Things to do in  Shanghai

Vibrant, cosmopolitan Shanghai is famous for being China’s commercial capital: during the 1930s, it was called “The Paris of the East”. Today, it boasts one of the world’s most recognizable skylines as well as The Bund, a historic waterfront strip. Foodies seek out Shanghai hairy crabs in season and dumplings all year round.

The Huangpu River waterfront is probably the most visited place in Shanghai. On the west side of the river is The Bund, a charming cocktail of heritage architecture; on the east side lies Lujiazui, where iconic skyline sights include the twisting Shanghai Tower and the rocket-shaped Oriental Pearl Tower.

As a major world city, Shanghai is absolutely worth visiting. Besides the cultural and culinary delights you’d expect in a city with three times the population of New York, heritage areas include the The Bund, Yuyuan Garden, a classical Chinese garden, and Jing’An Temple, with a history dating back to the 13th century.

Do keep your phone and wallet in a zipping pocket and watch your bags: pickpockets are common in Shanghai, as in other big cities. Don’t dabble in drugs: China has extremely harsh penalties and has tested foreigners at random and prosecuted them. Never join a stranger for tea: the tea scam is a Shanghai signature.

Shanghai has all the nightlife you’d expect in an international city this size—and it’s well worth exploring. For a more distinctively local experience, take a Huangpu River night cruise, inhale skyline views from the 1,844-foot (562-meter) Shanghai Tower Observation Deck, or experience an acrobatics show or Shanghai opera.

Yes, by Chinese standards Shanghai is expensive: it’s the nation’s most expensive city. But by international standards prices are reasonable. Some luxury hotels can run to four figures, but budget-conscious travelers can find hostel dorm beds for around US$15, while public transport costs pennies and street food is very affordable.