Any city that can make New York City feel laid-back must be extraordinary—and Shanghai is just that. Due mainly to the speed at which the city is growing, changing and reinventing itself, there’s an undeniable energy that’s invigorating and exhausting at the same time.
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In China’s densely populated metropolis, it’s important to include guided tours and escapes to the countryside. Here is just one example of what our destination experts can create for you.
Explore Puxi, home to two of Shanghai’s most interesting historic neighborhoods, the Bund, a riverfront boulevard lined with restored neoclassical mansions from the 1920s and ’30s, and the French Concession, where you can see historic Communist landmarks and enjoy some of the city’s best shopping. Start with a guided visit to Mao Zedong’s former residence and the house where the Communist Party was founded, and then explore contemporary Chinese capitalism by touring Xintiandi’s shops and restaurants.
Today, tour Shanghai’s lively art scene with a dedicated art guide. Be sure to visit 1918 ArtSpace, the Long Museum West Bund, the Shanghai Gallery of Art, Studio Rouge and 50 Moganshan Road, an art neighborhood with many galleries. Conveniently, most of the city’s major museums are clustered around People’s Square. Worth seeing are the Shanghai Art Museum, the MOCA Shanghai (for contemporary art) and the Shanghai Museum. End the evening with drinks at one of the rooftop bars in Pudong, which is home to the iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower.
Visit Nanshi Old Town, the city’s oldest neighborhood. Its narrow alleys and colorful markets offer a glimpse into traditional Chinese life (travelers eager to try local street food should head to food stall–lined Yunnan Nan Lu). For a look into the future, visit the Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. The model of Shanghai as it’s expected to look in 2020 is done on a 1:2,000 scale, making it the largest ever built.
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The 1920s and 30s, Shanghai’s golden era, come to life at the Peninsula, an art-filled cocoon that’s centrally located but feels apart from the city’s bustle. Many of the Art Deco details of the building, originally part of the British...
No hotel in Shanghai captures the imagination quite like Capella, a group of lovingly restored shikumen buildings that feature an innovative blend of East and West.
Start at the Bund Historical Museum in Huangpu Park to see its collection of vintage photos, showing the city when it was known variously as the Whore of Asia and Paris of the East. Make a reservation at M on...
A tour of this neighborhood allows you to combine some historic Communist landmarks with some of the city’s best shopping. The Chinese allowed the French this area until 1949, when foreign governments were expelled; it’s also the site of grand...
Often likened to Shanghai’s Venice, Zhujiajiao water village is located one hour from the city and has a history spanning over 1,700 years. The tiny town (it’s only about 20 square miles), is a charming place to explore (via gondola...
Everything we recommend is sourced first-hand by our well-traveled team and incredible network of insiders and resources around the world. Here are some the latest articles, interviews, and book and film recommendations not to be missed.
Curious about eastern methods of holistic medicine, health and well-being? We asked Fred Tsao, the man behind Sangha Retreats and the Octave Institute to tell us more about the thinking behind the retreat's wellness programs. His China-based company, which he launched in...
“If you ask my son if he will go to the moon in his lifetime, he will say ‘yes’,” said our guide during a recent visit to Shanghai. Despite the turbulent history China has endured, Shanghai is a strikingly modern...
Foreign influences were so prevalent in Shanghai in the early 1900s that the city considers borscht and baguettes local fare. In recent years, international cuisine has returned to the city with a vengeance. Here’s a cheat sheet for navigating the...
If you want to know why Shanghai is such an intoxicating city, stand at the People’s Heroes monument, that cement sculpture of abstracted gun barrels pointing skyward. It can all be seen from here: the past, the future, the promise,...
A trip here can easily be combined with these amazing destinations and more. Contact our team to craft the perfect itinerary.
At first glance, Hong Kong is a Western territory, all shiny skyscrapers and multi-lingual business people. But scratch the surface, and it reveals deep Chinese roots, where superstitions and traditions are solidly embedded. Since 1997, Hong Kong has been part...
To say that Beijing is like visiting the future is true, because there’s no doubt that China will have enormous influence on world affairs. To understand where we are going, you must see it, but be prepared for disorientation. Feel...
Hangzhou, located some 100 miles south of Shanghai, has long been renowned as one of China’s most prosperous cities, beloved and sought out by many for its memorable natural scenery, as well as well-preserved pagodas, temples and pavilions. The city...
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