ShanghaiOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Fishing Village to Treaty Port

Shanghai's growth from a fishing village into a major city began in the mid-19th century. Following China's defeat in the First Opium War in 1842, the Treaty of Nanking compelled several Chinese ports, including Shanghai, to open for international trade. This led to the establishment of foreign concessions, where Western powers, primarily the British and French, leased land and exerted influence. The British settlement, established on the banks of the Huangpu River, formed the basis for The Bund. By 1863, the British and American settlements merged to form the International Settlement. The French Concession, established on April 6, 1849, by Charles de Montigny, expanded to become the largest French concession in China, covering parts of today's Xuhui and Luwan districts.

A City of Shifting Power

By the 1920s and 1930s, Shanghai, particularly The Bund, functioned as a significant financial and commercial center in East Asia. It was known for its diverse architectural styles. Nanjing Road, originally Park Lane in 1845, developed into a commercial street, lined with department stores. The city's cosmopolitan period changed with the Communist takeover in 1949. Foreign institutions were largely removed from The Bund, and many of its large buildings were repurposed for government ministries. The French Concession officially ended in 1943 when the Vichy French government ceded it to the pro-Japanese puppet government in Nanjing. Despite these changes, the character of these historic districts remains, providing a link to Shanghai's past.

• —The Bund (Waitan) — This waterfront promenade along the Huangpu River features 52 preserved historic buildings. These structures display architectural styles from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including Gothic, Baroque, Neoclassical, and Beaux-Arts. It was once Shanghai's primary financial and trade area.
• —Former French Concession — This area has tree-lined streets and European-style villas. It served as Shanghai's main residential and retail district for much of the 20th century. The area combines historical architecture with modern cafes and shops.
• —Nanjing East Road — This pedestrian street is a major shopping area. Originally known as Park Lane in the mid-19th century, it became a commercial thoroughfare with department stores that introduced Western retail to Shanghai.
• —Fuxing Park — Laid out by the French in 1909, this is Shanghai's only park preserved in the classical French garden style, with a lake, fountains, and flowerbeds. In the mornings, locals practice tai chi, dance, or play mahjong.
• —Site of the First National Congress of the CCP, Xintiandi — This Shikumen-style building, completed in 1920, is where the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China took place on July 23, 1921. It is now a museum, detailing the Party's founding and Shanghai's history.
• —The Great World (Da Shijie) — Opened on July 14, 1917, this was Shanghai's first indoor amusement arcade and entertainment complex. Rebuilt in 1928 in an eclectic style, it has a four-story tower and was a major entertainment venue.

The best times to visit Shanghai are during spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October). Spring offers temperatures between 15-22°C, and city parks are in bloom. Autumn provides sunny, dry weather with temperatures around 15-28°C and lower humidity.

Avoid visiting in summer (June-August) as it is Shanghai's hottest, rainiest, and most typhoon-prone season, with temperatures often above 30°C and high humidity. The "Plum Rain Season" occurs from mid-June to early July, bringing frequent showers. Winter (December-March) is cold, damp, and often grey, with temperatures dropping to 0-8°C. While crowds are thinner, many outdoor activities are less comfortable.

Shanghai has two international airports: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). From PVG, the Maglev train connects to Longyang Road station for metro transfers. Hongqiao is closer to the city center and has metro connections.

The Shanghai Metro is an efficient and affordable way to travel, connecting most major attractions. Fares start around 3 RMB. Single-journey tickets, day passes, or a Shanghai Public Transportation Card can be used. Alipay and WeChat Pay allow QR code scanning for entry and exit. Avoid weekday rush hours (7:00 AM–9:30 AM and 5:00 PM–7:30 PM). Buses are another option, with fares starting at 1 RMB, requiring exact change for cash payments. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like DiDi are available. Parking in the old city can be difficult and expensive.