Shanghai in pictures

A Chinese metropolis of high fame, Shanghai’a magnetic pull is experienced by tourists from all over the globe. Located on the estuary of Yangtze River, it provides a thriving base for the economic, financial, international trade, and cultural development of East China. In addition to its modernization, the city's multicultural flair endows it with a unique glamour. Shanghai shows you the ideal blend the modern and the traditional, as well as the western and the oriental cultures. Towering buildings and old Shikumen together form the skyline of Shanghai. A unique amalgamation of Western culture and ancient Chinese traditions makes what modern China today is, thereby rendering an interesting personality from the standpoint of a traveller, and an onlooker.

The city that never sleeps has an energy that reverberates deep into the night. Come sundown, Shanghai transforms into a glittering metropolis, with countless clubs, bars and entertainment venues that stay open till the wee hours of the morning. From tiny watering holes to sophisticated lounge bars, it is one of the trendiest and most exciting nightspots in Asia.

Spring is one of the best times of the year to visit Shanghai; not only is the weather ideal, it’s also the perfect time to catch the beautiful cherry blossoms in bloom. Tufts of peach, pink and white dominate the expanse at Gucun Park, which is also the venue for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival that takes place in March.

Dominating the city’s skyline, the Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower is located at the tip of Lujiazui in the Pudong district, just beside the Huangpu River. One of the most distinct and recognizable landmarks in Shanghai, it rises 468 m into the sky (making it one of the tallest structures in China), and construction on the tower took four years to complete.

With more than 120,000 ancient relics, Shanghai Museum is a fascinating peek into the country's recent and ancient past. The most prized attractions include furniture from the Ming and Qing dynasties, and exhibits that chart the growth of China's economy.

Every year, on the 15th day of the first lunar month, Shanghai hosts the Lantern Festival. With lanterns adorning the streets and floating into the sky at night, the annual event is a whirlwind of activities and is regarded as one of the biggest Chinese festivals of the year.

From mammoth and glitzy shopping malls to independent stores selling the most innovative bric-a-brac—shopping in Shanghai can be lots of fun. While more serious shoppers should head to spots like Xujiahui Shopping District (an area famous for selling big fashion brands and electronic gadgets at competitive prices), those who prefer to explore the city’s myriad offerings can just walk through the city streets at a leisurely pace.

A beautiful slice of nature that has captivated the city for more than 400 years, Yu Garden is a classical Chinese garden complete with pavilions, ponds, bridges, sculptures, and spectacular plant life. Visit between April and June to enjoy the garden at its prime.

Located at the heart of Shanghai's Old City, Yu Garden sprawls across an area of about two hectares, and is one of the most popular attractions in Shanghai. One of the highlights here, is the exquisite Jade Rock—weighing five tone—which is believed to have reached its current position after being carried all the way from Tai Lake in China’s Jiangsu province.

Shanghai’s subway system is a speedy, safe, comfortable and convenient way to get around the city. Although cabs are also a good way to get around, most of the locals use the local subway system to commute. Connecting all the main attractions—from the Bund, to People's Square, Shanghai Railway Station and even Xujiahui—a good network of subway lines makes getting around fairly easy.

The best part about eating out in Shanghai, is the varied, inexpensive and delicious street food that’s available around every bend. You’ll find hawkers selling everything from crab shell pie, tea eggs and tofu, to pig’s nose, dumplings and noodle soup. Although the locals can stomach just about anything, tourists might have a strong aversion to some of the more unusual delicacies. Try and visit food stalls that attract the maximum crowds.

If you’ve been too busy sightseeing through the day, you can indulge in retail therapy even after sundown; Shanghai loves to shop, and there are plenty of night markets that will cater to your shopping needs between dusk and dawn. From stocking up on branded good from the likes of Gucci, to haggling for fake goods at the flea markets—the city caters to a wide range of shoppers with eclectic tastes.

In a city of diverse culinary options—from street stalls to Michelin-star eateries—eating out can be extremely confusing. Amidst the multitude of delicious food offerings, Shanghai is famous for its dumplings—from fried soup dumplings immersed in a seafood broth, to steamed dumplings stuffed with prawn, pork and beef—you should definitely make sure you sample the wide range of carefully prepared and deliciously seasoned varieties.

One of the most atmospheric shopping spots in the city, Yuyuan Shopping Center makes you travel back in time to the bygone days with its lantern-adorned store fronts, and stores selling everything from souvenirs to Chinese fans, tea-sets, silk and art. You’ll have to bargain for a good price, but that’s all part of the experience.