GoChina Guide
Beijing, ChinaShanghai, ChinaXi'an, ChinaNanjing, China

Your Gateway to China

Discover Ancient Wonders,
Modern Marvels

Curated travel guides, survival tips, and insider knowledge for first-time visitors to China.

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Classic Routes

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Survival Tips

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First-Timer Friendly

Explore by City

Destinations Across China

Pick a city to discover its must-see sights and signature dishes — curated for first-time visitors.

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Shanghai
Eastern China · Coast

Shanghai

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.

Recommended stay: 3–4 days
Best season: Mar–May, Sep–Nov

Must-See Attractions

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  • The Bund (外滩)

    Modern City

    Shanghai'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 & Culture

    A 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 City

    China'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 & Shopping

    China'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 City

    Tree-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 City

    Shanghai'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 & Shopping

    Two 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.

Must-Try Foods

  • 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

First-Timer Survival Kit

Three things every foreign visitor must sort out before landing. Don't leave home without reading these.