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Shanghai - A Guide to China's Largest City

Shanghai - A Guide to China's Largest City

If you had to choose one Chinese city to visit, it should definitely be Shanghai. Find out why.

Shanghai has a thriving environment that few other places on earth can match. Due to this, it is one of the best cities in China to visit.

As both the largest and richest city in China, Shanghai has quite a lot to offer and can definitely fill up even a long vacation. And since it is also dubbed as the gateway to China, you'll be surprised to know that Shanghai is the one city in the country that offers a perfect blending of the East and the West, making it a great destination for a culture-focused trip. And if you're planning to see more of China, Shanghai is a great jump-off point; from there, you can easily travel to Beijing, to Xian, or to Guilin.

Shanghai also lights up wonderfully at night, while in the day, it just bursts with the ultimate shopping experience. No wonder this vibrant city has become one of the most popular travel destinations in Asia.

Where to Go

Well, once you get to Shanghai, your first order of business should be to visit the best known tourist destinations there. Shanghai has so much more to offer, so it's best to get these must-see spots out of the way before you move on to your own unique Shanghai experience. Since there are a lot to see, you can go about your tour systematically, dividing the destinations by district.

Most of the top attractions are gathered together in the Huangpu District, so it's best to start there. In Huangpu, you should go see:

  • The Bund
  • Oriental Pearl TV Tower
  • Yuyuan Garden
  • Shanghai Art Museum

You should also go see the Shanghai Old Street, which will acquaint you with the Shanghai from the olden times.

Next, head to Pudong District, where there are also a lot to see, such as:

  • Bund Sightseeing Tunnel
  • Yangpu Bridge
  • Shanghai Science and Technology Museum
  • Shanghai Ocean Aquarium

Putuo District, on the other hand, is ideal for culture and religion enthusiasts. There you will see:

  • Jade Buddha Temple
  • Duolun Culture Street

In Baoshan, there lies the Loudain Ancient Town, a beautifully preserved town dating back 600 years ago to the Yuan Dynasty. You will also see some island towns, namely the Changxing Island and the Hengsha Island.

For your last stop, head over to the Qingpu District and visit the Zhujiajiao Water Town, a quaint town built over the Yangtze River. Nicknamed as ‘The Venice of Shanghai', Zhujiajiao offers old stone streets, well-preserved buildings, and winding waterways.

One of the best and the easiest ways to see these top attractions is to join Shanghai tours, of which there are many being offered. Some of the most popular tours include:

  • Essence of Shanghai tour, for the most iconic destinations
  • Shanghai Memories tour, for a look at the authentic Shanghai life preserved from the ancients
  • Shanghai Classic Tour with Maglev Train Experience

Where to Eat

While in Shanghai, don't forget to enjoy the authentic Chinese cuisine. For an up close view at how the women of Shanghai create the exquisite Chinese delicacies, go to Jia Jia Tang Bao where you will see how the famous Xiaolongbao or soup dumplings are made. Then don't forget to have a full-blown dim sum experience for lunch or dinner.

For brunch, go and have some tea at Shunxing, a Chengdu tea house located at 1088 Yan'an Xi Lu.

And don't leave Shanghai without having some classic Chinese noodles, the best of which can be found at Xibei Oat Noodle Village at Hongxin Plaza.

If you are looking for Western dishes cooked the Shanghai way, check out Mr. & Mrs. Bund at 18 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, but do book ahead of time to secure a table.

Where to Stay

Your choice of hotel can greatly affect your Shanghai experience. If you want the usual luxury hotel experience, go to Park Hyatt, which is dubbed as the world's highest hotel. If you are looking for a unique experience, go to the Mansion Hotel, which boasts of an old French Art Deco look. With just 30 rooms, the intimate yet charming hotel is strategically positioned downtown. If you prefer to stay in a resort, go to The Puli, an urban resort with its in-house spa.

When to Go

The best months to visit Shanghai are April and May or from September to November. During these months, the weather is perfect for traveling.