City Overview
Shanghai is the epitome of modern China: one bank of the Huangpu River holds the century-old Bund, the other a cluster of skyscrapers, while old lanes and shikumen houses outline the city's varied character alongside contemporary landmarks.
Must-see Highlights
The Bund, Lujiazui, Yu Garden and Tianzifang each have their own flavor; viewing architecture by day and lights by night is the best way to feel the city's character.
Around the City (Same Province / Nearby)
To the west lie the classical gardens of Suzhou and the water town of Zhouzhuang in Jiangsu, while Wuzhen in Zhejiang can be reached to the southwest; high-speed and intercity rail make short trips easy.
Food and Experiences
Shanghai cuisine is rich and savory, with shengjian buns, xiaolongbao and pork chop with rice cakes as street classics; visitors can also stroll the plane-tree streets to enjoy the city's cafe-and-art rhythm.
Getting There and Itinerary Tips
The subway reaches everywhere. Two to four days are recommended, splitting the city center and nearby water towns or Suzhou into separate days, and a night cruise on the Huangpu takes in both banks at once.
