Shanghai City Guide

Shanghai is a city where the future meets tradition in a breathtaking display of energy. Start your journey at The Bund, where the majestic colonial-era buildings stand in stark contrast to the neon-lit skyscrapers of the Lujiazui financial district across the Huangpu River. For the best views of this evolving skyline, ascend the Shanghai Tower, the world's second-tallest building, or take a leisurely evening cruise to see the city lights dance on the water.

Beyond the glass and steel, find the soul of the city in the winding alleys of the Old City and the serenity of Yu Garden. This Ming Dynasty-era retreat offers a peaceful escape with its ornate pavilions and koi ponds. Nearby, the former French Concession provides a more European feel with its plane-tree-lined avenues, boutique cafes, and historic villas. It is the perfect place for a slow afternoon stroll to discover hidden cocktail bars and artisanal shops.

For culture enthusiasts, the Shanghai Museum on People's Square houses a premier collection of ancient Chinese art. If shopping is the priority, Nanjing Road serves as one of the world's busiest commercial streets, leading you from modern malls to traditional specialty stores. Whether you are slurping soup dumplings in a local eatery or exploring a contemporary art gallery in the M50 district, Shanghai never fails to surprise and inspire.

Beyond the neon skyline of the Bund, Shanghai reveals its soul in quieter, more textured corners. Start your morning at Fuxing Park. While it appears in many listings, the true magic happens before 9 AM when locals gather for social ballroom dancing, water calligraphy, and spirited bird-singing competitions. It is an intimate glimpse into the city's communal heart.

For those who appreciate industrial grit turned artistic, 1933 Old Millfun in the Hongkou District is essential. This former Art Deco slaughterhouse features a complex web of air bridges and spiral staircases designed to control cattle flow, now housing boutiques and workshops. Its concrete maze offers a hauntingly beautiful contrast to the city's glass skyscrapers.

Finally, escape the crowds of central districts for Longhua Temple. As the city’s oldest and largest religious site, it maintains a serene atmosphere where the fragrance of incense and the sound of the pagoda’s bells provide a timeless respite from the urban rush.

Shanghai boasts one of the world’s most extensive and efficient metro systems, making it the premier choice for navigating this sprawling metropolis. With bilingual signage and frequent service, the subway connects nearly every major landmark and residential area. For a high-speed arrival from Pudong International Airport (PVG), the Maglev train provides a thrilling transit option to the city’s outskirts, while the extensive bus network and cross-river ferries offer slower, more scenic routes across the Huangpu River.

Taxis and ride-hailing services like DiDi are ubiquitous and relatively inexpensive. While traditional taxis can be flagged on the street, using the English-language DiDi app is often more reliable for non-Mandarin speakers. For those who prefer to explore at a slower pace, the historic alleys of the Former French Concession and the iconic Bund are best discovered on foot. Bike-sharing programs are also a popular way to cover short distances, though the bustling city traffic requires a watchful eye.

Travel costs in Shanghai are remarkably affordable for a global hub. A typical metro journey within the city center costs between ¥3 and ¥6. A taxi ride from Pudong International Airport to the Bund generally ranges from ¥160 to ¥200, while a single ticket for the Maglev is ¥50. For a unique experience, the local ferry crossing costs just ¥2, offering spectacular views of the Lujiazui skyline without the premium price tag of a sightseeing cruise.

Shanghai is a global shopping capital that caters to every budget, from luxury-seekers to bargain hunters. For high-end fashion, head to West Nanjing Road or the elegant Huaihai Road, where gleaming malls showcase the world's finest labels. If you prefer a mix of history and modern luxury, the shikumen architecture of Xintiandi offers high-end boutiques and trendy lifestyle stores in a charming, pedestrian-friendly setting.

For those looking for value or local treasures, the city’s various markets are essential. Tianzifang is a creative enclave perfect for finding unique handicrafts and artisanal gifts nestled within narrow, historic lanes. Meanwhile, Nanjing Road East provides a traditional commercial experience with a wide range of department stores and souvenir shops.

Famous local products include high-quality mulberry silk, exquisite qipao dresses, and fine teas. While the glittering malls offer fixed prices, don't be afraid to engage in friendly bargaining at local markets and smaller stalls to secure the best deals on unique souvenirs.

In Shanghai, tipping is generally not expected and is not a common practice in daily life. Whether you are dining at a local restaurant, taking a taxi, or grabbing a coffee, the price on the bill is what you are expected to pay. In high-end international hotels or luxury dining establishments, a service charge of 10% to 15% is frequently included in the total, so additional gratuities are unnecessary. The local currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY), also known as Renminbi (RMB), which currently exchanges at a rate of roughly 7.2 CNY to 1 US Dollar.

While the standard is no tipping, small exceptions exist for specific services like private tour guides or bellhops at major international hotels, where a modest tip is appreciated for exceptional help. However, these gestures remain entirely optional. In most interactions, a polite smile and a sincere "xièxie" (thank you) are the most valued ways to show appreciation for excellent service.

The ideal times to explore Shanghai are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is most temperate and pleasant. Spring brings blooming magnolias and comfortable temperatures perfect for walking the Bund, while autumn offers clear skies and the arrival of the famous hairy crab season. These shoulder seasons provide the best balance for outdoor sightseeing before the sweltering humidity of summer or the biting, damp chill of winter sets in.

Travelers should be mindful of major national holidays, particularly the Golden Week in early October and Chinese New Year, when crowds swell and hotel prices spike significantly. For those seeking lower costs and thinner crowds, the transition weeks in early March or late November offer a strategic compromise, though a warm coat is essential. Regardless of the season, booking in advance remains the best way to secure competitive rates in this bustling global metropolis.