Tours
Shanghai rewards every type of traveller: from Bund colonial architecture walks and Huangpu River night cruises to Yuyuan Garden cultural strolls, French Concession lane exploration, and day trips to ancient water towns like Zhujiajiao. Guided tours take the guesswork out of navigating China's most cosmopolitan metropolis.
Take in the Oriental Pearl Tower, a Bund night walk, and a Huangpu River cruise, then escape to the Ming-Qing watertown of Zhujiajiao by boat and stroll the classical Yu Garden — with private car transfers throughout, a stay at the 5-star Bellagio Shanghai, and signature Shanghai cuisine.
Facts
Key Facts at a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Currency | Chinese Yuan (CNY / RMB) |
| Country Code | +86 |
| Nearest Airport | Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) / Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) |
| Best Time to Visit | April–May (spring) and October–November (autumn) |
| UNESCO Status | Not a UNESCO World Heritage Site; renowned for its Art Deco and colonial Bund architecture |
| Famous For | The Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, Xiaolongbao dumplings, French Concession, Huangpu River |
Attractions
Shanghai is a city of spectacular contrasts: century-old colonial banks face off against the world's third-tallest skyscraper across the Huangpu River; Ming dynasty garden pavilions nestle within walking distance of glass-and-steel Pudong. Whether you seek imperial history, Art Deco grandeur, or cutting-edge modernity, Shanghai delivers it within a remarkably compact and walkable city centre.
The Bund (外滩)
Shanghai's most iconic waterfront promenade stretches 1.5 km along the west bank of the Huangpu River, lined with 52 monumental buildings in Baroque, Gothic, Romanesque, and Art Deco styles — a legacy of the city's colonial-era foreign concessions. By night, when both the Bund and the futuristic Pudong skyline are illuminated across the river, the view is among the most spectacular urban panoramas in Asia. Free to walk; most dramatic after 18:00.
Yuyuan Garden (豫园)
Completed in 1577 during the Ming dynasty, Yuyuan is Shanghai's finest surviving classical Chinese garden — 2 hectares of rockery formations, koi-filled ponds, zigzag bridges, and ornate pavilions enclosed behind a dragon-topped wall. The surrounding Yuyuan Bazaar, a maze of restored Qing-era lanes, teahouses, and snack stalls, adds the perfect complement for an afternoon of cultural immersion and souvenir hunting in Old Shanghai.
Shanghai Tower (上海中心大厦)
Soaring 632 metres above Pudong's Lujiazui financial district, Shanghai Tower is China's tallest building and the world's third tallest. Its spiralling glass facade was inspired by the form of a dragon. The observation deck on the 118th floor delivers a dizzying 360-degree panorama of the entire metropolis — on clear days, visibility extends to the Yangtze River estuary. The high-speed elevator reaches the top in under a minute.
Former French Concession (法租界)
The most romantic district in Shanghai, the Former French Concession is a tree-canopied neighbourhood of 1920s–1930s Shikumen stone-gate houses, ivy-draped villas, independent cafés, boutique hotels, and art galleries. Wander Wukang Road — dubbed "the most beautiful road in Shanghai" — Xintiandi's restored lane complex, and the labyrinthine Tianzifang arts quarter for the quintessential old-meets-new Shanghai experience.
Zhujiajiao Water Town (朱家角水乡)
Just 47 km west of central Shanghai, Zhujiajiao is a perfectly preserved ancient canal town with over 1,700 years of history. Stone-arched bridges (36 in total, including the 17th-century Fangsheng Bridge) span a web of willow-fringed waterways, flanked by Qing dynasty tile-roofed merchant houses, tofu shops, and rice-wine cellars. Board a gondola for the most atmospheric way to explore Shanghai's "Venice". An ideal half-day escape from the metropolis.
Top 10 Things to Do
Time your Bund stroll for the golden hour before sunset, then stay as the colonial facades and Pudong skyscrapers light up in tandem. The stretch between the Waibaidu Bridge and Nanpu Bridge is entirely free and at its most photogenic between 18:00 and 21:00. Cross to Pudong via the pedestrian tunnel for the reverse perspective.
A one-hour evening cruise on the Huangpu River is one of Shanghai's most memorable experiences. With the Bund's colonial row illuminated on one bank and Pudong's forest of skyscrapers blazing on the other, the boat ride delivers a panorama no rooftop bar can match. Tickets start from ¥100; depart from the Shiliupu dock near the Bund.
Ride the world's second-fastest elevator to the 118th-floor observation deck of China's tallest building for a staggering 360-degree view over Shanghai's endless urban expanse. On clear autumn days you can see the Yangtze River estuary 50 km away. Book tickets online to avoid queues; go on a clear weekday morning for the best visibility.
Spend a morning wandering the Ming dynasty rockery gardens and pavilions, then emerge into the Yuyuan Bazaar's labyrinthine lanes for xiaolongbao at Nanxiang Mantou Dian (the birthplace of the soup dumpling), silk shopping, and antique browsing. Arrive before 09:00 for a relatively crowd-free garden experience on weekdays.
China's most famous shopping street stretches 5.5 km from People's Square to the Bund, hosting over 600 shops ranging from budget department stores to flagship luxury boutiques. The illuminated pedestrian zone is especially atmospheric after dark. Hop the historic tram for a scenic end-to-end ride, or browse the side alleys for local snacks and affordable fashion.
Lose yourself in the tree-shaded lanes of the Former French Concession — Shanghai's most charming and liveable neighbourhood. Follow the Wukang Road heritage walking route, duck into Xintiandi for cocktails in a restored Shikumen lane, and meander through Tianzifang's art studios and boutique shops. Best enjoyed on foot on a weekday afternoon.
No visit to Shanghai is complete without sitting down to a bamboo steamer of xiaolongbao — delicate pleated pork dumplings filled with scalding rich broth. The birthplace is Nanxiang Mantou Dian at Yuyuan Bazaar, which has served the dish since 1900. Pick up with chopsticks, rest on a spoon, nibble a small hole, sip the soup, then eat — a ritual every visitor learns to love.
Take a 1-hour bus from People's Square to explore this beautifully preserved ancient canal town, 47 km from central Shanghai. Hire a gondola to drift through the willow-fringed waterways, cross the 400-year-old Fangsheng Bridge, and snack on sticky rice zongzi from riverside stalls. Best visited midweek to avoid weekend crowds from the city.
Mainland China's only Disney theme park opened in Pudong in 2016 and features the world's largest Disney castle. Six themed lands, two hotels, and a Disney Town shopping complex make it a full day (or two). Book tickets and FastPass slots well in advance; avoid Chinese public holidays unless you enjoy legendary queues. Accessible by Metro Line 11.
The new Shanghai Museum East on the People's Square waterfront houses over 1.4 million artefacts spanning 5,000 years of Chinese civilisation. The bronze, jade, and ceramics galleries are world-class. The original building on People's Square has been transformed into a showcase for world relics and ethnic minority craft treasures. Entry is free; book online in advance.
Transportation
Shanghai is one of China's supreme transport gateways: two international airports, four major railway stations, a metro system of 20+ lines (the world's longest by route length), and two busy cruise ports all converge here. The metro is by far the fastest and most visitor-friendly way to navigate the city, connecting all major attractions for just ¥3–10 per journey.
Shanghai has two international airports. Pudong International Airport (PVG), 30 km east of the city centre, handles most long-haul international flights and is connected to the city by the world's only commercial Maglev train (430 km/h, 8 min) or Metro Line 2. Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), 15 km west, mainly serves domestic and some regional routes, connected by Metro Lines 2 and 10.
Hongqiao Railway Station is the main hub for high-speed services: Beijing (4.5 hrs), Nanjing (1 hr), Hangzhou (40 min), and Suzhou (25 min). Shanghai Station serves overnight trains to destinations further afield. The Shanghai–Kunming HSR and Shanghai–Guangzhou HSR make even western China accessible in under a day. Book via China's official rail platform.
Long-distance coach services connect Shanghai with nearby Yangtze Delta cities including Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing, and Ningbo. The main terminals are Shanghai South Long-Distance Bus Station and Hengfeng Road Bus Station. Buses offer a cheaper alternative to trains for short regional hops where no direct HSR exists, though trains are generally faster and more comfortable.
Shanghai is one of Asia's busiest cruise ports. The Shanghai International Cruise Terminal (near the Bund) and Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal both receive major international ocean liner calls. Domestic ferries run overnight services to Ningbo, Zhoushan, and other coastal cities from the Shiliupu passenger terminal. Huangpu River sightseeing cruises depart from the same area nightly.
Shanghai Metro (20 lines, 500+ stations) covers the entire city including both airports, Disneyland, and all major attractions; single fares ¥3–10. City buses are extensive and cheap (¥2 flat fare). DiDi ride-hailing is essential for late nights or point-to-point trips with luggage. The Maglev from Pudong Airport to Longyang Road (Metro Line 2 interchange) is a thrill in itself.
Foreign visitors cannot drive in China on an International Driving Permit alone — a Chinese driving licence is required. Self-drive is rarely practical for tourists. Instead, book a private car with driver through your hotel or reputable platforms for excursions to water towns, Hangzhou, or Suzhou. Kuaiche and Shenzhou (神州租车) offer licensed chauffeured services with English-friendly booking.
Weather
Shanghai has a subtropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons and high humidity year-round. Summers (June–September) are long, hot, and rainy — July and August regularly exceed 35°C with typhoon risk. Winters are damp and overcast rather than severely cold, rarely falling below 0°C. Spring and autumn bring the most pleasant conditions, making them the prime travel seasons for most international visitors.
Monthly Climate at a Glance
| Month | Low °C | High °C | Rain mm | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1 | 8 | 55 | Cold & overcast |
| Feb | 2 | 9 | 60 | Damp & grey |
| Mar | 6 | 14 | 80 | Mild, spring rain |
| Apr | 12 | 20 | 90 | Warm & pleasant |
| May | 17 | 25 | 95 | Ideal, some showers |
| Jun | 22 | 29 | 155 | Plum rain season |
| Jul | 26 | 34 | 145 | Hot & humid |
| Aug | 26 | 34 | 135 | Hot, typhoon risk |
| Sep | 21 | 29 | 120 | Warm, easing rain |
| Oct | 15 | 23 | 60 | Ideal, clear skies |
| Nov | 8 | 16 | 55 | Mild & dry |
| Dec | 3 | 10 | 40 | Cool & dry |
Live Weather
Travel Tips
Citizens of 65+ countries can now enter China visa-free for 15–30 days — check the updated list before booking. Shanghai additionally operates a generous 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy for citizens of 54 countries including the USA, UK, EU nations, Canada, and Australia, making it an ideal stopover destination for multi-country Asia itineraries. Cruise group tours may qualify for a separate 15-day visa exemption.
WeChat Pay and Alipay are the dominant payment methods in Shanghai — nearly universal across restaurants, shops, taxis, and markets. Both apps now allow foreign Visa and Mastercard holders to link their cards directly, eliminating the need for a Chinese bank account. Set this up as soon as you land. Cash (RMB) remains a legal fallback and is useful at smaller vendors and wet markets.
China's Great Firewall blocks Google (Search, Maps, Gmail), Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and most international news sites. Download and activate a reliable VPN — such as ExpressVPN or NordVPN — before boarding your flight, as VPN download sites are themselves blocked from within China. VPN use is technically restricted under Chinese law, but widely used by foreign visitors without issue.
Tourist SIM cards are available at Pudong and Hongqiao airports from China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom — data packages from ¥50 for 7 days. Bring an unlocked phone. Several international eSIM providers (Airalo, Nomad, Holafly) offer data-only plans that work in China; some include VPN-enabled data routes. The Shanghai Metro and most cafés, malls, and hotels offer free Wi-Fi.
Mandarin Chinese is the official language; the local Shanghainese (Wu dialect) is widely spoken among residents but Mandarin is universally understood. English proficiency is noticeably higher in Shanghai than most Chinese cities — major hotels, tourist attractions, Pudong Airport, and many restaurants offer English-language service. Download Google Translate's Chinese offline pack before arrival, or install the Pleco app for deeper dictionary access.
Shanghai Disneyland, the Bund, and Yuyuan Garden attract enormous crowds year-round; weekday visits and advance online tickets are strongly recommended for all major attractions. The Chinese Golden Weeks (1–7 May and 1–7 October) bring extreme domestic tourist volumes — avoid these if at all possible. October is the sweet spot: post-Golden Week crowds thin considerably while the autumn weather remains excellent.
Exchange currency at Bank of China, ICBC, or authorised hotel exchange desks for competitive rates. Pudong Airport exchange counters are convenient on arrival but offer slightly lower rates. ATMs at major banks (look for UnionPay-networked machines) accept foreign Visa and Mastercard. Keep a stock of smaller ¥10 and ¥20 notes for traditional market stalls and older neighbourhood vendors that still prefer cash.
Shanghai is very safe for tourists with low violent crime rates. Do not drink tap water — bottled water is cheap and available everywhere. Summer heat (35–40°C in July–August) can be punishing: carry water, seek air conditioning, and avoid midday sightseeing. Typhoon season runs July–September; monitor weather alerts. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Emergency: 120 (ambulance), 110 (police).
Dining
Shanghai's dining scene is a feast of contrasts — refined Benbang cuisine meets bold regional flavours from across China, and world-class international restaurants line the Bund. Rich, gently sweet sauces define local cooking, while bustling food streets offer iconic street snacks at every turn.
Local Specialities
Xiaolongbao (小笼包)
Delicate steamed soup dumplings filled with seasoned pork and a rich, gelatinous broth. Pinch the pleated top, sip the hot soup first, then enjoy the silky wrapper — a must-try at any Shanghai breakfast spot.
Shengjianbao (生煎包)
Pan-fried pork buns with a gloriously crispy golden base and a juicy filling. Topped with sesame seeds and spring onion, these satisfying street-food buns are served piping hot from giant cast-iron pans throughout the city.
Hong Shao Rou (红烧肉)
Slow-braised pork belly cooked in soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, rock sugar and spices until meltingly tender and lacquered deep mahogany. Sweet, savoury and intensely flavourful — the centrepiece of any classic Shanghai banquet table.
Shanghai Smoked Fish (熏鱼)
Firm slices of freshwater fish marinated in a sweet soy-based sauce, deep-fried until crisp, then re-soaked to absorb a smoky, gently spiced glaze. Served cold as a traditional appetiser, it is a staple of Old Shanghai home cooking.
Recommended Restaurants
Operating since 1875 near the Old City God Temple, this institution serves authentic Benbang classics including duck stuffed with eight treasures and fried prawn in chilli sauce. Historic ambience, loyal local following, and consistently traditional flavours.
Perched beside Yu Garden's iconic Jiuqu Bridge, this storied restaurant has hosted heads of state and VIP visitors for decades. Renowned for steamed crab stuffed buns and flaky crispy cakes — an unmissable setting for authentic Shanghai dim sum.
A landmark luxury restaurant on the Bund's No. 3 building, the chef reinvents Shanghai classics with contemporary flair. The smoked fish and fried shrimp balls are unmissable signatures, served amid dainty tableware with sweeping Huangpu River views.
Shopping
Nanjing Road is China's most famous shopping thoroughfare — 5.5 km of department stores, flagship boutiques, souvenir shops, and street food stalls stretching from People's Square to the Bund. The pedestrian eastern section is lined with historic stores including the Shanghai No.1 Department Store. Open daily 10:00–22:00; most spectacular after dark under its neon signage.
Yuyuan Bazaar (豫园商城) is Shanghai's most atmospheric traditional market — a labyrinth of restored Qing-era lanes around the classical garden, selling silk scarves, jade jewellery, lacquerware, traditional handicrafts, and Chinese teas. Nearby Tianzifang in the French Concession offers a hipper, artisan version: independent boutiques, handmade jewellery, and creative souvenirs in charming 1930s alleyways. Bargaining is welcome at Yuyuan stalls.
Top Shanghai souvenirs include Shanghainese silk (qipao garments, scarves, fans), hand-embroidered items, hairy crab paste from autumn markets, osmanthus-flavoured sweets, and traditional Chinese tea sets. The South Bund Soft-Spinning Material Market is the city's best address for custom-tailored silk garments at very competitive prices. Liuhe Road Food Market stocks authentic Shanghai delicacies for edible gifts.
Xintiandi Style (新天地风尚) blends heritage Shikumen architecture with international designer boutiques and Michelin restaurants in the French Concession. IFC Mall in Pudong's Lujiazui houses Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, and Hermès alongside upmarket dining. For mid-range international brands, IAPM Mall on Huaihai Road and Raffles City on People's Square are the most centrally located options.
Nightlife
Shanghai has one of Asia's most vibrant and sophisticated nightlife scenes — elegant rooftop cocktail bars above the Bund rival the best in New York or London, while Xintiandi's converted Shikumen houses host a buzzing mix of restaurants and bars that stay lively until 02:00. The city also offers exceptional acrobatic shows and Huangpu River night cruises for a more cultural evening option.
The Bund's collection of rooftop bars — Bar Rouge (18F Bund 18), Flair at The Ritz-Carlton Pudong, and Char at the Hotel Indigo — serve cocktails with the most spectacular urban views in China. Best experienced between 19:00 and 21:00 when both the colonial facades and Pudong skyscrapers are fully lit. Smart casual dress required at most venues.
Shanghai's most stylish evening neighbourhood occupies beautifully restored 1920s–1930s Shikumen stone-gate-house lanes just south of People's Square. International restaurants, craft cocktail bars, live music venues, and open-air terraces fill the north and south blocks. The ARK Live House hosts some of the city's best independent music acts. Visitor-safe and very walkable.
Shanghai's premier acrobatics troupe performs a jaw-dropping 80-minute show of contortion, aerial silk, motorcycle globe acts, and plate-spinning at the Shanghai Circus World theatre in Zhabei. Visitor-friendly with no language barrier; the most universally praised evening entertainment in the city. Book tickets at least two days in advance.
Videos
Discover Shanghai through cinematic travel videos covering the neon-lit Bund, Huangpu River night cruises, Yuyuan Garden, French Concession lane life, and the soaring Pudong skyline.
Map
Explore Shanghai's Bund waterfront, Pudong financial district, French Concession, and key transport hubs on the interactive map below.
