Shanghai Travel Guide 2026

Shanghai, called Hu for short, is widely known as “Paris of the East”. Developed from a humble fishing village to today’s global metropolis and commercial centre, and the most populous city of China, the city is full of unexpected contrasts and captivating stories.

In this dynamic city, over 50 historic European-style buildings along the Bund stand opposite the skyscrapers of Lujiazui across the Huangpu River. Many cozy cafes and trendy or western restaurants are tucked into the narrow alleys of ancient Shikumen-style buildings in Xintiandi and Tianzifang. Here, the 600-year-old City God Temple and the over 460-year-old Yuyuan Garden coexist harmoniously with some of the world’s tallest towers and fastest trains (Shanghai Maglev Train). Meanwhile, the bustling Nanjing Road is filled with rich luxury global brands, but also preserves many century-old local shops.

Beyond its cultural diversity and modern charm, Shanghai is also the busiest port in the world and a top gateway for travelers entering China. Thanks to the current 240-hour visa-free transit policy, it’s easier than ever to explore this dynamic city—and even venture deeper into the heart of China from Shanghai.

>> Explore more about the interesting facts of Shanghai

Chinese: 上海 shàng hǎi
Population: 24.8M (2024)
Area: 2,448 sq miles
Zip Code: 200000
Airport: PVG, SHA
Main Railway Stations: Shanghai Railway Station, Shanghai South Railway Station, Shanghai West Railway Station, Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station.
Time Zone: GMT+8
Geographic Position:in Eastern China (122.5°— 122.1°E, 30.4°— 31.5°N)
Climate:Subtropical monsoon climate

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Shanghai Must-Visit Attractions

As one of the most international and dynamic metropolises in China, Shanghai attracts tens of millions of global tourists with its numerous famous attractions, such as the Bund, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Yu Garden, etc. From historical Shikumen buildings to modern landmark skyscrapers, from daily hustle-and-bustle to artistic fashion trends, the diverse charm of Shanghai is worth exploring in depth.

Tourists can not only enjoy the beautiful urban scenery, but also experience the unique Shanghai-style culture. The following are some carefully selected representative scenic spots to show you the essence of this Magic City. Each of these attractions has its own characteristics and can make visitors leave a good memory in Shanghai, also known as the Pearl of the Orient.

The Bund

The Bund is a landmark attraction in Shanghai, starting from Waibadu Bridge in the north to Shiliupu Pier in the south. It is a historical witness and cultural card of Shanghai. Walking here, you can see the magnificent Exotic Building Clusters in the Bund and Lujiazui skyscrapers across the Huangpu River. Don’t miss its spectacular night views.

Yuyuan Garden

Built in the Ming Dynasty, Yu Garden is the most famous Jiangnan classical garden in Shanghai. The garden is exquisite and elegant in layout, with winding paths, pavilions, rockeries, ponds, and lush trees complementing each other, which shows the superb level of Chinese ancient gardening art. You can also taste Shanghai’s special snacks outside Yu Garden.

Oriental Pearl TV Tower

Oriental Pearl TV Tower, 468 meters high, is a modern landmark building in Pudong, Shanghai. As an excellent place to overlook the splendid cityscape of Shanghai, it boasts numerous attractions such as the Transparent Sightseeing Observatory, Revolving Restaurant, and Space Capsule. The light show at night here is dazzling and full of sci-tech sense.

Zhujiajiao Water Town

Zhujiajiao is one of the best preserved ancient water towns located in the suburb of Shanghai. There are many crisscrossing rivers, well-arranged ancient bridges and buildings, quaint tea houses here. You can take a boat tour on the river, admire the picturesque scenery on both sides, and enjoy the leisurely time of Jiangnan water towns.‌

Jinmao Tower

Jinmao Tower is one of the iconic buildings of modern Shanghai. With a height of 420.5 meters, this multi-functional skyscraper is the third tallest building in Shanghai, second only to Shanghai Tower and World Financial Center. Its 88th floor is a famous high-altitude observation platform in Shanghai, and the night view seen here is very charming.

Nanjing Road

Known as the “Number One Commercial Street in China”, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street boasts modern buildings and European-style old buildings on both sides. Here, various shopping and food experiences are gathered, with rows of shopping malls and bustling crowds. Every step allows you to experience the ultimate commercial charm of vibrant Shanghai.

Xintiandi

Integrating shopping, catering, entertainment and culture, Xintiandi retains many unique traditional Shikumen buildings, and has become one of the most dynamic fashion landmarks in Shanghai after modern commercial transformation. There are lots of high-end brand stores, restaurants, and cafes here, suitable for experiencing modern urban life in Shanghai.

Shanghai Old Street

Located in old city area of Huangpu District, Shanghai Old Street is the epitome of Shanghai’s historic culture, integrating tourism, shopping, leisure, and folk cultural display. This street gathers many special snacks, handicrafts shops, antique shops, etc. Walking here, you may feel like returning to the bustling market of Shanghai 100 years ago.

Top Things to Do in Shanghai

Here are some top things to do in Shanghai for tourists. Get some inspirations from our must-do activities:

Marvel at Shanghai’s Skyscrapers – Icons of Its Modern Spirit

Pictures of Shanghai’s iconic skyscrapers taken from the Bund have become the symbol of the city. They form the first impression many people have of Shanghai and perfectly embody its modern spirit.

Among the many saoring landmarks in Shanghai, the 632-meter Shanghai Tower, the 492-meter Shanghai World Financial Center, the 420-meter Jin Mao Tower, and the dazzling 468-meter Oriental Pearl Tower are the 4 most iconic high-rises. If you are short on time, you can snap stunning photos with these architectural marvels from the Bund, aboard a Huangpu River cruise, or from other nearby viewpoints.

With enough time, we highly recommend you to ascend one of the buildings at sunset to admire the city from sky. Then you can witness the city transforming from golden-hour glow to a glittering nightscape:

From Jin Mao’s 88th-floor outdoor path(340 meters up), you can experience an open-air walkway with no handrails.
The 546-meter-high observation deck of Shanghai Tower allows you to see the glowing Pearl Tower resting beneath your feet.
On the glass skywalk (259 meters up) at the Oriental Pearl, you can step out onto a fully transparent walkway and feel the thrill of “walking on air”.

Experience Old Shanghai – A Journey Through Culture, Architecture, and Daily Life

More than its modern marvels, Shanghai also preserves its old-world charm. There are numerous historic sites that will transport you back a century.

Yuyuan Garden stands as one of Shanghai’s most renowned ancient landmarks. This traditional Jingnan garden features classic Ming Dynasty architecture, winding bridges, picturesque waterscape, intricate rock formations and serene pavilions.

Near the garden, the over 600-year-old Shanghai City God Temple and Yuyuan Bazaar are bound to leave you amazed. The ancient Taoist temple harmonizes with the bustling marketplace that is lined up with diverse food stalls. From local signature delicacies (like Nanxiang Soup Dumplings and Eight-treasure Duck) to the crimson walls and swooping eaves of ancient temple, this area showcases a living, breathing piece of old Shanghai.

Within the winding alleys around City God Temple, you can find Shanghai Old Street. Expect to discover all sorts of items that embody the essence of Shanghai’s past—intricate traditional paper-cut art to elegant Qipaos, the iconic Shikumen houses…

>> Further reading about the Rich History and Culture in Shanghai

Visit the Romantic Zhujiajiao Water Town – A Timeless Canal-Side Escape

Zhujiajiao is one of the 10 most beloved ancient towns in China by foreign travelers. The town is within an hour’s metro ride from downtown Shanghai, making it a great alternative to the further Zhouzhuang or Wuzhen towns. Here, the stone-paved alleys, arched bridges, traditional wooden houses and ancient canal paint a vivid picture of Jiangnan-style water town.

To take a break during your exploration, you can hop on a hand-rowed wooden boat to drift through the secnic canals. Enjoy your tranquil time to explore the many historical sites and architectural gems, including Kezhi Garden, Wangyue Pavilion, Lotus Pavilion, Shuiyue Pavilion, Hexin Garden, and the Qing Dynasty Post Office.

Explore Vibrant Shanghai Nightlife

Don’t be afraid to get bored at night in Shanghai; the city truly comes alive after dark! After 7:30 PM, all the historical buildings along the Bund and the skyscrapers in Lujiazui are brilliantly illuminated, creating a spectacular and iconic cityscape. On Friday and Saturday nights, a light and music show will be projected on these buildings, adding to the magic.

To escape the crowds, you can take a Huangpu River cruise (about 45 minutes) to take in the night views on both banks of the river.

After enjoying the night views, why not catch a show? The ERA Intersection of Time (时空之旅), seamlessly blending French fashion, dance, Tai Chi, extreme sports, and cutting-edge stage technology, will offer you a visual masterpiece.

What to Eat in Shanghai

Pan Fried Pork Bun

Pan fried pork bun is a local traditional snack in Shanghai, also known as Shengjianbao or Shengjian steamed bread. Traditional pan fried pork bun is usually fried in a large iron pan and made in a stall. The outside of pan fried pork bun is soft and white but the bottom is crispy. Before coming out of the pot, it is sprinkled with sesame seeds and chives on the top. It is very delicious and popular breakfast for local people.

Steamed Buns

For local people in Shanghai, steamed bun is not only a kind of food, but also a kind of life attitude, it shows the elegant and exquisite lifestyle of shanghai people. Shanghai steamed bun is thin outside but is filled with fresh meat, which is succulent but not greasy. And the eating method is extremely exquisite: First, people need to gently lift, slowly move, open the top at first, then drink the soup, and eat the rest part at the end. Nowadays, there are many various kinds of steamed buns such as foie gras stuffing, durian stuffing, crab stuffing and so on for tourists to taste.

Steamed Crab

Steamed crab is a kind of river crab, but the species must be Chinese mitten crab and weigh beyond 150 grams. The fat and fresh crab after cooking will burst out a tasty taste in the mouth, and if you are crazy about eating crabs, you can also try to have a crab feast in Shanghai where you can eat different various flavor crabs made by diverse method.

Sweet and Sour Spare ribs sweet and sour spare ribs

Sweet and sour spare ribs is a famous dish with perfect combination of color, aroma and taste, which is mainly made of lean and fat pork ribs. And after several procedures, it has a bright color on the surface. It is an appetizing dish which cannot be missed by gourmand who prefers sweet and sour flavor and is willing to taste fresh food.

Noodles Mixed with Scallion, Oil and Soy Sauce

The production method of it is not difficult, and the ingredients are easy to prepare, so it is a home-made dish in many Shanghai families. The noodles with rich scallion oil and sauce smell goods and taste delicious, which arouses people’s appetite easily.

See more Shanghai popular dishes at The Top 10 Shanghai Dishes You Must Eat

How to Plan a Shanghai Tour

Shanghai is endowed with diverse exclusive experiences, from sought-after attractions, world-class museums, enchanting traditions, to modern landmarks and shopping malls. Better yet, you won’t find it too difficult to plan a trip to Shanghai. See our best advice on when to go to Shanghai, how many days to spend, and the transport to plan your Shanghai travel itinerary.

How many days to spend in Shanghai – Itinerary Ideas

It is generally recommended to arrange 3-5 days for your Shanghai travel.

However, if your interest lies in a Shanghai day tour, it is wise to have the must-visit attractions in Shanghai. Take a city walk through the Bund, Yu Garden, Yuyuan Bazaar, Shanghai Museum, and Shanghai Tower, together with a night cruise on the Huangpu River. >> Explore the travel guide to 12 Hour Layover in Shanghai

If you plan to spend two days in Shanghai, besides the must-sees, also immerse yourself in Zhujiajiao Water Town’s spellbinding culture, and dive into something you are interested in, be it an art museum, like Power Station of Art, or a Buddhist temple, like Jing’an Temple.

Planning a three-day tour in Shanghai or one or two days longer? Take your chance to visit the nearby destinations, from Suzhou’s UNESCO-listed classic gardens to China’s most beautiful ancient water towns, such as Tongli.

Below, our Shanghai travel experts have crafted for you a sample classic Shanghai itinerary in 3 days. Contact us at any moment to get a custom trip.

Day 1, Shanghai arrival

Day 2, Yu Garden, Yuyuan Market, Shanghai Tower, Nanjing Road, the Bund, Huangpu River Cruise

Day 3, Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai departure

For a more in-depth or relaxed exploration, please click to see how to spend 4 days in Shanghai.

Recommended Tours:

Travel to Shanghai in Your Style and Explore What Interests You

Shanghai is a charming city for families with kids, foodies, and history buffs alike.

For families, Shanghai offers a harmonious blend of learning, playing, and superlative luxury. The kid-friendly attractions include Shanghai Disneyland, Legoland Shanghai Resort, Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, and more.

No foodies will fail to love Shanghai. But where to eat? From Town God City to Xintiandi and Nanjing Road, there is a spectrum of signature dishes and delicious street food to taste.

A cultural and historical tour in Shanghai with a local guide will uncover the city’s ancient secrets, the traditional way of life, and the concoction of Shanghai’s architecture mixed with traditional Shikumen and classic Western styles. And there are endless opportunities for photography.

Recommended Tours:

What is Your Shanghai Travel Budget – the Cost of a Shanghai Tour?

You can experience Shanghai your way based on your budget. Below, we list the general price for Shanghai travel from 1 to 3 days, including accommodation, city transport, dining, entrance tickets to attractions, and a Shanghai tour guide.

For a 1-day trip: it costs from CNY 1,200-3,000
For a 2-day trip: it costs from CNY 2,500-6,000
For a 3-day trip: it costs from CNY 4,000-9,000

Chinaxiantour’s pro tips: If you have a low budget or will travel solo to Shanghai, it is a good idea that you join a small group tour. You can save money while making new friends. If you are a couple or traveling with your family looking for luxury travel, a private, tailor-made journey is a better choice.

Visa Policy

Electronic terminals have been set up at Shanghai’s two main airports for foreign travelers who have 240-hour visa-free transit. Passengers who applied online and received approval can now scan their passports at the airport and then enter the country. Since December 2024, Shanghai has implemented a 240-hour visa-free transit policy, allowing travelers from 53 countries or regions to stay in Shanghai, Zhejiang province and Jiangsu province no more than 240 hours (six days).

Shanghai Transportation: How to Get to & Travel Around

As one of the largest cities in China, Shanghai has diversified travel options and a well-developed transportation network composed of railways, waterways, highways, aviation and rail transit, etc.

Getting to Shanghai

By airplane: If you come from other cities or countries, airplanes are the quickest way to reach Shanghai. Shanghai has two airports: Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport, located in the east and west of the city, respectively. Pudong Airport is far from the city center, while Hongqiao Airport is adjacent to Hongqiao Railway Station. There are various modes of transportation to choose from the airport to downtown, such as metro, taxi, and bus.
By high-speed train: If you come from other cities in China, high-speed trainis another fast and convenient option. There are multiple railway stations in Shanghai, such as Shanghai Railway Station, located in the city center with convenient transportation and Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station with frequent high-speed trains.
By long–distance bus: If your budget is limited, you can also choose to take a long-distance bus to Shanghai. However, it usually takes longer and may not be as comfortable as other modes of transportation.
By cruise: You can embark on a Yangtze River cruise to arrive in Shanghai. The ports of Shanghai are also connected to those around the world. Taking an international cruise ship from Japan or South Korea to Shanghai takes only 1 to 2 days.

How to Travel Around Shanghai

By metro: Shanghai’s metro system is the most developed in China, covering the entire city and surrounding areas, which is the main mode of transportation for visiting Shanghai.
By bus: The bus routes cover a widerrange and you can explore deeply into every corner of Shanghai city by bus.
By taxi: Shanghai has an abundant number of taxis and ride-hailing services are also very popular, making it a convenient and fast way to travel in Shanghai.
By bicycle: Shanghai has many shared bicyclesthat are suitable for short-distance travel and sightseeing, allowing you to explore the city more freely.
By maglev train: The world’s first commercial operation of a high-speed maglev train. The designed maximum operating speed is 430 kilometers per hour (the actual speed may sometimes be lower than this). So how fast is it? It’s only slower than the flight speed of an airplane. After arriving at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, you can take the Shanghai maglev train to reach Longyang Road Station in the city center. The dedicated line is 29.863 kilometers long. The entire journey only takes 8 minutes. At Longyang Road, you transfer to Metro Line 2 to go to other places.

Good for you to further know:

30 km from downtown, Shanghai Pudong International Airport is one of the three major international airports in China. You can fly to Shanghai from the USA, Canada, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Hungary, Russia, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, Hong Kong, and many other countries and areas via Pudong Airport.

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is 13 km from downtown Shanghai. It also connects with many international cities with direct flights. But there are more domestic flights, e.g., from Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Guilin, and so on. It mainly offers China Eastern Airlines, International Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Juneyao Airlines.

Shanghai Weather & Best Time to Visit

Shanghai has a subtropical monsoon climate with distinct four seasons and abundant rainfall. Usually, spring and autumn are shorter, and winter and summer are longer. The annual average temperature in Shanghai is 17.7 ℃, with an extreme minimum temperature of -7 ℃ (in Chongming area) and an extreme maximum temperature of up to 40 ℃ (in central urban area). The annual average precipitation is 1086.8 millimeters, and the annual sunshine duration is 1829 hours.

Climate Characteristics of Four seasons

Shanghai in Spring (March– May)

The temperature gradually rises from 10 ℃ to 25 ℃, with a large temperature difference between day and night, and there is often a phenomenon of “late spring cold”. The typical weather is alternate rain and sunshine during the Cherry Blossom Season (late March to April).

Shanghai in Summer (June – August)

It is hot and humid, with an average daily temperature of 28-35 ℃. The Plum-Rain Season (mid June to early July) is characterized by continuous cloudy and rainy weather. Frequent heavy rainfall during the Typhoon Season in August.

Shanghai in Autumn (September – November)

The most pleasant season, with temperatures ranging from 18-25 ℃, is filled with the sweet scent of osmanthus flowers. The precipitation decreases in October, and the autumn air is crisp, but there may be a cliff cooling in late November.

Shanghai in Winter (December – February)

Cold and humid, with an average daily temperature of 3-8 ℃, and the sensible temperature is often lower than the actual temperature. Occasional snowfall, especially in January and February, but the wind-chill effect is significant.

Best Time to Visit Shanghai

The weather in Shanghai is relatively mild and suitable for travel all year round. And the best time to visit Shanghai is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the climate is pleasant, avoiding plum rain and scorching heat, suitable for outdoor sightseeing.

Where to Stay in Shanghai

When traveling in Shanghai, there are a wide range of accommodation options available, from luxurious high-end hotels to budget friendly homestays. The specific location for accommodation depends on your travel plan, budget, transportation convenience, supporting facilities, and other factors.

Top Areas to Stay in Shanghai – Accommodation Tips

Shanghai is an international metropolis, and each area has its own unique charm and convenience. It is recommended to stay near the metro station for convenient travel. There are many high-quality hotels around the Bund, Xintiandi, Jing’an Temple, Disneyland, Hongqiao, and other areas.

Near the Bund, Nanjing Road, and People’s Squarein Huangpu District

Located in the city center, it is one of the prosperous areas in Shanghai, suitable for tourists who enjoy shopping and lively atmosphere. This is also a transportation hub of Shanghai, making it convenient for you to visit major attractions. But the price is relatively high, especially high-end hotels and near shopping centers.

Jing’an District

An area full of fashion and cultural atmosphere, suitable for tourists who enjoy art and exquisite living. Convenient transportation, with numerous metro stations and bus routes. Suggest staying in uniquely designed art hotels and independent homestays. But accommodation prices and overall consumption levels are relatively high in some areas.

Xujiahui and Huaihai Road Area

The fusion of old Shanghai style and modern city, with diverse accommodation options and rich local cuisine, suitable for tourists who enjoy experiencing Shanghai’s diverse culture. Some areas have heavy traffic, but overall transportation is convenient.

Near Lujiazui/Century Avenuein Pudong District

Lujiazui is full with towering skyscrapers, suitable for tourists who enjoy modern urban style. Century Avenue gathers metro lines 2, 4, 6, and 9, making transportation extremely convenient. But hotel prices are relatively high, especially for river-view hotels.

Shanghai Shopping

Shanghai’s commercial allure is another draw for travelers around the world. So, what and where to buy in Shanghai? The city is a shopping paradise for all. There is the super luxury “Louis”, the Boat on Nanjing Road, as well as a diverse array of vintage fabrics in Shanghai’s old streets.

The most popular shopping streetsinclude: Nanjing East Road, Xintiandi, Dapuqiao, the Bund and Yu Garden area, and the Huangpu Riverside.
The most popular shopping centersinclude: IFC Mall, ITC Xujiahui Center, iapm Mall, Shanghai Hang Lung Plaza, Grand Gateway 66, West Bund Central, K11 Art Mall, and Grand Gateway Plaza.