Shanghai Travel Guide: The Bund, French Concession & Lujiazui Skyscrapers

How Shanghai is laid out

Shanghai is split down the middle by the Huangpu River, dividing the city into two distinct eras. On the west bank sits Puxi, the historic core holding the Bund, the Former French Concession, Nanjing Road, and Yu Garden. On the east bank rises Pudong, the glittering modern financial hub dominated by futuristic skyscrapers. Most first-timers base themselves in Puxi (around People's Square or Jing'an) for walkable access to street food and nightlife. Getting around is incredibly efficient; the Shanghai Metro is the world's largest subway network, cheap, and fully signed in English. Taxis and Didi (the local rideshare) are plentiful and affordable. Allow at least three full days to see the main highlights, or four if you want to include a day trip to a nearby water town like Zhujiajiao.

The Bund and Huangpu River Cruises

The Bund is Shanghai's iconic waterfront promenade, lined with dozens of colonial-era European buildings facing the futuristic skyline of Pudong across the river. Walking the promenade is completely free, but it gets exceptionally crowded at sunset when the skyscrapers light up. The lights turn on daily from 19:00 to 22:00 (extended to 23:00 in summer). For the best views without the dense crowds, book a Huangpu River Cruise. Standard 50-minute cruises depart from the Shiliupu Pier and cost around CNY 120–150. Book your ticket at the pier an hour before sunset. Alternatively, take the public Bund Ferry across to Pudong for just CNY 2—it is the cheapest boat ride in the city and offers a nostalgic, no-frills crossing.

Yu Garden and the Old City

Step away from the neon and into Yu Garden (Yuyuan), a classical Chinese garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1559). Entry is CNY 40 (April–June, September–November) or CNY 30 during the low season. Arrive right at opening time (09:00) to wander the rockeries, pavilions, and koi ponds in relative peace. The surrounding Yuyuan Bazaar is a lively, maze-like market of traditional architecture, souvenir shops, and food stalls. Do not miss the famous Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant to try authentic Shanghainese xiaolongbao (soup dumplings); expect a 30-minute queue for the takeaway window.

Nanjing Road and People's Square

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is one of the world's busiest shopping strips, stretching from the Bund to People's Square. It is a spectacle of massive neon signs, historic department stores, and modern flagship brands. A vintage-style open-air mini-train runs along the street for CNY 5 if your feet are tired. The street empties into People's Square, the green heart of the city. If you visit on a weekend morning, head to the northern edge of the park to witness the famous Marriage Market, where parents hang resumes of their unmarried children on umbrellas, hoping to find a match.

The Former French Concession

The Former French Concession (FFC) offers a stark, leafy contrast to the rest of the city's frantic pace. Characterised by tree-lined avenues of London planes and historic Tudor-style villas, it is the bohemian heart of Shanghai. Walk down Wukang Road to see the iconic Wukang Mansion, an apartment building shaped like a ship's prow. For shopping and dining, Xintiandi offers upscale boutiques and restaurants housed in restored shikumen (stone-gate) houses, while Tianzifang is a labyrinth of narrow alleys packed with indie craft shops, tiny bars, and quirky street food vendors.

Lujiazui: Skyscrapers and Observatories

Cross over to Pudong to stand amongst the world's tallest buildings in Lujiazui. The Shanghai Tower is the crown jewel, standing at 632 metres; its observation deck on the 118th floor (CNY 180) offers jaw-dropping panoramic views. The distinct pink spheres of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower (CNY 199 for main decks) offer a more nostalgic, glass-floored viewing experience. If you prefer a drink with your view, skip the observatory queues entirely and head to the Grand Hyatt inside the Jin Mao Tower or the Park Hyatt inside the Shanghai World Financial Center for a cocktail at their cloud-level lounge bars.

Money, transport, safety and a 3-day plan

China is virtually a cashless society. Before arriving, download Alipay or WeChat, and link your international credit card to use their mobile payment features for everything from metro rides to street food. The local currency is the Renminbi (RMB/CNY). Shanghai is one of the safest mega-cities in the world; violent crime is incredibly rare, though you should watch out for tea house scams around Nanjing Road.

Day 1: Yu Garden morning, Nanjing Road walk, sunset at the Bund, and a Huangpu River cruise.

Day 2: Explore the French Concession (Wukang Road and Tianzifang), evening drinks in Xintiandi.

Day 3: Lujiazui skyscrapers in the morning, Shanghai Museum in the afternoon, and a stroll through Jing'an Temple at night.