colonial-era district set upon the west embankment of the Huangpu River. Spanning 1.5 kilometers (approx. one mile), the riverside promenade features over twenty Western-style buildings with Gothic, Baroque, Neoclassical, and Art Deco influence.
The foreign district once served as China’s financial center. Now, the Bund provides a stunning contrast to skyscrapers across the river, including the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Shanghai Tower; the Lujiazui skyline of Pudong is hailed as one of the most beautiful in the world.
Visitors can enjoy the Bund by walking the promenade, taking a Huangpu River cruise, or soaking in the sights at a rooftop bar — like the Bund 8 Cafe. The area is most popular around sunset. Pro-tip: bring a jacket it’s windy year-round.
Most of the buildings here are closed to the public, but don’t miss the Fairmont Peace Hotel Shanghai or the Bund Bull by Italian-American Arturo Di Modica — the same sculptor behind Wall Street’s Charging Bull in New York City.
Art Deco
Because Shanghai’s construction boom peaked in the 1930s, the city boasts Asia’s largest collection of Art Deco architecture, centered around the Bund. Originating in France, Art Deco (arts décoratifs) reflected the optimism of modernity through geometry and ornamentation. International architects imported the style with uniquely Chinese aspects, including local materials, patterns, motifs, and principles of feng shui (harmony).
Upon completion in 1929, Sir Victor Sassoon’s Cathay Hotel was the first skyscraper in the Eastern hemisphere, standing at 77 meters (253 feet). Shanghai would be called the “Paris of the East” and “New York of China.”
The Chinese government developed the “Greater Shanghai Plan” (大上海计划) for a new architectural identity to rival the city’s foreign concessions, but the project in northern Yangpu was disrupted by Japan’s invasion.
Today Shanghai’s Art Deco heritage remains a beautiful testament to the city’s rich history of cross-cultural exchange. Below is a list of notable landmarks; many have undergone meticulous restoration! Visitors can also reserve seats for dinner to the Paramount Ballroom and at the Jazz Bar at Fairmont Peace Hotel — couples only.
Fairmont Peace Hotel Shanghai (former Cathay Hotel / Sassoon House)
Waldorf Astoria hotel (former Shanghai Club Building)
Cathay Theater movie cinema
The Paramount Ballroom
Park Hotel Shanghai (former Shanghai Joint Savings Society Building)
Rockbund Art Museum (former Royal Asiatic Society Building)
1933 Old Millfun (1933 Shanghai Slaughterhouse)
Langham Yangtze Boutique Shanghai (former Yangtze Hotel)
Okura Garden Hotel (former Cercle Sportif Français)
Pei Mansion Hotel
The Green House (Wu Residence / Woo Villa)
Shanghai Yangpu District Library (former Shanghai Municipal Library)
Shanghai University of Sport office (former Shanghai City Hall)
Art & Museums
Shanghai is considered at the forefront of Chinese contemporary art, home to countless galleries, studios, and museums, as well as leading artists Zhang Huan (張洹) and Xu Zhen (徐震). Check Smart Shanghai for current exhibitions.
Don’t miss the free Shanghai Museum, home to one of China’s finest collection of artefacts — reservation required. Exhibits span a variety of media, including ceramics, jade, and calligraphy, with objects dating back to the Neolithic era.
Enthusiasts of Chinese history must also visit the Propaganda Poster Art Center and Site of the First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party.
Cuisine & Tea
Shanghai boasts diverse offerings of Chinese and international cuisine. The city is most famous for xiao long bao (steamed buns), invented in the nearby suburb of Nanxiang. Hong shao rou (red-braised pork) is also popular. Seasonal specialties include crawfish in summer and crab in fall. I especially recommend Shanghainese diner Ren He Guan.
As the birthplace of tea, China is home to a vibrant tea culture. Shanghai’s oldest teahouse is the Mid-Lake Pavilion Teahouse (湖心亭) at the historic 16th century garden, Yuyuan. Both the U.K.’s Queen Elizabeth II and U.S. President Bill Clinton have visited! Local chain T9 Premium Tea is also worth a taste.
Alcohol & Nightlife
Literally translating to “dry cup,” ganbei means “cheers!” Shanghai has no shortage of drinking holes, including rooftop bars. Flair at the Ritz-Carlton ranks as the highest, with the best views of the city. Measuring 34 meters (112 feet), the Long Bar at Waldorf Astoria (formerly the Shanghai Club Building) was hailed as the longest bar in the world upon opening in 1911.
Much of the city’s nightlife is centered around the Xintiandi district. The city’s hottest new spot is the INS (“Into Nothing Serious”) entertainment complex near Fuxing Park, which features multiple clubs in a single building.
Shopping & Souvenirs
Often called “the world’s factory,” China offers virtually everything, ranging from cheap trinkets to luxury goods. I recommend brands Songmont, Croquis, and especially local clothing company Nice Rice for elevated basics. Many foreign brands offer China-exclusive merchandise as well.
My favorite purchase was an original design guide book from China’s Cultural Revolution I purchased for 250 RMB (about 35 USD) from the Propaganda Poster Art Center. Iconic White Rabbit milk candy and tea are also great souvenir ideas.
Covering 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles) from Jing’an Temple to the Bund, Nanjing Road is said to be the world’s longest shopping street. Many shops are open late from 9:00 to 22:00 (10:00 PM).
Tourists are eligible for a tax refund (up to 13% VAT) if they spend over 500 RMB (approx. 70 USD) at participating stores. Don’t forget your passport.
Great Firewall & Apps
Travel in China requires a high degree of planning and patience. Notably, the nation utilizes an internet separate from the “Western” world. A virtual private network (VPN) is required to access sites such as Google and Facebook. I strongly recommend installing (and testing) a VPN prior to arrival as there are few options available from within China.
Furthermore, many businesses have adopted a digital-first approach, rendering physical maps and menus sparse. Many processes such as making payments, hailing taxis, making reservations, and ordering food are optimized for WeChat. Businesses are mandated to accept cash, but the WeChat app is simply indispensable for a smooth trip — it also offers English translation.
I recommend the apps Amaps for navigation and Google Translate (Mainland China uses Simplified Chinese) which can be downloaded for offline use. For current information about trending places, I also suggest downloading RedNote (Xiaohongshu).
Transportation & Accommodation
Shanghai is served by both Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). The latter connects to the city by the Shanghai Maglev, world’s fastest train. For accommodation, I recommend staying near Xintiandi, a central area popular for shopping and nightlife.
The most popular ride-hailing app is DiDi, also available for use through WeChat. While rides are affordable, the metro is also well-designed and easy to navigate, with plentiful English signage. Most lines operate from 5:30 to 23:30 (11:30 PM). Note: all riders must pass through metal detectors. Be careful when exiting train cars, as some locals may not wait for passengers to disembark.
Weather & Events
The best times to visit Shanghai are considered to be spring (March through May) and fall (September to November) for comfortable weather. These are also the best times to avoid larger crowds, as most Chinese enjoy vacations in winter and summer.
Chinese New Year / Spring Festival (January/February)
Lantern Festival (February/March)
Longhua Temple Fair (March/April)
Shanghai Peach Blossom Festival (March/April)
Shanghai International Tea Culture Festival (Spring)
Shanghai Dragon Boat Festival (May/June)
Mid-Autumn / Moon Festival (September)
National Day Holiday (October)
Christmas (December)
Health & Safety
China is overwhelmingly safe but tourists should be mindful of pick-pocketing and bag theft. Tap water is not considered safe to drink; drink only bottled water. I was nervous about eating uncooked vegetables, but I ultimately had no problems. Because the air quality is moderate, consider wearing a mask.
LGBT+
For queer acceptance, China ranks 100th out of 175 nations around the world. Same-sex marriage is not recognized. The nation decriminalized homosexuality in 1997, but discrimination continues amidst renewed cultural crackdowns. Post-COVID, the situation has been described as “deteriorating.”
Considered China’s “Gay Capital” over a decade ago, Shanghai’s gay scene is increasingly underground; Shanghai Pride has been cancelled since 2020. For alternate destinations, consider Taipei or Tokyo.
HeeSay (also known as Blued) and Finka (formerly Aloha) are China’s most popular gay apps but difficult to use without Chinese fluency. Grindr and Tinder are also acceptable. I recommend a visit to queer-friendly club Potent.
Top Attractions
The Bund (Waitan) Promenade & Huangpu River cruise*
Yuyuan (16th century garden) & Mid-Lake Pavilion Teahouse*
Propaganda Poster Art Center
Site of the First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party
Shanghai Museum (Chinese artifacts)* RESERVE
Jing’an Temple (temple with Silver Buddha)
Nanjing Road (world’s longest shopping street)
Jade Buddha Temple (active Buddhist monastery with jade statues)
Gucun Park (urban park popular for cherry blossoms)
Shanghai Disneyland*
* I did not visit these attractions.
Additional Ideas
Shanghai’s spa resorts are also popular! Other nearby destinations include the Zhujiajiao Water Town and the Classical Gardens of Suzhou — a UNESCO World Heritage site.
