Shanghai Travel Guide

Shanghai is a directly administered municipality located in eastern China at the mouth of the Yangtze River, and it is the country's largest economic city. Flanking the Huangpu River, historic Puxi lies to the west, while the Pudong New Area stretches to the east; since its opening as an international port in the mid-19th century, Shanghai has grown into a major global trading hub.On the west bank of the Huangpu River, the Bund features a row of colonial-era buildings from the foreign concession period. Across the river, in Pudong, towering skyscrapers—including the 632-meter-tall Shanghai Tower—rise skyward, and at night, both banks are illuminated, their reflections shimmering on the water—a quintessential scene that defines Shanghai.A classic sightseeing destination is Yu Garden, built during the Ming Dynasty, where visitors can admire the beauty of a Jiangnan-style garden adorned with Taihu rocks and ponds. Adjacent to the garden, Yu Garden Mall offers street food such as xiaolongbao, while the Shanghai Museum, renowned for its collection of ancient bronzes and ceramics, can be explored free of charge. The plane-tree-lined streets of the former French Concession and Xintiandi, a revitalized area of shikumen residences, are also popular spots for strolling through the city.Shanghai serves as a major hub for China's high-speed rail network, making day trips to Hangzhou and Suzhou easily accessible. The city's two main airports are Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport, with Hongqiao directly connected to a high-speed rail station. Take your time to explore this city where tradition and modernity coexist.