The Bund and Nanjing Dong Lu

On the bank of the Huangpu River is the Bund, Shanghai’s most recognizable sightseeing spot, lined with massive foreign buildings that predate 1949. Some of these buildings have been developed into lifestyle complexes with spas, restaurants, bars, galleries, and designer boutiques. The Bund is also an ideal spot for that photo of Pudong's famous skyline. Running perpendicular to the Bund, pedestrian-only Nanjing Dong Lu is lined on both sides with shops and their glowing neon signboards. It's a popular shopping spot for locals who flock to massive outposts of American chains. Some of the adjacent streets still have a faded glamour, and some—lined with shops selling hardware or bicycle parts—are great for a peek at local life. The best time to visit Nanjing Dong Lu is at night.