Shanghai
Stunning skylines, alley cafés, and riverside walks along the Bund in China's most cosmopolitan city.
Essentials
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Cherry blossoms, pleasant weather
Fall (September-November): Clear skies, comfortable temperatures
Avoid: Summer (hot, humid, typhoon season) and Winter (cold, damp)
Climate
Temperature: 0°C to 35°C (32°F to 95°F)
Rainfall: Rainy season June-September
Air Quality: Generally better than Beijing, but check AQI
Getting There
Airport: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
High-speed Rail: From Beijing (4.5h), Guangzhou (7h)
Metro: Maglev train to Longyang Road, then metro
Getting Around
Metro: Extensive network, ¥3-10 per trip
Bus: ¥2, covers areas not served by metro
Taxi: ¥14 starting fare, use DiDi app
Bike: Shared bikes available throughout city
Top Spots
The Bund (外滩)
What: Historic waterfront with colonial architecture
Why: Iconic Shanghai views, best at sunset and night
Tip: Walk the promenade, visit the Bund History Museum, take photos at night
Yu Garden (豫园)
What: Traditional Chinese garden with Ming Dynasty architecture
Why: Beautiful gardens, traditional architecture, nearby bazaar
Tip: Visit early morning to avoid crowds, explore the surrounding bazaar
Shanghai Tower (上海中心大厦)
What: China's tallest building with observation deck
Why: Panoramic city views, world's highest observation deck
Tip: Book tickets online, visit on clear days for best views
Tianzifang (田子坊)
What: Artsy alley complex with boutiques and cafés
Why: Bohemian atmosphere, unique shopping, local crafts
Tip: Get lost in the maze-like alleys, visit independent shops
French Concession (法租界)
What: Historic district with European architecture
Why: Tree-lined streets, boutique shops, trendy restaurants
Tip: Walk along Wukang Road, visit Xintiandi, explore on foot
Shanghai Museum (上海博物馆)
What: World-class museum of Chinese art and history
Why: Excellent collection, free admission, air-conditioned
Tip: Book free tickets online, allow 2-3 hours, visit on rainy days
Eat & Drink
Xiaolongbao (小笼包)
Where: Din Tai Fung, Nanxiang Mantou Dian
Price: ¥20-50 per basket
Tip: Try the soup dumplings, be careful with the hot soup inside
Shanghai Noodles (上海面)
Where: Local noodle shops, Yang's Fry-Dumpling
Price: ¥15-30 per bowl
Tip: Try hongshao rou (braised pork) noodles
Hotpot (火锅)
Where: Haidilao, Xiaolongkan, local chains
Price: ¥60-120 per person
Tip: Shanghai style is less spicy than Sichuan, try seafood
International Cuisine
Where: French Concession, Xintiandi, Lujiazui
Price: ¥100-300 per person
Tip: Shanghai has excellent international restaurants
Cafés & Bars
Where: French Concession, The Bund, Tianzifang
Price: ¥30-100 per drink
Tip: Try rooftop bars for city views, visit speakeasy-style bars
Day Plans
24-Hour Shanghai
Breakfast at local café
Try xiaolongbao and soy milk at traditional shop
Yu Garden
Explore the traditional garden and surrounding bazaar (2-3 hours)
Lunch at local restaurant
Try Shanghai-style noodles or dumplings
Shanghai Museum
Visit the excellent art and history museum (2-3 hours)
The Bund
Walk along the waterfront, see colonial architecture
Dinner at French Concession
International cuisine in trendy district
Bund at night
See the illuminated skyline and buildings
48-Hour Shanghai (Day 2)
Shanghai Tower
Visit the observation deck for panoramic views
Lujiazui Financial District
Explore the modern business district
Lunch at local hotpot
Experience Shanghai-style hotpot
Tianzifang
Explore the artsy alley complex and shops
French Concession
Walk along tree-lined streets, visit boutiques
Dinner and drinks
Rooftop bar or trendy restaurant
Practical Information
Transportation Tips
- Get a transportation card (交通卡) for metro and buses
- Use DiDi app for taxis (like Uber)
- Download Shanghai metro app for real-time updates
- Maglev train from airport is fast but expensive
Payment
- WeChat Pay and Alipay widely accepted
- Carry some cash for small vendors
- Credit cards accepted at hotels and large restaurants
- International cards work at most ATMs
Safety Tips
- Shanghai is very safe for tourists
- Beware of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas
- Keep passport and valuables in hotel safe
- Be careful crossing streets - traffic can be chaotic