If you’re planning a trip to Shanghai, this guide is exactly your best starting point. Known as the “Paris of the East”, Shanghai is one of the most prosperous metropolises in China. Here, visitors can feel the fusion of history and modernity, arts and futurism.
This article will introduce everything you need to know about a Shanghai tour, including essential attractions, the best travel time, recommended itineraries, and other useful tips on the planning stage.
Travel to China without a Visa
China now applies different visa-free policies to help international travelers get an easier trip to China.
Citizens of 50 countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, and Italy, can enter China under the 30-day-visa-free policy.
Travelers from 55 countries can still enjoy the 240-hour-visa-free transit policy. For more information, please see: How to Visit China Without a Visa
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- Top Attractions & Best Things to Do in Shanghai
- How Many Days to Spend in Shanghai?
- Best Time to Visit Shanghai
- Where to Stay in Shanghai
- How to Get to Shanghai: Flights, High-Speed Trains, Cruise
- Plan a Shanghai Trip with China Xian Tour
Top Attractions & Best Things to Do in Shanghai
1. The Bund & Lujiazui: Stunning Skylines along Huangpu River
The turbulent Huangpu River is like a natural line between the past and present of Shanghai City. On the western bank is the Bund, a waterfront pedestrian street lined up with 52 European-style mansions built during the early years of the 20th century, which lets visitors enjoy the prosperity and elegance of this former commercial block at a glance.
Across the Huangpu River is a totally different world. Lujiazui District, one of the most influential financial centers in China, gathers numerous stylish skyscrapers, with Shanghai Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and Jinmao Tower being the most eye-catching buildings. You are highly recommended to go to the viewing deck on the top of the high-rises. The panoramic view of Shanghai City and Huangpu River will definitely take your breath away.
2. Yu Garden: A Peaceful Retreat in Bustling Blocks
Yu Garden, with a history of more than 450 years, is regarded as the most celebrated historical site in Shanghai. While strolling around, you will be amazed by the elaborate layout and graceful landscape of the garden with lush plants, tranquil ponds, and exquisite bonsai harmoniously blending in with elegant structures like halls, pavilions, bridges and rockeries.
Once you get out of the garden, it is suggested you hang out at the nearby Yuyuan Bazaar. It is a quaint block for shopping and dining. Here, you will have a culinary exploration of various Shanghai cuisines and snacks, and select souvenirs at distinctive handicraft stores.
3. Shanghai Museum: A Feast of Ancient Chinese Artworks
As is known to all, China is an ancient civilization with a history dating back over 5,000 years. The profound history and brilliant culture have left the country with a wide variety of artistic masterpieces. In Shanghai Museum, you can appreciate more than 120,000 pieces of artistic works created in different periods, with bronze ware, paintings, and calligraphy works being the most characteristic.
Related reading: Top 15 Must-Visit Museums in Shanghai
4. Experience Leisure Lifestyle at Zhujiajiao Water Town
Zhujiajiao Water Town is a great destination for visitors traveling to Shanghai to have a one-day relaxing tour. The town is crisscrossed with canals and connected by 36 ancient stone bridges. Hundreds of traditional buildings constructed during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911) stand along the water lanes. Staying in the town, you will feel like being brought back hundreds of years ago.
There are a lot of ways to enjoy yourself. You may roam along flagstone-paved alleys to feel the beauty of the ancient buildings, take a boat ride to obtain a special sightseeing experience, sample local snacks and specialties, and enjoy leisure time at a quaint tea house by the water…
5. Tianzifang: Feel the Artistic Ambience of Shanghai
Tianzifang is a historical and cultural block developed from traditional Shikumen residences. It will be a special visiting experience to wander along maze-like alleys here with featured boutiques and artistic workshops jumping into your sight at every step. Most stores are owned by independent designers and craftsmen, selling traditional handicrafts like Chinese Qipao, handmade leather goods, and original-designed jewelry.
Tianzifang is also full of vintage restaurants serving delicacies from around the world, including Italian pizza, French bread and Japanese sushi. Why not have a drink after a big meal? Chic cafes and bars in Tianzifang are great places for rest and leisure.
Recommended Shanghai Day Tour:
Explore Shanghai's classical Yuyuan Garden and historic Shikumen lanes before ascending the Oriental Pearl Tower for panoramic views, ending with a dazzling Huangpu River night cruise.
How Many Days to Spend in Shanghai?
Generally speaking, a 3-day Shanghai travel itinerary is enough to cover the essence of the city. Most visitors like to spend 2 days exploring the city center and spare 1 day to take an extended trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town on the outskirts.
If you’re eligible for the 10-day visa-free policy, you can plan a more flexible trip that includes visits to nearby cities like Suzhou or Hangzhou.
Recommended 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Shanghai arrival
Day 2: Shanghai Museum, Yuyuan Garden+Yuyuan Market, Jinmao Tower, Nanjing Road, the Bund
Day 3: Zhujiajiao Water Town, Shanghai departure
Recommended Tour:
Discover Shanghai city of its fascinating ancient relics and its awe-inspiring skyscrapers existing only in the giant metropolis in this 3-day private Shanghai tour. The local expert tour guide tog...
Recommended 4-Day Itinerary
If there is still time left, you may consider seeking more delights in Shanghai, such as Shanghai Disney Resort, Jade Buddha Temple and a Seven Treasure Town.
Day 1: Shanghai Arrival
Day 2: Shanghai Museum, Yuyuan Garden+Yuyuan Market, Jinmao Tower, Nanjing Road, the Bund
Day 3: Disneyland Park
Day 4: Shanghai departure (if time allows, also add a visit to Zhujiajiao Water Town before leaving)
Recommended Tour:
Spend a full magical day at Shanghai Disneyland Park alongside visits to the Bund, Yuyuan Garden, and the fascinating Shanghai Natural History Museum on this family-friendly tour.
7-Day Itinerary Combining a Side Trip to Nearby Cities
The high-speed railway network of China makes it much more convenient to reach other popular tourist cities in China from Shanghai. A lot of visitors would like to spend another one or two days extending their Shanghai trips to nearby cities.
Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Huangshan are the most popular destinations, which can be accessed by high-speed train in around 30 minutes, 1 hour, and 3 hours respectively.
Day 1: Shanghai Arrival
Day 2: Shanghai Museum, Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai World Financial Center, Nanjing Road, the Bund
Day 3: Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, Former French Concession, depart by train to Hangzhou
Day 4: West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Feilai Peak, Meijiawu Tea Village, China National Tea Museum
Day 5: take a high-speed train to Huangshan, Hongcun Ancient Village
Day 6: Yellow Mountain
Day 7: Lion Peak, Tunxi Ancient Street, Hu Kaiwen Ink-stick Factory, Huangshan Departure
Recommended Tour:
Journey through booming Shanghai, scenic Hangzhou's West Lake, and magnificent Yellow Mountain with bullet train connections over seven unforgettable days.
Best Time to Visit Shanghai
It is highly recommended that visitors set out on their trips to Shanghai during spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) when Shanghai enjoys moderate temperatures, which is suitable for sightseeing.
Besides, you can take in the most colorful scenery in spring when the grass sprouts out and flowers are in full bloom, while hairy crabs are in season in October and you should never miss the chance to get a treat of fat crabs when you travel to Shanghai in autumn.
A brief look at Shanghai’s seasonal weather:
- Spring (March – May): The weather in spring is comfortable with an average temperature of 16℃. But the climate might be a little dry with frequent windy days.
- Summer (June – August): Shanghai has a rainy period from mid-June to early July. And July and August are the hottest months of the year with an average temperature of 32℃.
- Autumn (September – November): The weather is pleasantly cool in autumn with low rainfall, more bright days, and fresh air.
- Winter (December – February): The winter in Shanghai is not very cold, with an average temperature of around 10℃ in the daytime.
Where to Stay in Shanghai
As an international metropolis and popular tourist destination in China, Shanghai provides visitors with a great range of accommodation choices, from luxurious hotels to youth hostels. Hotels that are close to metro stations are recommended in order to make your trip to major attractions more convenient. Here, we have a few selected areas to stay in Shanghai for your reference:
- The Bund Area: The Bund offers visitors a great perspective to enjoy the stunning skyline of Lujiazui across the Huangpu River, and houses many upscale hotels.
- People’s Square Area: People’s Square is located in the heart of Shanghai City. The region is full of department stores and restaurants, making shopping and dining much more convenient.
- Xintiandi Area: Xintiandi is a vintage block featuring traditional Shikumen residences. You can find a lot of chic cafes, bars, tea houses, and restaurants around the place.
- Pudong Area: Pudong New Area is located opposite the Bund on the eastern bank of Huangpu River and is home to numerous stylish mansions and skyscrapers.
How to Get to Shanghai: Flights, High-Speed Trains, Cruise
Shanghai is a major transportation hub, and it can be reached by flight, high-speed train, or cruise. The best option depends on your departure city, budget, and available travel time.
- Flight: A flight is always the fastest choice for long-distance travel from major Chinese cities to international destinations.
- High-speed Train: This is the most convenient option for traveling from Shanghai to nearby cities such as Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Nanjing.
- Cruise: Cruise is a less common but more scenic alternative for travelers arriving from Japan, South Korea, or on a Yangtze River cruise from Chongqing.
Recommended Routes
Departure City |
Recommended Transport |
Travel Time |
One-Way Price |
Beijing |
High-speed Train / Flight |
4.5–6 hrs / 2.5 hrs |
RMB 400–1,500 (USD 56–208) |
Xi’an |
Flight |
About 2.5 hrs |
RMB 500–1,400 (USD 69–194) |
Hangzhou |
High-speed Train |
About 1 hr |
RMB 50–150 (USD 7–21) |
Suzhou |
High-speed Train |
25–40 mins |
RMB 25–80 (USD 3.5–11) |
Nanjing |
High-speed Train |
1–2 hrs |
RMB 50–220 (USD 7–31) |
Plan a Shanghai Trip with China Xian Tour
Shanghai is undoubtedly a must-visit destination for foreign visitors. It’s such a prosperous metropolis shining in eastern China, and if you want to plan a well-organized visit to this city, China Xian Tour is here to help.
We can customize your itinerary to include everything in Shanghai you want to explore, such as Zhujiajiao Water Town, and nearby destinations like Suzhou and Hangzhou. With private transfers, experienced local guides, carefully selected hotels, and 24/7 travel support, you’ll have an incredibly hassle-free trip. Every moment in the city will be precious and unforgettable.
