Shanghai at a glance
Once a quiet fishing port, Shanghai has transformed over the last 30 years into the financial powerhouse of China. The city name literally translates to "on the sea," and its sheer scale is nothing short of overwhelming. Split by the Huangpu River, the city offers two distinct faces: the high-rise, Manhattan-style skyline of Pudong and the more grounded, authentic character of Puxi. Along the Bund and in the charming former French Concession, you can still find remnants of the old foreign settlements. Today, Shanghai is a cosmopolitan hub for young professionals, packed with museums, shopping districts, and an energy that keeps you moving. Expect a subtropical climate here, with mild winters and hot, humid summers.
Its climate is subtropical: winters are mild and summers are very hot and humid.
The Bund, at a relaxed pace
The Bund, which translates to "muddy embankment," remains one of the most iconic walks in China. Its collection of Art Deco and neoclassical facades might remind you of 1930s Chicago or the waterfront in Liverpool. Early in the morning, you will see crowds of locals practicing tai-chi along the promenade.
Step inside the magnificent Pudong Development Bank, built by the British. You will notice the heavy bronze doors, fierce stone lions, Carrara marble, and intricate mosaics. Nearby, the Customs House features a clock modeled after Big Ben. About 750 meters away, the Waibaidu bridge is a popular spot for newlyweds to take photos.
For a view of the skyline, hop on a night cruise along the Huangpu River, which is three times wider than the Seine. The city lights stay on until 11:00 PM. Head to the Shiliu Pu pier (level B1, ticket window 1) for a 30 to 50-minute trip. Alternatively, grab a drink on the 32nd floor of the Hyatt or the 66th floor of the Royal Meridien. The outdoor terrace at Bar Rouge is another solid choice.
A short walk away, the old town stretches over less than 2 kilometers. Visit the Confucius Temple for a quiet escape from the city, or wander through the Yu Garden, designed to represent peace and comfort. If you are feeling adventurous, check out the Wan Shang Market, a cricket market where insect fighting is a popular form of betting.
Pudong, the showcase of China's rapid rise
Head to one of the giant glass towers for a bird's-eye view of the city. Your options include the Shanghai Tower, the third-tallest building in the world; the Jin Mao Tower, which bears a resemblance to the Empire State Building; the Financial Center Building, locally nicknamed the "bottle opener" and a crowd favorite; or the Oriental Pearl TV Tower with its three pink spheres. The latter also houses the Municipal History Museum and an aquarium.
Renmin Guangchang, the People's Square
Nanjing Donglu is the primary pedestrian shopping street in Shanghai, and it stays packed until stores close at 10:00 PM. The most notable shops include the Shanghai n°1 Department Store, the neighboring Xin Shi Jie, and Fashion Store. For a meal, head to the Shanghai First Foodhall. As you walk up the street, you will hit Renmin Guangchang (People's Square), a massive open space that opens onto a green park. It is a local tradition for parents to gather here on Saturday mornings for a unique "marriage market" to find partners for their children.
The massive Shanghai Museum is free to enter. If you have extra time, check out the futuristic Opera House, designed by a French architect, or the Urban Planning Exhibition Center, which displays a massive scale model of Shanghai on the second floor. A small tourist train at the intersection of Henan Zhonglu offers an easy way to see the neighborhood without walking.
The former French Concession
Start on Huaihai Avenue, lined with plane trees, and stroll toward Taikang Lu. The best time to visit is late afternoon, once the offices have cleared out, as the narrow, shop-filled alleys feel much more relaxed. If you have time, step into the Okura Garden Hotel. This was once the French Sports Club and later served as the People's Cultural Palace. The gardens are beautiful, and on weekends, locals gather here to fly kites, a favorite pastime alongside mahjong.
At night, the Xiantiandi and Huaihai Lu districts are the most active.
On the outskirts, the Jade Buddha Temple, home to a 2-meter-tall statue, is the most famous Buddhist site in the city. Also worth a visit is Lu Xun Park, located in the former Japanese Concession, which features a lotus-filled lake.
If you have children
Visit Disneyland or the Science and Technology Museum. Finally, the Shanghai Circus is recognized as one of the best in the world.
When to go?
The best times to visit are during the spring, from late April to early June, or in the fall during September and October.
How to get there?
Air France, Air China, and China Eastern Airlines provide daily direct flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle. Airlines such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, and Thai Airways offer flights with layovers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, and Bangkok.
From the airport, take the Maglev, a high-speed magnetic levitation train, and transfer to metro line 2. The total trip to the city center takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
How to get around?
The best way to see the city is by walking and using the metro. You can purchase a one-day unlimited pass for about 18 CNY (about $2.50) or a three-day pass for 45 CNY (about $6.30).
A city that moves at 100 miles per hour. Spectacular architecture, activities of all kinds, and a relatively cosmopolitan population compared to the rest of the country. It reminds me of NY in the US.