Shanghai
Your getaway to Shanghai
Start on the Bund at golden hour, when the colonial facades face off against the towers across the river — the city's whole story in one glance. Cross to Lujiazui and go up the Shanghai Tower for the view that organizes everything you've walked. Spend a morning in the Former French Concession, no map needed, just plane trees and side streets. Lunch is xiaolongbao somewhere with a queue; the queue is the review. Yuyuan Garden gives you the old city in an hour, teahouse included. Ride the two-yuan ferry back across the Huangpu because it's the best cheap thrill in town. Find a foot massage place when your legs give out — this is a local institution, not a splurge. Dinner in a lively lane off Anfu Road, then a nightcap overlooking the lights. Keep one afternoon unplanned; Shanghai fills those better than itineraries do. You'll leave feeling like you got the whole city in miniature.
Places to love in Shanghai
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
A large aquarium near the Oriental Pearl Tower featuring marine life across themed zones and one of the world's longest underwater viewing tunnels. Travelers, especially families, visit to see sharks, rays and diverse aquatic species.
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yang's fried dumpling
A well-known Shanghai chain famous for its crispy-bottomed shengjianbao pan-fried pork dumplings. A popular quick stop for a signature local snack.
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Weixiangzhai
A famous no-frills eatery renowned for its sesame-sauce cold noodles, a beloved Shanghai staple. A quick stop for iconic local street-style food.
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Waibaidu Bridge
A historic steel truss bridge at the north end of the Bund, one of Shanghai's oldest landmarks spanning Suzhou Creek. Travelers walk across for river views and photos of the colonial and modern skyline.
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Shanghai Grand Theatre
A landmark performing arts venue in People's Square hosting opera, ballet, concerts and theatre. Travelers attend for world-class performances in its striking modern building.
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Xintiandi
An upscale pedestrian district of restored shikumen lane houses now filled with restaurants, cafes, bars and boutiques. Travelers come to dine, shop and experience a blend of historic architecture and modern nightlife.
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Dahuchun
A long-established Shanghai eatery famous for its pan-fried shengjianbao (soup dumplings). A go-to for travelers seeking classic local snacks.
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Shanghai Lao Fan Dian
A venerable old-Shanghai restaurant serving traditional Shanghainese cuisine near the Yu Garden area. Travelers come for authentic local classics in a place steeped in the city's culinary history.
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Wang Bao He
A historic Shanghai restaurant renowned for its hairy crab banquets and yellow wine, a long-standing culinary institution.
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