Explora la cultura de Shanghai: Tradición viva
Sumérgete en la rica historia y cultura de Shanghai a través de sus museos y monumentos.
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The Bund (Wai Tan)
Shanghai, China's dazzling metropolis and financial center, is a city of spectacular contrasts. From the futuristic Pudong skyline, dominated by iconic skyscrapers, to the historic charm of the Bund and the alleyways of the Old City, Shanghai offers a vibrant mix of modernity and tradition, where non-stop energy and opportunities seem endless.
Culture & Heritage
Discover the rich history, art and traditions of Shanghai
A booming cultural center with world-class museums and vibrant art districts, although less dense in ancient history than Beijing.
Best of local culture
Museums & Galleries
Yuyuan Garden
An exquisite classical Ming Dynasty garden in the heart of the Old City, with pavilions, ponds and rockeries.
Jade Buddha Temple
An active Buddhist temple famous for housing two Buddha statues carved from white jade brought from Burma.
Tianzifang
A labyrinth of narrow alleys in traditional 'shikumen' houses, converted into a lively neighborhood of boutiques, bars, crafts and restaurants.
Shanghai Museum
Considered one of the best museums in China, it houses a vast collection of bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy and other ancient Chinese artifacts.
Festivals & Events
Chinese New Year (Spring Festival)
Variable (January/February)The most important festival in China. It is celebrated with decorations, family banquets, and the spectacular Lantern Festival at Yuyuan Garden.
Shanghai International Film Festival
JuneOne of the largest film festivals in Asia, attracting international stars and directors and screening hundreds of films.
ShanghaiPRIDE
June (Note: has faced disruptions)A series of events celebrating diversity and the LGTBQ+ community, with parties, talks and film screenings. It is the oldest and largest festival of its kind in China.
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History
Origins
Originally a small fishing and farming village, Shanghai began to gain importance during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) as a cotton trading port. In 1553, during the Ming Dynasty, a wall was built to protect the city from Japanese pirates, delimiting what is now known as the Old City.
Development
Its great transformation occurred after the First Opium War with the Treaty of Nanjing in 1842, which opened it to international trade. Foreign concessions (British, French and international) turned it into a leading financial and commercial center in Asia, known as the "Paris of the East", with Western architecture that still defines the Bund area.
Modern era
After the founding of the People's Republic in 1949, the city experienced a period of less influence. However, since the economic reforms of the 1990s, Shanghai has undergone a spectacular renaissance, reasserting itself as a global economic powerhouse, symbolized by the development of the Pudong financial district.
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Culture
A booming cultural center with world-class museums and vibrant art districts, although less dense in ancient history than Beijing.
Heritage
His story is the story of modern China: the clash of East and West, the rise of trade, and the birth of Chinese communism.
Architecture
A unique juxtaposition of styles: from the Art Deco buildings of the Bund and 'Shikumen' houses to the ultra-modern skyscrapers of Pudong.
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Explore beyond the Bund
For a different and often less crowded view of the skyline, go to the North Bund or South Bund. They offer equally spectacular perspectives.
Discover the 'Wet' Markets
For an authentic local experience, visit a neighborhood market in the morning. You will see locals buying fresh vegetables, meat and all kinds of products. It is a feast for the senses.
Tip is not necessary
Tips are not expected in restaurants, taxis or services. In some very high-end hotels or restaurants it may be included in the bill.
Haggling is an Art, not a War
In markets, haggling is an expected practice and part of the interaction. Do it with a smile. In stores, supermarkets or restaurants, prices are fixed.
Don't drink tap water
Always drink bottled water. It is cheap and sold everywhere. Use tap water only for showering or brushing your teeth if you are not very sensitive.
Bring Toilet Paper and Disinfectant
Many public bathrooms, especially outside shopping malls or hotels, do not have toilet paper or soap. It's a good idea to always carry a pack of tissues and hand sanitizer.
The 'Tea Room' Scam
Friendly-looking young people (often 'art students') invite you to a tea ceremony or to a gallery to practice English. You will end up with an astronomical bill. Politely decline any invitation from strangers.
Fake Taxis and 'Fast' Taximeters
Always use official taxis and make sure they have a meter. At the airport, ignore those who approach you and go to the official line. It is better to use apps like DiDi (Chinese version of Uber).
Tickets and monuments in Shanghai
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