Best Attractions and Food to Visit in Shanghai, China

Shanghai, a city where the old meets the new in the most surprising ways. From towering skyscrapers that scrape the clouds to tiny alleys where time feels paused, this city offers more than just pictures of shiny buildings. The rhythm of Shanghai pulses through its busy markets, the clatter of chopsticks in local eateries, and its vast river views. Whether you stroll along the famous Bund or taste the local xiaolongbao in a humble corner eatery, Shanghai invites visitors to see more than just a skyline. This city is a mix of history, culture, and flavor that keeps you curious-and sometimes, a bit dizzy.

Shanghai Landmarks That Shape Its Skyline

The Bund is a must-see, but not just for the postcard-perfect view of futuristic skyscrapers across the Huangpu River. Walk this promenade at sunset and watch the lights turn on one by one-a silent countdown to night’s magical glow. Nearby, the Oriental Pearl Tower looks like it’s from a sci-fi movie, with its shiny globes and antennae poking the sky.

Yet, if you want to escape the crowd, slip into the French Concession area. Tree-lined streets, quaint cafes, and colonial buildings offer a softer, quieter side of Shanghai. It’s a perfect contrast to the steel and glass elsewhere in the city.

Taste Shanghai: Food Districts and Local Specialties

Food here tells stories. In the old city near Yuyuan Garden, street vendors sell tanghulu-crisp, candied hawthorn fruits that crackle when you bite them. Step inside a tiny dumpling shop and you might find locals savoring xiaolongbao. These soup-filled dumplings require a delicate technique: bite a tiny hole, sip the hot broth, then eat the rest. It’s not just food; it’s an art.

Head to Jing’an District for chic cafes and fusion dishes, but don’t miss the local markets. Here, you can try stinky tofu or hairy crab when in season. Both dishes challenge your nose first, then reward your taste buds. For a simpler meal, a bowl of noodles from a hole-in-the-wall joint might turn into your favorite memory.

Navigating Shanghai’s Transport: From Airports to Metro

Shanghai’s two airports-Pudong and Hongqiao-connect the city smoothly to the world and to each other. Pudong handles most international flights and lies about 30 kilometers from downtown. To get to the city, the Maglev train is a high-speed thrill, zipping at over 400 km/h, making it one of the fastest trains on Earth. It’s a short, futuristic ride that gives a glimpse of the city’s fast pace.

The metro system is extensive and easy to use. It’s a cheap, fast way to reach places like People’s Square, Lujiazui, or the artsy Tianzifang. Signs in English help, but watch for rush hour-cars can be packed tighter than a dumpling basket.

Living Like a Local: Staying and Cultural Notes

Choosing where to stay can shape your experience. The city center is bustling, perfect for those wanting to be in the heart of the action. For a calmer vibe, neighborhoods like Jing’an or Xuhui offer leafy streets and boutique guesthouses. Many locals live in “lane houses,” old-style long, narrow homes with shared courtyards-a quiet refuge amid city noise.

If you find the Lujiazui area interesting, explore this guide to the Oriental Pearl Tower for its view spots and nearby delights.

If the lively river views and historic stories of Shanghai interest you, consider exploring The Bund promenade with its blend of old architecture and city lights.

Shanghai people are generally polite but busy. It’s customary to greet with a nod or simple “hello.” When invited into a home, bringing a small gift like fruit or tea is appreciated. Avoid public loud talk or cutting in line, as respect and patience run deep here.

Customs and Social Tips

Hands often meet together briefly when greeting elders, showing respect without the Western handshake. Bargaining is common in markets but done with a smile, never a scowl. And don’t forget: tipping is not widely practiced here-it’s the service included in prices.

Unexpected Finds and Local Stories

One evening, I ducked into a tiny bar hidden behind an unmarked door near the Bund. Inside, old jazz records played, and locals shared stories of Shanghai’s past as a cosmopolitan haven in the 1920s and 30s. This city’s history is layered: a mix of French, British, and American influences with traditional Chinese culture.

Fun fact: Shanghai was once called the “Paris of the East” for its architecture and nightlife. Many buildings along the Bund were built by foreign banks and trading houses, creating a curious blend of styles that tells tales of a time when Shanghai was the business hub of Asia.

Markets and Shopping: Beyond Souvenirs

Markets aren’t just for buying. At Dongtai Road Antique Market, you can find everything from Mao badges to vintage cameras. The locals here love stories, so chatting often leads to fascinating histories behind each item. If you want modern, Nanjing Road offers everything from luxury brands to quirky shops selling local designer goods.

Shanghai’s Nighttime Energy and River Views

As night falls, the city reveals another face. The Huangpu River lights shimmer with reflections from neon signs. Taking a river ferry offers a peaceful break from the busy streets and a chance to see the skyline from a distance. Locals often come here after work to relax or gather with friends.

Some of the best moments happen when you least expect them: a street musician playing a haunting tune, a smell of grilled meats wafting from a nearby stall, or a sudden rain shower that sends everyone running for cover, laughing under umbrellas.

If the vibrant shopping and historic trade of Nanjing Road interest you, our guide to Nanjing Road offers a glimpse into this iconic street’s energy and charm.

Shanghai is a city that buzzes with life and stories. It invites you to slow down, look closely, and maybe get lost in its maze of alleys and lights. There’s always something new to see, taste, or learn-often hidden in plain sight.

Author: Elena Chen

A Chinese tour guide with deep knowledge of the Far East, its traditions, and culinary secrets.