A Magical New Year in Shanghai | Travel in China

It has been years since we visited China, and in between, traveling there became somewhat complicated. Looking back now, we are in awe of our photos from Shanghai - it felt like a city of contrasts, where ancient temples stand beside futuristic skyscrapers and quiet gardens hide behind busy streets. Spending New Year’s Eve there, high above the skyline, gave us a perspective on a city that never stops evolving. Can't help but wishing to travel there once again some day.

We were in Shanghai for New Year’s Eve, a time when the city usually doesn’t have traditional fireworks because of rules that limit or ban fireworks in China. It was unbelievable to witness that noone would ignore this ban. At midnight the sky remained calm.

At midnight, thousands of balloons were released from the ceiling of that hollow atrium, falling gently around us as champagne glasses clinked. It felt surreal - like the hotel had created its own kind of light and movement inside this magnificent tower.

The Bund and Pudong

One of the most famous places in Shanghai is The Bund, a waterfront promenade along the Huangpu River. Historic buildings with golden-hued facades tell stories of Shanghai’s past, while across the water, the futuristic towers of Pudong showcase the city’s rapid growth.

Lined with historic buildings in European architectural styles, it offers a striking contrast to the modern skyscrapers of Pudong across the river.

The Pudong - it is one of the most iconic views of Shanghai and the Bund itself is well worth visiting. Its wide promenade invites long walks, offering ever-changing views of the river and skyline.

It is especially striking when it gets dark.

Nanjing Road

Strolling along Nanjing Road, we felt the city’s buzz.

Cavalleria Eroica is a bronze sculpture by the French artist Arman, placed in front of the Shanghai Exhibition Centre on Nanjing Road.

The piece dates from 1987 and shows a cluster of galloping horses made with Arman's well known accumulation technique. It stands outdoors near the main entrance and has become a visible landmark on one of the city’s busiest streets. You can reach it easily from the Nanjing Xi Lu metro stop, and it is free to view at any time.

Yuyuan Garden

Yuyuan Garden, also known as Yu Garden, brought calm with its classical architecture and ponds.

Hidden behind white walls and traditional curved roofs, the garden opens into a carefully designed world of rock formations, wooden pavilions, koi-filled ponds, and zigzag bridges. Built during the Ming Dynasty, it reflects the precision and symbolism of classical Chinese garden design. Each window frames a different scene, each corridor reveals a new composition.

Shanghai Tower

Going up Shanghai Tower gives you perspective on the city’s scale.

One of the tallest buildings in the world, it rises high above the financial district of Lujiazui.

The Huangpu River curves below, and familiar landmarks suddenly look small. If you are short on time, even walking around the base of the tower offers impressive angles for photos, especially when the surrounding skyscrapers reflect the changing light.

Oriental Pearl Tower

The Oriental Pearl Tower stands out immediately with its pink spheres and futuristic design.

It feels bold and slightly playful compared to the glass towers around it. You can visit the observation decks for sweeping views, but even from the ground the structure makes a strong impression. From across the river at the Bund, it becomes one of the defining elements of Shanghai’s skyline, especially after dark when it lights up and dominates the scene.

The French Concession

The French Concession has a different rhythm from the financial district. Tree-lined streets replace wide boulevards, and low-rise buildings create a more intimate atmosphere.

Former villas, small boutiques, and cozy cafés give the area a slower pace. It feels less vertical and more residential. Walking here without a fixed plan works best. Turn into side streets, notice balconies and hidden courtyards, and observe how quickly Shanghai’s mood can shift within just a few blocks.

Thai Gallery in Jing'an Park

Restaurant Thai Gallery sits inside Jing’an Park right beside the water, offering a calm pause from the surrounding streets.

Food markets

Shanghai’s food stayed with us long after the trip. Soup dumplings filled with hot broth, sweet and sour pork with crisp edges, and fresh seafood prepared on the spot created some of our strongest memories.

M50 Art District

For art lovers, M50 Art District revealed the city’s creative side. Former industrial buildings now house galleries and studios, and you can walk from one exhibition space to another within minutes. The atmosphere feels raw and experimental, a contrast to the polished skyscrapers nearby.

Jing’an and Jade Buddha Temple

Jing’an Buddhist Temple sits in the heart of Shanghai. Originally built in the 3rd century and rebuilt several times over the centuries, it now stands restored with golden roofs and red walls that contrast sharply with the modern buildings around it. The renovation involved roughly 500,000 sheets of gold foil on the pagoda and roof structures. 

The temple complex feels contained and timeless, even though traffic and high-rises surround it. Walking through its courtyards feels like stepping briefly into another era within the same city.

Tips that helped us

• Take the metro - fast, cheap, and easy, but at peak hours can get quite busy. If that happens you start to hear these kind of high pitch sounds from people which is how they let you know they want to pass and get off the train.
• Also taxi is quite affordable.
• Carry some cash for street vendors. Although most places accepted card payment.
• Avoid peak times; Shanghai gets crowded on holidays. But if you are there for the holidays, I can assure it will be magical.
• Look where you step - dog poop on the ground is quite common, although in the touristic areas they try to keep it clean.

If you enjoyed this post, share your thoughts in the comments below or connect with us on Instagram @kaisartravels. We would love to hear about your own experiences in Shanghai or answer any questions you might have.