Shanghai has become the hub for visitors on their way to central and eastern China. Though it is still known more as a center of business than of tourism, Shanghai has plenty of attractions that make it a worthwhile city to visit. In fact, there is enough in China’s largest city to keep visitors busy for a week, or even a month.

Xintiandi is the city’s old town. This area features old style buildings with stone gates. This area was rebuilt and now has a large concentration of art galleries, cafes, and studios. The bars and restaurants in this area are quite hip.

The Giant Pandas that are so famous in China are houses at Shanghai’s City Zoo. The Zoo is one of the most modern in all the world and home not only to the famous bears but also to elephants and rare species form around Asia.

The Bund is Shanghai’s seaside district. The aged buildings hearken back to the past, when Shanghai was a major port of call for ships in Asia. The 1920s and 30s brought wealth and culture to the city. Some of the older buildings from that time are still present. Shanghai is again gaining prominence in the region and it experiencing a kind of second renaissance.

Nanjing Road is Shanghai’s main shopping street. It is closed to vehicle traffic and has some of the best shops and restaurants in town. The Shanghai Museum, which houses some of the most valuable artifacts in China, is located on Nanjing Road as well.

Yuyuan Gardens has a host of pavilions and gardens that are built in classical Chinese style. The atmosphere is interesting, though it is mainly a tourist draw and not 100% authentic.

Shanghai has many more delights. One could spend months exploring China’s economic and cultural capital and still not see everything.