Shanghai

Shanghai, a global financial hub and cultural melting pot, is known for its modern skyline, historical landmarks, and vibrant waterfronts.

North Bund Waterfront Views

North Bund

A rapidly developing waterfront area in Hongkou District offering spectacular, u...

Shanghai
China Art Museum Art & Culture

China Art Museum

Housed in the former China Pavilion of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, this massiv...

Shanghai
Shanghai Natural History Museum Science & Nature

Shanghai Natural History Museum

A stunning modern museum located in Jing'an Sculpture Park, featuring thousands...

Shanghai
M50 Art District Contemporary Art

M50 Art District

A contemporary art district housed in former textile mills along Suzhou Creek, f...

Shanghai
1933 Old Millfun Architecture

1933 Old Millfun

A historic former slaughterhouse turned creative hub, renowned for its complex,...

Shanghai
People's Square City Center

People's Square

The geographical and political center of Shanghai, featuring a large public park...

Shanghai
Wukang Road Historic Street

Wukang Road

A highly photogenic, tree-lined street in the former French Concession, famous f...

Shanghai
Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park Theme Park

Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park

A massive marine theme park in Lingang offering animal exhibits, thrilling rides...

Shanghai

Top Cities to Visit in Shanghai

View all cities
China Golden Triangle Itinerary: A Realistic 7-Day Plan That Works

China Golden Triangle Itinerary: A Realistic 7-Day Plan That Works

Planning your China Golden Triangle trip? This realistic 7-day itinerary from a veteran guide skips the fluff, giving you exact timings, transport hacks, booking must-dos, and local secrets for Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai. Learn how to see the highlights without the stress.

Read story
China with Kids: Where to Go and What to Know

China with Kids: Where to Go and What to Know

Planning a family trip to China? Discover the best kid-approved destinations from the Great Wall to pandas, with insider tips on tickets, transport, and avoiding crowds from a guide who's been there.

Read story
Shanghai Itinerary: A 10-Day Plan for First-Time Visitors

Shanghai Itinerary: A 10-Day Plan for First-Time Visitors

Planning a trip to Shanghai? This 10-day itinerary covers top attractions, hidden gems, and practical tips for an unforgettable experience. Learn how to explore the city like a local, with detailed daily plans and insider advice.

Read story
Fun Things to Do in Shanghai with Kids: A Family-Friendly Guide

Fun Things to Do in Shanghai with Kids: A Family-Friendly Guide

What can families do in Shanghai with children? Discover the best kid-friendly attractions, from magical theme parks and interactive museums to expansive green spaces and unique cultural experiences. Get practical tips on tickets, transportation, and planning your perfect family day out in this vibrant metropolis.

Read story
Where to Stay Near Qibao Ancient Town: Best Accommodation Options

Where to Stay Near Qibao Ancient Town: Best Accommodation Options

Qiang Huang 2026-05-31

Looking for the perfect place to stay near Qibao Ancient Town? This guide offers detailed reviews of top hotels, guesthouses, and apartments, with practical tips on location, pricing, and how to choose the right option for a comfortable and convenient visit.

Curated Shanghai Travel Itineraries

3-Day Classic: The Bund → Oriental Pearl Tower → Yu Garden
5-Day In-depth: The Bund → Disneyland → Zhujiajiao Water Town

Essential Shanghai Travel Tips & Advice

Plan for microclimates

Weather can change fast — pack a light layer and rain protection.

Book transport early

Holiday weeks sell out quickly; reserve trains/buses ahead of time.

Carry small cash

Rural vendors may not take cards; mobile pay is common in cities.

Golden-hour routes

Early mornings often have the best light and fewer crowds.

Simple safety rules

Agree on prices before tours and keep valuables secure in busy markets.

Recent Reviews

4.0 ★★★★☆ (10)
Brit_in_Shan May 29, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Disneyland Shanghai exceeded my expectations! The TRON ride is world-class, and the castle show at night was pure magic. Food inside the park was decent but overpriced—classic theme park move. Still, a fantastic day out for families or couples.

Amy_Travel_S May 29, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

The Maglev train to Pudong is fun and fast, but the ticket price feels a bit excessive for a 7-minute ride. The city's modern side impresses, but the old alleyways (lòngtáng) are where the real soul is. A mixed bag—glad I came, but wouldn't rush back.

Nomad_Tracy May 29, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Visited the Shanghai Tower observation deck on a clear morning—360° views of the city stretching into the haze. Truly a marvel of engineering. The staff were helpful, and the elevator ride itself is an experience. Highly recommend booking in advance to skip the line.

CoffeeHolic_ May 29, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

I found a tiny café in the French Concession that served the best pour-over I've had in months. The neighborhood feels like a different world—quiet, leafy, and full of charm. Sadly, the service was a bit slow and the prices were steep for the portion size. Worth a visit if you're not in a hurry.

JShang_Wande May 29, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Strolled along the Bund at sunset—the skyline is absolutely breathtaking. Street food near Yuyuan Garden was a feast for the senses. Only wish the metro wasn't so packed during rush hour. Still, an unforgettable day!

Caffeine_Que May 28, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Shanghai exceeded every expectation! From the insane nightlife in the French Concession (found a hidden jazz bar) to the best coffee of my life in a little roastery near The Bund. The people were warm, the history in the Jewish quarter moved me. Can't wait to revisit for longer.

Leave a Review

Shanghai FAQ

What is the best time to visit The Bund to avoid the biggest crowds?
Weekday mornings, right after sunrise, are almost peaceful. The evening light show draws the largest crowds, especially on weekends and holidays. If you must go in the evening, the crowds thin out significantly after 9:30 PM, and the lights are still on.
Is it worth going up both the Jinmao Tower and the Shanghai Tower?
For most visitors, no. It's expensive and the core experience—a high-altitude view of Shanghai—is redundant. Choose Jinmao for the classic, straight-on view of The Bund's historical strip. Choose Shanghai Tower for the sheer engineering marvel and the feeling of being on top of everything. If you have a tight budget, skip both and enjoy the free view of the towers from The Bund.
How do I actually buy tickets for the Shanghai Museum since it's free?
This trips up many. You must reserve a specific date and time slot in advance. Do this via their official WeChat account or their English-language website. The reservation system opens a week in advance. Same-day walk-ins are almost never available. Have your passport number ready for registration.
How can I ensure the seafood I buy is fresh and safe to transport home?
Look for clear eyes in fish, firm flesh, and a mild sea smell—not overly fishy. For transport, bring a cooler bag with ice packs; many vendors sell insulated bags for ¥5-10. I’ve carried fresh crabs on the train back to Shanghai, and they stayed alive for hours. If buying dried products, check for no signs of moisture or mold.
Are credit cards or foreign currencies accepted at Jinshanzui shops?
Mostly no. Cash (Chinese yuan) is king, and mobile payments like WeChat Pay or Alipay are common. Foreign cards are rarely accepted. Exchange currency beforehand in Shanghai. I once saw a tourist struggling with a foreign card at a souvenir shop; the vendor just shook his head.
What is the best way to get to Wukang Road from Pudong Airport with lots of luggage?
The most comfortable way is to pre-book a private car service through your hotel or a platform like CTrip. It's door-to-door. The Maglev + taxi combo involves more hauling of bags between stations. Taxis are available at the airport, but ensure the driver knows the specific cross street of your hotel, as "Wukang Road" is long. Having the address written in Chinese on your phone is essential.
Is Shanghai safe for tourists?
Shanghai is one of the safest large cities in the world for tourists. Violent crime is extremely rare. The main concerns are petty scams (like the "tea ceremony" scam targeting tourists near the Bund) and pickpocketing in very crowded areas like East Nanjing Road. Use common sense: keep valuables secure, be wary of overly friendly strangers inviting you for drinks, and agree on taxi fares with the meter before riding.
Is it better to stay in Pudong (near Shanghai Tower) or Puxi (like the Bund) for a first-time visitor?
It depends on the experience you want. Pudong offers the futuristic, iconic skyline view and is more convenient for business. Puxi (the Bund side) has more historical charm, walkable streets, and a denser concentration of restaurants and bars. For a first-timer wanting the classic "Shanghai" feel, Puxi might be better. But if seeing that skyline from your window is the dream, stay in Pudong. The subway makes crossing the river easy, so you can have both.
What's one thing I should absolutely do near the Shanghai Tower that most tourists miss?
Walk the Binjiang Promenade along the Huangpu River at night. The view of the Bund from the Pudong side is breathtaking and free. The area directly around the towers is manicured and can feel sterile. The promenade has life—locals dancing, families strolling, street performers. It gives context to the glittering towers behind you. Start at the Lujiazui ferry pier and walk north.
Is Shanghai Tower shopping expensive?
It has a reputation for luxury, and the ground-floor boutiques justify that. However, the shopping experience is tiered. The basement (B2/B1) with its supermarket, food court, and casual stores is very reasonably priced, comparable to any other city-center mall. The second floor offers mid-range contemporary brands. You can easily enjoy a visit without buying a Rolex.
2026 on-site verified · Last audit: May 29, 2026
Last visit: May 29, 2026
Author: Yan Zhou
Reviewer: Yingjie He