Shanghai
Shanghai is a vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis situated on China’s eastern coast, where the Huangpu River meets the East China Sea. Once a modest fishing village, it began to grow rapidly in the 19th century after being designated a treaty port following the First Opium War. The city soon became a center of international trade and finance, attracting foreign concessions and giving rise to a unique blend of Chinese and Western influences. By the early 20th century, Shanghai was known as the “Paris of the East,” a glamorous hub of commerce, culture, and nightlife. Today, it stands as China’s financial capital and a global gateway, marked by its iconic skyline, cutting-edge technology, and thriving arts scene. While futuristic landmarks like the Shanghai Tower and Oriental Pearl TV Tower dominate the skyline, historic districts like the Bund and the French Concession preserve the city’s rich colonial and cultural heritage. From colonial-era architecture and traditional teahouses to contemporary galleries and buzzing street markets, Shanghai offers a compelling blend of past and future, East and West—making it one of Asia’s most captivating and dynamic destinations.
💡Shanghai: Good to Know
🛂 Visa: China requires most travelers (including those from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and the EU) to have a visa, but Shanghai offers a 144-hour visa-free transit policy for eligible nationalities if you're connecting to a third country. Check your eligibility based on your passport and itinerary.
✈️ Closest Airport: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
💬 Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language. English is spoken in major hotels, airports, and tourist areas, but it is less common elsewhere — translation apps are helpful.
🏷️ Price Level: Moderate — local food and public transport are very affordable, but upscale dining, imported goods, and luxury hotels can be pricey.
🍔 Big Mac Index: US: US$5.69 / China: US$3.22
💰 Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY or RMB) | 1 USD ≈ 7.25 CNY
☀️ Best Times to Visit: March–May and September–November — mild weather and fewer crowds.
🚘 Transportation: Metro, buses, and taxis (most public signs include English translations, making it relatively easy to navigate)
🔌 Adapter: China uses Type A, C, and I plugs. Visitors from the US, UK, and most of Europe will likely need a plug adapter.
🛜 WiFi: Available in hotels, cafés, and public spaces, but access to Western websites like Google, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp is blocked. Use a VPN if you need these services.
🏧💰 ATM and “Cash or Card”: Cash is still accepted, but mobile payments via Alipay or WeChat Pay are dominant. Foreign cards may not work with mobile apps, so carry cash and use international ATMs or cards that support China.
💸 Tipping: Tipping is not customary in China and is generally not expected, though rounding up in taxis or leaving small change at upscale restaurants is appreciated.
🚢 Cruise Terminal Address: No.1 Baoyang Rd Shanghai (docked)
✈️ 🚇 🚕 Getting There and Around
🎟️ Getting around Shanghai is efficient and budget-friendly, thanks to its extensive public transport network. The Shanghai Metro is one of the largest and most modern in the world, with 20+ lines connecting major attractions, neighborhoods, airports, and train stations. Trains are air-conditioned, affordable (starting at around 3 CNY), and have bilingual signage in Chinese and English. You can also use buses, taxis, or DiDi (China’s version of Uber) for areas not served by metro. For payment, purchase a Shanghai Public Transport Card (also called a Jiaotong Card), usable on metro, buses, ferries, and even taxis. While some central areas like the Bund or Former French Concession are walkable, the city is large, and traffic can be heavy, so allow extra time for travel during peak hours.
✈️ Shanghai is served by two major airports: Pudong International Airport (PVG) for most international flights, and Hongqiao Airport (SHA) for domestic and some regional routes. Pudong Airport is located about 45 km (28 miles) from the city center, while Hongqiao is closer—around 13 km (8 miles).
From Pudong Airport, you can take the Shanghai Maglev Train, one of the fastest in the world, reaching speeds of 430 km/h (267 mph). It gets you to Longyang Road Metro Station in about 8 minutes, where you can transfer to the metro (Line 2) to reach downtown areas like People’s Square or Lujiazui. Alternatively, you can take a direct metro ride on Line 2 from the airport, though the journey to central Shanghai takes about 60–70 minutes.
Taxis are available 24/7 outside both airports, with fares from Pudong to downtown ranging from 150–200 CNY (≈ 20–28 USD), depending on traffic. DiDi, China's version of Uber, is also widely used.
🚇 The Port of Shanghai (Shanghai International Cruise Terminal) is conveniently located near the city’s waterfront and about a 15–20 minute taxi ride from downtown areas like The Bund, Nanjing Road, and Lujiazui financial district. While there’s no metro station directly at the cruise terminal, the closest station is East Nanjing Road Metro Station, roughly 4 km (2.5 miles) away. You can reach it by taxi or shuttle in about 10 minutes. From there, you can access multiple metro lines (Lines 2 and 10) connecting you to popular destinations like People’s Square, Yu Garden, and Shanghai Tower. Shanghai’s metro system is fast, clean, air-conditioned, and affordable, making it an excellent choice for exploring the city during your port visit.
⭐️ Top Sights in Shanghai
"Shanghai has the longest metro system in the world."
📸 The Bund: This iconic riverfront promenade stretches along the western bank of the Huangpu River and offers stunning views of Shanghai’s contrasting architectural styles. On one side, you’ll find majestic colonial-era buildings that recall Shanghai’s past as a major international trading port. Across the river lies the futuristic skyline of Lujiazui in Pudong, with its dazzling skyscrapers like the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower. The Bund is perfect for a leisurely stroll, especially at sunset when the city lights start to sparkle.
📸 Yu Garden & Old City: Yu Garden is a beautifully preserved classical Chinese garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty, renowned for its intricate rockeries, serene ponds, and traditional pavilions. Surrounding the garden is the bustling Old City area, filled with traditional architecture, lively bazaars, and street food stalls where you can sample local snacks like xiaolongbao (soup dumplings). It’s a vibrant spot to experience both Shanghai’s cultural heritage and its lively market atmosphere.
📸 Oriental Pearl Tower: One of Shanghai’s most recognizable landmarks, this space-age TV tower offers multiple observation decks, including a thrilling glass-floor platform that lets you look straight down over the city. Located in the heart of Pudong’s financial district, the tower also houses museums, a revolving restaurant, and exhibition spaces, making it a must-visit for panoramic city views and entertainment.
📸 Shanghai Tower: Standing at 632 meters, Shanghai Tower is China’s tallest building and boasts the world’s highest observation deck. The building features ultra-fast elevators that whisk visitors up in under a minute to spectacular 360-degree views of the city and beyond. Its sleek, twisting design is an architectural marvel, symbolizing Shanghai’s blend of innovation and elegance.
📸 Nanjing Road: Shanghai’s premier shopping street, Nanjing Road stretches from The Bund to Jing’an Temple and is bustling day and night with shoppers, street performers, and neon lights. Whether you’re hunting for luxury brands, local boutiques, or souvenirs, Nanjing Road is a lively place for walking, dining, and people-watching, capturing the city’s dynamic energy.
📸 French Concession: This historic district offers a striking contrast to the high-rise skyline with its charming tree-lined streets, colonial-era villas, and quaint boutiques. Known for its European ambiance, the French Concession is dotted with cozy cafés, art galleries, and trendy restaurants, making it a favorite for leisurely exploration and cultural discovery.
📸 Tianzifang: Tianzifang is an artsy maze of narrow alleys filled with craft shops, galleries, and stylish cafés housed in renovated traditional Shikumen buildings. It’s the perfect spot for picking up unique handmade souvenirs, enjoying a coffee, or dining in an intimate setting. The vibrant street art and creative atmosphere make it a hotspot for both locals and tourists.
📸 Shanghai Museum: Located in People’s Square, the Shanghai Museum is renowned worldwide for its comprehensive collection of ancient Chinese art. Visitors can explore exquisite bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, jade, and traditional furniture, all housed in a striking modern building shaped like a traditional bronze vessel. Best of all, admission is free, making it an essential cultural stop.
📸 Jade Buddha Temple: An active Buddhist temple famous for its two magnificent jade Buddha statues imported from Burma, the Jade Buddha Temple offers a peaceful retreat amid the city’s hustle and bustle. Visitors can witness traditional worship practices, admire intricate temple architecture, and experience a slice of Shanghai’s spiritual life.
🍽️😋 Regional Specialties
Shanghai’s cuisine is celebrated for its sweet, delicate flavors, subtle seasoning, and elegant presentation. Influenced by the city’s coastal location, expect an abundance of fresh seafood combined with ingredients like soy sauce, rice wine, black vinegar, and sugar to create a unique balance of savory and sweet tastes. Shanghai dishes often emphasize tenderness and slow cooking, resulting in rich, comforting flavors that reflect the city’s culinary heritage.
🍽️ Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings): These iconic dumplings are a must-try in Shanghai. Delicately crafted from thin dough wrappers, each xiaolongbao is filled with seasoned pork and a burst of steaming hot broth inside. Eating them requires a little technique—bite a small hole, sip the soup, then enjoy the rest with a splash of black vinegar and ginger. Popular spots include the famous Din Tai Fung and the historic Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant in the Old City.
🍽️ Shengjian Bao: Known as the “pan-fried cousin” to xiaolongbao, shengjian bao are pork buns with a crispy, golden bottom from frying, while the tops remain soft and fluffy. They’re filled with juicy pork and savory broth, making them a beloved street food breakfast or snack. Vendors often sell them fresh from large woks along busy streets and markets.
🍽️ Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou): A quintessential Shanghai comfort dish, braised pork belly is slowly cooked in a rich mixture of soy sauce, sugar, ginger, and Shaoxing rice wine until it becomes meltingly tender. The dish is glossy and sweet-savory, often served over steamed rice or alongside simple greens, making it a hearty favorite among locals and visitors alike.
🍽️ Lion’s Head Meatballs: These oversized pork meatballs, named for their supposed resemblance to a lion’s head, are tender and juicy, simmered gently in a light broth or sauce. Often paired with napa cabbage or other vegetables, they’re warm and comforting, showcasing Shanghai’s knack for hearty but subtle flavors.
🍽️ Beggar’s Chicken: A traditional delicacy with an intriguing story, beggar’s chicken is a whole chicken stuffed with aromatic herbs, wrapped tightly in clay, and slow-baked. The cooking method locks in moisture and flavor, resulting in extraordinarily tender meat that falls off the bone. The clay crust is cracked open tableside, adding a theatrical element to this delicious dish.
🍽️ Noodles in Scallion Oil (Cong You Ban Mian): Simple but flavorful, this staple dish features freshly made wheat noodles tossed in fragrant scallion oil, often accompanied by soy sauce, chopped scallions, and sometimes shredded chicken or other toppings. It’s a comforting, everyday meal that highlights Shanghai’s culinary focus on balance and freshness.
🍽️ Hairy Crab (Seasonal): A prized seasonal delicacy available from September to November, hairy crab is steamed and prized for its sweet, delicate roe and tender meat. It’s often enjoyed with a dipping sauce made from ginger and vinegar, and is a highlight of autumn dining in Shanghai, celebrated with festivals and special menus.
🥤 Soy Milk & Youtiao: A classic Shanghai breakfast combo, warm or cold soy milk pairs perfectly with youtiao—long, crispy deep-fried dough sticks. The salty-sweet contrast is beloved by locals, often enjoyed from street vendors or neighborhood breakfast stalls as a quick, satisfying start to the day.
📍🗺️ Maps, Apps & Links
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