ChinaTripGuide

East China · 上海

Shanghai

Futuristic skyline meets 1920s glamour

3 days recommendedFrom $45/day

Why Visit

China's most cosmopolitan city: a blade-runner skyline across the Huangpu River from the leafy colonial lanes of the former French Concession. It's the easiest city in China for first-timers — and the best place to eat your way through every regional cuisine.

  • See the Bund's colonial skyline facing the neon towers of Pudong
  • Wander the plane-tree streets and boutique cafés of the French Concession
  • Eat xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at the source
  • Ride the 460 km/h maglev from the airport

Top Things to Do

Bund evening walk

2 hours¥2 (ferry)

The skyline lights up at dusk. Walk from Nanjing Road East to the Rockbund end, then take a river ferry (¥2) across and back.

Shanghai Tower observation deck

2 hours¥180

The world's second-tallest building, with an observation floor near the top.

French Concession cycle tour

Half day¥20 (bike rentals)

Rent shared bikes and cruise Fuxing Road, Wukang Road and Anfu Road past villas and cafés.

Xiaolongbao pilgrimage

1 hour¥30–100

Soup dumplings at Din Tai Fung or local favorite Jia Jia Tang Bao (go before they sell out at 3pm).

Propaganda Poster Museum

1 hour¥40

A basement collection of original Mao-era posters — a quirky, unforgettable hour.

Where to Stay

The Bund / Nanjing East

Classic views

Grand heritage hotels and mid-range options within walking distance of the river.

French Concession

Boutique, local

Design hotels and Airbnbs on quiet leafy streets, best for cafés and walking.

Jing'an

Central, practical

Good-value hotels around Jing'an Temple with three metro lines at your doorstep.

Food You Can't Miss

Xiaolongbao

Silky soup dumplings — bite a hole, slurp the broth, then eat. Legend says they were invented in Nanxiang, Shanghai.

Shengjianbao

Pan-fried pork buns with a crispy bottom and scalding soup inside. Yang's Fry Dumplings is the classic.

Hongshao rou

Melt-in-your-mouth red-braised pork belly, a Shanghainese comfort classic.

Hairy crab (autumn)

From late October, Shanghainese go crazy for these seasonal delicacies steamed with ginger vinegar.

Sample 3-Day Plan

  1. 1

    River & skyline

    Yu Garden early, Nanjing Road walk, Bund at sunset, dinner of soup dumplings.

  2. 2

    Concession wander

    French Concession by bike or foot, Tianzifang lanes, coffee crawl, evening in Xintiandi.

  3. 3

    Pudong & views

    Shanghai Tower in the morning, riverside parks, maglev photo op on the way out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do I need in Shanghai?

Three days covers the highlights. Add a fourth if you want day trips to water towns like Zhujiajiao (one hour away by metro).

Is the maglev worth it?

As transport, it's a wash — it only goes partway. As a 300 km/h rollercoaster for ¥50, absolutely. Sit in front and watch the speedometer.

What about Disneyland Shanghai?

It's excellent and notably cheaper than the US parks — worth a full day if you have Disney-inclined travel companions.

Shanghai or Beijing if I only have time for one?

Beijing for history and 'classic China', Shanghai for lifestyle, food variety and ease. Ideally do both on one 10-day trip — the high-speed train takes 4.5–6 hours.

Recommended

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