Shanghai: Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow

History

Once a modest fishing and textile town on the Yangtze Delta, Shanghai's fortunes transformed in the 19th century after the Treaty of Nanjing opened the city to foreign trade. Concessions carved out by foreign powers left a patchwork of architectural styles along the Bund and in the French Concession, making Shanghai an early engine of China’s modern commerce and cultural exchange.

Current status

Today Shanghai is one of the world's leading financial centers and China's premier gateway to global business, with Pudong's soaring towers symbolizing its economic rise. The city also leads in transport, technology, and creative industries while balancing rapid development with large-scale urban planning and cultural initiatives.

Local culture

Shanghai culture is a cosmopolitan blend of Shanghainese traditions and international influences; you'll hear both Shanghainese dialect and Mandarin on the streets, and the local style favors elegance and urban sophistication. The city supports vibrant arts scenes—from classical Chinese opera to contemporary galleries—and prides itself on a lively café and nightlife culture that reflects its open, fast-paced character.

Food

Shanghai cuisine emphasizes freshness, a slightly sweet palate, and delicate techniques; the city is famous for xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and shengjian mantou (pan-fried buns). Beyond these classics, you'll find everything from refined Hu cuisine in historic teahouses to bustling street-food lanes and international fine dining, making the city a playground for food lovers.

Attractions

The Bund

The Bund is Shanghai's iconic waterfront promenade, where colonial-era buildings line one side and the Huangpu River flows by on the other. Strolling the Bund at dusk reveals the contrast between the historic facades and the glittering Pudong skyline—a quintessential Shanghai experience.

Yu Garden and the Old City

Yu Garden is a beautifully preserved classical Chinese garden offering winding pavilions, rockeries, and koi ponds that trace Ming-dynasty landscaping artistry. Surrounding it, the Old City’s lanes and markets are full of traditional snacks, teahouses, and shops selling crafts—perfect for a sensory dive into local heritage.

Pudong & Lujiazui Skyline

Pudong’s Lujiazui district showcases Shanghai’s futuristic side with architectural landmarks such as the Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Visit an observation deck or riverside park to appreciate the scale and ambition of the city’s modern skyline.

Nanjing Road

Nanjing Road is Shanghai’s premier shopping thoroughfare, stretching from the Bund into the heart of the city and offering a mix of flagship stores, malls, and neon-lit window displays. It’s lively by day and brilliantly illuminated by night, reflecting Shanghai’s commercial energy and urban bustle.

French Concession & Tianzifang

The French Concession is a shaded neighborhood of tree-lined avenues, historic villas, boutique shops, and cozy cafés that speak to Shanghai’s colonial-era charm and contemporary creative scene. Nearby Tianzifang preserves narrow laneways filled with artisan studios, design shops, and intimate eateries—ideal for slow exploration and discovering local designers.

Shanghai — Practical Travel Tips

Local customs

• Greet with a nod or handshake; formal titles rarely used among tourists.
• Respect elders; offer seats on public transport when elderly present.
• Use both hands when giving/receiving business cards or small gifts.
• Keep voices moderate in public; public displays of affection are uncommon.
• Remove shoes if invited into a local home; accept food/drink politely even if you decline a second time.
• Tipping is not customary in most places (exceptions: upscale hotels, international restaurants) — a small tip won’t offend.

Transportation options

• Metro: fastest and cheapest for city travel; stations are in English and Chinese; avoid rush hour (≈7–9am, 5–7pm).
• Maglev: fastest way to/from Pudong Airport to the city center for speed and novelty.
• Taxis: widely available; use official taxis (metered); have your destination written in Chinese to show drivers.
• Ride-hailing apps: commonly used; have an address in Chinese or use map pin for pickup/drop-off.
• Buses: extensive but slower; useful for routes not served by metro.
• Bicycle & e-scooter sharing: convenient for short trips; watch traffic rules and park properly.

Safety

• Shanghai is generally safe; practice usual urban caution: watch belongings in crowded areas and on public transit.
• Keep a copy of your passport and visa separate from originals; carry a digital photo of your passport page.
• Avoid unlicensed taxis and scams offering tours or “special” deals in tourist areas.
• Emergency numbers: know local emergency numbers (police/ambulance) or have your hotel call if needed.
• Water: drink bottled or filtered water; tap water is not typically consumed.
• Food hygiene: street food is delicious but pick busy stalls with high turnover.

Insider tips

• Learn key Chinese phrases or have them written in characters (address, “thank you,” “I don’t speak Chinese”).
• Carry cash (yuan) for small vendors; mobile payments are ubiquitous but international cards aren’t always accepted.
• Expect heavy pedestrian traffic on Nanjing Road and the Bund—visit early morning or late evening to avoid crowds.
• Museums and attractions may have timed entry or ID checks—bring your passport and arrive early.
• Weather varies by season: summers are hot and humid; winters can be damp and chilly—pack layers.
• Explore beyond central Pudong/Puxi: local neighborhoods (e.g., former lane houses/shikumen areas) offer authentic food and atmosphere.
• Free Wi‑Fi may be limited; consider a local SIM or portable hotspot for navigation and translation apps.

Enjoy Shanghai—plan for peak transit times, keep essentials handy in Chinese characters, and be open to exploring neighborhoods off the main tourist routes.