History
Shanghai is a young city by Chinese standards. Up until the 1800s, it was little more than a fishing outpost. While the Opium Wars had a devastating effect on the country as a whole, kicking off China’s ‘century of humiliation’, modern Shanghai has the wars to thank for its very existence. The treaty that ended part one of the war opened Shanghai as an international port city, and opium itself turned it into a depraved and decadent haunt that has never really escaped its 1920s reputation. You can learn all about this history and more at one of Shanghai’s incredible museums.
Full of beautiful contrasts
When people think of Shanghai, they image glitz and glamour, with many even accusing it of not being the ‘real’ China. Not only is Shanghai as much a part of the ‘real’ China as anywhere else, it also has rural areas and cheap, down-to-earth amenities. One great thing about this city is that you can always go cheaper and you can always go more expensive. It’s easy to find a full meal for $1.46 without sorting through the garbage. Conversely, acclaimed restaurants like Ultraviolet, which serves up a 20-course menu that starts at $735 per person, offer big spenders an opportunity to flash cash as only Shanghai’s nouveau-riche know how. Additionally, old and new Shanghai come to play in unique and exciting ways throughout much of the city, from half-demolished lane houses in front of shiny skyscrapers, to industrial-era factories converted into art spaces.
Record-breaking skyscrapers
The world’s tallest building award may still belong to Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, but Shanghai’s buildings are not far behind. Opened in 2016, the Shanghai Tower is officially the world’s second tallest building at 2,074 feet (632 meters) and boasts the world’s second fastest elevator, which travels at a staggering 67 feet per second (20.5 meters per second). Gaze out over the Bund waterfront from the world’s highest observation deck or grab a drink from the Park Hyatt in neighboring Shanghai World Financial Center, and relax in what was (at the time of its construction) the tallest hotel in the world (now the third tallest).
Nightlife
Shanghai is home to countless remarkable nightlife spots that make for guaranteed good nights out. New York may be the city that never sleeps, but Shanghai gives it a run for its money. There are bars for every possible niche you can imagine. Fascinated by speakeasies? Shanghai has them in spades. Want to spend no more than $15 to get buzzed with your friends? Just go to Perry’s or Helen’s or Window’s, or even convenience stores down the street. Not only does Shanghai have a bar or club for everything, but new ones also pop up every day. You always have the opportunity to be one of the first people to try what may become a world-famous nightlife spot.
The world's most famous restaurants
The Michelin Guide came to China in 2016, when restaurants in the city collectively garnered 31 stars from the prestigious culinary compass. Even if fine dining isn’t your thing, the city still offers a wide array of flavours from around the country and the world. Chances are you’ll have a great meal no matter which part of the city you are in.