Shanghai上海

Overview

Shanghai is a direct-controlled municipality and China's center for economy, finance, trade, shipping and tech innovation. The Bund's international architecture witnessed Shanghai's century of glory as the 'Paris of the East', while Lujiazui's skyscrapers showcase the city's modern vitality. Shanghai Disney Resort is one of Asia's largest Disney parks. Chenghuang Temple and Yu Garden display old Shanghai's Hai style culture. Xiaolongbao, shengjianbao, and hongshaorou are unforgettable Shanghainese delicacies. As China's most international city, Shanghai perfectly blends Eastern and Western cultures.

Key Facts

Top Attractions

The Bund

On west bank of Huangpu River, 1.5km long, 52 buildings of diverse styles, known as 'Exhibition of International Architecture'. Night view is spectacular.

Lujiazui

Shanghai's modern financial center, home to Shanghai Tower (632m), Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and Shanghai World Financial Center.

Shanghai Disney Resort

One of Asia's largest Disney parks, with the world's largest Disney castle and unique Zootopia land.

Yu Garden

Classical garden built in Ming Dynasty, with elegant pavilions, rockeries and ponds. Adjacent to City God Temple, great for old Shanghai culture.

Tianzifang

Creative zone converted from shikumen lanes, with boutiques, cafes and art studios. Shanghai's most artistic corner.

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street

About 1km long, Shanghai's busiest shopping street. Century-old brands and international labels, neon lights all night.

Food & Snacks

Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)

Shanghai's most famous snack. Thin wrapper encloses minced pork and soup, dip in ginger vinegar. Nanxiang Mantou Dian is the century-old famous brand.

Shengjian Bao (Pan-Fried Buns)

Buns with golden crispy bottom, filled with pork and soup. Most representative street food of Shanghai.

Hongshao Rou (Red-Braised Pork)

Representative Shanghainese dish. Pork belly braised with soy sauce and rock sugar, ruby-red, rich but not greasy, melts in mouth.

Congyou Banmian (Scallion Oil Noodles)

Classic Shanghainese noodles, tossed with scallion oil (slow-fried scallions in oil) and soy sauce. Simple but incredibly delicious, the homestyle taste of Shanghai.

Festivals & Events

World & Intangible Heritage

• China Danxia (Longhu Mountain) (2010) — Listed as UNESCO Natural Heritage in 2010. Although Longhu Mountain is in Jiangxi, Shanghai participated in the nomination.
• Kunqu Opera (2001) — Ancient opera genre originating near Shanghai, known as 'mother of all operas'. Shanghai Kunqu Troupe is China's top Kunqu performer.
• Shanghai Paper-cutting (2008) — Shanghai-style paper-cutting art, known for fine and lively designs, covering flowers, birds, figures and city scenes.

Practical Tips