Shanghai is China’s most cosmopolitan and affluent city, where futuristic skyscrapers tower

Shanghai is a dazzling vision of the future fused with the elegance of Old China. As China’s financial powerhouse and largest city, it offers a high-octane energy that rivals New York or Tokyo. For 2026, the city is more accessible and tech-integrated than ever.

🏙️ Must-Visit Landmarks

• The Bund (Waitan): Shanghai’s iconic waterfront. On one side, you have grand colonial-era European buildings; on the other, the futuristic skyline of Pudong.

  • Pro Tip: Visit at 7:00 PM when the skyscrapers across the river light up in a spectacular neon show.

• Shanghai Tower: The world’s second-tallest building. Take the world’s fastest elevator to the observation deck for a literal “cloud-level” view of the city.

• Yu Garden (Yuyuan): A classical Chinese garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty. It’s a peaceful maze of pavilions, ponds, and rockeries, surrounded by a lively bazaar.

• Nanjing Road: One of the world’s busiest shopping streets. It’s a mix of massive modern malls and traditional specialty shops.

• The French Concession: Wander through tree-lined streets filled with “shikumen” (traditional lane houses), boutique cafes, and art galleries. It’s the “chill” heart of the city.

🥟 A Taste of Shanghai

• Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings): The city’s most famous export. Head to Jia Jia Tang Bao for an authentic experience—be careful not to burn your tongue on the hot broth inside!

• Sheng Jian Bao: Pan-fried pork buns that are crispy on the bottom and juicy on the inside.

• Hairy Crab: If you visit in the autumn, this is the ultimate local delicacy.

• Tea Culture: Visit the Huxinting Teahouse (located in the middle of a pond near Yu Garden) for a traditional ceremony.

🚣 Day Trips: The Water Towns

To see a different side of the region, take a short trip to a “Venice of the East”:

• Zhujiajiao: The most accessible water town from Shanghai (reachable by Metro Line 17). It features ancient stone bridges and traditional boat rides through narrow canals.

• Suzhou: A 20-minute high-speed train ride away, famous for its UNESCO-listed gardens and silk production.

💡 Practical Tips for 2026

• Cash is Dead: Almost everything is paid for via Alipay or WeChat Pay. As a tourist, you can now link your international Visa or Mastercard to Alipay. Carry very little cash; many places won’t even have change.

• The “Great Firewall”: Most Western apps (Google, Instagram, WhatsApp) are blocked. Download a reliable VPN before you enter China, or use a roaming eSIM (like Airalo) which often bypasses these blocks.

• Navigation: Google Maps is not updated. Use Apple Maps (which works well in China) or Amap (Gaode) if you can navigate a Chinese interface.

• Transportation: The Shanghai Metro is incredible—clean, fast, and translated into English. It is the best way to avoid the city’s notorious traffic.

Would you like me to create a 3-day itinerary or a guide on how to set up Alipay for your trip?