There are few countries in the world with a culture as distinct as China.  A country of contrasts, China offers thriving Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Macau, but also extremely rural and underdeveloped areas in the western part of the country.  

This is a country stuck between the developed and developing world.

Rapid change has attracted curious people from around the globe, so it is a great time to dip your toes into this amazing culture and explore the country.

Each day creates a new China. While I dislike the pollution of many of the big cities, the countryside and food are incredible. 

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China’s most Western city, it boasts one of the largest international airports in the country, but don’t be fooled; the surrounding area is a historical wasteland. With so few authentic sights to explore, spending time in Shanghai is an ideal way to acclimate yourself before diving deeper into the true heart of China on your extended journey.

History be damned, however, there are a lot of modern things to do and see in Shanghai. Take the Shanghai Metro to Lujiazui station and walk around in the futuristic district of the same name, which literally means “east side of the Huangpu River.”  Cross back over the water and walk along the 1920s-era Bund, that provides great views of one of the most modern skylines in the world.

The Shanghai skyline dares to outshine even the brightest American cities, a bold display of radiant lights and towering skyscrapers that challenge the very definition of a metropolis.

Dig deeper into Puxi (the west side of the Huangpu River), whether you can explore “People’s Square” and the “Shanghai Museum”, shop and eat street food along East Nanjing Road, stroll through the historic French Concession or see one of the only “old” structures in Shanghai, Jing’an Temple.

I recommend spending between 2-3 days in Shanghai. Depending on your itinerary other things to see and do near Shanghai are the cities of Hangzhou and Suzhou, the ancient “water town” of Zhujiajiao and the Anji Bamboo Forest, where the film “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” was filmed.

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THE BUND

This area is a legendary waterfront, unapologetically flaunting its status as the enduring symbol of Shanghai for centuries. Stretching defiantly along the west bank of the Huangpu River from the Waibaidu Bridge to Nanpu Bridge, it spans nearly a mile and beckons both locals and tourists to revel in its chaotic charm.

The west side of the Bund boasts an undeniably captivating allure with its 26 striking buildings, each flaunting a dizzying array of architectural styles—from the dramatic Gothic to the opulent Baroque, the sturdy Romanesque, the timeless Classicism, and the splendid Renaissance. Once you’ve soaked in that breathtaking skyline, dare to cross back over the river and lose yourself amid the dazzling illuminations of the Shanghai Financial Centre, where every light beckons with secrets waiting to be uncovered.

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YUYUAN GARDEN

Yuyuan Garden is believed to have been built in the Ming Dynasty more than 400 years ago. The beautiful layout, stunning scenery, and the artistic style of the garden architecture have made the garden one of the highlights of Shanghai.

Yuyan Gardens is located in the centre of Shanghai’s Old City, a few blocks south of the Bund.  To get here take the subway Line 10 and alight at Yuyuan Station.​ Yu Garden is composed of six scenic areas:  Sansui Hall, Wanhua Chamber, Dianchun Hall, Huijing Hall, Yuhua Hall, and the Inner Garden. The highlights of the garden are: classical Chinese architecture, sculptures and carvings, and the busy Yuyuan bazaar.

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