Shanghai Travel Guide

Shanghai, a pulsating metropolis of over 25 million, is a city where ancient serenity meets cutting-edge innovation. As exhilarating as the world-famous Maglev and as peaceful as its centuries-old gardens, Shanghai offers a dazzling fusion of architectural marvels, culinary adventures, and cosmopolitan flair.

From its origins as a colonial trading outpost to its rise as a global financial titan, Shanghai’s evolution is a compelling story of reinvention. The city is a sophisticated blend of tradition and trendsetting, where Art Deco gems and futuristic skyscrapers create a skyline unlike any other. Exploring Shanghai reveals a seamless convergence of the historic and the avant-garde, making it a must-visit for discerning travelers.

Begin your journey at the Bund, Shanghai’s legendary riverside promenade along the Huangpu River. Here, 26 heritage buildings showcase an eclectic mix of Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles, including icons like the Fairmont Peace Hotel and the Bank of China Building. Don’t miss the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai, a celebrated Art Deco landmark that epitomizes the city’s golden age glamour.

Step inside the historic HSBC building to admire its spectacular dome, adorned with vibrant mosaics depicting the city’s global connections in the early 20th century. For a glimpse of tomorrow, cross to Lujiazui in Pudong, where the rocket-shaped Oriental Pearl Tower and the awe-inspiring Shanghai Tower—China’s tallest—define the city’s ambitious spirit.

For a taste of old-world Shanghai, wander into the ancient lanes of the Huangpu District’s Old City. Here, traditional red-and-gold rooftops and winding alleyways lead to the exquisite 16th-century Yuyuan Garden, a two-hectare masterpiece of Ming Dynasty landscape design. Take time to explore its ornate pavilions, zigzag bridges, and tranquil koi ponds, then visit nearby landmarks such as the City God Temple, Fangbang Road, and the historic Huxinting Teahouse.

Experience a dramatic shift in tempo in the leafy boulevards of the French Concession. This stylish enclave, known as the "Paris of the East," delights with its European mansions, Art Deco apartments, and vibrant sidewalk cafés. Embark on a gourmet street food tour—sample crispy bing pancakes, delicate dim sum, and the city’s iconic xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at beloved local eateries.

Complete your Shanghai sojourn with an evening of culture at the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. Alternatively, book a seat at a mesmerizing acrobatics performance or discover the ancient art of shadow puppetry at the Shanghai Puppet Theater. End your adventure with a private cruise along the Huangpu River, where the illuminated skyline creates a memory that lingers long after your visit. 

Huaihai Road: This two-kilometer boulevard is Shanghai’s answer to global fashion avenues. With over 400 boutiques and flagship stores, Huaihai Road rivals the likes of Paris’s Champs-Élysées and New York’s Fifth Avenue for luxury shopping. Expect an array of international designers and high-street favorites in a cosmopolitan setting.

Nanjing Road: Stretching 5.5 kilometers from the Bund to People’s Square, Nanjing Road is the city’s most iconic retail thoroughfare. More than 360 malls, department stores, and specialty shops, plus a vibrant mix of restaurants and entertainment venues, make it a retail paradise for locals and visitors alike.

The Bund: The 1.5-kilometer waterfront promenade is not only famed for its views, but also for its exclusive shopping. Here you’ll find luxury names such as Cartier, Omega, and Ermenegildo Zegna. Explore side streets for designer ateliers, hand-painted porcelain, fine silk scarves, and distinctive cashmere from local artisans.

French Concession: The creative soul of Shanghai shopping, the French Concession is dotted with independent boutiques and emerging local labels along Changle, Xinle, Julu, and Fumin Roads. Expect curated collections, avant-garde fashion, and unique accessories you won’t find anywhere else.

Shanghai Museum: Renowned for its distinctive circular-over-square design, this cultural institution embodies the ancient Chinese philosophy of heaven and earth. Inside, discover over a million artifacts—bronze vessels, ceramics, historical coins, jade, sculpture, seals, and masterpieces of calligraphy and painting. The Western Zhou Dynasty’s Dake Bronze Tripod is a particular highlight.

Shanghai Science and Technology Museum: As one of China’s most prominent science museums, this hub of discovery features immersive exhibitions on robotics, space exploration, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence. Two IMAX theaters bring the wonders of science to life for all ages.

Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum: Housed in the former Ohel Moshe Synagogue, this museum tells the moving stories of Jewish refugees who found sanctuary in Shanghai during World War II. Rare scrolls, personal memoirs, and cultural relics offer a powerful window into this unique chapter of history.

Shanghai Liuli China Museum: The city’s only museum dedicated to glass art, the Liuli China Museum traces the evolution of glassmaking in China. Interactive displays and contemporary installations highlight the intersection of ancient craftsmanship and modern artistry—an unmissable experience for art lovers.

Ultraviolet: Experience an avant-garde culinary journey at this three-Michelin-starred temple of gastronomy. Ultraviolet’s immersive tasting menus—now legendary in Shanghai—pair innovative 20-course creations with rare wines and multisensory theatrics. Expect boundary-pushing flavor combinations and a setting designed for memorable celebrations.

8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana: With two Michelin stars, this elegant Italian restaurant is renowned for exceptional white truffle tagliolini and luxurious risottos. Request a table overlooking the Huangpu River for unparalleled views to accompany your meal.

Taian Table: Awarded three Michelin stars, Taian Table offers an intimate dining experience with just 20 seats encircling an open kitchen. Menus change every two months, ensuring each visit is a fresh exploration of contemporary gastronomy—perfect for culinary connoisseurs.

Ji Pin Court: Savor modern Cantonese cuisine in the sophisticated private rooms of Ji Pin Court. Signature dishes include delicate dim sum, expertly roasted meats, and standout specialties like sand ginger chicken in clay pot and char siu pork glazed with longan honey. The kitchen’s innovative approach to seafood and seasonal ingredients shines.

Da Vittorio: A haven for seafood aficionados, Da Vittorio showcases refined Italian fare such as steamed fish salad, Egg ‘à la egg’ with caviar, and masterfully prepared pigeon and lamb. Their Tiramisu is a must for dessert lovers.

Treat yourself to an exquisite afternoon tea at the marble-adorned Jasmine Lounge of the Fairmont Peace Hotel. Savor a curated selection of premium Chinese and English teas, complemented by delicately crafted savories and buttery scones. On Saturdays, the lounge transforms for the iconic Tea Dance—a cherished tradition since the 1930s—where guests glide across the floor to live orchestral music in vintage grandeur.

Discover exquisite handmade ceramics, cloisonné, lacquerware, and intricate paper art at Piling Palang. Each piece is crafted by master artisans using time-honored techniques with a contemporary twist. Their collection of vibrant vases, jewelry boxes, trays, bowls, and tiffin sets—offered in bold hues from vivid pink to calming blue—features motifs that embody classic Chinese artistry and make for timeless keepsakes.

Enhance your Shanghai itinerary with a day in Hangzhou, a city celebrated for its classical Chinese landscapes. Wander through lush parks and along the tranquil shores of West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for willow-draped islets and scenic stone bridges. Ascend through a bamboo grove to the ancient Lingyin Temple for a moment of reflection. Stay after dusk to witness the magical glow of illuminated pagodas mirrored on the lake.

Shanghai’s nightlife is as vibrant as its skyline, with countless venues open late. For a sophisticated evening, visit Glam on The Bund—a retro-inspired lounge beloved by locals for its eclectic program of talks, live music, art shows, and film nights. The inventive cocktail list pairs perfectly with creative small plates such as Thai-style king crab omelette and signature Peking duck pie, ensuring an unforgettable night out in the city.

Divided by the Huangpu River, Shanghai presents two distinct personalities: Puxi, with its storied heritage, and Pudong, the epicenter of modern luxury. Both districts offer a refined selection of world-class hotels to suit every traveler’s preference.

International travelers typically arrive via Shanghai Pudong International Airport, situated approximately 45 kilometers from the city center. Taxis offer a convenient gateway to downtown, while Shanghai’s efficient metro system is ideal for exploring local neighborhoods. For the most immersive experience, stroll through historic districts on foot and leave the city’s complex driving to experienced locals.

Businessclass compares hundreds of travel sites at once, ensuring you access the most competitive premium flight offers to and from Shanghai. Businessclass also analyzes all leading hotel providers, guaranteeing exceptional value at the city’s top luxury accommodations.