Shanghai Hub & Home

Your starting point for Shanghai

Shanghai is one of the most layered cities in the world — part colonial history, part futuristic skyline, part local neighborhood life. If you're arriving for the first time or returning after years away, the best place to start is our Essential Shanghai travel guide, which covers everything from orientation and transport to practical tips that apply across every part of the city.

Rather than covering individual places in isolation, this section focuses on the big picture: how Shanghai works, what first-time visitors often overlook, and how to approach planning without feeling overwhelmed.

Who this section is for

This section is ideal for first-time visitors, short-stay travelers, and anyone who wants a clear mental map of the city before choosing where to go deeper. The Essential Shanghai guide is also a useful refresher if you want to catch up on how the city has changed in recent years.