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Shanghai
Shanghai is the largest city in China and a sign of its modernization. It is located at the mouth of the Yangtze River. Shanghai has the most striking blend of oriental and western cultures and of the past and present. Well known in the world for its prosperous cosmopolitan feature, European-style buildings can be seen standing alongside typical Chinese structures and ancient temples. It is a flourishing international metropolis, known worldwide for its highly developed industry, commerce, and finance and its convenient land, air and sea transportation, rich tourist resources. Here, you'll find colonial neighborhoods, historic homes, museums, parks, nightlife, and shopping paradise. Shanghai occupies a total area of 6,341 sq km with a total resident population of 16 million. This is one of the world's most exciting cities. Here the old and new of the east and west mix into a pulsating megalopolis filled with intrigue, surprises and an excess of the "WOW" factor. Though not a particularly beautiful place, Shanghai boasts many beautiful landscaped enclaves, plenty of spectacular buildings and its share of fascinating tourist attractions...the best of which you will now encounter. Even if you don't like big cities, Shanghai will seduce you with her irresistible charms!
- Airport
- Must see
- Eat & Drink
Shiao Long Baozi
Dazha Xie
Xie Fen Shizitou
You Tiao
- If you have more time
Hangzhou
Water Town - Zhou Zhuang
Airport
Pudong International Airport (IATA: PVG) is Shanghai's new international airport, located 40 km to the east of the city. International flights are available to/from all major airports around the world.
Shanghai's older airport Hongqiao Airport (IATA: SHA) services domestic flights to all major cities in China.
Tips
The Tran rapid maglev train is now open to the public and shuttles from the airport to the middle of Pudong (Longyang Station) in 7 minutes flat at a blazing speed of 431 km/hour. However, it's then another half hour by subway to get to Puxi where most of the hotels are. If you want to experience the Maglev train, it's best to take the ride when you're leaving Shanghai. Our guide will drop you off at Longyang Station, but you will have to wait at the airport for him/her to bring your luggage - after all, the purpose of the maglev train is to be faster!
It is possible to use the airport buses from the airport to the city centre. Upon getting off the bus, catch a taxicab to your hotel. An alternative is to take a taxicab straight from the airport to your Hotel.
Alternatively, look out for a welcome sign with your name(s) on, our professional English-speaking guide will meet and transfer you to your hotel safely.
Must See
The Bund
"Bund" derives from an Anglo-Indian word for an embankment along a muddy waterfront. This is where the first British company opened an office in 1846. It has been the epitome of elegance throughout its 100-year history. The Bund is good place for a leisurely stroll and a view of the Huangpu River. Buildings in Greek, Renaissance and Baroque styles can be viewed in the western part of the Bund. Known as a miniature museum of international architecture, the Bund has dozens of high buildings standing along the shore and overlooking the shuttling sailing vessels on the Huangpu River.
Nanjing Road
Nanjing Road is China's longest commercial street, lined with big department and specialty stores, upscale boutiques, and a variety of fine restaurants, enjoying the reputation of "China's No.1 Street". It runs through the heart of downtown Shanghai and is also a fun place for sightseeing and people-watching.
About 18 billion Yuan or 2.17 billion US dollar of Shanghai investment will be fed into the ambitious project to build the century old Nanjing Road into a first-class commercial destination in the next ten years. It will be built into a leading world-famous commercial destination, like the Champs Elyee in Paris and Fifth Avenue in New York.
Yu Garden
The Yu Gardens was built in the Ming Dynasty classical style over 400 years ago. With a total area of less than 5 acres, it has more than 40 attractions in the inner and outer gardens, Built in traditional Chinese style with numerous rock and tree garden areas, ponds, dragon-lined walls and numerous doorways and zigzagging bridges separating the various garden areas and pavilions. The surrounding bazaar area provides good shopping opportunity, where traditional Chinese products are available on sale.
Jade Buddha Temple
Jade Buddha Temple is a very famous Buddhist temple. In 1882, an old temple was built to keep two jade Buddha statues which had been brought from Burma by a monk named Huigen. The temple was destroyed during the revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty. Fortunately the jade Buddha statues were saved and a new temple was built on the present site in 1928 hence its name, Jade Buddha Temple.
Oriental Pearl TV Tower
The skyline's prominent Orient Pearl TV Tower, a new landmark of Shanghai with a height of 468 meters, is the tallest TV tower in Asia and third tallest in the world (after Toronto and Moscow). The tower consists of 15 spheres of different size at different sizes at different levels creating an artistic conception of "large and small pearls dropping onto a jade plate". It faces the Bund across the Huangpu River. Visitors can get a panoramic view of the Bund and Pudong New area. Elevators, accommodating 30 persons each and running at a speed of 7 meters per second, cover the distance from the bottom of the tower to the highest sphere within 40 seconds.
Xin Tian Di
Xin Tian Di is an urban tourist attraction that holds the historical and cultural legacies of Shanghai. A fashionable pedestrian street, it is unique because of its concept of construction. Xin Tian Di retains the antique walls, tiles and exterior of the Shikumen housing of old Shanghai whilst its interior embodies a totally different world of international gallery, bars and cafes, boutiques or theme restaurants. You get to experience Shanghai in the 1920's and the sonic modern lifestyle of urbanites of the 21st century. Xin Tian Di is also a favourite place for nightlife in Shanghai.
Acrobatic Show
A multimillion-dollar stunning acrobatic extravaganza and the first of its kind in China. ERA is a multimedia odyssey whose inspiration is a direct result of the combination of traditional Chinese acrobatic arts and modern technology. Not only will you be amazed by the acrobats' control and precision, you will be enchanted by the world that is created through the use of multimedia, technology, lighting and sound effects, elaborate costumes, original live music and a lot more.
Maglev Train
At a top speed of 431km, this train takes you for the ride of your lifetime from the city to Pudong Airport in 7 minutes!
Eat & Drink
Xiao Long Baozi
Perhaps the most famous Shanghai dish: small steamed dumplings full of tasty (and boiling hot!) broth and a dab of meat. The connoisseur bites a little hole into them first, sips the broth, then dips them in rice vinegar to season the meat inside.
Dazha Xie (Shanghai hairy crab)
crabs prepared whole - best eaten in the winter months (Oct-Dec) and paired with Shaoxing wine to balance out your yin and yang.
Xiefen Shizitou
Pork meatballs containing crab meat.
Drunken Chicken
Chicken steamed and marinated in rice wine, usually served cold.
You Tiao
A long special dough deep-fried to a crisp and golden colour. Very popular in Shanghai, it is typically consumed in the morning with soy milk.
Note:
For drinks (water, tea, coffee, beer, wine, hard liquor), international cuisine, vegetarians and fast food, see China inf.
Tips
There are many places to enjoy nightlife in Shanghai. Xintiandi alone will keep you occupied for many nights. Ask our local English speaking guide about the latest night life places in Shanghai.
If you have more time
see Suzhou and surrounding water towns. Contact us for more information.
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