Shanghai Destination Guide: The Bund, Ancient Water Towns & Modern City Life
Explore Shanghai through its iconic skyline, historic neighborhoods, riverside views, traditional gardens, and vibrant food culture. Walk along The Bund, discover Yu Garden, explore the city’s ancient water towns, and taste local Shanghainese dishes while finding activities, hotels, and itinerary ideas tailored to your interests, budget, and pace.
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Historic Shanghai
Discover Shanghai’s history through its old-town streets, classical gardens, shikumen lanes, and historic waterfront. A historic Shanghai guided tour may include Yuyuan Garden and the City God Temple area, Xintiandi or Tianzifang, Rockbund, or other cultural landmarks.
These stops are spread across different parts of the city, so itineraries vary. Compare routes and inclusions to choose the experience that fits your interests and schedule. read more
Shanghai Water Towns
Discover the canals, stone bridges, and historic streets of the water towns near Shanghai. Choose a day trip to Zhujiajiao, Zhouzhuang, Xitang, or another destination in the wider Jiangnan region. These are separate towns in different administrative areas, so compare routes and travel times before selecting a tour.
Located in Shanghai’s Qingpu District, Zhujiajiao Ancient Town is known for its canals, stone bridges, old streets, and traditional riverside buildings. It has a history of more than 1,700 years and is one of the most accessible water-town choices read more
Shanghainese Snacks
Discover the flavours of Shanghainese snacks on a guided food tour in Shanghai. Explore local pastry shops, try regional favourites, and learn how the city’s food traditions developed.
Tour routes vary. Some focus on East Nanjing Road and its established snack shops, while others explore cafés and dessert stops along Huaihai Road. Compare options to see which neighbourhood, tastings, and activities are included. read more
Hotels and Key Attractions
To fully absorb the electric energy of Shanghai, basing yourself near the legendary Bund ensures the city's grandest historic waterfront views and shopping avenues are right at your doorstep. Central Hotel Shanghai is a premier four-star launchpad, sitting a mere 670 meters from The Bund and putting the neon-lit Nanjing Road Shopping District, People’s Square, and the Shanghai Museum well within a convenient 1-kilometer stroll. Foodies will love that it sits steps from the Old Town God Temple Snack Street and the historic lanes of Yu Yuan Garden and Yuyuan Bazaar. For a similar blend of luxury and convenience, the Radisson Collection Hyland Shanghai clusters within the same one-kilometer sweet spot, while the historic Broadway Mansions Hotel frames spectacular river vistas just 810 meters from the main waterfront. If your itinerary revolves strictly around world-class masterpieces, the legendary Park Hotel Shanghai is a strategic masterpiece, standing less than 1 kilometer from both the Shanghai Museum and the Shanghai Art Museum. Excellent boutique alternatives like the SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund, the Campanile Shanghai Natural History Museum, and the upscale Jin Jiang Tower keep you within a highly accessible 1.5 to 2-kilometer radius. However, if you ever need a break from the skyscraper-fueled hustle, consider escaping the immediate core for the leafy, tree-lined streets and quiet cafes of the historic French Concession or the chic, park-filled district of Jing'an.
Super Rated 5 Star Accommodations in Shanghai
Hotel prices in Shanghai can vary significantly due to three main factors: the neighborhood, the time of year you plan to visit, and the class of the hotel. Hotels in Pudong are usually the most expensive, while those in Jing'an and Xintiandi can offer substantial savings. Prices for hotels generally rise considerably from March to May and September to November, while January and February are the cheapest months. Excellent three-star hotels generally begin at rates between $34 and $261+ per night. Excellent four-star lodgings usually range from $53 to $279+ per night. For travelers seeking a lavish stay, Shanghai offers an impressive array of five-star hotels, with average nightly prices spanning from $62 to $1,733+ per night. In general, excellent three-star hotels start at around $34, while excellent five-star hotels can exceed $1,700 per night. Check out the following hotels.
Grand Kempinski Shanghai
Nestled in the core of Shanghai's financial hub, Lujiazui, the Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai is an ideal choice for both leisure and business travelers. This luxurious 5-star hotel boasts a modern and chic design, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that offer breathtaking views of the Huangpu River. This highly-rated 5-star hotel is 3.5 km from the city center. Places nearby within 2 km are Jin Mao Tower, Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Natural Wild Insect Kingdom, The Bund, and Yu Yuan Garden. Select dates of stay.
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai
Once the renowned Shanghai Club, Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund retains much of its heritage design and combines modern comfort with views of the Huangpu River. The hotel is one block from the Bund, featuring waterside strolls and shopping. This super rated 5-star hotel is located 2 km from the city center. Places nearby within 2 km are Yu Yuan Garden, The Bund, Shanghai Natural History Museum, Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and Shanghai Art Museum. Select dates of stay.
The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi
The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi is enveloped by the renowned Shikumen architecture of Shanghai, providing easy access to the city’s key business and cultural centers. This super rated 5-star hotel is located 1 km away from the city center. Places nearby within 2 km are Shanghai Museum, People's Square, South Yunnan Road, Huaihai Shopping Road, Shanghai Art Museum, Shanghai Museum of Pen and Ink, Nanjing Road Shopping District, Shanghai Natural History Museum, Old Town God Temple Snack Street, and The Bund. Select dates of stay.
IFC Residence
IFC Residence, located in the esteemed Lujiazui International Financial District of Shanghai Pudong, epitomizes the height of luxurious living. As a key component of the Shanghai IFC integrated development, IFC Residence effortlessly merges work, leisure, and entertainment. This super rated 5-star hotel is situated 3.2 km away from the city center. Places nearby within 1 km are Jin Mao Tower, Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Natural Wild Insect Kingdom, Shanghai International Convention Centre, The Bund, Yu Yuan Garden, and Shanghai Natural History Museum. Select dates of stay.
The St. Regis on the Bund
The St. Regis on the Bund, Shanghai features a remarkable location, perfectly positioned close to the famous Bund. With straightforward access to both international airports and train stations, this hotel provides opulent services. This highly rated 5-star hotel is situated 2.6 km away from the city center. Places nearby within 2 km are Yu Yuan Garden, Old Town God Temple Snack Street, Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai Natural History Museum, The Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Natural Wild Insect Kingdom, and South Yunnan Road. Select dates of stay.
Getting Around
The Shanghai Metro is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to explore the city, with a large and continually expanding network that now extends beyond the previously stated 19 lines. It provides affordable access to major districts, shopping areas, tourist attractions, railway stations, and both of Shanghai’s airports. Operating hours and train intervals vary by line and station, so travelers should check the official route planner for the first and last trains before setting out. Fares are distance-based, while single-journey tickets, day passes, transport cards, and selected mobile-payment options are available. Shanghai Metro Official Website
For a fast airport connection, the Shanghai Maglev links Pudong International Airport with Longyang Road Station. An economy-class one-way ticket costs RMB 50, while a return ticket costs RMB 80; passengers with a same-day flight ticket may qualify for a discount. The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel is another distinctive attraction, but it should not be described as a tram system. It is an underground sightseeing passenger line connecting the Bund with Lujiazui in Pudong. The former Zhangjiang Tram is also no longer in operation, having been replaced by bus services in 2023. Shanghai Maglev Official Website
Taxis are widely available and can be practical for short trips, late-night travel, or destinations far from a metro station, although the final fare depends on distance, traffic, and the vehicle type. Shanghai also has an extensive dockless bike-sharing network, but Mobike and Ofo should not be presented as the city’s main current options. Travelers are more likely to encounter services such as Meituan Bike, HelloBike, and DiDi Qingju, usually accessed through local apps or Alipay and WeChat mini-programs. For most visitors, combining the Metro with taxis, ride-hailing services, and shared bicycles offers the most flexible way to experience Shanghai.
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