China's most cosmopolitan city — Art Deco heritage meets Blade Runner skyline. Budget 2–4 days.
Top sights
- The Bund — walk the colonial waterfront, then see it lit up after dark
- Lujiazui — cross to Pudong for the Shanghai Tower observation deck (China's tallest, 632m)
- Yu Garden & Old Town — Ming dynasty garden plus a chaotic bazaar; go early
- French Concession — plane-tree streets, cafes, and boutiques around Wukang Road and Anfu Road — the city's most charming stroll
- Shanghai Museum (People's Square) — world-class bronzes, ceramics, and calligraphy; free but book ahead
3-day plan
- Day 1: People's Square → Nanjing Road → the Bund at dusk → river night cruise
- Day 2: Yu Garden → French Concession walk → Xintiandi dinner
- Day 3: Lujiazui → Maglev joyride or a water-town day trip (Zhujiajiao, 1h by metro + bus)
Day trips
- Suzhou — classical gardens, 25 min by high-speed rail
- Hangzhou — West Lake, 45 min by rail
- Zhujiajiao — canal town inside the municipality
Eat
Xiaolongbao soup dumplings (Jia Jia Tang Bao is legendary), shengjianbao pan-fried buns, hairy crab in autumn (Oct–Dec), and Yunnan Road food street.
Practical
Stay near People's Square or the Bund for walkability. The metro is superb; the Maglev plus Line 2 covers Pudong airport.