China

China’s enormous size means you find every type of climate within its borders, from tropical to polar, as well as ancient ruins, ultra-modern skyscrapers, and a cuisine that runs from dumplings to numbingly spicy hot pot. Its megacities buzz with energy while deep pockets of its vast gorgeous nature landscape—turquoise beaches, mist-wreathed mountains, and seemingly infinite deserts—remain wild.

qianmen-china-govanz.jpg

Overview

Planning your trip

Use these articles, resources, and guides to plan and inspire your next trip to China.

Related Guides
Read Before You Go
Resources to help plan your trip
If you’re planning an international trip with a U.S. passport, here’s where you’ll need to be extra prepared with your paperwork.
“Fall” in love with these nine superlative-packed falls, spanning the globe.
The new museum is also one of China’s latest architectural wonders.
Hundreds of flights have been canceled as sand and dust engulfed Beijing.
Shanghai may be a bustling metropolis, but hidden behind its modern façade are the quirky charms that make the city so special. Wander into old neighborhoods to see what the locals are up to, and send wishes to a happy couple on the Waibaidu Bridge. Or, visit a master of calligraphy and learn to fly a kite. No matter where you wander, there’s bound to be a quirky surprise on every Shanghai corner.
There’s plenty to do in Shanghai, but if you’re pressed for time, prioritize those experiences that will give you a well-rounded perspective on the city. From an early morning stroll around Jing’an Park to an acrobat show to seeing the Bund by night, even taking a day trip to a water village, here’s an ideal itinerary for Shanghai.
Tianzifang is a must while you’re in Shanghai, but the maze of alleys and shops can be slightly overwhelming for first-timers. Here are a few of my favorite places—from funky shops to cool barrooms—to seek out while you’re wandering.
Shanghai’s sprawling metro system makes reaching the city’s outlying destinations speedy and convenient. Several villages, islands, and attractions that offer a welcome respite from the bustle of the city are now just a few stops away from downtown. Be it a museum, a film studio or going to the source of the beloved xiaolongbao, it has never been easier to explore Shanghai’s outskirts.
You may be surprised by how much you can pack into 24 hours in dynamic Shanghai. Start with a sunrise on the Bund, followed by shopping in the former French Concession. Then explore a fascinating museum on propaganda, dine on local specialties, and catch some live acoustic music. Cap off the evening by coming full circle with drinks at a sophisticated bar overlooking the Bund.
A bit of nature (beaches, parks, and day trips!), and a little bit of culture... If you’re planning a trip to Shanghai in the summer, you won’t want to miss these highlights.
While you’ll never have time for all of Shanghai’s best sights, here are some of our favorites. Seek out the city’s art and mind-blowing architecture, decompress in tranquil gardens, or tour long-forgotten nightclubs. Trust us: You won’t be bored.
Shanghai is an adventurous shopper’s wonderland—here you’ll find everything from vintage Communist propaganda to ceramic paperweights shaped like dim sum. Bargain hunters and fashion-forward travelers will be in their element, too: You can grab expertly tailored suits and trendy Feiyue sneakers for scary cheap prices. No matter what you’re into, here’s where to shop.
Sign up for our newsletter
Join more than a million of the world’s best travelers. Subscribe to the Daily Wander newsletter.