Shanghai Travel Guide

Nowhere in China can it be said the speed of progress can be more markedly noticed than in Mainland China’s most international city, Shanghai. One side of the Huangpu River lies the Bund with it’s colonial buildings telling their own stories of a colonial city. On the other lies Pudong, not long ago paddy fields and countryside, now covered in some of the world’s tallest buildings all testament to the growth that has transformed this city into one of the world’s most dynamic over the last two decades.

Shanghai is the future of China and a must see Asian city. Also, within a short bullet train ride are the cities of Hangzhou with its West Lake and Suzhou famed for its gardens and canals.

★  The Bund running along the Huangpu River. Once the skyline of this city it has now been outgrown by the towering skyscrapers of Pudong. However, it still gives off a sense of old world charm from the not too distant past.

★  Pudong is Shanghai’s new financial district with ever taller skyscrapers sprouting up on an almost monthly basis.

★  The French Concession with a more laid back feel and home to many of the city’s stylish bars and restaurants.

★  The Yuyuan Gardens – one of Shanghai’s few historical gems where you can get your fill of the old China of pavilions, ponds and tea houses.

★  Shopping and nightlife – Shanghai has some of the best of both in Mainland China – a great way to finish your trip. Xintiandi and Tianzi Fang are the best options.

★  The nearby water towns of Suzhou and Zhouzhuang.

There is now a bullet train between Shanghai and Beijing covering the 1,305 km in 5 hours making the overall journey from door to door comparable to flying but with the benefit of bigger seats and scenery!

For a combination of character, location and value the Astor House Hotel is hard to beat and we use this on most of our China tours. For a splash of luxury, especially if at the end of your trip, we love Les Suites Orient and its superb Bund location.

Click the boxes below to explore other destinations in China that can be visited before or after your Trans-Siberian tour.

By Phil Stanley & Headseast – TCTC Destination Expert.