Written by Ivy Dong |
Shanghai is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in China. It is the country’s largest city by population as well as the largest commercial and financial center in the western Pacific. In 2024, the city received 6.7 million visitors from all over the world. So what is so special about Shanghai that attracts so many travelers? This article will unravel the top 6 reasons to visit Shanghai.
1. The World-Famous Skyline & Architectural Marvels
Shanghai skyline is probably the first image that comes to your mind when we speak of the city. The towering skyscrapers and landmarks form one of the world’s most impressive city skylines.
The best place to see it is the bund, an iconic walkway on the west bank of the Huangpu River. It’s a popular spot, especially at night, to see the skyline on the other side of the river. The skyscrapers light up the night sky, reflected in the water. On the bank, there are many historical buildings of old Shanghai, what remain of the former financial and foreign trade center. It is the perfect spot for an evening walk.
For an even more special experience, you can take a Huangpu River Cruise on “the mother river of Shanghai.” There’re a few routes to choose from, and it generally takes about an hour. Seeing the skyline along the bank while cruising down the river is one of the top things to do in Shanghai.
Among the iconic skyscrapers of Shanghai, the Oriental Pearl Tower is the most representative. Its unique design and appearance have made it the most photographed landmark of Shanghai. You can overlook the city from its observation decks and even challenge yourself on the thrilling glass-bottomed skywalk.
2. Rich Cultural Heritage
The modern metropolis also has many rich cultural heritages in store, which is another reason why people visit Shanghai.
Yu Garden, or Yuyuan Garden, is a classical Chinese garden that showcases a very different side of Shanghai. It was built during Ming Dynasty, more than 450 years ago. You can admire classical Chinese architecture with pavilions, rockeries, and water features. It’s a great place to get a taste of Shanghai history.
Jade Buddha Temple is a busy Buddhist temple in the middle of the city. It is a famous Shanghai attraction for housing two magnificent statues, the sitting Jade Buddha of 1.95 meters (6.4 feet) tall and the reclining Jade Buddha of 0.96 meters (3.15 feet) tall. You can get a glimpse into the religious scene of Shanghai.
Shanghai old street, also known as “small east gate,” is the best place to find the traditional folk culture of Shanghai with the earliest banks in Shanghai, gold stores, jewelry shops, tea houses, and theatre stages. City God Temple, one of the three major temples of the Yangtze River region, is also a must-visit destination for those who travel to Shanghai.
One important reason why tourists go to Shanghai is that it is close to many of the best water towns in China. Zhujiajiao Water Town is located on the outskirts of the city. You can walk down the small alleyways lined with traditional stone residential houses. Walk over the stone bridges to see stalls run by locals: make sure you try the delicious street snacks.
Recommended Classic Shanghai Tours:
3. Delicious Shanghai Cuisine
Tasting the local cuisine is an essential part of Shanghai tours. Shanghai cuisine is relatively sweet and mild compared to other Chinese cuisines. Locals cook with a lot of fresh-water ingredients and soy sauce, making the dishes refreshing and exquisite.
The best Shanghai dishes include Xiaolongbao and Shengjianbao for breakfast, i.e. steamed buns and pan-fried buns. They’re the most famous and representative of Shanghai foods as well as Chinese breakfast foods.
For lunch, try Shanghai noodles like Crab Roe Noodles or pan-fried noodles. At night, dine at a local restaurant for some classic dishes like Braised Pork Belly. As you walk down the street, you’ll find food stalls pop up across the city with delicious snacks.
There’re also different seasonal dishes throughout the year, like in the fall, around Mid-Autumn Festival, people in Shanghai like to have the Hairy Crab, and in the winter, during Chinese New Year, they eat spring rolls.
Recommended Shanghai Food Tours:
- Half Day Shanghai Tour for Local Food and Zhujiajiao Water Town
- Shanghai Night Food Tour with Huangpu River Cruise
4. The Vibrant Shopping Scene & Entertainment
One of the reasons to visit Shanghai for many people is that Shanghai has a vibrant shopping scene and exciting entertainment options.
Nanjing Road is one of the world’s busiest shopping streets. Whether you’re into shopping or not, it is a must-visit for the best Shanghai tour. It is divided into Nanjing East Road, mainly a fair-priced commercial area, and Nanjing West Road, the most expensive fashion commercial block in Shanghai mainly for luxury items.
Tianzifang and Xintiandi (or the New World) are both historic streets turned into shopping and dining areas in Shanghai. They are very representative of the modern Shanghai lifestyle. The historic footpaths are lined with stylish shops, cafés, classy fusion eateries, and bars in traditional architecture. On a sunny afternoon, enjoy a drink at one of the bars and treat yourself to a delightful dinner.
Shanghai is known for having some of the best nightlife scenes in China and Asia. You can find anything from relaxing street pubs, live music venues, hidden underground speakeasies, to high-end cocktail bars and dance clubs. You might want to check out the Former French Concession when deciding on where to go.
Of course, you won’t run of things to do on a Shanghai family tour either. Shanghai Disneyland Resort opened in 2016 as the 6th Disneyland resort in the world with six themed areas. The fun rides, exciting shows and parades, and stunning fireworks make it a land of magic for everyone in the family.
5. Excellent Location as a Gateway City of China
Shanghai is one of the major gateway cities of China thanks to its well-developed transportation system. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) has many direct flights to and from major cities around the world. Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) serves for mainly domestic purposes together with many high-speed rail lines. As a result, Shanghai is the first stop for many visitors traveling to China.
Another reason to visit Shanghai is that it is near many other great destinations to go to. The city of Hangzhou is within an hour away. It is a beautiful and poetic ancient capital with timeless charm. Suzhou, equally close, is famous for its classical gardens and rich Jiangnan culture. These are just two of the best destinations for Shanghai side trips.
Of course, you can also start your China tour from Shanghai and travel to other parts of the country by plane or train. Here’re some of our best itineraries for your reference:
- 9 Days Shanghai-Suzhou-Hangzhou-Huangshan Private Tour
- 12 Days Shanghai-Yangtze River-Xian-Beijing Tour
6. 10-Day Visa-Free Transit
One reason to visit Shanghai that you must know is that you can visit it without a visa! Starting from December 2024, foreign visitors from 54 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Russia, Singapore, and Japan, traveling from China to a third country (region), can enter visa-free through any of the 60 open ports in 24 provinces and stay within the areas for as long as 240 hours (10 days).
The designated ports of Shanghai are Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, and Shanghai Port. If you’re from one of the eligible countries, this policy has made your China tour even easier.
Besides Shanghai, we highly recommend you to extend your trip to more iconic destinations of China. See top reasons to visit China.
FAQs About Visiting Shanghai
Q: Is Shanghai Expensive to Visit?
No, it is considered cheap for visiting comparing to North America or Western Europe, which is another reason why Shanghai is so popular with tourists.
You can find decent chain hotels for about US$40 per night. Getting around the city by metro is very cheap. Taxis cost a little more. You’re likely to spend less than $10 per day on transportation.
Food wise, breakfast food and street snacks usually cost $2-5. Lunch and dinner dishes are around $5-10 per dish. Aside from museums and activities at attractions, many places in Shanghai don’t have entrance fees, so you’ll likely pay on average about $10 per day on tickets. Your daily expenses will be around $80-120.
Q: What Is Shanghai Known For?
Shanghai is best known as a large international metropolis of China and East Asia. Its skyline and modern lifestyle are the most famous features.
Q: Is Shanghai Worth Visiting for First Timers?
Yes, it’s highly recommended that you visit Shanghai at least once, especially if it’s your first time traveling to China.
Related reading: Beijing vs Shanghai: Which to Visit? (A Complete Comparison)
