Hong Kong vs Shanghai
Hong Kong or Shanghai? Best season, ideal length of stay, neighbourhoods, dining and where to stay, compared side by side.
Hong Kong or Shanghai? Side-by-side on best time to go, ideal length of stay, neighbourhoods, dining, costs and where to stay — with a clear verdict.
Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong, a dazzling metropolis where East meets West, offers an exhilarating blend of vibrant street life, breathtaking skylines, and world-class luxury experiences. From Michelin-starred dining to bespoke tailoring and stunning harbor views, it's a city designed for discerning travelers seeking unparalleled sophistication and dynamism.
- Getting around: For utmost luxury and efficiency, utilize private chauffeured cars, especially during peak hours. Hong Kong's MTR is exceptionally clean and efficient for quick transit, but luxury taxis (easily identifiable and widely available) also provide a comfortable and convenient option for shorter distances.
- What to avoid: Getting involved with unsolicited street hawkers for electronics or tailor services.,Only eating in high-end establishments; diverse culinary gems are found in more modest settings.,Underestimating the summer heat and humidity; plan indoor activities for peak afternoon hours.
Where to base yourself in Hong Kong
- Central: Financial, upscale, bustling Best for Luxury shopping, fine dining, rooftop bars, colonial architecture. IFC Mall and historical Duddell Street Gas Lamps
- Sheung Wan: Arty, bohemian, traditional Best for Galleries, antique shops, traditional apothecaries, trendy cafes. Cat Street (Upper Lascar Row) and Man Mo Temple
- Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon): Vibrant, commercial, iconic views Best for Museums, luxury hotels, Avenue of Stars, spectacular harbor views. Victoria Harbour waterfront and Peninsula Hotel
- Repulse Bay & Stanley: Relaxed, coastal, upscale Best for Beaches, al-fresco dining, markets, escaping the city bustle. Repulse Bay Beach and Stanley Market
Dining in Hong Kong
- Caprice: French Fine Dining. Their signature Brittany Blue Lobster and an extensive cheese trolley.
- Lung King Heen: Cantonese Fine Dining. Their baked barbecued pork buns and any of their exquisite dim sum creations.
- Amber: Modern European with Asian Influences. Their tasting menu, showcasing innovative dishes and impeccable plating.
Planning details for Hong Kong
- Arrange a private bespoke tailoring appointment in Central for custom-made suits or shirts, crafted by Hong Kong's legendary artisans.
- Charter a luxury yacht for an evening cruise around Victoria Harbour, complete with Champagne and gourmet catering, for an unforgettable view of the Symphony of Lights.
- Explore the lesser-known hiking trails on Hong Kong Island, such as Dragon's Back with a private guide, for stunning natural beauty away from the urban bustle.
Shanghai, China
Shanghai is China's most international city: Art Deco banks along the Bund face the glass towers of Pudong across the Huangpu River, while plane-tree-lined lanes in the former French Concession hide cocktail bars, boutiques and some of Asia's most ambitious restaurants. For luxury travellers it rewards a short, well-planned stay built around river views, food and architecture.
- Getting around: The metro is fast, clean and signposted in English. For door-to-door travel, ask your hotel to arrange a car with a driver, especially for Pudong International Airport, which is a long drive from the centre. The Maglev train runs between Pudong Airport and Longyang Road station.
- What to avoid: Arriving without a working mobile payment method or a card your hotel confirms is widely accepted.,Accepting invitations to tea houses or art shows from friendly strangers near tourist sights.,Planning to cross the city during weekday rush hours by car.,Visiting during Golden Week in early October, when domestic crowds peak.
Where to base yourself in Shanghai
- The Bund: Shanghai's historic waterfront, lined with early-20th-century Art Deco and neoclassical buildings facing the Pudong skyline. Best for First-time visitors, river-view hotel rooms, evening walks and rooftop bars.. A late-evening walk along the promenade when the Pudong skyline is lit.
- Former French Concession: Leafy streets of low-rise villas and lane houses, with independent boutiques, cafés and cocktail bars. Best for Walking, shopping, relaxed dining and a residential feel.. Wandering Wukang Road and the lanes around Anfu Road.
- Lujiazui (Pudong): The skyscraper district across the river, home to the Shanghai Tower and some of the city's highest hotel rooms. Best for Skyline views, business trips and observation decks.. The view back across the river to the Bund from a high-floor bar.
- Jing'an: Central and polished, around Jing'an Temple and the West Nanjing Road shopping strip. Best for Luxury shopping, central hotels and easy metro access.. Jing'an Temple, then the flagship stores on West Nanjing Road.
Dining in Shanghai
- Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet: Multi-sensory tasting menu. The single set menu served at one table for a small group, with projected sound, scent and imagery for each course.
- Fu 1088: Shanghainese. Classic Shanghainese dishes such as smoked fish and braised pork, served in private rooms of a 1930s villa.
- Jia Jia Tang Bao: Soup dumplings. Pork or crab soup dumplings (xiaolongbao), made to order.
Planning details for Shanghai
- See the Bund twice: early morning, when locals practise tai chi on the promenade, and after dark, when the skyline is lit.
- Visit Yu Garden at opening time to see the Ming-era garden before the surrounding bazaar fills up.
- Allow a half day for Zhujiajiao or another canal town if you want a slower contrast to the city.
- Check visa and transit-visa rules for your passport well before travel, as they change.
How to choose
- Hong Kong suits travellers who want its particular character
- Shanghai suits travellers who want its particular character
- Both sit in East Asia; check distance and transport before combining them.
Hong Kong city guide · Shanghai city guide
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Hong Kong against other cities
Shanghai against other cities
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Published by Peters Signature Travel.