Shanghai

About Shanghai

Shanghai is a city of sharp contrasts, and that is what makes it such an interesting place to visit. The best-known introduction is the Bund, where historic buildings line the Huangpu River and the skyscrapers of Pudong rise across the water. Go in the morning for a calmer walk, or return after dark when the skyline is illuminated, although the riverside can become very crowded around sunset and on public holidays. Across the river, the Lujiazui district offers high-rise views from observation decks, but I would not plan the entire day around them if the weather is hazy. On a clear day, the view is impressive; on a grey one, the ticket may feel like poor value. For a more local-feeling side of Shanghai, spend time in the former French Concession around Wukang Road, Anfu Road and Fuxing West Road. Tree-lined streets, old villas, small shops and cafés make this a pleasant area for a slow walk. The downside is that popular streets can feel over-photographed, and café prices are often closer to those in Europe than to ordinary Shanghai neighbourhood prices.

Food deserves a proper place in any Shanghai travel guide. Start with xiaolongbao, the soup-filled steamed dumplings associated with the city, but remember to let them cool slightly before biting into one. Shengjian mantou, pan-fried buns with a crisp base, are another good breakfast or snack choice, while hong shao rou, braised pork belly with soy and sugar, shows the richer side of local cooking. Try small restaurants away from the biggest tourist streets, but use common sense about cleanliness and choose places with a steady stream of customers. Nanjing Road is convenient for a first look at the city centre, though its large shops and bright signs can feel tiring after an hour or two. I prefer combining it with a quieter stop in People’s Square, the Shanghai Museum area, or a café in the former French Concession. Families should allow extra time for toilets, snacks and breaks because Shanghai involves more walking than the map suggests. The Shanghai Disney Resort is a full-day commitment rather than a quick add-on, and crowds can make it exhausting for young children. Couples may enjoy an evening river cruise or a walk beside the Suzhou Creek, while solo travellers will find the metro and dense central districts relatively straightforward once navigation and payment apps are set up.

Getting around Shanghai is usually easier by metro than by taxi during busy periods. The network reaches most major sights, but stations can involve long walks, security checks and crowded trains, especially at commuting times. Use a reliable map app, save your accommodation address in Chinese characters, and check current payment and ticket arrangements before arrival because digital services and foreign-card support can change. Carry some identification and keep your passport secure, particularly if you need it for hotel check-in or transport-related services. The city is generally comfortable for visitors, but traffic, uneven pavements and packed crossings require attention with children. Yu Garden is attractive, yet the surrounding bazaar is highly touristed and can be frustratingly crowded, so arriving early is sensible. For a slower day outside central Shanghai, Zhujiajiao Water Town is reachable as a day trip, but travel time and weekend crowds can take the shine off it. Build your itinerary around one or two districts each day instead of racing between landmarks. That approach leaves room for a noodle shop, a shaded park, or a rest in the hotel during the hottest part of the afternoon, which is often the difference between enjoying Shanghai and simply enduring it.

Sightseeing in Shanghai

Shanghai is easiest to understand as several cities layered together, so I would start with the Bund, the riverside promenade facing Pudong. Come early in the morning for a quieter walk and softer light, or return after dark when the skyline across the Huangpu River is illuminated. The view takes in the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower and the distinctive group of skyscrapers in Lujiazui, while the historic buildings behind you show the city’s former international settlement. The Bund is free to visit, but it can become extremely crowded around sunset, weekends and public holidays. Comfortable shoes matter because the riverfront walk is longer than it first appears, and the stone paving is not ideal for tired little legs or strollers. For a closer look at the skyline, take a Huangpu River cruise, but compare departure points and ticket arrangements carefully because the experience can feel expensive for families and the best-value boats are not always obvious. I prefer viewing the city from ground level first, then choosing one observation deck instead of paying for several similar panoramas.

From the Bund, it is easy to continue towards Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s best-known shopping street, although I would treat it as a route rather than a destination in itself. The pedestrian section is bright, crowded and full of major retail brands, with plenty of people taking photos under the large signs. It is convenient for a first visit, but the crowds can be tiring, and restaurants directly on the busiest stretch are not always the most memorable. Turn south towards People’s Square, where the Shanghai Museum is one of the city’s most worthwhile cultural stops. Its Chinese bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy and paintings give useful context before you spend time in older neighbourhoods. Museum entry arrangements and temporary exhibitions can change, so check the official information and book ahead when required. Families should allow time for breaks rather than trying to see every gallery. Nearby, People’s Park offers benches and open space, while the underground metro interchange is useful for escaping rain, heat or an exhausted child. Shanghai’s metro is generally the most practical way to cover major attractions, though stations can involve long walks, stairs and busy platforms during commuting hours.

For atmosphere and slower wandering, spend part of a day in the former French Concession, especially around Wukang Road, Anfu Road and the leafy streets near Fuxing Park. Plane trees shade old villas, cafés and small shops, but social-media popularity has brought queues and higher prices to some photogenic corners. The area works particularly well for couples and solo travellers who enjoy architecture, coffee and independent boutiques. With children, I would keep the route flexible and use the parks as natural pause points. Yu Garden and the Old City provide a very different experience, with classical pavilions, rockeries and zigzag bridges surrounded by busy lanes selling snacks and souvenirs. Yu Garden is attractive but can feel crowded, and the bazaar immediately outside is more commercial than historic. Try soup dumplings, scallion pancakes or noodles, but choose food stalls and restaurants with steady local custom rather than ordering purely from a picture menu. Shanghainese cooking often leans sweet, so visitors who prefer stronger spice should say so clearly. Give yourself more time than a map suggests, since narrow streets, queues and photo stops slow the route down.

Shanghai’s modern side deserves at least one focused visit in Lujiazui, reached easily across the river by metro or ferry. Shanghai Tower is the tallest landmark in the city, while the nearby Shanghai World Financial Center and Jin Mao Tower offer alternative viewing decks. Cloudy or hazy weather can reduce the value of an observation ticket, so look at visibility before committing, and remember that even a clear forecast does not guarantee a sharp horizon. For a quieter cultural outing, the China Art Museum in Pudong and the former industrial spaces around the West Bund can be rewarding, although exhibitions change and some venues are spread out. Travellers with extra time may consider Zhujiajiao Water Town, but it is a substantial excursion rather than a quick add-on, and weekends can be congested. Carry a translation of your accommodation address, keep digital payment options prepared, and download transport details before leaving Wi-Fi because access to familiar international apps and websites may be limited. Shanghai is a safe, energetic city, yet sightseeing days become demanding fast. I would plan one major landmark, one neighbourhood walk and a proper meal break each day, leaving room for weather, queues and the simple pleasure of watching the city move around you.

Hotels in Shanghai

Finding the right hotel in Shanghai, China depends less on star rating than on where you want to spend your time. For a first visit, staying near the Bund puts historic riverfront buildings, Huangpu River views and central sightseeing within easy reach, although the promenade can be packed in the evening and many rooms with a famous view cost more. The Fairmont Peace Hotel and The Peninsula Shanghai are established luxury choices in this area, while smaller properties around East Nanjing Road can be more practical for travelers who want metro access and plenty of restaurants nearby. I would not choose the Bund purely for the view if you are traveling with young children, since busy pavements and long walks can become tiring. A room a few streets back may be quieter and better value.

For a calmer, more local-feeling base, look at Jing’an and the former French Concession. These neighborhoods have tree-lined streets, cafés, bakeries, independent shops and plenty of places to stop for a drink or a bowl of noodles. Hotels around West Nanjing Road and Jing’an Temple are convenient for shopping and public transport, but traffic and construction can be noticeable, so check recent guest reviews before booking. In the former French Concession, accommodation ranges from polished boutique hotels to older properties in renovated historic buildings. The atmosphere is appealing for couples and solo travelers who like to explore on foot, though some streets are less convenient with a stroller or large suitcase. I like this part of Shanghai for slower mornings, especially when the main attractions feel crowded. Take a break in a café around Wukang Road or Anfu Road, but remember that popular streets can become busy with visitors taking photographs.

Families should consider practical details when comparing Shanghai accommodation. A hotel near a metro station is often more useful than one with a grand lobby, especially because Shanghai is spread out and taxi journeys can take time during peak traffic. Pudong has modern high-rise hotels, spacious rooms and excellent access to the financial district, the Shanghai Tower area and the riverfront, but it can feel quiet after office hours in some sections. The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong and Mandarin Oriental Pudong are examples of high-end stays in this part of the city. Hongqiao is worth considering for an early train or flight, particularly if your itinerary includes nearby water towns, although it is less atmospheric for an evening stroll than central Shanghai. Before booking, confirm family-room arrangements, extra-bed rules, breakfast policies and whether the pool is open to children. These details vary, and a stylish hotel can still be awkward for a family if the room setup is rigid.

Couples and business travelers may prefer a design-led property in Jing’an, a river-facing room in Pudong or a historic hotel close to the Bund, while solo visitors often benefit from a central location with a staffed reception and simple metro connections. Shanghai luxury hotels can be excellent, but service style, English ability and room size are not identical across properties, so read recent reviews rather than relying only on a five-star label. Budget travelers will find hostels and mid-range hotels around People’s Square, Xujiahui and the railway stations, but inspect the exact location carefully because a low nightly rate is less appealing when it means a long transfer every day. Also check cancellation terms, deposit requirements and the hotel’s current identification rules before arrival. My most useful advice is to choose a neighborhood first, then compare hotels within a short walk of a metro station. That usually makes sightseeing, meal stops and the occasional escape from Shanghai’s crowds much easier.

Restaurants in Shanghai

Shanghai is one of China’s best cities for eating, but the most enjoyable restaurants are not always the fanciest ones. Start with xiaolongbao, the delicate soup dumplings associated with Jiangnan cuisine. Jia Jia Tang Bao on Huanghe Road is a popular choice near People’s Square, although queues and limited seating can make it awkward with small children. Nanxiang Mantou Dian in the Old City is famous and convenient near Yu Garden, but the setting is tourist-focused and prices can be higher than at small neighbourhood shops. For a quicker meal, look for shengjian, pan-fried pork buns with a crisp base and hot broth inside. Yang’s Fry-Dumpling has branches around the city and is easy for a casual lunch, though the filling is extremely hot, so give children time to cool it. Other Shanghai dishes worth ordering include braised pork belly, scallion-oil noodles, smoked fish and seasonal hairy crab. I find a simple local restaurant often gives a more useful introduction to Shanghai food than an expensive tasting menu, especially when you are still learning how to order.

For traditional Shanghai cooking, Jesse Restaurant in the former French Concession is a dependable name to investigate, while Lao Zheng Xing is associated with classic Benbang cuisine, the city’s sweet-savoury regional style. Restaurant conditions and opening arrangements can change, so check the latest information before setting out and ask your hotel to help with reservations when needed. The former French Concession has plenty of attractive dining streets around Fuxing West Road, Wukang Road and Anfu Road, but popularity brings waits, cramped tables and higher bills in fashionable venues. In Jing’an, you will find a wider mix of modern Chinese restaurants, international food and polished dining rooms. Fu He Hui, known for refined vegetarian Chinese cuisine, suits couples celebrating a special occasion more than families looking for a fast meal. Upscale restaurants can require advance booking and may involve long tasting menus, which is worth considering before bringing tired children. Solo travellers can eat comfortably at noodle shops, dumpling counters and food courts, where ordering one dish at a time is easy.

A practical rhythm works best in Shanghai: eat an early lunch, take a break in a café, then book dinner after the evening rush rather than trying to cross the city at peak traffic. The Bund and Nanjing Road have plenty of restaurants with views, but scenic locations often cost more and do not automatically mean better food. Use Alipay or WeChat Pay if possible, since digital payments are common, and keep your hotel address saved in Chinese for taxi or ride-hailing journeys. Menus may have photographs, but asking for less chilli, no coriander or a milder portion is still useful for children. Food allergies need clear communication, particularly with shellfish, peanuts and sesame, and translation apps can help. Couples may enjoy a slow dinner in the French Concession, solo visitors can focus on the Huanghe Road dumpling shops, and families will usually be happiest with early meals, shareable dishes and a nearby park or café for a rest. The best restaurants in Shanghai are often the ones that fit your day, budget and energy level, not simply the ones with the longest online queue.

Transport in Shanghai

Shanghai is served by two major airports, and choosing the right one makes a noticeable difference to the start of your trip. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is around 30 kilometres east of central Shanghai and handles many international flights. Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is closer to the city centre and is especially convenient for domestic flights, although it also has some international services. Both airports connect to the city by Metro Line 2. At Pudong, the metro is usually the practical budget choice, but it is not always the fastest or easiest option with two tired children and several suitcases. The Shanghai Maglev Train runs between Pudong Airport and Longyang Road, where you can change to the metro, and it is an interesting experience for transport fans, though it does not take you directly to People’s Square or the Bund. A taxi or ride-hailing car is more comfortable for families, late arrivals and travellers staying in areas that require several metro changes. Follow the official taxi signs inside the terminal and avoid anyone offering a private ride in the arrivals hall. Travel time depends heavily on traffic, particularly on the expressways into central districts.

For most visitors, the Shanghai Metro is the backbone of public transport. It reaches People’s Square, East Nanjing Road, Jing’an, Xujiahui, the former French Concession and many neighbourhoods that are awkward to cover by taxi during busy periods. Line 2 is particularly useful because it links Pudong Airport, Hongqiao Airport and Hongqiao Railway Station, although the full journey across the city can be long. Line 10 is handy for places such as Yuyuan Garden, Xintiandi and Hongqiao, while Line 13 serves parts of the former French Concession and the Natural History Museum area. Stations are generally signed in English, and route maps are clear, but transfers can involve surprisingly long walks underground. That matters if you are carrying luggage or travelling with a small child. The metro is crowded during weekday rush hours, and trains can be packed around major shopping streets and tourist sights. At quieter times, it is clean, fast and good value. You can normally pay using a Shanghai Public Transport Card, a metro QR code in Alipay or WeChat, or another currently supported digital payment method. Set up payment before entering the station, since mobile verification and foreign cards do not work identically for every traveller. Keep your passport available when buying transport-related services and tickets.

Shanghai’s railway network is excellent for onward travel, but the stations are large and the names are easy to confuse. Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station is beside Hongqiao Airport and is the main departure point for high-speed trains to Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing, Beijing and many other cities. It is connected directly to the metro, but allow extra time for the walk from the entrance to the correct platform area. Shanghai Railway Station, north of the city centre, also handles high-speed and conventional trains and may be more convenient for some routes. Shanghai South Railway Station serves additional regional services. Train passengers normally need the same passport used for booking, and foreign visitors should check the latest purchase and collection arrangements through the official China Railway 12306 system or a reputable booking service. Security checks are part of the process, so arriving at the station shortly before departure is a poor gamble. Large stations have restaurants and convenience shops, but seats can be scarce when trains are busy. I prefer buying water and a simple snack before going through the final ticket check, especially with children.

Taxis remain useful in Shanghai, particularly after the metro has closed, in heavy rain, or for short trips between a hotel and a railway station. Traffic can make a seemingly nearby destination take much longer than expected, and drivers may not speak English, so having the hotel address in Chinese characters is sensible. Didi is widely used through its app, while hotels can usually help arrange a licensed taxi if app payment becomes awkward. Public buses reach streets the metro misses, but route information and boarding can be less straightforward for first-time visitors, so I would not make them the main plan unless you enjoy navigating local transport. Walking is often the best way to explore the Bund, the old streets around Yu Garden and the leafy lanes near Wukang Road, although distances between attractions can feel bigger on the map than they look. Leave room for breaks at a café in the former French Concession or a shopping-centre food court, and avoid dragging luggage through the Bund crowds at sunset. For solo travellers and couples, the metro gives Shanghai an efficient rhythm. Families may find a mixed plan of metro, short taxi rides and well-timed rest stops much less tiring.

Shopping in Shanghai

Shanghai is one of the best cities in China for shopping, but the experience changes noticeably from district to district. Nanjing Road is the obvious starting point, with international brands, department stores, sportswear and plenty of illuminated storefronts. The pedestrian section near People’s Square can feel packed, especially in the evening and on weekends, so I prefer going earlier in the day when travelling with children. For more polished shopping, try Huaihai Middle Road, where you will find designer labels, beauty stores and Chinese fashion brands in a less concentrated setting. The prices here are not generally bargains, and luxury goods may cost as much as they do elsewhere, but the area works well for couples who want to combine shopping with cafés and a walk through the former French Concession. Xintiandi is another convenient stop for stylish boutiques, restaurants and coffee, although its restored historic setting comes with higher prices than many local neighbourhoods.

For traditional Chinese souvenirs and small gifts, head towards Yuyuan Garden and the Yuyuan Bazaar in the Old City. Shops sell tea, silk items, paper cuttings, decorative fans, snacks and Shanghai-themed keepsakes. It is a useful place to look for gifts, but quality varies, and some products are clearly aimed at visitors. Compare items before buying, check packaging carefully and do not feel obliged to accept the first price. Tianzifang in the former French Concession has narrow lanes filled with independent shops selling prints, jewellery, handmade objects and clothing. I like it for browsing, but the tight passageways can be awkward with a stroller and tiring for young children. Go in the morning or mid-afternoon, take a break at a café, and keep valuables secure in crowded areas. Shoppers interested in inexpensive clothing and accessories can explore Qipu Road Market, though it is less relaxed and more chaotic than the central malls. Bargaining may be expected in some stalls, but stay polite and walk away if the seller’s price does not feel reasonable.

Shanghai is also a strong city for food shopping. Look for Longjing tea, locally made sweets, dried fruit, mooncakes in season and packaged sauces from reputable supermarkets or established tea shops. The large malls around People’s Square, Jing’an and Pudong are useful when you want clean facilities, air conditioning, children’s toilets and a reliable place to eat. Independent stores and markets can offer more character, but payment is often easiest with Alipay or WeChat Pay, and overseas cards are not accepted everywhere. Set up payment options before shopping, carry a little cash as backup, and keep your passport available if a store requires identification for a transaction. Shanghai’s metro makes most shopping districts easy to reach, though changing lines and walking underground can take longer than expected. My practical advice is to choose one main shopping area per half-day rather than trying to cover the whole city. That leaves time for lunch, a rest and the occasional purchase you did not plan on making, which is often how the best Shanghai souvenirs find their way into your luggage.

Nightlife in Shanghai

Shanghai nightlife is less about one central party district and more about choosing the right neighbourhood for your mood. The Bund is the obvious starting point for an evening out, with polished cocktail bars and hotel lounges facing Pudong’s illuminated skyline. The views are memorable, but you often pay for the location, and the riverside promenade can become uncomfortably crowded after dark. For a more relaxed bar-hopping route, look towards the former French Concession, especially streets around Fuxing West Road, Fenyang Road and Wukang Road. The area has small cocktail bars, wine spots and casual restaurants where it is easier to settle in rather than rush between venues. Jing’an has a younger, more fashionable feel, with craft beer, live music and late-night restaurants around Wuding Road and the streets near Changping Road. Shanghai’s nightlife changes quickly, so check a venue’s current social media account or local listing before making a special journey. Opening times, entry policies and events can shift, particularly around public holidays and major festivals.

For dancing, Shanghai has a strong club scene, although it can feel expensive and selective compared with a casual bar night. Large electronic music venues and smaller underground clubs are found around areas such as Found 158 near Xintiandi, the Bund and parts of Jing’an, but the best venue depends heavily on the night’s booking. House, techno, hip-hop and live DJ events attract different crowds, and door policies may include a cover charge, dress expectations or a requirement to show your passport. I recommend carrying the same identification you used to make a reservation, keeping valuables close and avoiding unlicensed taxis outside popular clubs. China’s mobile-payment system is convenient, but international visitors should set up Alipay or WeChat Pay in advance and keep some backup cash and a charged phone. The metro is useful earlier in the evening, but last trains vary by line and station, so check the route before ordering another drink. Ride-hailing is generally easier late at night, though traffic around the Bund and popular club streets can be slow.

Shanghai is also a good city for people who want nightlife without spending the entire night in a club. Start with xiaolongbao, grilled skewers or noodles in a neighbourhood restaurant, then have one drink at a rooftop bar or a quiet lounge. Jazz fans can look for performances in the former French Concession, while live-house venues offer local bands and touring acts in a more informal setting. Families should plan an early evening around the Bund lights, a river cruise or dinner in Jing’an rather than expecting child-friendly access to late-night bars. With young children, I would choose a restaurant with seating and a nearby café for a break, because Shanghai’s pavements, crossings and long metro transfers can be tiring after a full day of sightseeing. Couples may prefer a reservation at a cocktail bar with a skyline view, while solo travellers often find it easier to meet people at a live-music venue or organised event than at a formal lounge. Crowds, smoke in some bars, high prices at fashionable venues and occasional tourist-focused promotions are real drawbacks, but checking the menu and minimum-spend rules before sitting down helps. Dress neatly, respect local house rules and leave through well-lit streets, and the city’s evening scene can feel lively without becoming stressful.

Coulture in Shanghai

Shanghai culture is easiest to understand when you look beyond the futuristic skyline. The city’s identity has been shaped by Chinese traditions, international trade, migration and rapid modernisation, all layered onto one busy urban landscape. Start around the Former French Concession, where plane trees shade streets such as Wukang Road, Anfu Road and Huaihai Middle Road. The architecture changes from grand villas to narrow lane houses, often called lilong, with laundry above small shops and cafés. This area is pleasant for a slow morning walk, although its popularity means narrow pavements can become crowded, especially at weekends. I prefer going early, then taking a break in a quiet café before continuing towards Xintiandi or the old residential lanes around Shaanxi South Road. For a fuller picture of Shanghai history, visit the Shanghai Museum at People’s Square, or the newer Shanghai Museum East if its exhibitions suit your plans. Allow more time than you think. The collections cover Chinese bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy and painting, and families may appreciate choosing one or two sections rather than trying to see everything.

Food is a major part of Shanghai’s local culture, and the city’s cuisine tends to favour gentle sweetness, soy, rice wine and carefully balanced flavours. Try xiaolongbao, the soup-filled dumplings associated with Jiangnan cooking, but handle them carefully because the hot broth can burn your mouth. Shengjian mantou, pan-fried buns with a crisp base and juicy filling, make a good breakfast or quick lunch. Other local dishes include braised pork belly, river shrimp and seasonal hairy crab, while vegetarian travellers will find plenty of noodle, tofu and vegetable dishes. Popular restaurants can have long queues, and a famous name does not always guarantee the best meal for the money. I usually look for places filled with local diners, check the menu before sitting down and keep expectations realistic about English translations. Markets and food streets can be entertaining, but prices may rise in the most photographed areas around Yuyuan Garden. The garden itself is culturally important and worth seeing, yet the surrounding bazaar can feel hectic. Families might plan a calm stop in a teahouse or park afterwards, since small children tire quickly in the crowds.

Shanghai’s cultural contrasts become clearer in its neighbourhoods. Yuyuan Garden and the Old City show a traditional side through classical pavilions, rockeries and decorated halls, while Jing’an offers temples, shopping streets and modern restaurants. Longhua Temple, one of the city’s best-known Buddhist temples, remains an active religious site rather than simply a photo stop, so dress and behave respectfully. Avoid loud conversations near worshippers, do not photograph ceremonies without permission and follow signs about where visitors may enter. Along the Huangpu River, the Bund presents grand colonial-era buildings on one side and the Pudong skyline on the other. It is especially popular after dark, but the riverside promenade can be crowded and windy. The view from Pudong is impressive too, although observation decks cost money and visibility depends heavily on weather and haze. Shanghai’s arts scene is also worth exploring at the Power Station of Art, China Art Museum or smaller galleries in former industrial districts. Exhibition details change, so checking official information before travelling is sensible.

Daily life requires a little practical awareness. Mobile payment is central to Shanghai, and visitors often need to prepare Alipay or WeChat Pay, alongside a backup card and some cash. Translation apps help with restaurant menus and taxi directions, though metro signs are generally clear and the network reaches most major cultural attractions. The city is walkable in sections, but distances between neighbourhoods are larger than they appear on a map. Comfortable shoes matter, particularly if you combine the Bund, Nanjing Road and People’s Square in one day. Summer heat and humidity can be exhausting, while winter days may feel damp and colder indoors than expected. I would keep the schedule flexible, reserve the busiest museums in advance when required and leave room for an unplanned noodle shop or lane-market stop. Couples may enjoy the architecture and evening river views, solo travellers can easily explore by metro, and families will do better with shorter sightseeing blocks, regular snack breaks and a hotel near a convenient station. That balance gives you a more honest experience of Shanghai culture, rather than reducing the city to its skyline and shopping malls.

History in Shanghai

Shanghai’s history begins long before its famous skyline. The city grew around the Huangpu River and the Yangtze River Delta, an area shaped by fishing, rice farming, canals and maritime trade. Shanghai became an official county in 1292 during the Yuan dynasty, although settlements existed there earlier. Its position near the mouth of the Yangtze made it increasingly useful to merchants, and the city expanded under the Ming and Qing dynasties. A good place to see traces of older Shanghai is the area around the Old City, Yuyuan Garden and the City God Temple. Yuyuan Garden was created in the sixteenth century for the Pan family, and its rockeries, ponds and carved halls offer a very different atmosphere from modern Pudong. This district can be crowded, especially during weekends and holidays, and the surrounding shops are aimed heavily at visitors. Still, it is worth visiting early in the day, before tour groups arrive. Allow time for a tea break or a simple bowl of noodles nearby, because the narrow lanes and busy pavements become tiring with young children.

The turning point in Shanghai history came after the First Opium War. Under the 1842 Treaty of Nanking, Shanghai was opened to foreign trade, and the British settlement followed in 1843. The American and French settlements developed soon afterwards, creating areas governed separately from the Chinese city. This unusual political arrangement helped turn Shanghai into an international commercial centre, but it also reflected unequal treaties imposed on China. Along the Bund, the grand stone banks, customs buildings and trading offices show how finance and shipping transformed the waterfront in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Across the river, Lujiazui’s towers make the contrast almost too neat, but the view is useful: the Bund represents treaty-port Shanghai, while Pudong represents the city’s later economic rise. The architecture is best appreciated in the morning, when the riverfront is generally easier to walk, or after dark, when the lights are impressive but the promenade can become packed. Prices in restaurants with direct Bund views are often much higher than in nearby streets, so I prefer looking first and eating elsewhere.

By the 1920s and 1930s, Shanghai had become a major centre of banking, manufacturing, newspapers, cinema and popular culture. It was also a city of sharp inequality, with wealthy foreign firms and Chinese entrepreneurs operating alongside factory workers living in crowded neighbourhoods. The city played an important role in modern Chinese political history: the Chinese Communist Party held its first national congress in Shanghai in 1921, although the final meeting moved to a boat on Nanhu Lake in Jiaxing after the gathering attracted police attention. War brought another painful chapter. Japanese forces captured the city after the 1937 Battle of Shanghai, and the occupation continued until 1945. After the Communist victory in 1949, foreign businesses left or were taken over, and Shanghai’s role changed from an international entrepôt to a centrally managed industrial city. Museums and preserved residences can help make these broad events more human, but signs are sometimes limited in English, so independent travellers may need extra time to read or use a translation app.

For visitors today, the history of Shanghai is easiest to understand as a walk across connected districts rather than as one isolated attraction. Start in the Old City, continue towards the Bund, and then take the ferry across to Pudong for a straightforward view of how the river divides and joins the city. The former French Concession, particularly around Wukang Road, Anfu Road and the streets near Fuxing Park, shows another side of the treaty-port era, with plane trees, villas, apartments and cafés in buildings that have been adapted rather than perfectly preserved. Shanghai’s dramatic economic reopening began in the 1980s, and the designation of Pudong as a new development area in 1990 accelerated the skyline’s growth. That change explains why the city can feel historically layered but also relentlessly modern. Expect long walks, humid summers, heavy traffic and crowds at the most photographed spots. A metro ride or a quiet stop in a park can make the day much easier, especially for families. For couples and solo travellers, an evening stroll along the Bund is memorable, but the most rewarding parts of Shanghai’s cultural heritage are often found in the less polished streets between the major landmarks, where old lane houses, local breakfast shops and everyday life remain visible.