First Impressions

After a long 12-hour flight from London, we finally arrived in Shanghai, jet-lagged, but excited. It was our first time in Asia, and from the very first moment, everything felt different.

The streets, the architecture, the rhythm of the city, the language, and even the way people observe you. In many places we passed by, people looked at us with curiosity. Maybe because we looked different from what they are used to seeing.

Communication quickly became part of the adventure. English isn’t widely spoken, so we relied on gestures, smiles, and the few Mandarin words we knew: nǐ hǎo (hello) and xièxiè (thank you).

One of the first things that stood out was the number of cameras. They were everywhere. On the streets, inside buildings, almost in every corner. Coming from Europe, it initially felt unusual. Yet strangely, it gave me a sense of safety while walking around the city.

Shanghai felt like a city of contrasts, with ancient traditions living alongside futuristic skyscrapers, quiet temples hidden behind busy streets, and moments of calm within the energy of a massive metropolis.

Exploring Shanghai

Arrival Day

When we arrived, the jet lag hit us hard. Still, we couldn’t resist heading into the city for our first glimpse of Shanghai.

We made our way to The Bund, the city’s iconic waterfront, where the skyline of Pudong rises across the river in a line of futuristic towers. We paused there for a while, simply taking it all in, before heading back to the hotel to rest and reset for the days ahead.

Day One

One of my favorite ways to explore a new place is simply by walking, and Shanghai turned out to be perfect for that.

We woke up early, before the city fully came to life, and walked toward the river. Along the way, we passed through local parks, including People’s Park, where we got our first real look at daily life in the city.

Groups of people were dancing together outdoors to cheerful music. Later, I learned this is often referred to as “happy dancing”, a mix of exercise and social activity, especially popular in the mornings and evenings.

We crossed Nanjing Road, one of the busiest shopping streets in the world, but at that early hour, it was almost empty. Seeing such a lively place so quiet felt surreal.

We found ourselves back at The Bund, this time in the quiet of the morning, with fewer people and a soft grey sky that gave the city a completely different mood.

Not far from this modern skyline, we stepped into a completely different world: the Old City.

Here, narrow streets, traditional buildings, and busy markets create a vibrant and historic atmosphere. Many of the buildings are now used as small shops selling souvenirs, snacks, and local products. Food is everywhere, and it’s impossible not to try something.

We had our first xiaolongbao, delicate soup dumplings filled with hot broth and meat, and they were incredibly delicious.

Nearby, we entered a temple, marking our first real encounter with Buddhism in China. Inside, everything slowed down. People were quietly praying, lighting incense, and moving with intention. It was a peaceful contrast to the busy streets outside.

Later, we visited Yuyuan Garden. Despite the crowds, it was absolutely worth it. Built in 1577, the garden is filled with traditional pavilions, ponds, rock formations, and curved bridges. It felt like stepping into another time and it was absolutely beautiful.

Right next to it, we walked across the famous Jiuqu Bridge, watching the koi fish below and taking in the atmosphere around us.

Day Two

On our second day, we crossed the river from The Bund to Pudong using the public ferry, a much cheaper (and more local) alternative to the typical river cruises.

On the other side, we got up close to the towering skyscrapers of Pudong, including the Shanghai Tower.

Instead of going up to the observatory, we chose something a bit different, and more “us.” We visited Duoyun Bookstore, located on the 52nd floor.

At 239 meters high, it’s known as one of the highest bookstores in the world, a “bookstore in the clouds.” We spent some time there browsing books, enjoying the view, and even visiting a small exhibition. It was calm, quiet, and honestly one of my favorite moments in the city.

As evening approached, we made our way back to The Bund.

Shanghai’s skyline is impressive during the day, but at night it transforms completely. The buildings light up, reflections dance on the water, and the whole city feels alive in a different way.

Watching the lights come to life was the perfect way to end our time in Shanghai.

The Bund, seen three different ways. From our first arrival, to a quiet morning under a grey sky, to the city lights at night.