Shanghai is located in the Yangtze River Delta in eastern China, at the confluence of the Yangtze River and the East China Sea. As a municipality directly under the central government, the Port of Shanghai consistently ranks first in the world in container throughput and serves as a gateway to the world.
A century of history as an open port has shaped the city’s unique blend of Chinese and Western cultures. On the Puxi side, the Bund features more than 50 classic Western-style buildings in styles such as Gothic and Baroque; across the river in Lujiazui, Pudong, iconic skyscrapers like the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower stand tall. Yuyuan Garden and Zhujiajiao preserve the ancient charm of the Jiangnan water towns, while Wukang Road, Xintiandi, and Tianzifang retain the character of Old Shanghai’s shikumen courtyard houses and garden villas.
The city combines the vibrancy of a metropolis with the charm of everyday life. Here, you can stroll along the riverfront to admire the night view of the Huangpu River, sample local delicacies such as crab-meat xiaolongbao and pan-fried buns, visit museums and art galleries, and experience the unique atmosphere created by the interplay of bustling commercial districts and tranquil historic streets.

📱Essential Apps Must-download Apps

1. Alipay: Payments, Subway Ride Code
2. Didi: Available overseas with an English interface; it's the Chinese equivalent of Uber
3. Maps: Apple Maps / Amap (English supported)

Note: Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram cannot be accessed directly.

🔊 Guided Tour Service

Popular attractions offer paid English-speaking tour guides; the self-guided audio tours at these sites support multiple languages. Most free audio guides are available only in Chinese.

Must-Try Dishes Recommended Local Food

• Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao)
• Pan-Fried Pork Buns (Sheng Jian)
• Shanghainese-Style Braised Pork
• Pork Chops with Rice Cakes
• Scallion Oil Noodles

📅 3-Day Classic Itinerary: Recommended Tour Route

Day 1: Old City on the Puxi Side & The Bund Classic Tour (Where Past Meets Present)
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street → The Bund’s International Architectural Ensemble → Waibaidu Bridge & Zhapu Road Bridge → Take the ferry across the river at Jinling East Road to admire the night view of Lujiazui
Lunch: Xiao Yang Sheng Jian, Shanghai-style snacks
Dinner: A cruise on the Huangpu River or a restaurant along the Bund

Day 2: Pudong’s Modern Skyline
Lujiazui (either the Oriental Pearl Tower or Shanghai Tower) → Shanghai Ocean Aquarium → Take the ferry back to Puxi in the evening to photograph the night view of the Bund

Day 3: The Old City Quarter, a Hub of Shanghai-Style Culture and Arts
Yuyuan Garden + Yuyuan Shopping Mall → Wukang Road, Wukang Building → Xintiandi Shikumen District