Shanghai

From a backcountry marshland sustained on fishing and tea trading, Shanghai grew to become one of China’s most important metropolitans. The story began with the opium trade, a highly addictive substance that the British would trade with locals to satisfy their massive tea consumption, launching Shanghai into a land of wealth, excess and debauchery. As the centuries went on, Shanghai slowly cleaned up its act, and under the People’s Republic of China, it stood as the country’s most elite, cosmopolitan and prosperous city.

Whether you’re strolling along the Bund or taking in the skyline from 60 floors up, you’ll notice Shanghai is fascinating place of great contrasts, head-scratching complexities and varied history. It’s a hotbed when it comes to entertainment options that range from traditional nightlife and counterculture art galleries to dazzling acrobatic shows, a local favorite. Feel free to indulge in a little retail therapy at Nanjing Road, the world’s longest shopping district, and you’ll realize why locals are known as “little capitalists” around the rest of the country.

Winter in Shanghai can get quite windy and chilly, so it’s best to visit during the summer or even shoulder seasons. If you have some flexibility, there are two “Golden Weeks” throughout the country, Chinese New Year, which is dependent on the lunar calendar, and China National Day, which begins on October 1. These are both great times to soak in the legendary vibes of Shanghai, but expect many crowds in a place that’s already packed to the brim. When it comes to dining, it’s important to note that the Chinese eat earlier than Westerners. Restaurants serve lunch from about 11am until 2pm and often completely close until 5pm. During these times, you’ll have to find an establishment that caters to tourists.