This is Shanghai
Nestled at the mouth of the Yangtze River, along the midpoint of China’s north-south coastal corridor and facing the Pacific Ocean, Shanghai stands as one of China’s four provincial-level municipalities. Shanghai, also known by it’s short name “Hu” or “Shen,” ranks as the country’s largest port city, is a preeminent international hub, and a globally celebrated cultural metropolis. Spanning 6,340.5 square kilometers across 16 administrative districts, the city is home to a permanent population of nearly 25 million.
Rooted in a civic ethos of inclusivity, excellence, openness and humility, and shaped by a core identity centered on innovation and global engagement, Shanghai has evolved into a vibrant nexus of business, trade and cross-cultural exchange. Serving as China’s primary eastern gateway to the world, the city continues its steady ascent toward becoming a preeminent global city and an internationally renowned tourist destination. Its tourism recovery reached new heights in 2025, when Shanghai welcomed 9.36 million international visitors, a 39.6% year-over-year increase. Inbound tourism foreign exchange revenue surged 33.75% to $14.84 billion, notching record highs for both international visitor volume and earnings.
Charming Shanghai
As China’s leading gateway for international tourism, Shanghai offers a distinctly urban travel experience that merges scenic beauty with contemporary city life. Its landscape weaves together iconic landmarks, historic enclaves and revitalized public spaces, presenting layered charms for every visitor.
The neoclassical architecture of the Bund creates a timeless contrast against the futuristic skyline of Lujiazui, while preserved shikumen alleyways preserve the vintage character of distinctive Shanghai-style charm. Huangpu River night cruises showcase the city’s luminous waterfront skyline.
Beyond its sky-famous vistas, quieter corners reveal the city’s rich texture: tree-lined avenues in the Hengfu Historic District, riverside cycling paths at Qiantan Taikoo Li, and the revitalized Suzhou Creek waterfront offer leisurely, immersive ways to explore urban life. Further afield, Zhujiajiao’s water towns in Qingpu District and the ancient cultural relics at Guangfulin in Songjiang District trace the region’s Jiangnan aesthetic and millennia-old Wuyue civilization. For family travelers with children, Shanghai Disneyland, Haichang Ocean Park and Legoland Shanghai provide immersive recreational escapes. Upgraded cruise tourism facilities and a growing roster of world-class leisure landmarks continue to expand the city’s diverse tourism offerings.
Shanghai’s allure is anchored in layered cultural heritage, drawing from three defining traditions: the elegant aesthetics of Jiangnan regional culture, the cosmopolitan spirit of Shanghai’s unique Haipai(Shanghai-style) culture, and the distinctive highlight from red culture. Diverse cultures converge here: from the classic opera Tosca to the immersive theatre Sleep No More, from the grand exhibition On top of the World Tree:Ancient Civilizations of the Americas to the cultural relics exhibition of Mawangdui.
Annual global cultural galas including the Shanghai International Film Festival, Shanghai Tourism Festival and China Shanghai International Arts Festival solidify its status as a year-round global cultural stage. A citywide emphasis on accessible, livable urban design — featuring readable architecture, walkable neighborhoods and open public parks — lets residents and visitors alike share in its refined quality of life.
Long celebrated as a premier shopping destination for domestic and international travelers, Shanghai boasts a century-old commercial heritage anchored by Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, widely regarded as China’s most iconic retail thoroughfare.
Complementary business districts including West Nanjing Road, Huaihai Road, Lujiazui and Xujiahui each carry distinct positioning, shaping local and even national consumption trends. Overseas visitors can also take advantage of convenient tax-refund policies for in-city purchases, enhancing the premium shopping experience.
The city’s appeal extends fully to its culinary landscape, where local delicacies like hairy crabs and traditional Shanghai pastries remain perennial favorites among international diners.
Its diverse dining scene encompasses regional Chinese cuisines from Beijing, Sichuan, Guangdong, Suzhou and Zhejiang, alongside authentic flavors from dozens of countries worldwide. Paired with a vibrant, varied nightlife that balances sophistication and leisure, Shanghai offers a multi-dimensional experience that keeps visitors captivated long after their arrival.
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