The magic of Shanghai is that once you come, your heart never wants to leave.
Here’s an ultra-detailed Shanghai travel guide covering attractions, food, transportation, accommodation, and off-the-beaten-path experiences to help you conquer the city!
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### **I. Must-Visit Attractions**
**1. The Bund & Lujiazui**
- **The Bund**: Century-old architectural complex (best for night photography). Highlights:
- Waibaidu Bridge (filming location for *Romance in the Rain*)
- Customs House, Peace Hotel
- **Lujiazui**: Shanghai’s iconic "Three Giants":
- Shanghai Tower (118th-floor "Shanghai Summit" observatory)
- Oriental Pearl Tower (glass-bottomed skywalk)
- Shanghai World Financial Center
- **Transport**: Metro Line 2/10 to East Nanjing Road Station (Bund); Line 2 to Lujiazui Station.
**2. Yu Garden & City God Temple**
- **Yu Garden**: Ming Dynasty classical garden, ¥40 entry (reservation needed in peak season).
- **City God Temple**: Snack street (overpriced, better for browsing than eating).
- **Hours**: Yu Garden 8:30 AM–4:30 PM; City God Temple same.
**3. Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street**
- China’s No. 1 shopping street. Don’t miss:
- Time-honored brands: Shen Dacheng (green rice cakes), Shao Wansheng (drunken delicacies)
- Modern malls: New World City, Shimao Plaza.
**4. Disneyland**
- **Must-rides**: TRON Lightcycle Power Run, Soaring Over the Horizon, Pirates of the Caribbean.
- **Tips**: Early Entry Pass for 1-hour early access; check wait times on the official app.
- **Transport**: Metro Line 11 to Disney Station.
**5. Other Highlights**
- **Tianzifang**: Artsy alleyways (commercialized but photogenic).
- **Xintiandi**: Shikumen architecture + trendy eateries (e.g., Shake Shack).
- **Wukang Road**: Century-old sycamore-lined street; spot Wukang Mansion and Ba Jin’s former residence.
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### **II. Hidden Gems**
**1. Museum & Art Tour**
- **Shanghai Museum** (free, reservation required): Bronze ware and calligraphy.
- **China Art Museum** (former Expo China Pavilion): Free, featuring the animated *Along the River During Qingming Festival*.
- **Long Museum (West Bund)**: Industrial-chic space for contemporary art.
**2. Local Life**
- **Yuyuan Road/Anfu Road**: Cafés (%Arabica), boutique shops.
- **Shanyin Road (Hongkou)**: Lu Xun’s former home, old Shanghai lanes.
- **Zhujiajiao Water Town**: Direct access via Metro Line 17; canal views.
**3. Nightlife**
- **Bund Origin**: Historic-building bars (e.g., The Nest).
- **Julou 158**: Club hub (Taxx, Found 158).
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### **III. Food Guide**
**1. Shanghainese Cuisine**
- **Classic spots**:
- Lao Zheng Xing (shrimp in oil, braised pork intestines)
- Guangming Cun (fresh meat mooncakes, soy sauce duck)
- **Budget picks**: Lan Xin Restaurant (braised pork), Hai Jin Zi (scallion pork chops).
**2. Street Food & Night Markets**
- **Shengjian**: Yang’s Fry-Dumpling (chain), Da Hu Chun (crispy-bottomed).
- **Xiaolongbao**: Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant (Yu Garden), Jia Jia Tang Bao.
- **Night markets**: Pengpu (Linfen Road), Zhoupu.
**3. Trendy Eateries**
- **Crab roe noodles**: Yu Xing Ji (crab yolk noodles).
- **Brunch**: RAC Bar (crêpes), O’mills Bakery.
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### **IV. Transportation**
- **Metro**: Citywide coverage; use "Metro Metropolis" app for QR code tickets.
- **Bus**: Alipay’s "Shanghai Public Transport QR Code".
- **Taxis**: DiDi/Gaode app; avoid rush hours.
- **Airports**:
- Pudong (Metro Line 2/maglev);
- Hongqiao (Metro Line 10).
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### **V. Accommodation**
- **Luxury**: Bund area (The Peninsula, W Hotel).
- **Mid-range**: West Nanjing Road/Jing’an Temple (Jinjiang Inn, Atour).
- **Hostels**: Together Youth Hostel (metro-adjacent).
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### **VI. Tips**
1. **Weather**: Humid summers (bring umbrellas); chilly, damp winters.
2. **Language**: Mandarin works; elders may speak Shanghainese.
3. **Tickets**: Book Disney/museum tickets online early.
4. **Avoid scams**: Opt for ¥2 ferry rides (Dongjin Line) over pricey Bund cruises.
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### **7-Day Itinerary**
- **Day1**: Bund→Nanjing Road→Yu Garden→City God Temple
- **Day2**: Disneyland
- **Day3**: Shanghai Museum→Xintiandi→Tianzifang
- **Day4**: Wukang Road→Anfu Road→Xujiahui Library
- **Day5**: Zhujiajiao→Hongqiao Night Market
- **Day6**: Lujiazui→Pudong Art Museum (sunset views)
- **Day7**: Shopping (iapm/IFC Mall)
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Customize this guide to your interests! Shanghai blends skyscrapers with local charm—enjoy your adventure!
It was OK. We queued for a while. The first wave of queues was relatively fast. After the second wave went up to the 263rd floor, the next line waited for a while, then walked up the stairs to the 267th floor and were taken to the seat. There were no window seats when we arrived. Then it was food. There seemed to be three lines to queue, one for shrimp, one for steak, and one for lamb chops. The others didn't have to queue much. Overall, the dining environment was OK. The experience was OK.
I went with my friends on weekdays in the afternoon. There was almost no queue. I bought tickets directly on the spot to enter. The viewing angle of the hanging glass was very strong. Especially when there was a sunset in the evening, taking pictures and punching in the sun was the most popular. Those who come to Shanghai can recommend it. If you want to wait for a long time to see it, it is not very recommended.
When you come to Shanghai, you must go up to the Oriental Pearl Tower. From the second ball, you can see the whole city of Shanghai, the visual effect is very good, and the glass plank road is also interesting; but the third ball is charged separately, and you can only see some audio and light things, which is too low cost performance.
Oriental Pearl Tower, as a landmark building in Shanghai, has become a must-visit place in the hearts of countless tourists with its unique shape and excellent sightseeing experience. This towering TV tower not only shows the charm of modern technology, but also incorporates rich cultural connotations. Climbing the Oriental Pearl Tower, you can overlook the magnificent scenery of the entire Shanghai, including the Bund's international buildings, the surging waters of the Huangpu River, and the high-rise buildings in Lujiazui. The revolving restaurant in the tower is even more fascinating. It is a great enjoyment in life to enjoy the food while enjoying the beautiful scenery. In addition, the Oriental Pearl Tower also has a wealth of entertainment facilities and historical and cultural exhibitions, allowing tourists to gain an in-depth understanding of Shanghai's history and culture while sightseeing. Whether it is the prosperity of the day or the brilliance of the night, the Oriental Pearl Tower attracts countless tourists to check in with its charming charm. In short, the Oriental Pearl Tower is a comprehensive tourist destination integrating sightseeing, entertainment, and culture, and it is definitely worth a visit.
Because of Mayday, I came to Shanghai again. Coincidentally, because I was born in the same year as the Oriental Pearl Tower, I got a chance to climb the tower for free. I was so lucky! So I brought my cute Bubu to check in! There is also a sign with the city on it, which says which direction of the Oriental Pearl Tower this place is and how far away it is, which is also very meaningful. There is also a place in the middle where you can watch 3D future animations, which is rotating, which is also very interesting. If you encounter the season when magnolia flowers bloom, you can take pictures of the flowers and the Pearl Tower in the same frame, which is very suitable for taking pictures and checking in!
The Oriental Pearl Tower is like a bright pearl, shining on the bank of the Huangpu River. Its unique shape, with three pillars reaching into the sky and spheres of different sizes connected in series, is full of modern technology. Climbing the Oriental Pearl Tower, you can see the beautiful scenery of Shanghai. The international buildings on the Bund and the high-rise buildings in Lujiazui complement each other, and the Huangpu River is like a winding jade belt. During the day, it shines brightly in the sun; at night, the lights are on, colorful. It is a landmark building in Shanghai and a symbol of the charm of this international metropolis.
Hey, seeing everyone commenting on the Shanghai Oriental Pearl Tower is really eye-catching👀! The unique spherical design is like a bright pearl inlaid on the skyline of Shanghai, so beautiful that it makes people's heart beat💖. I hope you can leave more beautiful memories under the starry sky🌟.
The Oriental Pearl Tower is worth a visit. It has remarkable characteristics and is a landmark building in Shanghai. Its unique shape is eye-catching, with its spherical structure sparkling in the sunlight. Climbing up the Oriental Pearl Tower, you can overlook the magnificent scenery of Shanghai. You can have a panoramic view of the Huangpu River, the Bund, and the high-rise buildings in Lujiazui. There are also multiple sightseeing floors and entertainment facilities inside, such as a transparent sightseeing gallery, giving people an exciting experience. At night, the Oriental Pearl Tower lights up brilliantly, becoming the brightest pearl in Shanghai's night scene. Whether you are feeling the height and prosperity of the city or admiring the beautiful night view, the Oriental Pearl Tower can bring you an unforgettable experience and is an excellent place to learn about Shanghai.