China · City Guide
Shanghai
Shanghai is China's most cosmopolitan and dynamic city, a magnificent port metropolis combining the Art Deco grandeur of the Bund, the futuristic Pudong skyline, an extraordinary culinary scene across all of China's regional traditions, world class contemporary art in M50 and the Power Station of Art, the beautifully preserved Xintiandi neighbourhood and a nightlife and social scene that makes it Asia's most internationally minded city.
Elect's take
"Shanghai is the Chinese city that most immediately engages the Western traveller. The combination of the extraordinary Bund waterfront, outstanding food, world class contemporary art and the sheer energy of the most international city in Asia creates something genuinely compelling."
The Bund waterfront is one of the world's great urban spectacles, a kilometre of Art Deco and neoclassical buildings from the colonial trading era facing the extraordinary Pudong skyline of contemporary towers across the Huangpu River. The view from the Bund at night is simply one of the most dramatic in Asia. The French Concession neighbourhood provides beautiful tree-lined streets, excellent restaurants and outstanding café culture. Xintiandi is a beautifully restored Shikumen architecture district. The Power Station of Art and M50 Creative Park provide outstanding contemporary art. The Yuyuan Garden and surrounding bazaar in the old city is beautiful. Shanghai's food scene encompasses all of China's regional cuisines at the highest level.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
The Bund
A spectacular kilometre of Art Deco buildings facing the extraordinary Pudong skyline.
French Concession
Beautiful tree-lined streets of the former French settlement with outstanding restaurants.
Power Station of Art
Shanghai's leading contemporary art museum in a converted power station.
Yuyuan Garden
A beautiful classical Chinese garden in the heart of the old city.
Shanghai Dining
A city where every regional cuisine of China reaches its highest international expression.
Xintiandi
A beautifully restored Shikumen architecture district of restaurants and boutiques.
