Shanghai travel guide for first-time visitors

Short Answer

Shanghai is China's most cosmopolitan city — a dazzling mix of colonial-era architecture on the Bund, futuristic skyscrapers in Pudong, tree-lined streets in the French Concession, and some of the best food in China. Plan 3-4 days for the city itself, with optional day trips to water towns and Suzhou. The metro system is world-class, English signage is everywhere, and the city is very manageable for first-time visitors to China.

The Bund waterfront in Shanghai at night with illuminated buildings

The Bund at night — Shanghai's iconic waterfront promenade with views of the Pudong skyline.

Deep Dive

Must-See Attractions

The Bund (Waitan)

Shanghai's iconic waterfront promenade stretches 1.5 km along the Huangpu River. On one side: grand colonial-era buildings from the 1920s-1930s, when Shanghai was the "Paris of the East." On the other side: the jaw-dropping Pudong skyline, including the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower (632m, the tallest building in China), and the World Financial Center.

Best time to visit: Walk the Bund at sunset and stay for the lights. The Pudong skyline lights up around 6:30 PM and turns off at 10 PM (11 PM on weekends).
Cost: Free.
Time needed: 1-2 hours for a leisurely walk.
Pro tip: Walk from south to north (starting near the old French Concession end) for the best progression of views.

Pudong and the Skyscrapers

Cross the river to experience Shanghai's futuristic side.

Shanghai Tower observation deck (118th floor): 180 RMB ($25). The fastest elevator in the world whisks you up at 20.5 m/s. On clear days, you can see for 40+ km.
Oriental Pearl Tower: 120-220 RMB ($17-31) depending on the level. More of a retro icon than a modern observation deck, but the glass floor at 259m is thrilling.
Shanghai World Financial Center (bottle opener building): 120 RMB ($17) for the 97th and 100th floor observation decks.

The French Concession

Shanghai's most charming neighborhood. Tree-lined streets (especially beautiful plane trees planted by the French in the 1920s), art deco architecture, independent cafes, boutique shops, and some of the best restaurants in the city.

Walk along Wukang Road: The most photogenic street in Shanghai. Art deco apartment buildings, small cafes, and the iconic Wukang Mansion (Normandie Apartments, built 1924).
Fuxing Park: A green oasis where locals practice tai chi, play cards, and dance. Great for people-watching.
Tianzifang: A maze of narrow lanes filled with art galleries, craft shops, and cafes. Touristy but atmospheric.
Former Residence of Sun Yat-sen: A well-preserved villa with exhibits about modern China's founding father. Entry: 20 RMB ($3).

Yu Garden (Yuyuan)

A classical Chinese garden from the Ming Dynasty (1559), with rockeries, pavilions, koi ponds, and the famous Exquisite Jade Rock. The surrounding bazaar is great for souvenirs and snacks.

Tickets: 40 RMB ($6) for the garden. The surrounding bazaar area is free.
Time needed: 1-2 hours.
Must-try: Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant near the garden entrance. A basket of 16 costs about 30-50 RMB ($4-7). Expect a queue.

What to Eat

Shanghai is a food city. Here are the essentials.

Xiaolongbao (XLB): Shanghai's signature soup dumplings. Thin-skinned, filled with pork and hot broth. Best spots: Din Tai Fung (reliable, multiple locations), Jia Jia Tang Bao (local favorite, cash only), and the original Nanxiang Steamed Bun shop in Yu Garden.
Shengjianbao: Pan-fried pork buns with a crispy bottom and juicy filling. Yang's Dumplings (Yang's Fried Dumplings) has locations all over the city. 8-15 RMB ($1-2) for 4 buns.
Hairy crab: Seasonal delicacy (October-December). The roe is rich and buttery. Head to restaurants in the Old City or Huanghe Road food street.
Scallion oil noodles (congyou ban mian): Simple but addictive. Wheat noodles tossed in scallion-infused oil. 10-20 RMB ($1.40-3).
Shanghai-style braised pork (hong shao rou): Caramelized pork belly, sweet and savory. Available at most local restaurants for 40-60 RMB ($6-8).

Day Trips from Shanghai

Zhujiajiao Water Town (40 min by bus)

A 1,700-year-old water town with canals, stone bridges, and traditional houses. Far less crowded than other water towns. Entry to the town is free; some attractions within charge 10-30 RMB. Take the Huzhu Express Bus from Pu'an Road station.

Suzhou (25 min by high-speed train)

Famous for its classical Chinese gardens (UNESCO World Heritage Sites), silk production, and canals. The Humble Administrator's Garden is the highlight. High-speed train tickets cost about 35 RMB ($5) one way. Easy day trip.

Hangzhou (60 min by high-speed train)

West Lake is one of China's most celebrated scenic spots. Cycle around the lake, visit Lingyin Temple, and drink Longjing tea at a lakeside teahouse. Train tickets: 73 RMB ($10) one way for second class.

Getting Around

Metro: 3-7 RMB per ride. 18 lines cover the entire city. English signs and announcements throughout. The most convenient way to get around.
Didi: Cheap and fast. 15-50 RMB ($2-7) for most rides.
Maglev from Pudong Airport: 50 RMB ($7) for the 8-minute, 430 km/h ride to Longyang Road station. Then transfer to the metro.
Bund Sightseeing Tunnel: A kitschy but fun underground pod ride from the Bund to Pudong. 50 RMB ($7). More of an experience than transportation.

Shopping

Nanjing Road: China's most famous shopping street. Mostly chain stores and tourist shops. Walk it for the experience but do your real shopping elsewhere.
Tianzifang and Xintiandi: Boutique shops, independent designers, and galleries.
AP Plaza (Science and Technology Museum underground market): For haggling over souvenirs, electronics, and knockoff goods. Start at 20-30% of the asking price.

Nightlife

Shanghai has China's best nightlife. The French Concession and the Bund area are the main hubs.

Bar Rouge: Rooftop bar on the Bund with stunning Pudong views. Cocktails: 80-120 RMB ($11-17).
Speak Low: A speakeasy-style cocktail bar consistently ranked among Asia's best. Cocktails: 90-130 RMB ($13-18).
C's Bar: A dive bar institution in the French Concession. Cheap drinks, live music, eclectic crowd.

Sample 3-4 Day Itinerary

Day 1: The Classics

Morning: Yu Garden and bazaar, xiaolongbao breakfast at Nanxiang.
Afternoon: Walk the Bund, admire the colonial architecture and Pudong skyline.
Evening: Cross to Pudong, go up the Shanghai Tower observation deck at sunset. Dinner in Pudong.

Day 2: French Concession and Culture

Morning: Walk Wukang Road, explore the tree-lined streets, coffee at a local cafe.
Afternoon: Shanghai Museum (free, world-class collection of Chinese art) in People's Square.
Evening: Dinner at a local Shanghainese restaurant, then cocktails at Speak Low.

Day 3: Local Life and Food

Morning: Jing'an Temple (200 RMB, $28 — a golden temple surrounded by skyscrapers, surreal contrast).
Afternoon: Tianzifang for shopping and snacks, or M50 Art District for contemporary galleries.
Evening: Huanghe Road food street for a feast of Shanghai dishes.

Day 4: Day Trip

Option A: Zhujiajiao Water Town (half day).
Option B: Suzhou gardens (full day).
Option C: Hangzhou West Lake (full day).