Shanghai
Shanghai is a dazzling waterfront metropolis where timeless elegance meets bold modern design. Stroll along the historic Bund as grand colonial-era buildings overlook the shimmering skyline across the river, where soaring skyscrapers light up the night in a spectacular display of color. From bustling markets and world-class museums to chic cafés, luxury shopping, and a vibrant culinary scene, Shanghai offers something for every traveler. Cruise along the Huangpu River, explore hidden alleyways filled with local character, or take in panoramic views from iconic observation decks. Shanghai moves fast, stays out late, and has a polish and energy that makes it one of the most enjoyable cities in Asia to navigate.
Browse top-rated hotels in the area, chosen for their comfort, location, and overall guest experience.
The PuLi
Although The PuLi is situated in the heart of the busy Jing’an District, you’d never know it while inside the peaceful hotel. Neutral hues, dark wood, spacious surroundings, black stone floors, textured fabrics and tasteful Eastern touches are found everywhere throughout the design-driven property.
The Upper House
A design-forward boutique hotel with a strong collection of Chinese contemporary art throughout its public spaces and a rooftop bar — Café Grey Deluxe — that has become one of Shanghai's most popular spots for an evening drink.
Capella Shanghai, Jian Ye Li
Set in a restored 1930s shikumen (stone gate) lane house complex in the former French Concession, Capella Shanghai is a quieter and more intimate alternative to the Bund properties - 60 suites spread across the restored lanes, with a spa, courtyard garden, and a sense of place that's harder to find in the newer tower hotels.
From local traditions to world-class celebrations, here’s what’s worth planning your trip around.
Shanghai International Film Festival
One of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in Asia, running since 1993 - a mix of international competition films, retrospectives, and industry forums that draws directors and actors from across the world. A significant event on the Asian arts calendar.
June
Multiple venues, Shanghai
ART021 Shanghai Contemporary Art Fair
One of China's most important contemporary art fairs, bringing together over 100 international and Chinese galleries across a long weekend at the Shanghai Exhibition Center. The opening night attracts serious collectors and the broader programming runs across the city during the same week.
November
Shanghai Exhibition Center
Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix
The Shanghai International Circuit hosts one of the most technically demanding races on the F1 calendar, with the city's energy and hospitality making it a standout destination race. Race weekend draws international visitors and the surrounding atmosphere in the city is notably festive.
April
Shanghai International Circuit, Jiading District
The Bund
Shanghai's most iconic stretch - a mile of European colonial architecture facing the futuristic Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River. Best experienced early morning before the crowds arrive, or at dusk when both sides of the river are lit and the contrast between eras is at its most dramatic.
The French Concession
The most walkable and livable neighborhood in Shanghai - tree-lined streets, restored art deco and shikumen architecture, independent cafes, excellent restaurants, and boutique shopping spread across a district that feels distinctly unlike the rest of the city. A full afternoon minimum.
Yu Garden (Yuyuan Garden)
A classical Ming dynasty garden in the Old City, built in 1559 and one of the best-preserved traditional Chinese gardens in the country - pavilions, rockeries, ponds, and covered walkways that give a clear sense of what Shanghai looked like before the colonial era. The surrounding bazaar is touristy; the garden itself is worth it.
The Bund
Shanghai's most iconic stretch - a mile of European colonial architecture facing the futuristic Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River. Best experienced early morning before the crowds arrive, or at dusk when both sides of the river are lit and the contrast between eras is at its most dramatic.
The French Concession
The most walkable and livable neighborhood in Shanghai - tree-lined streets, restored art deco and shikumen architecture, independent cafes, excellent restaurants, and boutique shopping spread across a district that feels distinctly unlike the rest of the city. A full afternoon minimum.
Yu Garden (Yuyuan Garden)
A classical Ming dynasty garden in the Old City, built in 1559 and one of the best-preserved traditional Chinese gardens in the country - pavilions, rockeries, ponds, and covered walkways that give a clear sense of what Shanghai looked like before the colonial era. The surrounding bazaar is touristy; the garden itself is worth it.
Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet
Twenty seats, one table, a fully immersive dining experience that synchronizes food with light, sound, and scent for each of its 20-plus courses. Ultraviolet has held three Michelin stars and consistently placed at the top of the World's 50 Best rankings - reservations open months in advance and the experience is genuinely unlike any other restaurant in the world. Worth planning a Shanghai trip around if you can get a table.
Jia Jia Tang Bao
Jia Jia Tang Bao is one of the best restaurants in Shanghai if you’re looking for authentic street food. You can especially try your way through the specialties of Shanghai. Xiaolongbao is a soup dumpling, for example filled with meat and broth or with crab. The focus here is definitely on the food rather than on a luxurious atmosphere.
Fu He Hui
A vegetarian Chinese fine dining restaurant in the French Concession that has earned two Michelin stars for its seasonal, ingredient-driven approach to Chinese Buddhist cooking. Chef Tony Lu's tasting menus use no meat, no MSG, and no artificial flavors - and still produce some of the most memorable food in Shanghai.
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