Shanghai is a bustling commercial capital of China. The port of Shanghai is among the busiest in the world because of its strategic location in central coastal China. The Huang Pu River divides the city into two parts. The city on the western side of the river, also known as Puxi, is larger. Here older districts of Shanghai can be found. The city on the eastern side of the river, also called Pudong, is modern. You will see a number of skyscrapers and various new developments taking place in this part. Shanghai, when viewed from the Puxi side, on the Bund, will simply amaze you. You will get an idea of how Shanghai will look like in the future. This part of the city is home to Shanghai’s tallest building, the Jin Mao Tower, and the Oriental Pearl Tower. However, if you view Puxi from Pudong, you will get a glimpse into the past of Shanghai. This key city in China is worth visiting. It is a favorite for business travelers from all parts of the world. However, the city has many attractions even for leisure tourists. Some of the best places of interest in the city are listed below.
The attractions in Shanghai are quite popular and at par with those of the Great Wall of China or the Forbidden City. Shanghai is renowned world over for its historic monuments, world-class museums, colonial neighborhoods, lush green parks and famous shopping avenues. You will find all the places listed that are worth visiting in the city in our Shanghai City Guide. Some of the places of high tourist interest include the Bund, the Old Town, Shanghai Museum, Jade Buddha Temple, World financial Center, and Propaganda Poster Art Center.
The months of May through October see Shanghai teeming with many business as well as leisure travelers. However, the months of September and October are also ideal for visiting the city. This period is particularly significant for the business travelers when conventions and meetings take place. When visiting during this period, here’s a world of caution. Book your hotel rooms in advance or else you will end up paying higher room rates. The perfect time to visit is however during late March or even late October and early November. The weather is pleasant and you will be able to avoid big crowds.
One can taste authentic Chinese food in the city. Some of the places that cater to different palettes of visitors include Hang Yuen Hin (Dimsum), Fu Chun (Xiaolongbao), Kota’s Kitchen(Japanese), ), Mr and Mrs Bund (French), El Affante (Spanish), Yuan Yuan Nanjing Xi Lu (Shanghainese) , Saffron(Indian), 81/2 Otto Mezzo e Bombana (Italian), and Awana (South-east Asian).
Shanghai is considered to be a gateway to China. Shanghai shares a strong air network with other parts of the world. Many international flights arrive and depart from the Shanghai Pudong International Airport every day. Major airlines like Air Canada, China Eastern Airlines, Asiana Airlines, American Airlines, Aeroflot, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Air China, and Turkish Airlines provide business class flights to Shanghai.
It is easy to locate cheap hotels in Shanghai. Heng Feng Road, Songlin Road, Huaihai Road Central Luwan District, and Songshan Road are ideal for budget travelers and houses low cost accommodations.