Shanghai
A city where East and West, past and future, old and new come together: the Bund, skyscrapers, lanes, markets and the stories that shaped both Shanghai and China.
Shanghai is a city of contrasts, where history and the future exist side by side. In less than two centuries it grew from an important port into one of the world’s great economic and cultural centres. Its position at the mouth of the Yangtze made it a gateway between China and the world, leaving the city with an extraordinary blend of Chinese and international influences.
Two stories of the city face one another across the Huangpu River: the Bund, with its impressive early-twentieth-century European buildings, and Pudong’s futuristic skyline, a symbol of modern China’s rapid growth. Yet Shanghai is more than skyscrapers and broad avenues. Between the towers are longtang lanes, shikumen houses, markets, temples, parks and established neighbourhoods where the everyday life of local residents comes into view.
A tour of the city brings together architecture, food, art and history, as well as local culture and Shanghai’s distinctive rhythm. Between tea and dim sum, traditional gardens, contemporary galleries and lively streets, a city emerges that never stops changing yet still holds on to its memories and unique character.
More tours
Jewish Shanghai
A journey through Shanghai’s Jewish communities, from Iraqi Jewish business families to European refugees and life in wartime Hongkou.
Suzhou
An enchanting city where classical gardens, tranquil canals, ancient stone bridges and picturesque lanes create a harmonious meeting of nature, history and living Chinese poetry.
Hangzhou
At Hangzhou’s heart lies magnificent West Lake, lined with some of China’s great temples, pagodas and gardens in a city that became the imperial capital of the Southern Song and one of the most important cities in Chinese history.
Water towns
Each of Jiangnan’s water towns has its own character and story, woven through ancient canals, stone bridges and traditional homes that preserve the quiet charm of old China.