15 Secrets & Best Places in Shanghai, China
These are my carefully selected best places and personal tips for the biggest city in China. I stayed here for quite a bit to bring you places like Flair, Yu Garden, French Concession and how to cheat China's internet ban.
- Why: Most vibrant city in China with impressive history
- YouTube channel: Reformatt Show
- Accommodation: Stay near the Bund, the perfect location in central Shanghai.
- Notes: Binge watch my new episodes from China.
- Book Now: Shanghai Food Tasting Tour for just $42 USD (10% OFF)
Buy Tickets for Shanghai
Shanghai, the "City on the Sea," is China's largest urban center, pulsating with over 23 million inhabitants. This metropolis is a tapestry of ancient traditions and futuristic visions, offering a myriad of experiences, from towering skyscrapers like the Shanghai Tower to serene spaces like the Yu Garden. Affordable living costs make Shanghai a haven for food enthusiasts, with street delicacies like braised pork noodles costing under $2 USD, allowing for a rich culinary exploration on a modest budget.
Shanghai Map Download
Attractions • Restaurants • Rooftops
Bars • Nightclubs • Walking Routes
and Bonus Tips.
Best Places for Travel in Shanghai
1. Nanjing Road
One of the largest shopping streets in the world!
2. French Concession
A historic area that was designated to the French, it has a very European feel.
3. Yangs Dumpling
Absolutely the best dumplings in Shanghai.
4. Drunken Shrimp
Be adventurous and try eating living shrimp sanitized in red alcohol.
5. Yu Garden
Most peaceful Chinese garden amidst the busy Shanghai life.
6. Pudong
The financial district of Shanghai with world's second tallest tower.
The city's skyline, a marvel of modern architecture, was sculpted in just over two decades, featuring landmarks such as the Jin Mao Tower and the World Financial Center. The juxtaposition of old and new is stark, with the historical Bund offering a stark contrast to the neon-lit Pudong district across the Huangpu River. For panoramic city views, the Flair Observatory atop the Ritz-Carlton provides a stunning, cost-free vantage point.
7. Flair Observatory
On top of the Ritz-Carlton hotel for the best view of Shanghai and the Bund.
8. The Bund
Busiest tourist attraction of Shanghai to view the most epic skyline in the world called Pudong. Tip: go at night!
9. Duck Feet
Try the Chinese duck feet for a culinary adventure!
10. Shanghai Nightlife
People in Shanghai are very outgoing, enjoy an eve with expats and locals at places such as: Mint, Muse, Bar Rouge, Linx, Fusion and Sir Elly's!
11. Chinese Street Food
Blow your taste-buds! Chinese street food can be found on Sichuan Middle St, near the Bund.
12. Jogging
Explore Shanghai in-style by going for a jog thru narrow alley ways you otherwise would never discover.
Exploring Shanghai on foot, particularly through bustling Nanjing Road towards the People's Park, offers an authentic slice of local life, including the unique Shanghai Wedding Market. This contrast of cultures and classes, from sidewalk vegetable vendors to luxury car showrooms, paints a vivid picture of the city's diverse socio-economic landscape.
13. Shanghai Wedding Market
Parents of unmarried adults flock to People's Park to exchange details on their children.
14. ExpressVPN
China prohibits the use of Google, Facebook & Twitter but with ExpressVPN you can work around the ban.
15. Fish Inn Hotel
Fantastic hotel with great rates located on the Bund and next to the subway. Most ideal location!
Friendships forged in Shanghai led to memorable experiences, like dining on duck feet along Nanjing Road and savoring drinks at the illustrious rooftop bar of Sir Elly's. The city's nightlife thrives in districts like Xintiandi, where the French Concession's European ambiance meets the vibrancy of local events like fashion week and Octoberfest.
Navigating Shanghai's digital landscape requires tools like ExpressVPN, due to China's stringent internet regulations. This service is indispensable for accessing global platforms like Google and Facebook, ensuring connectivity amidst censorship. Despite these digital hurdles, Shanghai's allure remains undiminished, offering an unforgettable adventure to its visitors.
Nanjing Road and the French Concession represent the commercial and historical heart of Shanghai, while culinary delights like Yang's Dumplings and the peculiar experience of drunken shrimp reflect the city's gastronomic diversity. Pudong's skyline, especially from the Flair Observatory, and the bustling atmosphere of The Bund at night, showcase the city's architectural grandeur and vibrant urban life.
For those seeking an authentic taste of Shanghai, duck feet and the eclectic offerings of the city's street food scene provide a culinary adventure. The city's dynamic nightlife, with hotspots like Sir Elly's, captures the energetic spirit of its inhabitants. Amidst this, quieter activities like jogging through Shanghai's alleys offer a personal encounter with the city's charm.
The Shanghai Wedding Market in People's Park presents a unique cultural phenomenon, highlighting the traditional aspects of Chinese society. For international visitors, navigating the city's digital restrictions with tools like ExpressVPN ensures a connected, seamless experience. Accommodations like the Fish Inn Hotel offer convenience and comfort, making it a perfect base for exploring the city's wonders.
Shanghai, with its blend of modernity and tradition, affordability, and dynamic lifestyle, remains an enthralling destination for travelers. Its unique character, shaped by its history, architecture, and the vibrancy of its people, offers a rich tapestry of experiences waiting to be explored.
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