Shanghai truly gets it; the atmosphere has completely captivated me.

Shanghai, one of China's most modern cities, is a melting pot of history, culture, fashion, and cuisine, making it an ideal travel destination. Here's a practical guide to help you plan your trip: --- ### **1. Recommended Classic Attractions** 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 1. **The Bund** - Shanghai's landmark, offering stunning views of the Huangpu River, the historic buildings along its banks, and the Lujiazui skyscrapers (such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower). - The **night view** is particularly breathtaking. It's recommended to visit in the evening for optimal photo opportunities when the lights come on. 2. **Lujiazui** - The financial center, with must-see spots like: - **Shanghai Tower** (China's tallest building, with a 118th-floor observation deck) - **Oriental Pearl Tower** (thrilling glass observation deck) - **Shanghai World Financial Center** (known for its "bottle opener" shape). 3. **Yu Garden & City God Temple** - Yu Garden, a classic Ming Dynasty Jiangnan garden, is surrounded by a charming old-style commercial area, perfect for buying souvenirs (like spiced beans and pear syrup candy). However, be aware that snack prices here can be a bit steep. 4. **Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street** - A century-old commercial street stretching from People's Square to The Bund, offering shopping and time-honored local delicacies (like Shen Da Cheng's qingtuan and Shao Wan Sheng's drunken preserved food). 5. **Shanghai Disneyland** - Ideal for families or couples. Recommended attractions include TRON Lightcycle Power Run and Soaring Over the Horizon. Download the official app in advance to check wait times. --- ### **2. Artsy and Niche Spots** 1. **Wukang Road - Anfu Road** - A classic route in the former French Concession, featuring trendy cafes, historic buildings (like the Wukang Building), and unique boutiques. 2. **Tianzifang** - An artsy alley transformed from traditional Shikumen architecture, great for photos, but quite commercialized. 3. **M50 Creative Park** - A must-visit for art lovers, with contemporary art galleries and graffiti walls. 4. **Shanghai Museum** (Free) - Rich in bronzeware and calligraphy/painting collections. Advance booking is required. --- ### **3. Short Trips Around Shanghai** 1. **Zhujiajiao Water Town** - Directly accessible by subway line 17, known as the "Venice of Shanghai." Try the local Zha Rou (braised pork) and Zongzi (sticky rice dumplings). 2. **Wuzhen/Xitang** - Take the high-speed train to Jiaxing (about 1 hour) to experience the beauty of Jiangnan water towns. --- ### **4. Food Recommendations** 1. **Benbang Cuisine (Shanghai Local Cuisine)** - Known for its rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. Representative dishes include Hong Shao Rou (braised pork belly), You Bao Xia (stir-fried prawns), and Xiang You Shan Si (stir-fried eel). - Time-honored restaurants: **Lao Zheng Xing Restaurant**, **Lan Xin Restaurant** (expect queues). 2. **Snacks** - Sheng Jian (pan-fried dumplings): **Da Hu Chun** (traditional), **Xiao Yang Sheng Jian** (juicy). - Xiao Long Bao (steamed soup dumplings)