Shanghai

Shanghai is China’s most cosmopolitan city — a place where historic riverfront architecture, hidden old streets and futuristic skylines exist side by side.

For many travellers, Shanghai offers a first glimpse into modern China. Yet beneath its glass towers and luxury boutiques lies a city shaped by layered history, global influence and everyday local culture. From the elegant promenade of The Bund to quiet cafés hidden within the French Concession, Shanghai reveals a version of China that feels both international and unmistakably local.

As one of Asia’s most dynamic cultural and financial centres, the city combines old-world atmosphere with contemporary creativity, making it one of the most fascinating destinations in China for travellers interested in design, food, history and urban culture.

Why Visit Shanghai

• Historic Waterfronts

Walk along The Bund, where grand colonial-era buildings overlook the Huangpu River and the futuristic skyline of Pudong rises across the water.

• Contemporary China

Shanghai represents China’s modern identity — innovative, fast-moving and globally connected, yet deeply rooted in its own culture and traditions.

• Gardens & Old Streets

Discover quieter corners of the city through classical Chinese gardens, traditional alleyways and historic neighbourhoods hidden behind the modern skyline.

• Food & Lifestyle

From refined rooftop dining to small local breakfast stalls, Shanghai offers one of the country’s most diverse and sophisticated food scenes.

Key Places to Explore in Shanghai

• The Bund

The Bund is Shanghai’s most iconic waterfront promenade and one of the city’s defining landmarks. Historic banks, trading houses and Art Deco buildings line the western side of the river, reflecting Shanghai’s role as an international trading port during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Across the river, the futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong create one of the world’s most recognisable urban skylines — a striking visual contrast between historic Shanghai and contemporary China.

• Nanjing Road

One of the busiest shopping streets in the world, Nanjing Road combines historic department stores with luxury retail, cafés and contemporary entertainment.

The street reflects Shanghai’s long-standing identity as a centre of commerce, fashion and urban culture.

• The French Concession

Tree-lined streets, historic villas and independent cafés give the French Concession a slower and more intimate atmosphere compared with the city’s financial districts.

Today, the area is known for its blend of European architectural influence, contemporary Chinese lifestyle and creative culture.

Cultural Experiences in Shanghai

Shanghai is not only about landmarks — it is a city best experienced through atmosphere and everyday moments.

Join locals for an early morning riverside walk, explore hidden tea houses tucked inside historic lanes, or spend an evening listening to live jazz in restored Art Deco buildings.

The city’s cultural identity is shaped by contrasts: old and new, East and West, tradition and innovation. This layered atmosphere makes Shanghai one of the most rewarding cities in China for travellers seeking more than conventional sightseeing.

Discover Shanghai with ChinaFlow

Our Shanghai journeys are designed to combine iconic highlights with slower cultural experiences, allowing travellers to experience both the energy and the quieter character of the city.

From historic waterfronts and classical gardens to hidden neighbourhoods and contemporary urban culture, Shanghai offers a unique perspective on both historic and modern China.