Shanghai: Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow

History

Shanghai’s story stretches from a modest fishing and textile town to one of the world’s great port cities. In the 19th and early 20th centuries it grew rapidly under foreign concessions and trade, becoming a cosmopolitan hub where East and West met — a legacy still visible in the architecture and the Bund’s stately facades.

Current status

Today Shanghai is China’s financial and commercial powerhouse, a city of striking contrasts: century-old lanes (longtang) nestle beside futuristic towers like the Shanghai Tower. It’s a center for finance, technology, fashion, and creative industries, pulsing with the energy of a global metropolis while driving rapid urban innovation.

Local culture

Shanghai culture blends Shanghainese local identity with international influences; people value refinement, good taste, and a certain urban polish, yet daily life still preserves neighborhood bonds in teahouses and lanes. Language, opera (notably Yueju in the region), and bustling markets reflect a living cultural tapestry where old customs coexist with modern lifestyles.

Food

Shanghai cuisine is known for its balance of sweet and savory flavors, delicate textures, and emphasis on fresh ingredients. Signature dishes include xiao long bao (steamed soup dumplings) with a thin skin and savory broth, braised pork belly (hong shao rou), and river crab in season; street stalls, neighborhood eateries, and high-end restaurants all offer rich and varied culinary experiences.

Attractions

The Bund (Waitan) is Shanghai’s iconic riverside promenade where a lineup of colonial-era buildings faces the futuristic skyline of Pudong across the Huangpu River. Walking the Bund at dusk gives a timeless sense of Shanghai’s layered history and modern ambition in a single panoramic view.

The Shanghai Tower soars above the city with twisting glass and observation decks that offer sweeping views across the metropolis. Visiting the tower gives perspective on Shanghai’s scale and ambition, and its architecture is a modern symbol of the city’s economic rise.

Yu Garden and the adjoining Old City present a quieter, historical counterpoint — classical Chinese garden design, winding alleys, tea houses, and traditional shops create an intimate atmosphere that feels removed from the surrounding high-rises. It’s an excellent spot to experience heritage architecture and local snacks.

Nanjing Road is Shanghai’s premier shopping artery, where tradition and commerce meet in a nonstop flow of stores, neon, and people. Whether you seek luxury brands, local boutiques, or lively street-level energy, Nanjing Road encapsulates the city’s appetite for style and consumption.

Tianzifang and Xintiandi are examples of successful urban renewal where narrow laneways have been transformed into creative neighborhoods of galleries, cafés, and boutique shops while retaining old shikumen architecture. They are perfect for relaxed exploration, people-watching, and discovering contemporary Shanghai culture.

Practical tips (brief)

Move between sights efficiently by metro — the system is extensive and user-friendly for English speakers — and try visiting attractions early or late to avoid peak crowds. Carry some cash for small vendors, but mobile payments are ubiquitous; learning a few Mandarin phrases and respecting local customs will enrich your visit.

Shanghai — Practical Travel Tips

Local customs & etiquette

• Greet with a nod or slight bow; handshakes are fine with business peers.
• Use both hands when giving/receiving cards or gifts; accept politely even if you will refuse later.
• Dress smart-casual in restaurants and nicer venues; conservative modesty is appreciated at temples.
• Public displays of affection are usually low-key; keep voices moderate on public transit.
• Respect personal space; avoid pointing or touching strangers’ heads.
• Tipping is not customary in most places; small tips in high-end hotels/restaurants or for exceptional service are accepted.

Transportation

• Metro: fast, extensive, and inexpensive — buy a rechargeable Shanghai Public Transport Card (or use mobile payments).
• Maglev: fastest to Pudong Airport from Longyang Road; use if time-critical.
• Taxis: plentiful; prefer ride-hailing apps (DiDi) for clearer pricing and route recording — have destination written in Chinese for drivers unfamiliar with English.
• Buses: cheap but slower; useful for off-metro neighborhoods.
• Walking and cycling: many areas are walkable; dockless e-bikes/scooters are common—inspect condition and park responsibly.
• Airports: Pudong (PVG) for most international flights; Hongqiao (SHA) is closer to the city center and convenient for domestic travel.

Money & payments

• Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) dominate; many places accept international cards, but carry some cash (RMB) for markets, small vendors, and older taxis.
• ATMs widely available; notify your bank about travel to avoid card blocks.
• Currency exchange: do it at banks or your airport for best safety; keep receipts for re-exchange.

Safety & health

• Shanghai is generally safe; watch for pickpockets in crowded tourist spots and on public transit.
• Use official taxis or ride-hailing; verify license plate and driver details before entering.
• Tap water is not typically drunk — use bottled or boiled water.
• Carry basic meds and any prescriptions; pharmacies may not stock foreign-brand medicines.
• Be mindful of air quality alerts — have a mask if you are sensitive to pollution.
• Keep digital and physical copies of passport, visa, and important contacts.

Communication & connectivity

• English is limited outside tourist/business areas; save key addresses in Chinese and use translation apps.
• Buy a local SIM or portable Wi‑Fi for maps and mobile payments if your home plan is expensive.

Food & dining

• Try local specialties: xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), shengjian, and regional cuisine — ask for less oily/spicy if preferred.
• Street food is delicious but pick busy stalls with high turnover to ensure freshness.
• Inform staff about allergies clearly; carry translations of critical allergy info in Chinese.

Cultural & practical insider tips

• Peak hours: expect crowded metros 7–9:30 AM and 5–7:30 PM — travel outside these windows when possible.
• Best times to visit: spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) for comfortable weather and clearer skies.
• Shopping: bargaining is normal at markets but not in department stores; ask for tax refund rules if buying high-value goods.
• Museums & attractions: many open early; buy timed-entry tickets for popular sites to avoid queues.
• Quiet neighborhoods: walk the former French Concession for tree-lined streets, cafes, and boutique shops.
• Learn a few phrases: “hello” (nǐ hǎo), “thank you” (xièxiè), and “excuse me/sorry” (duìbuqǐ) — locals appreciate the effort.

Emergency numbers

• Police: 110; Ambulance/Fire: 120.

Enjoy Shanghai: stay flexible, carry essentials, and embrace both modern city life and pockets of traditional culture.