Things To Do
in Puxi
Puxi sits on the western bank of the Huangpu River in Shanghai, blending historic lanes with modern boulevards. It is home to grand colonial-era architecture, classical gardens, and fashionable districts like the French Concession and Jing'an. Visitors can stroll along the Bund, explore old town markets, and savor Shanghai’s iconic dumplings and seafood.
With an efficient metro network and a cosmopolitan vibe, Puxi offers culture, cuisine, and urban flair in one compact district.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Yuyuan Garden, where you can wander through classical Chinese landscapes filled with pavilions and koi ponds. Enjoy a traditional Chinese breakfast in one of the nearby tea houses, savoring dumplings and fragrant tea. Immerse yourself in the history of the area by exploring the nearby City God Temple.
After lunch at a local restaurant, take a stroll down the historic Bund, where you can admire the stunning colonial architecture and the modern skyline of Pudong across the river. Stop by the Shanghai Museum to explore its impressive collection of ancient Chinese art and artifacts. Capture breathtaking photos of the Huangpu River as the afternoon sun casts a golden hue over the city.
As the sun sets, make your way to a rooftop bar overlooking the Bund to enjoy a cocktail while watching the vibrant city come alive at night. Afterward, indulge in a delicious dinner at a restaurant that specializes in Shanghainese cuisine, sampling dishes like sweet and sour pork. Cap off the evening with a leisurely river cruise, taking in the dazzling lights and sounds of Shanghai.
Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast in a quaint café nestled in the tree-lined streets of the French Concession. Explore the charming boutiques and vintage shops that line the area, each offering unique souvenirs and local handicrafts. Don't miss the chance to visit the picturesque Fuxing Park, where you can watch locals practicing tai chi or dancing.
For lunch, savor a fusion of French and Chinese flavors at a local bistro before heading to the Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre. Here, you’ll discover a fascinating collection of political posters that reflect China’s historical narrative. Afterward, enjoy a stroll through Tianzifang, a trendy arts and crafts enclave filled with galleries and craft shops.
As evening approaches, find a cozy restaurant within Tianzifang for dinner, where you can taste innovative dishes that blend traditional and modern culinary techniques. After your meal, enjoy a live music performance at one of the local bars, immersing yourself in Shanghai’s vibrant nightlife. Take a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets, appreciating the blend of historical and contemporary architecture.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| 🥟Street food or quick snack | $2-6 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $40-70 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-60 |
| 🚇Single metro ride | $1-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant mix of history and modernity
- Excellent food scene and easy transport
- Can be crowded and noisy in peak hours
- Touristy areas may feel touristy and pricey
- "你好" - Hello
- "谢谢" - Thank you
- "请问厕所在哪里？" - Where is the bathroom?
- "多少钱？" - How much is this?
- "你会说英语吗？" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Puxi
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic riverside esplanade with a row of historic European-style buildings and panoramic skyline views across the Huangpu River.
A vibrant corridor of neon signs, storefronts, and people, offering energetic urban photography after dark.
Quiet streets with colonial-era architecture, stone walls, and leafy canopies ideal for atmospheric street photography.
Traditional Chinese garden design, rockeries, ponds, and intricate pavilions—beautiful in morning light.
A blend of tranquil temple grounds and modern high-rises; captures of lanterns, architecture, and urban life.
Food in Puxi
Puxi Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Pillowy dumplings with hot pork broth inside; best savored fresh from renowned spots in the Yu Garden area.
Must-Try!
Slow-braised pork belly in a fragrant soy-sugar reduction, a hallmark of Shanghainese home cooking.
Crispy-bottom dumplings filled with hot soup and tasty fillings, often found on morning street stalls and small eateries.
Seasonal crab prepared with ginger, vinegar, and subtle spices; pairs well with rice wine during autumn months.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant market near Yu Garden offering xiaolongbao, sesame cakes, fried snacks, and sweet treats.
Winding lanes with small eateries and cafés serving Shanghai snacks, teas, and creative bites in a pedestrian zone.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Stand in lines patiently; avoid pushing or loud behavior in busy areas.
A simple nod or brief handshake is common; address people by title or surname in formal settings.
Dress modestly and speak softly in sacred spaces; photography may be restricted in some temples.
Safety
Tipping in Puxi
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not typically expected in most local restaurants; rounding up the bill or leaving small tips at high-end or international establishments is acceptable but not required.
WeChat Pay and Alipay are ubiquitous; cash is still accepted, but many places prefer mobile payments. Foreign credit cards are accepted mainly in hotels, malls, and international shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with fragrant blossoms; comfortable for street strolls and outdoor cafés. Pack a light jacket for cool mornings.
Hot and humid with frequent showers; carry water, wear breathable clothing, and plan indoor activities during peak heat hours.
Pleasant and dry with clear skies; excellent for photography and outdoor sightseeing; sweater or light jacket advised.
Cool to cold with occasional wet days; most attractions are indoors or warmly lit—carry an umbrella and warm layers.
Puxi at Night
Hiking in Puxi
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A green escape with beginner-friendly trails, forested hills, and viewpoints near Shanghai.
Scenic paths and canal-side walks that combine light hiking with waterways and historic sights.
A hillside retreat offering longer hiking routes, forest paths, and tea plantations about 2–3 hours from central Shanghai.
Airports
How to reach Puxi by plane.
Close to central Shanghai; primarily domestic and short-haul international flights; easy rail and metro access to Puxi areas.
Major international gateway southeast of the city; quick airport express trains and high-speed rail connections to central Shanghai.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents, with many subcultures and languages across regional accents.
A sizable population moving to Shanghai for work, contributing to a dynamic, diverse urban scene.
A range of international professionals, students, and families attracted by business and education opportunities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular pastime in Shanghai, with many clubs, gyms, and public courts available.
Common in parks, schools, and community centers; pickup games often organized in the evenings.
Widely played in community centers and sports clubs; suitable for all ages.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Puxi.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Shanghainese dishes use tofu, vegetables, and mushrooms; ask for no meat stock or pork-based sauces, and rely on vegetable-filled dumplings and steamed buns when available.