Shanghai — The Global Metropolis
China's most international city. A place where Art Deco grandeur meets futuristic towers, where French Concession charm sits beside neon-lit night markets. The easiest Chinese city for foreign visitors to navigate.
What Makes Shanghai Unique
The Bund
A 1.5km promenade of colonial-era architecture facing the futuristic Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River. The definitive Shanghai image. Best at dusk when both banks light up. Free to walk.
French Concession
Tree-lined streets of preserved 1920s–1930s villas now housing boutiques, cafes, galleries and restaurants. Xintiandi and Tianzifang are the must-visit pockets. The most pleasant area to walk in Shanghai.
Pudong Skyline
Home to the Shanghai Tower (China's tallest), the Oriental Pearl Tower, and the Jin Mao Tower. The observation decks offer the best city views. Shanghai Tower's deck at 546m is the world's highest.
Nanjing Road
The world's busiest shopping street by foot traffic. Nanjing East Road (pedestrian) leads from People's Square to the Bund. Mix of luxury brands and local shops. Chaotic, vibrant, and unmissably Shanghai.
Yu Garden Area
A 16th-century classical Chinese garden surrounded by a bustling bazaar selling tea, jade, silk and snacks. Touristy but genuinely beautiful. The nearby Old Town (老城厢) has authentic Shanghai street life.
Tianzifang
A labyrinth of shikumen (stone-gated house) lanes converted to galleries, craft shops and cafes. Authentic and artsy without being theme-park. One of the best places to buy quality Chinese souvenirs.
Getting Around Shanghai
Metro (地铁)
World's largest metro by route length. Clean, punctual, English-bilingual throughout. Transport card (交通卡) works on metro, bus and some ferries. Maglev train from Pudong Airport to Longyang Rd (¥50, 8 min, 431 km/h).
Didi
Essential for French Concession navigation (winding streets, limited metro). Pickup at Pudong Airport in designated 网约车 zone. Most drivers speak some English — Shanghai drivers are more internationally accustomed.
Ferry & River Bus
The Bund–Pudong ferry (¥2) is a genuine local experience and gives the best river view. Multiple stops along the Huangpu River. Buy tickets at the terminal with Alipay or WeChat Pay.
Maglev Train
World's fastest commercial train connects Pudong Airport to Longyang Road metro station in 8 minutes at 431 km/h. Runs 6:30am–9:40pm. ¥50 standard, ¥40 with same-day flight ticket. Worth experiencing.
Key Areas for Foreigners
Jing'an District
The most popular area for expat residents. Jing'an Temple area has luxury hotels, the best international restaurants, Jing'an Kerry Centre mall, and excellent transport links. West Nanjing Road metro.
Former French Concession
Hengshan Road, Yongkang Road and Anfu Road are lined with international restaurants, specialty coffee shops, and boutiques. The most pleasant neighbourhood to stay or dine in Shanghai.
The Bund & Huangpu
Tourist centre but also home to some of Shanghai's top restaurants in the heritage buildings along the Bund. Mr & Mrs Bund, Jean-Georges, and The Shanghai EDITION rooftop are highlights.
Xintiandi
Beautifully restored shikumen blocks now home to Shanghai's most international restaurant and bar cluster. Premium pricing but world-class quality. Walking distance from Huangpi South Road metro.
Arabic & Middle Eastern Restaurants
Jing'an Halal Cluster
Several Arabic, Lebanese, and Persian restaurants around the Jing'an Temple area serve the Middle Eastern diplomatic and business community. Shawarma, mezze, and grilled meat options available.
Xinjiang Muslim Restaurants
Numerous Xinjiang-style (新疆风味) halal restaurants throughout Shanghai. Hand-pulled noodles (拉条子), lamb ribs, pilaf (抓饭), and flatbread. Affordable, filling and genuinely halal-certified.
Puxi Hotel Restaurants
International hotels in Puxi (Marriott, Hilton, Shangri-La) offer halal-certified options on request. Middle Eastern food for Ramadan is increasingly common. Call ahead to confirm availability.
Full Restaurant Directory Coming
Specific listings with addresses, hours, price range, WeChat mini-programs and photos will appear in the dedicated Arabic Restaurants guide.
See Arabic Restaurants GuideIndian & South Asian Restaurants
Jing'an Indian Strip
The highest concentration of quality Indian restaurants in Shanghai is in Jing'an. North Indian, South Indian, and vegetarian thali options. Several restaurants run by Indian-owned businesses with authentic recipes.
French Concession Indian
Several upscale Indian-fusion and traditional restaurants in the Former French Concession, particularly around Xintiandi and Hengshan Road. English menus, card payment, good for business dining.
Sri Lankan & Bangladeshi
A small number of Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi restaurants serve the South Asian community, mainly in Putuo and Hongkou districts. Affordable and authentic. Largely word-of-mouth.
Full Restaurant Listings Coming
Detailed listings with addresses, menus, and booking information in the dedicated Indian Restaurants guide.
See Indian Restaurants GuideShanghai Practical Tips
Best Time to Visit
October–November is ideal — dry, mild, and clear. Spring (March–May) is good but rainy. Summer (June–August) is extremely hot and humid with typhoon risk. The city is beautiful in early spring plum blossom season.
English Proficiency
Highest English proficiency of any Chinese city. Younger residents and service industry staff in Jing'an and the French Concession often speak conversational English. Hotel staff in international hotels are generally fluent.
Payments
Shanghai is 100% mobile payment. Even more so than Beijing. Alipay and WeChat Pay are universal. Some Bund-area premium restaurants accept international credit cards — always confirm before ordering.
Nightlife
Shanghai has the most vibrant nightlife scene in China. The Bund rooftop bars, Yongkang Road bar street, and FOUND158 (Fumin Road) are the best for foreigners. Last metro is around 11pm — budget for a Didi home.