THE BUND
Shanghai is China’s most cosmopolitan metropolis, where East meets West in a skyline of colonial Bund architecture and futuristic towers in Pudong. Known as a global financial hub, the city blends deep cultural heritage with rapid innovation. With over 24 million residents, Shanghai is dynamic yet diverse, offering world-class dining, shopping, and arts. The city’s energy peaks at night, when neon lights reflect across the Huangpu River. Best visited in spring or autumn, Shanghai captures both the tradition of old lanes and the ambition of a modern megacity.
Population: ~24 million
Language: Mandarin (with Shanghainese dialect widely spoken)
Currency: Chinese Yuan (RMB, ¥)
Time Zone: China Standard Time (UTC+8)
Best Time to Visit: March–May (spring) & September–November (autumn)
Climate: Humid subtropical; hot, humid summers and mild winters