About
Shanghai is the largest city in China and one of its principal financial centres, set in the Shanghai Municipality on the country's east coast. It is a major port city, and its character comes from a long blend of Eastern and Western influences that shows in its streets, architecture and daily life.
What to see
- The Bund, the historic waterfront, where a row of older buildings faces the river and looks across to the modern towers of the opposite bank.
- The futuristic skyline, best appreciated from the river at dusk, when the high-rises are lit.
- Old and new districts, where contemporary commercial centres sit close to quieter neighbourhoods with a more traditional feel.
What a visit offers
Shanghai suits travellers who enjoy big-city energy. The international atmosphere shows in the mix of restaurants, shops and cultural life, and the city works well for a stay built around walking, riverside strolls and evenings out. Because it is a working port and a global financial hub, it also gives a clear sense of China's economic presence in the world.
Visitors deciding whether to go will find a destination that rewards both sightseeing and slower exploration. The waterfront and the skyline are the natural starting points, and the surrounding neighbourhoods offer a more intimate picture of the city beyond its best-known views.