Things to Do in Shanghai

Shanghai's Bund waterfront preserves substantial colonial-era architecture from the city's history as a major treaty port, directly facing the genuinely futuristic Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River, giving the city a striking visual juxtaposition between two distinct architectural eras. Shanghai's significant rapid transformation into one of the world's most important financial centres reflects substantial Chinese economic growth, while traditional water towns nearby offer genuine access to older regional character.

Why Visit Shanghai

Shanghai's appeal lies in the genuinely striking visual contrast between the Bund's substantial colonial-era architecture and Pudong's futuristic skyline, reflecting the city's significant rapid transformation into a major global financial centre.

The Bund

This significant waterfront preserves substantial colonial-era architecture, directly facing the genuinely futuristic Pudong skyline across the river.

Yu Garden

This significant classical Chinese garden, dating to the Ming Dynasty, reflects substantial traditional landscaping heritage within the modern city.

Shanghai Tower

This significant skyscraper, among the tallest in the world, anchors the Pudong skyline reflecting Shanghai's genuinely rapid modern development.

French Concession

This historic district preserves substantial tree-lined streets and colonial-era architecture, offering genuine atmospheric contrast to the modern city.

Shanghai Museum

This significant museum holds extensive collections spanning Chinese art and history, among the most important in the country.

Nanjing Road

This significant shopping street reflects Shanghai's substantial commercial energy, among the busiest pedestrian streets in the world.

Zhujiajiao Water Town

This significant traditional water town, within reach of Shanghai, offers genuine access to older regional canal-based character.

Shanghai Disneyland

This significant theme park reflects substantial entertainment industry investment within the wider Chinese market.

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• Walk the Bund at night — the contrast between colonial-era architecture and the futuristic Pudong skyline across the river is particularly striking.
• Visit Yu Garden — this significant Ming Dynasty classical Chinese garden reflects substantial traditional landscaping heritage.
• Take a Zhujiajiao Water Town day trip — this significant traditional town offers genuine access to older regional canal-based character.
• Visit the Shanghai Museum — it holds extensive collections spanning Chinese art and history, among the most important in the country.
• Explore the French Concession — substantial tree-lined streets and colonial architecture offer genuine atmospheric contrast to modern Shanghai.