Shanghai, an oriental metropolis where the past and future intertwine. This Shanghai guide will help you deeply experience the city’s multifaceted nature and effortlessly plan a fulfilling and authentic Shanghai trip
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- City Overview
- Must-Visit Attractions
- In-Depth Experience Recommendations
- A Culinary Taste of Shanghai
- Best Month to Visit
- Transportation & Accommodation
- Shanghai Practical Guide
- Itinerary Planning Suggestions
City Overview
Located on China’s east coast, Shanghai is a vital economic, financial, and cultural hub. The city is renowned for its unique blend of Chinese and Western styles—you can stroll along the historic buildings of the Bund or stand atop the observation deck in Pudong overlooking the futuristic skyline. Shanghai is also a city best explored on foot, with many surprises hidden in its streets and alleys.
I. Must-Visit Highlights
Shanghai’s brilliance is encapsulated in its diverse landmarks. From the historic Bund to the towering Lujiazui, from tranquil classical gardens to vibrant theme parks, these attractions form the first chapter in understanding Shanghai.
The Bund: An Exhibition of International Architecture and a Panoramic View of the Huangpu River
The Bund is the soul of Shanghai. Stretching along the west bank of the Huangpu River are dozens of historical buildings of diverse styles, while the opposite bank showcases landmarks of Shanghai’s modern development. As dusk falls, the lights on both banks illuminate the area, creating a stunning spectacle for photographers.
At the Bund, you can stroll along the waterfront and admire the Shanghai charm, or take a cruise on the Huangpu River to enjoy the scenery on both sides.
- The Bund lights are usually turned on after 6:00 PM (when it starts to get dark). If you want to take a Huangpu River cruise, the daytime cruise is open from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM; the nighttime cruise is open from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower: A classic symbol of Shanghai0.
As an iconic building completed in the 1990s, the Oriental Pearl Tower is deeply ingrained in people’s minds with its unique “pearls falling on a jade plate” design. Ascending to different observation decks on the sphere offers a historical perspective overlooking the entire development of Pudong. The tower also features a suspended glass walkway and the Shanghai Urban History Development Exhibition Hall, providing a multi-dimensional tour experience.
- Just so you know, there’s a free light show on the Oriental Pearl Tower in the plaza at night: Summer Time – 19:00/20:00/21:00/22:00, Winter Time – 19:00/20:00/21:00
- Observation tickets come in combinations of different spheres, which can be selected according to interest. The second sphere (263-meter main observation deck) offers the best views. The plaza at the foot of the tower is a great spot for taking panoramic photos of the Lujiazui skyline.
Yu Garden and Chenghuang Temple: Time Travel to the Ming and Qing Dynasties
Located in the old town of Shanghai, Yu Garden is a classic Jiangnan garden with a history of over four hundred years. The layout of pavilions, towers, and artificial hills and pools within the garden is exquisite, and strolling through it allows one to experience the elegant tastes of ancient literati. The adjacent Chenghuang Temple business district is bustling with activity, and the clusters of ancient-style buildings are filled with snack stalls, tea houses, and souvenir shops, exuding a strong street atmosphere.
- Note: Yu Garden offers both day and night tickets. The ambiance during the day and at night are quite different. You can choose to visit Yu Garden during the day and enjoy the night view of the Bund at night, complementing the bustling business district.
Lujiazui Financial District: Touching the Skyline of the Clouds
Crossing the Huangpu River, you arrive at Lujiazui, the modern heart of Shanghai. This area is home to the tallest buildings in China and even the world: the Shanghai Tower (the tallest building in China), the Shanghai World Financial Center, and the Jinmao Tower, among others. Climbing to the observation deck of any of these buildings offers a magnificent panoramic view of the entire city.
If you visit the Lujiazui Financial Center, you can choose your favorite building’s observation deck to take a look and overlook the entire Huangpu River.
- Photography tips: To capture the “three must-see spots” in Lujiazui, you can take a photo from above at the intersection of Huayuanshiqiao Road and Dongtai Road, ensuring all three spots are in the same frame. The best times to capture these spots are in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
- Travel tips: Take a walk or ride along the riverside boulevard, or take a ferry at the Dongchang Road ferry terminal to the Bund. The fare is only 2 yuan, and you can enjoy the scenery on both sides of the river along the way.
Xintiandi and Shikumen: When History Meets Fashion
Xintiandi is a prime example of Shanghai’s successful modernization of historical heritage. Based on the traditional Shikumen architecture of Shanghai, this area offers a glimpse into the city’s exquisite nightlife and fashionable ambiance.
- Sightseeing tips: Xintiandi is divided into Beili (with more dining bars) and Nanli (with more shopping centers). During the day, you can admire the architecture and shop, while the atmosphere is particularly lively at night. Nearby, there is also the Memorial Hall of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China, which can be visited together. Strolling through the surrounding alleys, you can also discover the original Shikumen residential houses that have not been commercially renovated.
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town: A Memory of Shanghai’s Water Town
Zhujiajiao, located in Qingpu District, is the closest and relatively well-preserved ancient water town in the Jiangnan region to downtown Shanghai. You can take a hand-rowed boat and navigate through the winding river, admiring the white walls and black tiles on both sides; stroll on the Fangsheng Bridge, the longest five-arch stone bridge in Shanghai; or explore the exquisite gardens hidden in the narrow alleys (such as the Keshizhi Garden) and the bustling North Street, and taste local specialties such as braised pork, Zongzi, and smoked green beans.
- Tip: There is no admission fee for the ancient town, but some smaller attractions require separate tickets. The attractions in the ancient town are scattered, so it is recommended to scan the QR code for admission before 15:00 each day
Disney Resort: Igniting the Fantastic Dreams in Your Heart
Shanghai Disneyland is the first Disney theme park in Chinese Mainland, incorporating unique Chinese elements. Besides the classic castles, parade floats, and fireworks displays, it also features the world’s only “Fantasyland” themed area and a “Toy Story”-themed area. If you are a fan of Toy Story, you definitely should come and visit.
- Note: Disney’s ticket prices may vary based on actual conditions, so daily prices may differ. It is recommended to download the “Shanghai Disney Resort APP” in advance before entering the park to obtain a reservation waiting card for the day, view maps, check wait times for attractions, and entertainment performance schedules.
II. In-depth experience recommendation
Besides visiting attractions, immersive activities can make travel memories even more vivid. Shanghai offers a variety of experiences, from water cruises to handmade workshops, allowing you to immerse yourself in the city from different perspectives.
- Huangpu River cruise: Taking a sightseeing cruise is the most classic way to enjoy the night view of the Bund and Lujiazui. The boat usually provides simple meals, and you can feel the pulse of this sleepless city while enjoying the river breeze on the deck.
- Exploring the French Concession by Bike: Rent a shared bike and ride through the wutong-lined streets of the former French Concession. Experience the petite bourgeois charm of Shanghai at your own pace.
- Handmade Xiaolongbao: Join a cooking class to learn how to make Shanghai’s iconic dim sum dish, Xiaolongbao. Under the guidance of a professional chef, you’ll personally complete this delicate delicacy, from kneading dough and rolling out wrappers to filling and pleating.
- Shanghai surrounding area tour: You can charter a bus to Suzhou for a one-day trip to visit Chinese-style gardens and experience the gentleness of the Jiangnan water towns
III. Shanghai Flavor: From Local Cuisine to Street Snacks
The flavor of Shanghai is a symphony of flavors. It encompasses delicate and exquisite local cuisine, steaming hot street snacks, and the essence of cuisine from around the world, all waiting for your taste buds to explore.
Our local cuisine: rich in oil and red sauce, with a hometown flavor
It is recommended to try classic dishes such as Braised pork belly, Sauteed Shrimps, and Yan Du Xian, which have a sweet and salty taste and are particular about cooking techniques and sauces
Xiaolongbao and shengjian
The thin-skinned and juicy Xiaolongbao, and the crispy-bottomed Shengjian Mantou are representative of Shanghai dim sum. They can be enjoyed with a bowl of egg skin soup or hot and sour soup.
Exploring the flavors of street snacks
- Scallion Oil Noodles: Shanghai Scallion Oil Noodles are popular for their rich aroma, simple yet fragrant.
- Zizhuan rice roll: glutinous rice wrapped around deep-fried dough sticks, pork floss, etc., is a local breakfast choice.
- Qingtuan (glutinous rice ball): Originating from the traditional cuisine of the Jiangnan region, it is a springtime favorite dessert with a green exterior.
International dining options
Shanghai boasts numerous high-quality Western restaurants, Japanese restaurants, Southeast Asian cuisine restaurants, and fusion cuisine restaurants, offering flavors from almost all over the world.
IV. When to Visit: The Charm of the Four Seasons and the Highlights of Each Month
Shanghai has a subtropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons.
- Best Time to Visit (Spring: March-May & Autumn: September-November): The climate is most comfortable and pleasant. Spring brings blooming flowers, and autumn offers clear, crisp skies, perfect for all outdoor activities. These two seasons are also peak tourist seasons.
- Summer (June-August): Hot and humid, with occasional heavy rains or rainy seasons. However, lush vegetation, lively indoor activities, and night markets are plentiful. Take precautions against heatstroke.
- Winter (December-February): Cold and damp, with occasional sub-zero temperatures. Fewer tourists, making hotel prices more affordable. Special festive decorations are available during Christmas and Lunar New Year.
Monthly Highlights (for those who want to appreciate the beauty of the seasons):
- March-April: Plum blossoms in Qingpu, rapeseed flowers in Fengxian, and peach blossoms in Pudong bloom in succession.
- September-October: The best time to enjoy hairy crabs, offering a unique experience. Alternatively, participate in…
- December: Christmas light decorations in shopping districts throughout the city.
- January-February: Lunar New Year, with the Yu Garden Lantern Festival being the most famous.
V. Transportation and Accommodation
Convenient city transportation and comfortable accommodations are the cornerstones of a good travel experience. Understanding Shanghai’s transportation network and the characteristics of its main accommodation areas will help you move freely in this metropolis and find the perfect place to relax.
Arrival in Shanghai:
- By Air: Primarily accessible via Shanghai Pudong International Airport (mainly handling flights to Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and international flights) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (mainly handling domestic flights). Both airports are connected to the city center by subway, airport buses, and taxis.
(Both airports are accessible by Metro Line 2 to other areas of Shanghai)
- Railways: Shanghai is a major railway hub, with Shanghai Station, Shanghai Hongqiao Station (the main high-speed rail station, near Hongqiao International Airport), and Shanghai South Station connecting to the rest of the country. High-speed rail is an efficient way to travel to surrounding cities (such as Suzhou and Hangzhou).
(At Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, you can take Metro Lines 2, 10, and 7. If you are located in the West Kowloon area of Hong Kong, you can take the West Kowloon High-Speed Rail directly to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station.)
City transportation:
- Subway: Operating hours are 5:30 AM to 11:50 PM. The network is extremely extensive, covering almost all major attractions, making it the preferred mode of transportation. You can use the “Metro Metropolis” app to scan a QR code to ride, or purchase tickets on-site.
- Taxi/Ride-hailing: Taxis are readily available. Ride-hailing services (such as Didi Chuxing) are more convenient and support English interface booking. Ensure the driver uses the meter.
- Shared Bikes: Very common and suitable for short-distance exploration. Requires scanning a QR code with WeChat or Alipay to use.
Payment methods: Shanghai recently launched a “contactless payment” system, making it more convenient for foreign tourists to travel using credit and debit cards. Now, subway station turnstiles directly accept international credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and JCB for contactless payments. In addition, Apple Pay and other commonly used e-wallets linked to foreign credit cards are also accepted.
Accommodation options:
- The Bund/Nanjing East Road area: The most popular tourist area, convenient transportation, close to classic attractions, with hotels ranging from luxury to budget.
- Jing’an Temple/French Concession area: More elegant and fashionable, filled with boutique hotels and designer guesthouses, surrounded by cafes and restaurants, suitable for travelers who enjoy leisurely strolls.
- Lujiazui/Pudong area: A modern business district, mostly high-end hotels offering unparalleled river and city views.
VI. Shanghai Practical Guide: Essential Information for an Easy Trip
Local Language
Mandarin is the official language, but Shanghainese may be spoken among locals. The following basic phrases are helpful:
- Hello: Nǐ hǎo
- Thank you: Xièxie
- Excuse me…: Qǐng wèn… (Excuse me/May I ask…)
- How much is this?: Zhège duōshao qián?
- I don’t understand Chinese: Wǒ bù dǒng Zhōngwén.
Local application
- Maps and Navigation: Baidu Map or AutoNavi Map (with basic English interface).
- Translation: Google Translate (download the Chinese offline package in advance) or Tencent Translator.
- Transportation: DiDi (switchable to English interface, registration requires a Chinese phone number).
- Dining and Reviews: Dianping (some restaurants have English information).
Before departure, please note
- Power Supply and Adapter: China operates on a 220V voltage system, with socket types primarily being Type A (two-pin flat) and Type I (three-pin angled). It is recommended to bring a universal adapter before departure to ensure electronic devices can be charged properly.
- Payment Preparation: Electronic payment (Alipay/WeChat Pay) is extremely popular in China. Before traveling, you can try to activate payment and other functions within Alipay, or bind an international credit card (Visa/MasterCard) to cover most consumption scenarios. At the same time, it is recommended to carry a certain amount of RMB cash for small payments or in case electronic payment is not available in certain situations.
- Tipping Custom: There is no mandatory tipping practice in China. In most restaurants and taxi services, paying the amount shown on the bill is sufficient. Some high-end hotels or Western-style restaurants may automatically charge a service fee, which will be clearly listed on the bill and no additional payment is required.
- Internet communication: China’s Internet environment differs from that of other countries. Some internationally commonly used websites and applications (such as the Google series, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.) may not be accessible without using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Please make preparations in advance.
VII. Itinerary Planning Suggestions
Regardless of how long you plan to stay in Shanghai or your specific needs, our travel agency offers a variety of pre-packaged Shanghai itineraries, as well as the ability to customize your travel experience. Contact us to tailor-make your Shanghai trip
Recommended Itinerary：
7-Day China Private Tour: Beijing, Xi’an & Shanghai Highlights
13-Day China Tour Package: Shanghai, Tibet, Xi’an, Beijing
The link to the attractions guide in the guidebook is from: China Travel Book
