Shanghai Travel Guide: Essential Tips and Highlights

Arriving by Flight: Shanghai is accessible through two major airports: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). International travelers typically land at PVG, which is about 40 km from downtown. A taxi from PVG to the city center takes 40-50 minutes and costs between CNY150-200. To avoid traffic, consider arriving after 19:00. Alternatively, the Maglev Train offers the world’s fastest train journey, taking only 8 minutes to reach Longyang Road station from PVG, where you can transfer to Line 2 of the Shanghai Metro. The total journey is approximately 35 minutes, with tickets priced at CNY50 for a one-way trip and CNY80 for a round trip.

From Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA): Located 12 km from downtown, SHA is also easily accessible by taxi, with a 20-minute ride costing between CNY65-97. For a more economical option, you can use Lines 2 and 10 of the Shanghai Metro from Terminal 2, which take about 20 minutes and cost CNY3-5 to reach the city center.

Getting Around Shanghai: Shanghai’s public transport system is extensive, making it easy to navigate the city. The Shanghai Metro, with over 17 lines, is the most recommended mode of transport, avoiding notorious traffic jams. One-way tickets range from CNY3-9, and a One-Day Pass is available for CNY18. Buses are an alternative, with a flat fee of CNY2 and routes that extend beyond Metro hours. Taxis are also a convenient option, especially during off-peak hours.

Some people might find it intimidating to communicate with taxi drivers in Shanghai. A great tip is to have the destination address in Chinese written down or displayed on your phone to show the driver when boarding. If taking a taxi from a hotel, get the service staff to help communicate the destination.4. Best Times to Visit Shanghai. Shanghai has a humid subtropical climate. Spring (March to May) is the busiest tourism period. March and April are cool, with average highs of 17C (approx. 62F) and lows of 8C (approx. 46F). A coat is recommended. In May, it gets warmer with highs of 26C (approx. 79F) and lows of 17C (approx. 62F). A light jacket is sufficient. Summer (June to August) has average highs of 32C (approx. 90F) and experiences the ‘Plum Rain’ monsoon season with significant rainfall. Pack an extra change of clothes. Autumn (September to November) is also busy. Temperatures are comfortable, with highs averaging 23C (approx. 74F) and lows averaging 16C (approx. 61F). Consider a light jacket for cool evenings. Winter (December to February) is the quietest time for tourists. It rarely snows but can be cold and damp. January is the coldest month with lows averaging 1C (approx. 34F) and possible below-freezing temperatures. December and February are still cold but won’t go below freezing, with highs averaging 10C (approx. 50C) and lows averaging 3C (37F).5. Top 3 Things to Do in Shanghai, China. How much you can see and do depends on the duration of your visit. Here are some of our favorite sights. Yu Garden. First built in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty, Yu Garden, also known as Yuyuan, is Shanghai’s oldest green space. It consists of an outer and an inner garden. Located on Anren Road, next to the City God Temple, accessible from Yuyuan Garden metro station via Line 10. Yuyuan Bazaar leads visitors in and features souvenir stores and eateries. The Outer Garden has Sansui Hall, Wanhua Chamber, Dianchun Hall, Hujing Hall, and Yuhua Hall. The Inner Garden features rockeries, ponds, pavilions, and towers. Yu Garden has a rating of 4.7/5 with 47,464 reviews. Categories include Gardens and Nighttime sightseeing. I have been to Shanghai many times, and this was my first time visiting Yu Garden. I entered at around 9 o’clock on a weekday morning. There weren’t many tourists and it was very quiet, so I enjoyed playing there.

Here, the natural landscape and cultural landscape are cleverly combined, which is extremely interesting. There are gardens within gardens, and the scenery changes as you move. It’s truly wonderful!

Around a 20-minute walk from Yu Garden is one of Shanghai’s most famous attractions, The Bund – or Waitan. The promenade stretches 1.5 km (approx. 0.9 miles) along the western bank of the Huangpu River and faces the modern skyscrapers of Lujiazui in Pudong District. The colonial-style historical buildings along The Bund once housed several banks and trading houses, as well as the Russian and English consulates. It is recommended to visit The Bund right before sunset to await the spectacular lighting-up of the buildings surrounding the promenade.

The Bund has a rating of 4.8/5 and 152,469 reviews. It is part of the 2024 Asia 100 – Best Things to Do and features in the categories of Featured Neighborhoods and Nighttime sightseeing. Walking on the Bund at night, the complex under the lights is abnormally amazing. The light show staged by the modern high-rise buildings in Pudong New Area on the other side of the Huangpu River is very demonic. Taking a night cruise, blowing the river breeze, listening to the explanation, and watching the colorful scenery on both sides of the Straits is so pleasant!

Lujiazui, the central business district of Shanghai, is home to the city’s tallest and most iconic skyscrapers. For a bird’s eye view of Shanghai, the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jinmao Tower, and the Shanghai World Financial Center are just some of the skyscrapers equipped with top-floor observatories. To get the highest view of Shanghai, head over to the Shanghai Tower – the second-tallest building in the world. The tower stands 632m (2,073 ft) with an astonishing 127 floors above ground. The Shanghai Tower Observation Deck is located on the 118th floor of the tower and requires you to take the world’s fastest elevator. Enjoy panoramic views of the Huangpu River, Puxi, and several other surround skyscrapers from there.

Lujiazui has a rating of 4.8/5 and 3,517 reviews. It is also part of the Featured Neighborhoods and Nighttime sightseeing categories. Lujiazui is located on the bank of the Huangpu River in Pudong New Area, across the river from the Bund. It is a leading financial business district at home and abroad and one of the most attractive places in Shanghai. There are many high-rise buildings here, such as the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Shanghai International Convention Center, and the Shanghai World Financial Center. Every night, the lights of these high-rise buildings are lit up, making the entire Lujiazui dazzling. In addition, Lujiazui also has many shopping malls, restaurants, and cafes, which is a good place for people to relax and have fun. If you come to Shanghai, you must not miss Lujiazui. In the Lujiazui area, you can participate in the following activities at night: 2024 Lujiazui Riverside Fluorescent Night Run. This is a night run event held on the Lujiazui Riverside, usually with dynamic music and shining fluorescent decorations.

The Light and Shadow Market is held in the sunken square in the center of Lujiazui Riverside. It features star-studded lighting, open-air movies, and live band performances.

There are dining discount activities, such as the 15% discount event for dining evening market launched by Shanghai Zhengda Plaza.

Lujiazui Central Greenland is an open lawn located in the core area of Lujiazui Financial and Trade Center in Pudong New Area. It has a rating of 4.7/5 and 12,892 reviews. It is known as Shanghai’s “urban green lung” and is classified as a city park for nighttime sightseeing. The green space covers an area of about 100,000 square meters and provides a quiet leisure space for the surrounding financial district as well as an oasis in the city. The design is mainly green, supplemented by artificial lake waterscape. The terrain is undulating and well-proportioned. The lawn area reaches 65,000 square meters and is planted with cold-season grass seeds introduced from Europe to ensure year-round greenery. The green space is dotted with plants like weeping willows, white magnolias, ginkgo, and cedars, full of vitality and vigor. At the entrance, there is a sculpture with the theme of “Spring”, consisting of eight blooming steel structure “flowers”, symbolizing vitality and vigor. The winding road outlines the pattern of white magnolia flowers in Shanghai, and in the middle is the 8,600 square meter central lake, designed in the shape of a Pudong map plate. There is a 28-meter-high landscape tent on the lakeside, which looks like a sail and gives people endless reverie. In the center of the artificial lake, there is a 40-meter-high main fountain, surrounded by auxiliary fountains. When the water column sprays out, the double-layer circular auxiliary fountains surround the towering main water column, presenting a spectacular sight. To the south of the artificial lake is a hydrophilic platform with a group of white European-style pergolas. Underneath are stone round tables and stools, surrounded by low wooden fences, reflecting the pastoral style of the combination of Chinese and Western styles. Additionally, to the south of the green space, there is a two-story house with four entrances and three courtyards named Yingchuan Xiaozhu, which reflects the typical style of the fusion of Chinese and Western architectural cultures. This building has been studied and renovated many times during the construction of the green space and is now the location of the Wu Changshuo Memorial Hall. Lujiazui Central Green is open from 05:00 to 22:00 all year round, providing a free leisure place for the public and is a great place for citizens and tourists to enjoy nature and relax.

Shanghai cuisine is famous for its sugary and oily local cuisine. Street food in Shanghai often comes in the form of hole-in-walls with limited options to choose from.
Discover the flavors of Shanghai with must-try dishes such as Xiaolongbao, Shengjianbao, and Hongshao Rou. For a taste of the season, indulge in Dazhaxie during fall and winter. Non-speakers can easily order by pointing at menu images or using hand gestures to indicate quantity.

For an authentic culinary experience, visit People’s Square, home to a multitude of dining options along Huanghe Road and Guizhou Road. Alternatively, tour agencies like UnTour Food Tours offer English-guided food tours, including dumpling-making classes.

People’s Square, with a 4.7/5 rating and over 10,000 reviews, is a hub for squares, nighttime sightseeing, and attractions in tourism. Located in Huangpu District, it is a blend of historical culture and modern urban life, catering to various tourist interests.

1. **People’s Square**: An iconic attraction, offering city scenery and a music fountain that performs daily, ideal for photography and relaxation. Open 24/7, though it’s best to avoid peak hours.

2. **Shanghai Museum**: Situated south of People’s Square, this museum houses a vast collection of ancient Chinese art, including bronzeware, ceramics, and paintings, providing insight into ancient Chinese culture. It’s recommended to book in advance.

3. **Shanghai Grand Theatre**: On the northwest side of People’s Square, this modern venue hosts various performances, from opera to symphony, and is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. Book tickets according to the performance schedule and arrive early.

4. **Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street**: A short distance from People’s Square, this is one of Shanghai’s most renowned shopping streets.

Discover the vibrant city of Shanghai with our travel guide. Begin your journey on the pedestrian street, a shopper’s and foodie’s paradise, open 24/7. However, to avoid crowds, plan your visit outside of holiday and weekend peak hours.

Dining in Shanghai has become a global experience, with a diverse range of affordable cuisines. In the Former French Concession, you can find Italian, American, and Turkish restaurants side by side. For a more upscale dining experience, Xintiandi offers a complex of high-end restaurants in a unique Shikumen-style setting. Celebrated chefs like Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Umberto Bombana, and Jason Atherton have found success in Shanghai’s culinary scene.

Xintiandi, with a rating of 4.7/5 and 1,579 reviews, is a must-visit neighborhood for travelers. It’s not just about the food; it’s also a hotspot for nightlife sightseeing.

Shanghai is a shopper’s dream, with mid-range to upscale malls in central districts like Jing’an, Changning, Huangpu, and Xujiahui. The Former French Concession is lined with small boutiques, while Nanjing Road is known as a shopping mecca. This 6-mile-long street spans across Jing’an and Huangpu Districts, offering high-end shopping malls in the west and a pedestrian street of specialty stores in the east.

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, with a 4.7/5 rating and 43,673 reviews, is an iconic shopping district in Shanghai. It’s known as ‘China Commercial First Street’ and offers a mix of international and domestic brands, along with a rich historical and cultural heritage. The street’s architecture ranges from historic buildings to modern high-rises, creating a distinctive urban landscape.

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is also a popular attraction, always bustling with activity. Here, you can enjoy Bund Sightseeing, just a short distance away, which offers a stunning view of the Huangpu River and the World Architecture Expo. It’s perfect for evening visits to capture the night views.

Peace Park, located near Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, is an ideal spot to relax. The park, with its tree-lined paths and scenic lakes and mountains, is a popular recreational area for locals and visitors alike.

Discover the best of Shanghai with our comprehensive travel guide. Visit during the day to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature. The ideal time to explore Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is outside of peak hours, from 7:30-9:00 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM, to avoid crowds and enhance your experience.

For convenience, choose accommodation near Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. This area offers a variety of hotels and homestays to suit any budget or preference. With numerous high-end and budget options available, you’re sure to find the perfect place to stay.

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is not just a shopping destination but also a cultural hub. West Nanjing Road boasts a 4.6/5 rating with 588 reviews, making it a featured neighborhood. Meilong Town Square, a landmark since 1997, has been part of the ‘Meilong Town Golden Triangle’ with Hang Lung Plaza and CITIC Pacific. Despite recent renovations, Meilong Town’s elegance remains, with its facade wrapped in wonderful posters, a testament to its former glory.

Huaihai Road, dubbed the ‘Champs Elysees of the Orient’, is a 3-mile international shopping street divided into three distinct parts. Xintiandi Plaza and Hong Kong Plaza offer luxury brands and boutiques, connected to the South Huangpi metro station. Huaihai Middle Road features specialty food stores and lifestyle brands in old European-style buildings. Further down, Parkson Mall and IAPM await.

For a curated shopping experience, visit Tianzifang in the Former French Concession. This area, located outside Dapuqiao metro station, is filled with crafts shops, design studios, boutiques, novelty stores, bars, and cafes. The Shikumen-style buildings are still inhabited, offering a unique shopping experience. Tianzifang has a 4.5/5 rating with 52,335 reviews and is known for its rich historical and cultural heritage, featuring a mix of architectural styles and dozens of factories remaining from the French Concession period.

As early as 1931, the famous painter Wang Yachen and his wife settled in and founded a school and an artists’ association, sowing the seeds of art. Later, with the settlement of cultural celebrities like Chen Yifei and Huang Yongyu, it attracted many cultural and artistic practitioners and enterprises to gather, becoming a model of the perfect combination of Shanghai’s historical culture and modern aesthetics. The old archways and alleys tell the vicissitudes of history, making people feel as if they have stepped into old Shanghai.

Tianzifang is full of a rich literary and artistic atmosphere. There are many painter studios, design studios, photography studios, pottery galleries, etc., and a wide variety of art works. It is a paradise for art lovers. Art exhibitions, cultural salons, and creative markets are often held, injecting endless vitality into the neighborhood. Walking in the alleys, one can see art installations and street performances from time to time, fully feeling the strong artistic atmosphere.

The life atmosphere is also very strong. Some aboriginals still live in the alleys. They live in their inherent living conditions and are the ones who truly experience the changes in Tianzifang. This makes Tianzifang not only elegant in art but also plain in life, full of the atmosphere of fireworks.

In terms of business, Tianzifang is full of shops, including cafes, bars, food stores, handicraft workshops, etc. It is not only a paradise for food but also gathers many snack stalls and specialty restaurants. There are both traditional Shanghai snacks like xiaolongbao and shengjianbao and delicacies from all over the country. It is also a good place for shopping, gathering a variety of creative goods and handicrafts. Whether it is exquisite ceramic artworks or fashionable clothing accessories, people can find what they like and can also choose unique gifts or special souvenirs.

The architectural style is unique. Old Shanghai-style buildings such as Shikumen and pavilions blend with modern decoration and business methods to form a unique style. Visitors can appreciate historical buildings here, feel the charm of old Shanghai, and take photos. The high and low, well-arranged Shikumen buildings are full of old Shanghai style.

However, Tianzifang is not perfect. With the increase in tourists, the commercial atmosphere is getting stronger, which may make some tourists feel a little noisy and crowded and lose some of the original tranquility. Moreover, in many specialty shops, there may be a certain homogeneity of goods.

Overall, Tianzifang is a place where tradition and modernity, East and West, classic and popular are blended. It has a unique charm and is worth exploring and feeling for tourists. Whether you want to experience the artistic atmosphere, taste food, shop, or feel the style of old Shanghai, you can get what you want here. But for tourists who are too pursuing tranquility or sensitive to commercialization, it is not suitable.

Shanghai Travel Guide: What to Know Before You Visit

Local Lifestyle and Public Security: Shanghai is renowned for being one of the safest cities in China. Violent crime is rare, and the streets are safe to walk about at night.

Food & Water Safety: When it comes to water, tap water in Shanghai is safe for teeth brushing but not for consumption unless boiled. Bottled water is widely available in all convenience stores, supermarkets, and dining areas.

Currency: The currency in Shanghai is the Chinese Yuan (元/¥), also known as Renminbi (RMB).

Religion: While religion is not widely practiced in Shanghai, you can find Buddhist temples, Protestant and Catholic churches, and mosques around the city.

Culture: Modern day Shanghai blends Western cultures with the local Wuyue culture, creating a unique fusion.

Sustainability: Since 2018, the local Shanghainese government has been prioritizing environmental protection. Most hotels no longer provide disposable toiletries, and electric vehicles are the norm. Additionally, the use of plastic bags and containers has been banned.