Shanghai Travel Guide: Explore China’s Modern Metropolis
Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning, this Shanghai Travel Guide helps you discover the city’s top attractions, local food experiences, and flexible travel itineraries — ideal for international travelers planning ahead or exploring in depth.
Top Attractions : Discover Shanghai’s iconic sites including The Bund, Yuyuan Garden, Wukang & Anfu Roads, and other must-see neighborhoods.
Local Food & Cafés : Explore hidden gems, street snacks, and trendy cafés across the French Concession and Wukang/Anfu area.
Efficient Itineraries : Plan your visit with one-day, two-day, or three-day routes covering attractions, neighborhoods, and top photo spots.
Neighborhood Exploration : Walk through the French Concession, Former Jewish Quarter, and trendy shopping districts to experience local culture.
Travel Tips : Learn how to get around, the best seasons to visit, top photo spots, and hidden experiences to make the most of Shanghai.
Shanghai Tourist Attractions
The Bund (Waitan): The essential starting point. Fifty-two buildings in Neoclassical and Art Deco styles line the Huangpu River. At night, the neon lights and the glow of the Oriental Pearl Tower create a scene straight out of The Great Gatsby.
Lujiazui Skyline: Take a ferry across to Pudong. The glass facades of the “Lujiazui Three” (Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, Jin Mao Tower) reflect a sense of futurism. The “Top of Shanghai” Observation Deck on the 118th floor of Shanghai Tower offers a 360-degree view of the city skyline.
Yuyuan Garden: To feel the pulse of history, this Ming Dynasty garden and the Nine-Turn Bridge are the epitome of Jiangnan culture.
Top Shanghai Tourist Attractions
The Bund
Lujiazui & the Oriental Pearl Tower
Yuyuan Garden
Nanjing Road Shanghai
Shanghai Disneyland
Zhujiajiao Water Town
Shanghai Local Food Trails
Shanghai cuisine is known for its “rich sauces, heavy oil, and a sweet-and-savory balance.” It was designated a “Creative City of Gastronomy” by UNESCO in 2010.
Braised Pork (Hongshao Rou): The quintessential local dish (Benbang Cai). The version at Old Jesse Restaurant is tender but not greasy, with the depth of soy sauce and the subtle sweetness of rock candy. It has earned a Michelin star.
Soup Dumplings (Xiaolongbao): The soul food of the streets. Nanxiang Mantou Dian’s crab roe xiaolongbao has thin skin and abundant juice. Dip it in vinegar, and it bursts with flavor. The Guardian (UK) praised it as one of the “World’s Best Street Foods.”
Shanghai Local Food Trails ：Classic Main Dishes
Braised Pork Belly
Eight-Treasure Duck
Yan Du Xian
Crab Roe Tofu
Crystal Shrimp
Caotou Quanzi
Shanghai Travel Itineraries
Shanghai’s charm lies in its balance of “fast and slow.” You can rush through landmarks in 24 hours or spend a week immersed in Haipai culture. Here are tested, high-efficiency travel guide to help you explore Shanghai like a local:
One-Day Express:
See the essentials — start at The Bund, take a ferry to Pudong, ascend the Shanghai Tower, and return for the Bund’s dazzling night view.
Two-Day Classic:
Balance culture and art.
Explore Yuyuan Garden and City God Temple, then savor xiaolongbao at Nanxiang Mantou Dian.
Visit the West Bund Art Center, and relax in Xintiandi with coffee under the plane trees.
Classic Shanghai Travel Itineraries
The Bund
Lujiazui & Xintiandi
Shanghai 3-Day Itinerary
Shanghai 5-Day Itinerary
Shanghai Travel Guide: Attractions, Food, and Travel Itineraries
Shanghai is a city of contrasts: old meets new, calm alleys meet bustling avenues, and traditional cuisine meets modern gastronomy.
Use this page as your Shanghai Travel Guide to explore attractions, local food trails, and detailed itineraries. Whether planning your next China trip or simply exploring virtually, Shanghai invites you to stroll the Bund, sip tea in classical gardens, and experience the heartbeat of a modern Chinese metropolis.
FAQs about Shanghai Travel Guide
How many days should I spend in Shanghai?
Typically 2–4 days, depending on whether you want a city overview or a deeper exploration of neighborhoods and attractions.
What are the must-visit neighborhoods?
The French Concession, Wukang & Anfu Roads, The Bund, and Jing’an Temple area are top picks.
How do I get around efficiently?
Metro is fastest and most reliable. Taxis and Didi are convenient but slower during peak hours.
What are the best food experiences in Shanghai?
Try street snacks, local cafés in the French Concession, and popular restaurants for dumplings and Shanghai specialties.
Are there hidden gems for travelers?
Yes — small alleys, independent bookstores, boutique cafés, and art studios in the French Concession and Wukang/Anfu area.
Can I visit Shanghai’s attractions all year round?
Most attractions are open year-round. Spring and autumn offer the best weather and photography light; some historic sites may close on Mondays, so check before visiting.
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