The Cultural Side of China's Great Metropolis
Plan My Trip →Shanghai isn't just a city of skyscrapers — it's a cultural powerhouse with world-class museums, a legendary food scene, and a dynamic arts community. This guide explores the cultural life of Shanghai and how to navigate it with ease.
Shanghai's cuisine is refined and sweet. Must-tries include xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), shengjianbao (pan-fried buns), and local classics like 'red-braised' pork. Don't miss the breakfast stalls of the old neighborhoods and the bustling food markets of the French Concession.
Shanghai Museum (ancient Chinese art), the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Shanghai Natural History Museum rank among China's best. The Power Station of Art and the West Bund Museum District anchor the city's contemporary art scene.
Shanghai offers a lively performing-arts scene: the Shanghai Grand Theatre stages opera and ballet, while acrobatics shows and classic Shanghai-style entertainment venues provide accessible evening options. The city also has a thriving jazz and live-music culture.
A short trip from Shanghai, the ancient water towns — Zhujiajiao, Qibao, and Xitang — offer canals, stone bridges, and traditional houses. A day trip to a water town is a peaceful contrast to the metropolis.
Shanghai's metro is extensive, modern, and English-signed — the easiest way to get around. Taxis and ride-hailing are readily available. The Maglev train connects Pudong Airport to the city at 431 km/h.
Mobile payment is universal. Most museums close on Mondays. Shanghai's international atmosphere means English is more widely spoken than elsewhere in China. Book popular restaurants and shows in advance. The city is best visited in spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November).