Shanghai
THE QUICK VERDICT
Choose Shanghai if you want China's financial skyline — Bund sunrise, Pudong Pearl Tower, Yu Garden, French Concession plane trees, and Shanghai soup dumplings (xiaolongbao).
- Best for
- Bund-to-Pudong skyline at night, French Concession plane-tree streets, xiaolongbao at Jia Jia Tang Bao
- Best months
- Apr–May · Oct–Nov
- Budget anchor
- $130/day mid-range
- Worth a look
- world's longest metro reaches Disney + Pudong airport for under a dollar
China's most cosmopolitan city dazzles with the futuristic Pudong skyline, historic Bund waterfront, and French Concession tree-lined streets. A global financial hub that blends old Shanghai charm with cutting-edge modernity, incredible food, and world-class art scenes.
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Tours & Experiences
Bookable tours, activities, and day trips in Shanghai
Where to Stay
Compare hotels and rentals in Shanghai
📍 Points of Interest
At a Glance
- Pop.
- 26M
- Timezone
- Shanghai
- Dial
- +86
- Emergency
- 110 / 119 / 120
Shanghai is China's largest city with over 26 million residents and the world's busiest container port, handling more cargo than any other port on Earth
The Bund's colonial-era skyline faces the futuristic Pudong towers across the Huangpu River, creating one of the most dramatic urban contrasts anywhere
The Shanghai Maglev is the world's fastest commercial train, reaching 431 km/h (268 mph) on the 30 km run from the airport to the city
Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) were invented in Shanghai, and the city's food scene spans everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to legendary street stalls
Shanghai has more skyscrapers over 150 meters than any other city in the world, with the 632-meter Shanghai Tower being China's tallest building
The French Concession neighborhood retains its tree-lined avenues and Art Deco architecture from the 1920s-30s, earning Shanghai its "Paris of the East" nickname
Top Sights
The Bund (Waitan)
🗼A 1.5 km waterfront promenade lined with 52 grand colonial-era buildings spanning Gothic, Baroque, and Art Deco styles. Walk it at night when both the Bund and Pudong skyline are illuminated.
Pudong Skyline & Shanghai Tower
🗼The futuristic financial district across the river featuring the twisting 632-meter Shanghai Tower, the bottle-opener-shaped World Financial Center, and the retro-futuristic Oriental Pearl Tower.
Yu Garden (Yuyuan)
📌A classical Chinese garden dating to 1559 with rockeries, koi ponds, pavilions, and dragon-topped walls. The surrounding Old City bazaar area has shops and the famous Nanxiang steamed bun restaurant.
French Concession
🏘️Shanghai's most charming neighborhood with plane-tree-lined avenues, 1930s villas, boutique shops, specialty coffee roasters, and some of the city's best restaurants and cocktail bars.
Nanjing Road
🏘️China's most famous shopping street — the eastern pedestrian section runs from the Bund to People's Square with flagship stores, while the western stretch has luxury malls and department stores.
Zhujiajiao Water Town
📌A 1,700-year-old canal town on Shanghai's outskirts with stone bridges, waterside teahouses, and traditional architecture. An easy day trip that feels worlds away from the skyscrapers.
Shanghai Museum
🏛️One of China's finest museums with an outstanding collection of ancient bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, and jade. Free admission with reservation.
Tianzifang
🏘️A labyrinth of narrow shikumen (stone-gate house) alleyways converted into art galleries, design studios, craft shops, and tiny restaurants in the former French Concession.
Off the Beaten Path
Tianzifang Alleyways
A labyrinth of narrow shikumen laneways packed with independent art galleries, design studios, craft workshops, and tiny cafes tucked behind traditional stone-gate facades.
Unlike sanitized tourist zones, Tianzifang still has residents living above the shops — you'll see laundry hanging over art galleries and grandmothers playing mahjong next to cocktail bars.
M50 Art Space
A former textile mill on Moganshan Road converted into Shanghai's leading contemporary art district with over 100 galleries, studios, and creative spaces.
This is where Shanghai's art scene actually lives — far grittier and more authentic than commercial galleries, with free entry to most spaces and chances to meet working artists.
Jing'an Temple Neighborhood
A striking golden Buddhist temple surrounded by luxury skyscrapers, with excellent street food, local tea shops, and the peaceful Jing'an Park right next door.
The contrast of a 780-year-old temple dwarfed by glass towers perfectly captures Shanghai's identity. The surrounding backstreets have some of the city's best local dumpling shops.
Wulixiang Lane
One of the last preserved shikumen neighborhoods where daily life continues as it has for generations — communal kitchens, neighborhood gossip, and laundry lines across the lane.
Most of Shanghai's historic lane houses have been demolished for development. Wulixiang offers a rare, unpolished look at how ordinary Shanghainese lived for over a century.
1933 Old Millfun
A stunningly bizarre Art Deco former slaughterhouse from 1933, now a creative space with interlocking concrete ramps, bridges, and spiral staircases that feel like an Escher drawing.
Most visitors have never heard of it. The brutalist architecture is genuinely jaw-dropping and makes for incredible photos, with far fewer crowds than the Bund or Yu Garden.
Fuxing Park Morning Tai Chi
Shanghai's most charming French-style park where locals gather at dawn for tai chi, sword dancing, fan routines, and ballroom dancing under the plane trees.
Arriving before 8 AM lets you witness genuine daily Shanghai life — elderly couples waltzing, groups practicing calligraphy with water brushes, and card games under the pavilions.
Climate & Best Time to Go
Shanghai has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and muggy, winters are damp and chilly, and the transitional seasons are the most pleasant for sightseeing.
Spring
March - May50-77
10-25
Gradually warming with cherry and peach blossoms. April and May are ideal months to visit with pleasant temperatures before the heat arrives.
Summer
June - August77-95
25-35
Hot, humid, and rainy. The plum rain season (meiyu) hits mid-June to mid-July with persistent drizzle. Late July to August can be sweltering.
Autumn
September - November57-79
14-26
The best time to visit — comfortable temperatures, lower humidity, clear skies, and beautiful autumn foliage along the French Concession boulevards.
Winter
December - February34-46
1-8
Cold and damp with occasional frost. Snow is rare. Heated indoor spaces are less common than in northern China, so dress warmly.
Best Time to Visit
April to May and September to November offer the most pleasant weather with mild temperatures and lower humidity. Autumn is particularly beautiful with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. Avoid Chinese New Year (late January/February) if you want to see the city in full swing — many locals leave and businesses close.
Spring (March - May)
Crowds: Moderate — picks up around May Day holiday (May 1-5)Temperatures warm steadily from cool March to pleasant May. Cherry blossoms bloom in parks throughout April. Occasional rain but generally comfortable for sightseeing.
Pros
- + Cherry blossoms in April
- + Comfortable walking weather
- + Pre-summer hotel rates
- + Gardens at their greenest
Cons
- − Plum rains can start late May
- − May Day holiday brings domestic crowds
- − March can still be chilly and grey
Summer (June - August)
Crowds: High — domestic summer holidayHot, humid, and rainy. June brings plum rain season with persistent drizzle. July and August are sweltering with temperatures often exceeding 35°C. Typhoon season begins in August.
Pros
- + Longest daylight hours
- + Night markets in full swing
- + Bund river cruises are pleasant after dark
- + Summer sales at shopping malls
Cons
- − Extreme heat and humidity
- − Plum rain season in June
- − Typhoon risk in August
- − Poor air quality on hot days
Autumn (September - November)
Crowds: Very high during Golden Week, moderate otherwiseThe best season for visiting Shanghai. Clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and low humidity. October is ideal but coincides with Golden Week (Oct 1-7) when domestic travel surges.
Pros
- + Best weather of the year
- + Clear skies for skyline views
- + Comfortable temperatures
- + Shanghai hairy crab season (Oct-Nov)
Cons
- − Golden Week (Oct 1-7) brings massive crowds and price spikes
- − November starts getting cold
- − Book well ahead for October travel
Winter (December - February)
Crowds: Low except Chinese New Year periodCold and damp with temperatures near or below freezing. Shanghai rarely snows but the damp cold feels penetrating. Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb) sees much of the city shut down.
Pros
- + Lowest hotel prices of the year
- + No queues at major attractions
- + Chinese New Year celebrations if timing works
- + Indoor cultural venues uncrowded
Cons
- − Damp, bone-chilling cold
- − Many restaurants close for CNY
- − Grey skies limit skyline views
- − Some outdoor attractions less enjoyable
🎉 Festivals & Events
Chinese New Year
January / FebruaryLantern displays along Yuyuan Garden and the Bund. Many businesses close for 1-2 weeks.
Shanghai International Film Festival
JuneOne of Asia's top film festivals with screenings across the city.
Mid-Autumn Festival
September / OctoberMooncake season with riverside celebrations and family gatherings.
Shanghai Fashion Week
April & OctoberMajor fashion events at Xintiandi and across the city's creative spaces.
Safety Breakdown
Very Safe
out of 100
Shanghai is one of the safest major cities in the world. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. The main concerns are petty scams, pickpocketing in crowded areas, and traffic.
Things to Know
- •Beware the "tea ceremony" and "art student" scams — friendly strangers inviting you to a teahouse or art exhibition will present a huge bill at the end
- •Use official taxis (with meters) or ride-hailing apps like Didi; avoid unlicensed drivers at airports and train stations
- •Download a VPN before arriving if you need access to Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and other blocked services
- •Keep a hotel business card with Chinese characters for showing taxi drivers your destination
- •Air quality can be poor — check AQI readings and consider a mask on high-pollution days
Emergency Numbers
Police
110
Ambulance
120
Fire
119
Costs & Currency
Where the money goes
USD per dayBackpacker = hostel dorm + street food + public transit. Mid-range = 3-star hotel + neighbourhood restaurants + transit cards. Luxury = 4/5-star + fine dining + taxis. How we calibrate these numbers →
Quick cost estimate
Customize per category →Estimates based on regional averages. Flight prices vary by season and airline.
budget
$45
Hostel dorm, street food and local restaurants, metro only, free museums and parks
mid-range
$130
Boutique hotel, mix of local and upscale dining, metro and occasional taxi, paid attractions
luxury
$350
Five-star hotel on the Bund, fine dining, private transfers, VIP experiences and rooftop bars
Typical Costs
| Item | Local | USD |
|---|---|---|
| FoodXiaolongbao (soup dumplings, 10 pcs) | 25-50 CNY | $3.50-7 |
| FoodBowl of noodles at a local shop | 15-30 CNY | $2-4 |
| FoodDinner at a mid-range restaurant | 100-200 CNY | $14-28 |
| TransportSingle metro ride | 3-7 CNY | $0.40-1 |
| AccommodationHostel dorm bed | 60-100 CNY | $8-14 |
| AccommodationMid-range hotel | 400-800 CNY | $55-110 |
| ActivityShanghai Tower observation deck | 180 CNY | $25 |
💡 Money-Saving Tips
- •Many top museums including the Shanghai Museum and China Art Museum are free with reservation
- •Eat at local noodle shops and dumpling stalls for meals under $5 — often better than expensive restaurants
- •Walking the Bund, French Concession, and Tianzifang is free and among the best things to do
- •Use the metro instead of taxis — it's fast, clean, and most rides cost under $1
- •Visit Zhujiajiao water town instead of pricier day trips to Wuzhen or Zhouzhuang
Chinese Yuan (Renminbi)
Code: CNY
Exchange at banks or use ATMs (ICBC and Bank of China are most reliable for foreign cards). Airport exchange rates are poor. Many ATMs have a per-transaction limit of 2,500-3,000 CNY.
Payment Methods
China runs almost entirely on mobile payments — WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate. Most vendors, restaurants, and even street stalls accept only mobile payment or cash. Foreign visitors can now link international credit cards to Alipay via the Tour Pass. Always carry some cash (small bills) as a backup, especially for markets, small shops, and taxis.
Tipping Guide
Tipping is not expected and not customary in China. Service charges are not added to bills at most restaurants.
No tip expected. Drivers do not anticipate tips and may be confused if offered one.
Not expected at most hotels. High-end international hotels may have staff accustomed to tips from foreign guests (10-20 CNY for porters).
Tips are appreciated for private guides (50-100 CNY per day) but not mandatory. Group tour guides may have a tip box.
How to Get There
✈️ Airports
Shanghai Pudong International Airport(PVG)
30 km eastMaglev to Longyang Road (8 min, 50 CNY) + metro, Metro Line 2 direct (70 min, 7 CNY), or taxi (45-60 min, 150-250 CNY)
✈️ Search flights to PVGShanghai Hongqiao International Airport(SHA)
13 km westMetro Lines 2 and 10 (30-40 min, 4-6 CNY), or taxi (20-30 min, 50-80 CNY). Connected to Hongqiao Railway Station.
✈️ Search flights to SHA🚆 Rail Stations
Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station
15 km west of The BundMajor high-speed rail hub adjacent to Hongqiao Airport. Serves Beijing, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing, and most high-speed routes.
Shanghai Railway Station
5 km northwest of The BundCentral station for conventional trains and some high-speed services to northern and western destinations.
Getting Around
Shanghai has one of the world's most extensive metro systems with 20 lines and over 500 stations. Combined with affordable taxis, ride-hailing, and buses, getting around is easy.
Shanghai Metro
3-10 CNY ($0.40-1.40)Clean, fast, and efficient with English signage. Covers virtually every tourist area. Gets very crowded during rush hours (7:30-9:30 AM, 5-7 PM).
Best for: Getting between major areas — the Bund, Pudong, French Concession, Jing'an, and train stations
Taxis & Didi
14-80 CNY ($2-11)Abundant and affordable. Didi (China's Uber) works well with English interface. Taxis are metered — base fare 14 CNY. Traffic can be brutal during rush hour.
Best for: Short trips, late-night travel, or reaching places off the metro
City Buses
2 CNY (~$0.28)Extensive but harder to navigate without Chinese. Most rides cost 2 CNY. Air-conditioned buses are the norm.
Best for: Scenic routes along the Bund or budget travelers who can read Chinese
Maglev Train
50 CNY (~$7), discounted with same-day flight ticketThe world's fastest commercial train connecting Pudong Airport to Longyang Road metro station at 431 km/h.
Best for: Airport transfer from Pudong — more novelty than practical since it doesn't reach the city center directly
Walkability
High in key areas — the Bund, French Concession, Jing'an, and Nanjing Road are very walkable. The city as a whole is too spread out to walk between districts.
Travel Connections
Beijing
China's capital with the Forbidden City, Great Wall, and Temple of Heaven. The Beijing-Shanghai high-speed rail is one of the world's busiest routes.
Hangzhou
The picturesque city of West Lake, Longjing tea plantations, and ancient pagodas. Marco Polo called it the most beautiful city in the world.
Suzhou
The "Venice of the East" with UNESCO-listed classical gardens, silk museums, and scenic canal districts. An easy day trip or overnight from Shanghai.
Hong Kong
The vibrant metropolis where East meets West, with Victoria Harbour, dim sum culture, hiking trails, and world-class shopping.
Tokyo
Japan's hypermodern capital with ancient temples, sushi perfection, neon-lit streets, and cutting-edge culture.
Guangzhou
The capital of Cantonese cuisine with legendary dim sum, the Canton Tower, Shamian Island, and a gateway to Hong Kong and southern China.
Entry Requirements
China requires visas for most nationalities, but Shanghai offers a generous 144-hour (6-day) visa-free transit policy for citizens of 54 countries. This applies if you're transiting through Shanghai to a third country — your entry and exit flights must be on different itineraries and through Shanghai's airports.
Entry Requirements by Nationality
| Nationality | Visa Required | Max Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Citizens | Yes | 10-year multi-entry visa available | 144-hour visa-free transit available. For longer stays, apply for L (tourist) visa at Chinese embassy. Processing takes 4-7 business days. |
| UK Citizens | Yes | 2-year multi-entry visa available | 144-hour visa-free transit available. Standard tourist visa requires invitation letter, hotel bookings, and itinerary. |
| EU Citizens | Yes | Varies by country | 144-hour visa-free transit for most EU nationalities. Some countries have bilateral agreements for longer visa-free stays — check current status. |
| Japanese Citizens | Visa-free | 30 days visa-free | Japan has a bilateral visa-free agreement with China for short-term tourism (currently in effect, verify before travel). |
| Indian Citizens | Yes | Up to 30 days | Must apply at Chinese embassy or visa center. Requires detailed itinerary, hotel bookings, and return flights. e-Visa not available. |
Visa-Free Entry
Tips
- •The 144-hour transit exemption lets you explore Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang provinces without a visa
- •Register at the local police station within 24 hours of arrival (hotels do this automatically)
- •Keep your passport on you at all times — random checks happen at metro stations and tourist sites
- •Download a VPN before arriving — Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram are blocked in China
- •Set up Alipay Tour Pass before your trip for cashless payments
Shopping
Shanghai is a shopper's paradise ranging from glitzy luxury malls to chaotic bargain markets. Nanjing Road and Huaihai Road are the main commercial strips, while the French Concession hides independent boutiques and vintage finds.
Nanjing Road (East)
Pedestrian shopping streetChina's most famous shopping street — a 5.5 km neon-lit strip running from the Bund to Jing'an Temple. The eastern pedestrian section has flagship stores, department stores, and food halls.
Known for: Mainstream brands, department stores, street snacks, and pure spectacle
Huaihai Road
Upscale shopping boulevardA more sophisticated alternative to Nanjing Road with luxury malls like iapm and K11, international fashion brands, and trendy concept stores.
Known for: Luxury brands, designer fashion, K11 art mall, and upscale dining
AP Plaza (Science & Technology Museum)
Underground marketA sprawling underground market beneath the Science and Technology Museum metro station, known for bargain clothing, accessories, and tailored goods. Haggling is expected.
Known for: Bargain fashion, custom tailoring, accessories, and knock-offs
Tianzifang
Art and craft marketNarrow laneways filled with independent designers, local artisans, handmade jewelry, Chinese art prints, and quirky souvenirs — far more interesting than generic tourist shops.
Known for: Handmade crafts, local art, unique souvenirs, and designer goods
Dongtai Road Antique Market Area
Antiques and curiositiesWhile the original street market has shrunk, the surrounding area still has shops selling vintage propaganda posters, Mao memorabilia, old coins, ceramics, and curios.
Known for: Vintage finds, propaganda posters, antique ceramics, and old Shanghai collectibles
🎁 Unique Souvenirs to Look For
- •Longjing (Dragon Well) tea from nearby Hangzhou — widely available and a classic gift
- •Chinese calligraphy brushes, ink stones, and rice paper sets
- •Qipao (cheongsam) dresses — custom-tailored versions available on Changle Road
- •Vintage Shanghai propaganda posters and Art Deco prints
- •Silk scarves, fans, and embroidered goods
- •Handmade chopstick sets from specialty shops in Yu Garden area
Language & Phrases
Standard Mandarin (Putonghua) is used everywhere, though locals may speak Shanghainese (Wu dialect) among themselves. English signage is widespread in the metro and tourist areas, but conversational English is limited outside hotels and international restaurants. Learning a few key phrases goes a long way.
| English | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) | nee how |
| Thank you | 谢谢 (Xièxie) | syeh-syeh |
| You're welcome | 不客气 (Bù kèqì) | boo kuh-chee |
| Excuse me / Sorry | 对不起 (Duìbùqǐ) | dway-boo-chee |
| Yes / No | 是 / 不是 (Shì / Bù shì) | shir / boo shir |
| How much? | 多少钱？(Duōshao qián?) | dwoh-shaow chyen? |
| Too expensive | 太贵了 (Tài guì le) | tie gway luh |
| Where is...? | ...在哪里？(... zài nǎlǐ?) | ... dzai nah-lee? |
| I don't understand | 我听不懂 (Wǒ tīng bù dǒng) | woh ting boo dong |
| The check, please | 买单 (Mǎidān) | my-dan |
| Delicious! | 好吃！(Hǎo chī!) | how chir! |
| I want this one | 我要这个 (Wǒ yào zhège) | woh yaow juh-guh |
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