Shanghai: A Reunion Across a Decade – A Complete Travel Guide to the Magic City

Meta Description: Discover Shanghai's transformation in this SEO-optimized travel guide. From Bund views to trolleybus routes, explore the Magic City's hidden gems and iconic landmarks.

Introduction: Rediscovering Shanghai After Ten Years

"If I've seen the world you've seen, walked the paths you've walked, could I be a little closer to you?" — This line perfectly captures the essence of my decade-long reunion with Shanghai. What began as a feeling of being "out of place" in 2011 transformed into an unshakeable attachment in 2021.

Ten years ago, Shanghai overwhelmed me with its noise, crowds, and relentless pace. But returning to the Bund in the morning light—listening to cargo ships on the Huangpu River and the iconic East Is Red melody from the Customs House clock tower—I discovered a city that had grown on me. What changed? The dazzling new landmarks? The quiet corners frozen in time? The rich soy-braised dishes or that addictive bowl of scallion oil noodles? Or perhaps—because this city now held someone I wanted to see?

Shanghai, the "Magic City," captivates with its confident rebellion. From its treaty port origins to its modern skyline, it carries the DNA of an "adventurer's paradise." This decade-later reunion was my journey to measure its thousand faces.

Travel Details:
- Destination: Shanghai
- Travel Date: May 1, 2021 – 8 days
- Cost per Person: Approximately RMB (varies by individual)
- Travel Companions: Solo

Your Lujiazui Four-Piece Set: Iconic Shanghai Skyline Views

The Lujiazui skyline—Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, Jin Mao Tower, and Oriental Pearl TV Tower—forms a symphony of modern ambition. Here are the best spots to capture it:

Classic Spot: The Bund

Exit East Nanjing Road, cross the street, and step onto the Bund observation platform. The full panorama of Lujiazui unfolds before you. Ahead lies the new era; behind, the old world of the Bund. Cargo ship horns and Customs House chimes weave through time.

Pro Tip: On holidays, the Bund is crowded. Rise early and take the No. 20 trolleybus through quiet morning streets. The early morning Bund rewards you with sparse crowds and joggers against the city's most vibrant moments.

Classic Spot: Jiujiang Road

Compared to East Nanjing Road's bustle, Jiujiang Road feels like a hermit. Flanked by preserved Western-style buildings, it offers a solitary view of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. With patience, you can capture a trolleybus and the tower in one frame. Sadly, the last trolleybus wires here have been removed—those images now live only in photographs.

Classic Spot: East Beijing Road

On the right stands the former Jardine Matheson Building (1922), featuring eight Roman arches on its first two floors and four Corinthian columns above. On the left is the Glen Line Building (1921) in British Neoclassical style. At night, warm light spills over the granite facades. Set up your tripod, wait for the green light, and capture beautiful light trails.

Classic Spots: Waibaidu Bridge & Zhapu Road Bridge

From the Huangpu River side, the angle brings the Lujiazui four-piece set together. On the Suzhou Creek side, the steel bridge frameworks form natural frames. But the real "photographer's bridge" is Zhapu Road Bridge—day or night, it's a paradise for camera enthusiasts. As night falls, Waibaidu Bridge and the Lujiazui skyline create a "timeless romance" spanning a century. Suzhou Creek at night rivals the Huangpu River.

Fun Fact: The bridge where Yi Ping jumped in the TV drama is not Waibaidu Bridge, but Zhejiang Road Bridge (1.5 km away), crossed by the No. 14 trolleybus.

Classic Spot: Yincheng Middle Road & Huayuanshiqiao Road Intersection

Standing beneath the Lujiazui three-piece set and looking up, the 600-meter height becomes tangible. I visited the 118th-floor observation deck of Shanghai Tower. With clear weather, I could see the Shanghai Yangtze River Bridge over 30 km away. The Huangpu River cuts through the city, showcasing Shanghai's industrial 4.0.

I particularly loved the photo of Yangpu Bridge—its red inverted Y-shaped towers against the blue sky. I also finally saw Nanpu Bridge, Shanghai's first river-crossing bridge, which celebrated its 30th birthday in 2021. Standing atop Shanghai, I recalled the ancient Chinese verse: "Like a mayfly floating in the vast universe, a single grain lost in the boundless ocean."

Accidental Spot: Ring-shaped Pedestrian Bridge at Haining Road & North Henan Road

I stumbled onto this circular pedestrian bridge and discovered an unobstructed view of the Lujiazui four-piece set through gaps between high-rises. Under mechanical crane arms, concrete and steel build new structures. In another two or three years, new glass-curtain-walled towers will rise here. So come quickly to this unique vantage point.

Trolleybuses: Another Side of Shanghai's Best

I've loved buses since childhood. Even on tight itineraries, I set aside time to ride them. Speeding along noisy main roads or weaving through sycamore-shaded one-way streets, I feel so close to the city through the window. This connection is something the subway's darkness can never give.

My favorites are trolleybuses—for their two little "pigtails" (poles connecting to overhead wires). A friend told me I had to ride these adorable vehicles. Luckily, Shanghai operates the world's longest continuously running commercial trolleybus system (uninterrupted since 1914)—another point of pride.

Route 20: Witness to Nanjing Road's History

Route 20 is Shanghai's earliest bus line. It starts from Jing'an Temple, cuts across Nanjing Road, and reaches the Bund. Sitting in the last row, watching dazzling billboards fade away—that's the ultimate Route 20 experience.

Route 24: Sailing Through Sycamore Depths

Opened in 1938, Route 24 still carries its legacy with honor. Its green-and-white "school uniform" livery blends with towering French sycamores on Jianguo Road, riding green waves through deep shade.

Route 11: Measuring Old Shanghai County

How big was old Shanghai County? Take Route 11 and find out. Among its 11 stops, nine are named after original city gates. The circular city wall, built during the Jiajing period to resist Japanese pirates, now survives only as a 50-meter section inside Dajing Pavilion Guandi Temple. Route 11 originally had trolley poles but switched to pure electric vehicles in 2006, becoming the world's first rapid-charging bus line.

[Link: Shanghai public transportation guide]

Shanghai Travel Tips & FAQ

1. What is the best time to visit Shanghai?

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Avoid Chinese national holidays (May 1-3, October 1-7) when attractions are packed.

2. How many days do I need in Shanghai?

A minimum of 3-4 days covers major attractions. For a deeper experience, including day trips to Zhujiajiao or Suzhou, plan 5-7 days.

3. What are the must-try Shanghai foods?

Don't miss: scallion oil noodles (cong you ban mian), xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), shengjianbao (pan-fried buns), and red-braised pork (hong shao rou).

4. Is Shanghai expensive for tourists?

Shanghai offers options for all budgets. Street food and local eateries are affordable, while fine dining and luxury hotels can be pricey. Expect to spend RMB 300-800 per day for mid-range travel.

5. What are the best free attractions in Shanghai?

The Bund, Nanjing Road, Jing'an Temple area, French Concession streets, and many parks (like Fuxing Park) are free. Many museums offer free admission on certain days.

Conclusion: Your Shanghai Adventure Awaits

Shanghai is a city that rewards those who take the time to explore—whether you're chasing Lujiazui's skyline, riding historic trolleybuses, or savoring soy-braised dishes. My decade-later reunion taught me that the Magic City's true magic lies in its ability to transform and surprise.

Ready to plan your Shanghai trip? Start with these iconic spots and hidden gems. Book your flights, pack your camera, and prepare to fall in love with a city that dares you to dream.

Have you visited Shanghai? Share your favorite memory in the comments below!

[Link: Shanghai accommodation guide]
[Link: Best Shanghai day trips]
[Link: Shanghai photography spots]