



Your Gateway to China
Curated travel guides, survival tips, and insider knowledge for first-time visitors to China.
4
Classic Routes
50+
Survival Tips
100%
First-Timer Friendly
Explore by City
Pick a city to discover its must-see sights and signature dishes — curated for first-time visitors.

Future China on the Bund
China's financial capital and a 24-hour playground. Colonial mansions, neon megatowers, art deco jazz bars and the country's best dumplings — all in one skyline.
The Bund (外滩)
Modern CityShanghai's iconic riverside promenade — 1920s European colonial grandeur on one side, the futuristic Lujiazui skyline on the other. The best free show in Asia.
⏱ 2h · Low intensity
💡 Go twice — at sunset when the lights come on, and at 6am for empty photos. The ferry to Pudong (¥2) is the cheapest skyline cruise.
Yu Garden & Old City (豫园)
History & CultureA classical Ming-dynasty garden in the heart of the old city — rockeries, koi ponds, and the famous zigzag bridge, surrounded by a maze of teahouses and snack stalls.
⏱ 2h · Low intensity
💡 Visit on a weekday morning for tranquility; the Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant at the entrance is legendary.
Shanghai Tower (上海中心)
Modern CityChina's tallest building (632m) and the world's 3rd tallest. The world's fastest elevator whisks you to the 118th-floor observation deck in 55 seconds.
⏱ 2h · Medium intensity
💡 Go on a clear day; the 119th-floor café serves afternoon tea with the best views in Asia.
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (南京路步行街)
Food & ShoppingChina's most famous shopping street — 1.2 km of neon-lit storefronts, historic department stores, and the world's largest LED screen. Busiest shopping street on Earth.
⏱ 2h · Low intensity
💡 Look down for 37 decorative manhole covers telling Shanghai's history; the little sightseeing train (¥5) saves your feet.
French Concession (法租界)
Modern CityTree-lined streets with art deco villas, indie boutiques, and the city's best cafés and cocktail bars. Wander Wukang Road, Anfu Road, and Wulumuqi Road.
⏱ 3h · Low intensity
💡 The Wukang Building is Shanghai's most photographed apartment block; the Ferguson Lane complex has great brunch spots.
Oriental Pearl TV Tower (东方明珠)
Modern CityShanghai's most recognizable landmark — three spheres on stilts with 15 observation decks, a revolving restaurant, and a glass-bottom viewing platform.
⏱ 2h · Low intensity
💡 The 'Space Capsule' at 350m has a glass floor; go on a clear day for the best views.
Xintiandi & Tianzifang (新天地·田子坊)
Food & ShoppingTwo adjacent neighborhoods: Xintiandi is sleek, upscale, and shiny; Tianzifang is a maze of narrow lanes with local artists, hidden courtyards, and quirky boutiques.
⏱ 3h · Low intensity
💡 Tianzifang for authentic local crafts and street snacks; Xintiandi for upscale dining and cocktail bars.
Xiaolongbao (小笼包)
Steamed pork soup dumplings — bite a hole, sip the broth, then eat.
📍 Din Tai Fung (chain) or Jia Jia Tang Bao (local legend).
Shengjianbao (生煎包)
Pan-fried pork buns with crispy bottom, sesame top, and a burst of juicy broth (¥8 for 4).
Hairy Crab (大闸蟹)
Fall delicacy from Yangcheng Lake — steamed whole and dipped in ginger-vinegar. Oct–Nov only.
Red-Braised Pork (红烧肉)
Glossy, sweet-savory pork belly slow-cooked in soy and rock sugar. Shanghai's defining home dish.
Scallion Oil Noodles (葱油拌面)
Simple plate of noodles tossed with crispy fried scallions and soy — humble perfection.
Essential Prep
Three things every foreign visitor must sort out before landing. Don't leave home without reading these.
Who needs a visa? What's the 144-hour transit policy? Everything you need to know before booking your flight.
Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram don't work in China. Get our tested VPN recommendations and connectivity tips.