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Shanghai, literally "Above the Sea", is a port city on the Huangpu River. As the largest city in China and an economic, commercial and financial center, Shanghai was nicknamed "Pairs of the East". No other city of China is more prosperous, dynamic and fascinating or has such a unique colonial history than Shanghai. Our Shanghai Travel Guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of this city, come and take a look with us!
Shanghai, affectionately known as "the Magic City", weaves together ancient and modern elements, blending East and West to create a unique cultural landscape. Separated by the Huangpu River, Pudong and Puxi attract countless eyes with their diverse styles. Puxi, the old city area of Shanghai, was once the concession of Britain and France, boasting numerous European-style buildings from the last century, as well as Shanghai's unique Longtang (Chinese-style alleyways) and Shikumen (stone-framed gate), which are the witnesses of Shanghai's historical culture. In contrast, Pudong is more youthful and open. With skyscrapers, emerging cultural industries, and bustling commercial districts, it showcases the image of Shanghai as an international metropolis.
The "Three Icons of Shanghai" (Shanghai Tower, Jinmao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center) in Lujiazui, and the nearby Oriental Pearl Tower, are the most distinctive architectural representatives of Shanghai. As night falls, you can find a lively bar in Xintiandi to enjoy a drink with your loved one, or stroll along the Bund, admiring the numerous classically styled buildings with distinct characteristics in the gentle breeze.
However, Shanghai has much more to offer than just these. Behind this bustling metropolis, the ancient Yu Garden offers a glimpse of Jiangnan's pavilions and terraces, while the small bridges and flowing streams of Zhujiajiao Water Town leave you a refreshed feeling. Stepping into the Jade Buddha Temple, a serene oasis in the busy city, you will momentarily forget the noise and troubles of the outside world. Besides, Disneyland, Shanghai Museum, Xujiahui Catholic Church, City God Temple, and Wukang Building all tell you the past and future of Shanghai with their unique charm.
Beijing may be more historic and mysterious, but Shanghai is more multi-cultural. Come and join us to explore Shanghai and plan your own trip. Do not hesitate! You are sure to have unforgettable experiences here.
Features
Chinese: 上海 Shanghai Area: 6,340.5 square kilometers
Time Zone: UTC+8 Population: 24,874,500
Location: East China Climate: Subtropical Monsoon Climate
Post Code: 200000 Administration Type: Municipality
Area Code: (+86) 021 Average Annual Rainfall: 1166.1mm
Top Shanghai Tourist Attractions
Three Icons of Shanghai & Oriental Pearl Tower
Shanghai Landmark Skyscrapers
The "Three Icons" of Lujiazui in Shanghai refer to the Shanghai World Financial Center, the Shanghai Tower, and the Jinmao Tower. These three landmark buildings are the most distinctive and unique in Pudong, and each offers a unique view from its high-rise observation deck. The Oriental Pearl Tower stands tall in Lujiazui, Pudong, and complements the architectural ensemble of the Bund across the Huangpu River. It is a famous landmark in Shanghai and the third tallest television tower in Asia. The tower reaches a height of 468 meters, consisting of 11 spheres of varying sizes connected in series. By ascending to the three main spheres, you can admire the urban scenery along both sides of the Huangpu River from different heights. If you take a visit at night, the magnificent lights of Shanghai under the cover of darkness will make the experience even more unforgettable.
Yu Graden
Yu Garden is the only classical Jiangnan garden situated in the bustling city of Shanghai. It was originally a private garden of the Ming Dynasty, built during the reigns of Emperor Jiajing and Wanli, boasting a history of over 450 years. Within the garden, there are elegant pavilions, curved corridors and charming bridges. The stones showcase unique formations, while the trees remain lush and verdant, creating a serene and beautiful scene that encapsulates the artistic style of Jiangnan garden architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Among the many highlights that await discovery are the Sansui Hall, Wan Hua Tower, Huxinting Pavilion, the Nine-turning Bridge, Yu Ling Long (Exquisite Jade Stone), and the awe-inspiring Dragon Walls. Each corner whispers a story, inviting you to explore. What's more? Yuyuan Bazaar lies outside the Yu Garden. Unlike Nanjing Road, it is not only a favorite spot for visitors but also a great destination for locals to immerse themselves in the bustling atmosphere of the old city.
Zhujiajiao Water Town
Located in the westernmost part of Shanghai, Zhujiajiao Water Town sits by the picturesque Dianshan Lake. Surrounded by interlaced rivers and canals, and crisscrossed with stone bridges, it is a typical water town in the south of the Yangtze River, earning itself the reputation of being the "Venice of Shanghai". The scenery within the town is even more captivating. The Fangsheng Bridge boasts a magnificent and exquisite design, being the largest existing five-arch stone bridge in Shanghai. Nine old streets and over a thousand houses are built along the river. Among them, North Street is lined with Ming and Qing dynasty architectures on both sides. Merchants and vendors hawk their goods along the street, creating a lively atmosphere. In several hundred-year-old Teahouses, elderly people sit and order a pot of tea, chatting while sipping and recounting tales of bygone eras. The Qing Dynasty Post Office, established during the reign of Guangxu, still operates, drawing many visitors who either seek to learn about its stories or send a postcard as a keepsake.
The Bund
The Bund, with a total length of 1.5 kilometers, extends from Yan'an East Road to the Waibaidu Bridge over the Suzhou River. It is one of the most iconic attractions in Shanghai. Located along the Huangpu River, and bordered by the Shanghai Financial Center, numerous historical buildings converge here, ranging from Gothic to Baroque, Renaissance to Neo-Classical, creating a unique urban landscape. The Bund is even more breathtaking at night, with its dazzling lights reflecting on the river surface, resembling a flowing painting. Whether strolling along the riverbank or admiring the night view from a cruise ship, you can enjoy the unique charm of this city. It is also a venue for cultural experiences with museums and art exhibitions, offering you a deeper understanding of Shanghai's history and culture. Surrounding the Bund are various unique restaurants and cafes. On a leisurely afternoon, enjoying a cup of coffee, tasting authentic Shanghai cuisine and experiencing the daily life of this city is truly a delightful pastime.
Nanjing Road
Nanjing Road, nestled closely to the Bund, stands as Shanghai's most vibrant and established commercial avenue. Stretching from People's Square in the west to the Bund in the east, spanning approximately 1.2 kilometers, this Road boasts a variety of century-old Shanghai restaurants and shops, as well as modern malls housing contemporary fashion brands. Xintiandi is a vibrant and charming place in Shanghai. It has witnessed the city's transformations and holds the memories of its inhabitants. Strolling through the lanes of Xintiandi feels like stepping into a tunnel of time. Shikumen (stone-framed gate), the traditional residential architecture of Shanghai, with its red bricks and black tiles, exudes a profound historical ambiance. Both place gather culinary delights from all over the world, such as French cuisine, Italian pizzas, Japanese sushi, and Chinese dim sums, allowing you to indulge in a global culinary adventure.
Wukang Road
In Shanghai, if you yearn for a haven enveloped in a sense of ease and relaxation, Wukang Road is undoubtedly the perfect destination. Here, you'll find the French Renaissance-inspired Wukang Building, the quaint Spanish-style "Romeo's Balcony", the Former Residence of the esteemed Chinese writer Ba Jin, and the Mediterranean-style Former Italian Consulate General's Mansion, among other architectural wonders. As you leisurely wander through Wukang Road, the gentle sunshine casts its warm glow on the red-tiled roofs and white walls, while the street beneath your feet is paved neatly with bluestones. The air is perfumed with the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and your sight is met with the lush green of towering French plane trees. In this idyllic setting, you will undoubtedly feel a profound sense of tranquility and serenity.
Jade Buddha Temple
Unlike other temples, which are mostly built by mountains and rivers, the Jade Buddha Temple is located in the bustling downtown area of Shanghai. Yet here, you can close your eyes and seek inner peace, making it a tranquil oasis amidst the hustle and bustle. It is said that people visit Longhua Temple for career aspirations, Jing'an Temple for peace, while the Jade Buddha Temple, with its Jade Buddha statue enshrined within, symbolizes wealth, thus attracting those seeking prosperity and family flourishing. Nowadays, the Jade Buddha Temple boasts lush greenery. The main hall is designed in the architectural style of the Song Dynasty, with the Hall of the Heavenly Kings (天王殿), the Great Buddha's Hall (大雄宝殿), and Jade Buddha Tower(玉佛楼) lined up along the central axis. On both east and west sides, there are Guanyin hall, the Bronze Buddha hall, the Reclining Buddha hall, the meditation room and abstinence hall, among others.
Shanghai Museum
Shanghai Museum
The Shanghai Museum, completed in 1996, boasts two underground floors and five above-ground floors, reaching a height of 29.5 meters. Its overall design, a harmonious fusion of a square base and a circular dome, embodies the ancient Chinese philosophy of "the heavens are round, and the earth is square". Located at the People's Square in Shanghai, this grand museum dedicates itself to the art of ancient China. The museum showcases the exquisite treasures of the Chinese civilization spanning five millennia. Here, you can admire precious artifacts such as ancient ceramics, calligraphy and paintings, bronze ware, and more, engaging in a trans-temporal dialogue with historical figures. The museum also invite you to delve into the legendary tales of ancient China, immersing yourself in the profoundness of the Chinese culture.
Shanghai Disneyland Park
Shanghai Disneyland Park
Shanghai Disneyland Park, situated in the Pudong New Area, embodies a harmonious blend of imagination, creativity, and adventure. Sprawling across a vast expanse, it showcases eight captivating themed lands: Mickey Avenue, Gardens of Imagination, Adventure Isle, Treasure Cove, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, and the exhilarating Zootopia. Each themed land is brimming with meticulously designed attractions that promise a wonderful experience. Beautiful castle, vivid stage performance and lush garden, make you feel as if you've stepped into the pages of a storybook. Here, you can marvel at the stunning fireworks display that lights up the night sky, or enjoy the unique opportunity to engage in intimate interactions with beloved characters like Mickey Mouse, Disney Princesses, Captain Jack Sparrow, and many more, creating unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
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