Shanghai is a city of contrasts and culture, a place where the ancient and the modern intermingle to create a dynamic and fascinating urban landscape. From its iconic skyline to its bustling streets, Shanghai is a city that captures the imagination and inspires the soul.
At the heart of Shanghai is its people, whose diverse backgrounds and perspectives contribute to the city’s rich tapestry of culture and history. From the traditional architecture of the Old City to the sleek modernity of Pudong, Shanghai offers a glimpse into the past, present, and future of China.
One of the most captivating aspects of Shanghai is its blend of old and new. The city’s skyline is dominated by towering skyscrapers, such as the Shanghai Tower, the world’s second-tallest building. Yet, amid the modernity, there are still pockets of traditional life, such as the quaint water town of Zhujiajiao, where narrow canals wind through ancient houses and temples.
Shanghai is also a city of art, music, and fashion, with a vibrant creative scene that attracts artists and designers from around the world. The Shanghai Museum, located in the heart of the city, is home to an impressive collection of Chinese art and artifacts, while the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra is renowned for its world-class performances.
Of course, no visit to Shanghai would be complete without sampling its world-famous cuisine. From street food stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants, Shanghai’s culinary scene is diverse, delicious, and always surprising.
In conclusion, Shanghai is a city that captures the heart and imagination of all who visit. With its rich culture, fascinating history, and dynamic atmosphere, it is a place that truly embodies the enchanting power of China.
3 Days in Shanghai
Shanghai is a city of contrasts, where ancient culture and modern technology come together to create a unique experience. If you have three days to spend in this vibrant metropolis, here’s a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your time:
Day 1: Explore the City’s History and Culture
Begin your first day in Shanghai by exploring the city’s rich history and culture. Start with a visit to the Shanghai Museum, which houses a vast collection of Chinese art and artifacts. Next, head to the Yuyuan Garden, a classical Chinese garden that dates back to the Ming Dynasty. Take a stroll through its picturesque pathways and admire the intricate architecture.
In the afternoon, head to the Bund, Shanghai’s most iconic waterfront promenade, and marvel at the stunning skyline of Pudong across the river. Cap off your day by taking a Huangpu River cruise to see the city from a different perspective.
Day 2: Immerse Yourself in Modern Shanghai
On your second day, experience the modern side of Shanghai. Start by taking a trip up the Shanghai Tower, the second-tallest building in the world, and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city. Next, head to the Shanghai World Financial Center, another impressive skyscraper that offers a unique view of the city from its observation deck.
In the afternoon, explore the trendy shopping district of Xintiandi, where you can find a mix of high-end fashion brands and boutique shops. End your day with a visit to the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower, a symbol of modern Shanghai that lights up the night sky.
Day 3: Discover Shanghai’s Neighborhoods
On your final day, venture out of the city center to discover some of Shanghai’s neighborhoods. Start with a visit to Zhujiajiao, a traditional water town with narrow canals, old buildings, and beautiful gardens. Then head to the French Concession, a historic area that still retains its European charm with its tree-lined streets and old buildings.
End your day by exploring the vibrant arts district of Tianzifang, where you can find an array of art galleries, boutique shops, and trendy cafes. Take a leisurely stroll through its narrow alleyways and soak up the lively atmosphere.
In conclusion, three days in Shanghai may not be enough to see everything, but with this itinerary, you’ll get a taste of the city’s rich history, modernity, and neighborhood charm.
How to get to and around Shanghai
Shanghai is one of the largest and most well-connected cities in China, with a variety of transportation options available to visitors. Here’s a guide on how to get to and around Shanghai:
Getting to Shanghai
By Air: Shanghai is served by two airports, Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. Both airports are well-connected to major cities around the world and within China. From the airport, you can take a taxi, bus, or metro to your destination.
By Train: Shanghai has a number of train stations, with the most popular being Shanghai Railway Station, Shanghai South Railway Station, and Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station. These stations offer high-speed trains to major cities in China, as well as overnight trains to other destinations.
By Bus: Shanghai has several long-distance bus stations that provide services to neighboring cities and provinces. The most well-known bus station is Shanghai South Long-distance Bus Station.
Getting Around Shanghai
By Metro: Shanghai has an extensive metro system with 16 lines and over 400 stations. The metro is clean, efficient, and affordable, making it the most popular mode of transportation for locals and tourists alike.
By Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Shanghai and are relatively affordable. Make sure to use licensed taxis and ask for a receipt if needed.
By Bus: Shanghai has a comprehensive bus network, but it can be crowded and confusing for non-Chinese speakers. However, some bus routes provide scenic tours of the city.
By Bike: Shanghai has a growing bike-sharing program, which allows users to rent bikes through a mobile app. This is a great option for short distances and sightseeing.
By Car: Driving in Shanghai can be challenging due to traffic congestion and limited parking. It is recommended to use public transportation instead.
In conclusion, Shanghai has a variety of transportation options available for visitors, with the metro being the most convenient and affordable option. Plan your transportation accordingly and be mindful of rush hours to avoid delays.
Places to stay in Shanghai
Shanghai is a bustling city with a variety of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some recommendations for places to stay in Shanghai:
- The Bund: The Bund is a popular area for tourists, offering stunning views of the Huangpu River and the iconic skyline of Pudong. There are several luxury hotels in this area, including The Peninsula Shanghai, Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, and The Fairmont Peace Hotel.
- Jing’an: Jing’an is a trendy and upscale area that offers a mix of high-end hotels and boutique accommodations. Some recommended options include The Middle House, Jing An Shangri-La, and W Shanghai – The Bund.
- French Concession: The French Concession is a historic neighborhood with a European charm and a vibrant nightlife. There are several hotels and guesthouses in this area, including the Mansion Hotel, Capella Shanghai, and the Phoenix Hostel.
- Xintiandi: Xintiandi is a fashionable and modern area with a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Some recommended accommodations include the Langham Xintiandi, Andaz Xintiandi, and the Jinjiang Metropolo Hotel.
- Pudong: Pudong is the newer area of Shanghai, known for its modern skyscrapers and financial district. There are several high-end hotels in this area, including the Park Hyatt Shanghai, Grand Hyatt Shanghai, and the Mandarin Oriental Pudong.
In conclusion, Shanghai offers a range of accommodations to suit different tastes and budgets. Consider the location, amenities, and reviews when choosing where to stay in Shanghai, and book in advance to secure your preferred option.
What and where to eat in Shanghai
Shanghai is a food lover’s paradise, with a vibrant culinary scene that offers a variety of flavors and styles. Here are some popular dishes to try and places to eat in Shanghai:
Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)
This is a signature dish of Shanghai and a must-try for any visitor. The soup dumplings are filled with pork and hot soup, and served with vinegar and ginger. Some recommended places to try xiaolongbao are Din Tai Fung, Jia Jia Tang Bao, and Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant.
Sheng Jian Bao (Pan-Fried Buns)
These buns are similar to xiaolongbao but are pan-fried instead of steamed. They are crispy on the bottom and soft on the top, filled with pork and a savory broth. Some recommended places to try sheng jian bao are Yang’s Fried Dumplings and Da Hu Chun.
Hairy Crab
This is a seasonal delicacy in Shanghai, available in the autumn months. The hairy crab is steamed and served with vinegar and ginger. Some recommended places to try hairy crab are Fu 1039, Old Jesse, and Jianguo 328.
Huaiyang Cuisine
This is a style of cuisine that originated in the Yangtze River Delta, including Shanghai. It features delicate flavors, fresh ingredients, and beautiful presentation. Some recommended places to try Huaiyang cuisine are Fu He Hui, Xindalu, and Ye Shanghai.
Street Food
Shanghai is known for its vibrant street food scene, offering a variety of snacks and bites that are both delicious and affordable. Some popular street foods to try are jianbing (a type of crepe with egg and veggies), shao mai (steamed dumplings), and rou jia mo (Chinese-style burger).
Shanghai has a diverse and exciting culinary scene that offers something for everyone. Be sure to try the signature dishes and explore the street food scene to get a taste of the local flavors. And don’t be afraid to ask locals for their recommendations!
Coworking in Shanghai
Shanghai is a bustling and innovative city with a growing startup culture and a range of coworking spaces available for entrepreneurs and remote workers. Here are some recommended coworking spaces in Shanghai:
- WeWork: WeWork is a popular coworking space provider with several locations in Shanghai, including WeWork Tower 1, WeWork Yanping Road, and WeWork Wujiang Road. WeWork offers flexible membership plans, meeting rooms, and networking events.
- naked Hub: naked Hub is a Shanghai-based coworking space provider with several locations in the city, including naked Hub Xintiandi, naked Hub at Jing’an Kerry Center, and naked Hub at Jinqiao. naked Hub offers shared and private offices, event spaces, and business support services.
- People Squared: People Squared is a community-driven coworking space with several locations in Shanghai, including People Squared Lujiazui and People Squared Weihai Road. People Squared offers flexible workspace solutions, event spaces, and community events.
- SOHO 3Q: SOHO 3Q is a leading coworking space provider in China, with several locations in Shanghai, including SOHO 3Q Huanmao Plaza, SOHO 3Q Kangqiao, and SOHO 3Q Zhangjiang. SOHO 3Q offers a range of workspace solutions, including shared and private offices, meeting rooms, and event spaces.
- The Executive Centre: The Executive Centre is a premium coworking space provider with several locations in Shanghai, including The Executive Centre Wheelock Square, The Executive Centre ICC, and The Executive Centre Shanghai IFC. The Executive Centre offers fully furnished offices, meeting rooms, and business support services.
In conclusion, Shanghai offers a variety of coworking spaces for entrepreneurs and remote workers, with different locations, amenities, and price points to suit various needs. Consider the location, community, and services when choosing a coworking space in Shanghai, and don’t hesitate to schedule a tour or trial day to experience the space firsthand.