Zhujiajiao is often called the “Venice of the East.” It has history of over 1000 years, and many visitors have posted on social media: “This is exactly the Chinese water town I imagined.” About an hour from downtown Shanghai, you go from towering high‑rises to a world of stone alleys, old houses, & flowing canals. The pace here is slow—no crowds, no traffic—just wooden rowboats gliding gently across the water. It’s wonderfully laid‑back. While you’re here, try the local specialty zha rou—pork belly wrapped in lotus leaves and braised until meltingly tender, with a subtle leaf fragrance. Apo zongzi (grandma’s rice dumplings) are made fresh by local elderly ladies—the sticky rice is dense, and the pork filling is perfectly salted. Also look for smoked green beans, sugared lotus root, & stinky tofu—all great for nibbling as you stroll. If you sit by the river and order a pot of smoked bean tea with a few slices of cloud‑pattern cake, that flavour will stay with you long after you leave.

Seeking old-city vibes, great street food, and a slice of history? The City God Temple Tourist Area is a must. For over 600 years, it's been the heart of old Shanghai—locals prayed, traded, and enjoyed temple fairs here. Despite surrounding skyscrapers, it keeps its authentic old‑city flavor. Step in and you're hit with chatter, food smells, and temple incense. Narrow lanes are packed with shops. It's crowded, but that's what makes it real. Snacks abound: soup dumplings (xiaolongbao)—thin skin, hot broth—bite and sip carefully. Pan‑fried buns (shengjianbao) have crispy bottoms and savory pork. Try sweet osmanthus cakes or fermented rice balls, or savoury salty soy milk with shrimp and fried dough. Also skewers and stinky tofu. Eat as you walk. Later, when you think of Shanghai, you won't picture the towers first—you'll remember that blend of food and incense, and that chaotic yet comforting street life.

Yu Garden is over 460 years old, and you might be interested to know that it recently welcomed several heads of state—the British Prime Minister and the President of Uruguay both visited in early 2026. It’s not just a tourist spot; it’s a window through which China shares its culture with the world. The garden is protected at the highest national level and is the only Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level in central Shanghai. It has survived wars, revolutions, and centuries of change, and has always been the cultural soul of Shanghai. Today, it sits at the heart of old Shanghai, right next to the lively City God Temple food street. You can walk along quiet paths, feed the koi fish, and then step right into a bustling market—all within an hour. Here you’ll see the essence of old Shanghai: classical garden art, ancient architecture, authentic snacks, and colonial history, all in one place. It’s a perfect contrast between ancient and modern China.

If you're looking for a place that captures Shanghai's past & present in one glance, and helps you understand why this city is called "international," the Bund should be your first stop. The Bund is Shanghai's face—like the Champs‑Élysées in Paris or Wall Street in New York. On one side stands a century‑old collection of international architecture; across the river rises the futuristic skyline of Lujiazui. Standing here, your left hand points to old Shanghai, your right to today's Shanghai. By daylight, you can admire intricate carvings & details of historic buildings. At 7pm, when the lights come on, the old structures glow in gold, while the glass towers across the river sparkle in rainbow colors. Many say it's "as beautiful as a postcard." You'll feel the heartbeat of this city—and understand why it's called the "Magic City." The Bund itself isn't a food street, but walk a few minutes west and you'll reach Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, where many time‑honored local eats await.

At 632 metres, Shanghai Tower is China's tallest and the world's second‑tallest building. It's also the first structure to earn both China's Green Building label and U.S. LEED Platinum certification – a global leader in eco‑design. Together with Jin Mao Tower and the World Financial Center, it forms the famous “three‑piece” skyline. From the ground, you feel tiny. The tower twists upward like a coiled dragon, its glass facade gleaming. Then you board one of the world's fastest elevators – it climbs at 18 metres per second, taking just 55 seconds to reach the 118th‑floor observatory at 546 metres. The ride is smooth, with pressure control to protect your ears. When the doors open, you get a 360‑degree panoramic view through floor‑to‑ceiling windows. Below, the Oriental Pearl Tower and Jin Mao look like toys. The Huangpu River is a silver ribbon, and the entire city spreads out at your feet.