20 years ago Shanghai was nothing more than another fishing village in China. In a few short decades, Shanghai has undergone an incredible level of development, and has become a booming metropolis and a financial and commercial center for not only China, but all of Asia.
Thankfully, despite its fast paced development, Shanghai has retained a lot of its history.
Shanghai is one of the only places in the world where you can find luxury brand stores and towering skyscrapers co-existing perfectly with traditional Chinese laneway houses, street food, and random junk stalls.
Shanghai is also a great place to experience delicious cuisine from all corners of China and from many other places around the world!
The nightlife in Shanghai is comparable to none! Hundreds of bars, clubs, and lounges open their doors to expats, local Chinese, and visitors from around the world on a daily basis. It doesn’t matter what day of the week it is in Shanghai–this city is always an adventure for those looking for a memorable night out on the town!
But, best of all, Shanghai is still relatively cheap compared to many other metropolitan destinations around the world. It’s a city that even a backpacker on a budget can experience without breaking the bank.
Great tips! I live in China just south of Shanghai and I think this is really well written. I’d love to explore Tianzifang during the day, I usually just go to the French Concession at night!
Good stuff! I am traveling to Shanghai in November, so it’s good to have some up to date information for the trip.
I have been to Shanghai once before and did a side trip to a water village, but I can’t remember the name. Does Zhujiajiao have a pretty strong tofu smell to it? The village I went to was gorgeous and totally worth the trip, but tofu smells a bit like old socks to me. Small price to pay I guess.
There are about 9 different water towns near Shanghai, and they are all pretty similar, so it may have been Zhujiajiao or another one. The smell you are referring to is a particular type of tofu called stinky tofu (chòu dòufu). It’s fermented which is what’s causing it to have that really strong “old socks” smell. It’s normally sold on the streets and is pretty common everywhere, not just in water towns. You’ll definitely smell it again in Shanghai! Enjoy your trip!
Finally somebody got it right. :o) Thanks for the enjoyable and knowledgeable piece on Shanghai. I read so many, which got it wrong before ;o) I tried to put together a 24h itinerary, which has been hard, but maybe you want to take a look. I miss Shanghai. Time to go back some time soon, I guess…
Heading to Shanghai because of you.
Right now !
Thank you !
Nice! Have a great time! 🙂