Harper - Lonely Planet Pocket Shanghai

Welcome to Shanghai

Positively electric, Shanghai is where Chinas aspirations come to life. A symbol of the countrys burgeoning status, a byword for opportunity and sophistication, the city is all that and more. Whether youre after food, fashion or futuristic skylines, Shanghais buzzing confidence and nonstop action make for a veritable roller-coaster ride: hang on to your hat, and have fun.

Tianzifang alleyway TOM LAU/GETTY IMAGES

ShanghaiTop Sights

The Bund

Mainland Chinas most iconic concession-era backdrop, the Bund encapsulates Shanghai with its postcard-perfect good looks. A dazzling curve of bombastic masonry, it leads the way as one of the citys most stylish addresses.

MANFRED GOTTSCHALK/GETTY IMAGES

Shanghai Top Sights

Shanghai Museum

Shanghais best museum by a long shot, this must-see is a marvellous tribute to the path of Chinese beauty throughout the millennia, from ancient bronzes and transcendent landscape paintings to gorgeous ceramic masterpieces.

ALAN COPSON/GETTY IMAGES

Shanghai Top Sights

For some, the Old Towns piecemeal charms are a must. This classical garden a delightful array of traditional feng shui design features and history is a fitting contrast to Shanghais 'future now' mantra.

Shanghai Top Sights

Should you tire of Shanghais slick, international modernity, head for the quintessentially Chinese landscapes beyond the city centre. Qibao is the closest of the nearby canal towns, a mere half-hour away on the metro.

Shanghai Top Sights

Located in a former cotton mill, industrially chic M50 is the citys main creative hub. Edgy galleries and occasional events make this an absorbing place to wander for anyone interested in art (and people watching).

Shanghai Top Sights

This engaging (and crowded) warren of shikumen (stone-gate house) architecture and hip boutiques is perfect for browsing while soaking up the flavours of the ever-elusive traditional Shanghai neighbourhood. Getting lost is half the fun.

Shanghai Top Sights

Despite first impressions, the city does have a strong current of religious tradition, best observed in this century-old Buddhist temple, which plays host to a continual stream of worshippers throughout the day.

Shanghai Top Sights

A visitor favourite, this prettified strip of traditional Shanghai housing is perhaps unique in its combination of fine dining, designer shopping, shikumen architecture and Chinese communist credentials (the CCP was born here).

Shanghai Local LifeLocal Life

Insider tips to help you find the real Shanghai Local Life
Shanghai is much more than the Bund and Xintiandi to truly experience the city, you need to get under its skin, an experience best had by delving into small lanes, leafy side streets and old alleyways.

Historic shops

People watching

Once Chinas most famous shopping street, East Nanjing Rd is perennially thick with eager shoppers, out-of-towners and neon signs illuminating the night. Take a deep breath, push your elbows out and plunge in, but shrug off English-speaking girls dragging victims to overpriced cafes.

East Nanjing Road KARL JOHAENTGES/LOOK-FOTO/GETTY IMAGES

Temples

Antique vendors

Explore the Old Town, following twisting alleyways and stopping to contemplate incense-wreathed temples along the way. There are some fantastic spots to pick up souvenirs, from faux antiques and local knick-knacks to tailor-made clothing.

Famous residences

Cute boutiques

The French Concessions tree-lined lanes are a world away from Shanghais busy central neighbourhoods. Its charming, European in feel and slower in tempo, so take the time to browse through the local boutiques and admire the stylistically diverse 19th-century villas as you go.