Shanghai, being the largest city and the financial hub of China, is idyllically sited on China's central eastern coast where the Yangtze River meets the East China Sea. The city experiences four disparate seasons, including hot, humid summers and cool, mild winters, making spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) the optimal times to visit.

Shanghai is a city of contrasts, perfectly encapsulating both, old and new China. The historical architecture and traditional neighborhoods of the Puxi side of the city juxtapose Pudong's futuristic skyline that demonstrates China's speedily modernizing aspect. Though the city's lifestyle is bustling and cosmopolitan, calmness can be discovered in its conventional gardens and temples.

What distinctly sets Shanghai apart is its exclusive blend of Eastern and Western influences, discernible in its architecture, cuisine, and culture. The Bund, a riverside promenade lined with colonial-era buildings, is opposite the ultra-modern Lujiazui district, presenting an iconic cityscape that embodies this merge. The city's food spectrum varies from street-side xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Ensure not to miss the Yu Garden, a 400-year-old quintessential Chinese garden in the Old City, proposing a serene sanctuary amidst traditional pavilions and rockeries. The Shanghai Tower observatory deck provides spectacular views from the world's second-tallest building. In addition, the French Concession area beckons visitors to explore streets lined with trees, filled with boutiques and coffee houses within former colonial residences.