shanghai travel vlog

Shanghai 5-Day Itinerary (The Best of Shanghai)

Shanghai is a huge city with so much to see and do. Deciding what to do isn’t easy, so this Shanghai 5-day itinerary is here to help you…

This city is a bucket list destination for many. And, that’s not surprising given the spectacular skyline, incredible food and important history.

It’s a place where historic buildings and towering skyscrapers sit side by side. Where cultures collide and millions of people go about their lives.

Despite the international and modern feel, visiting Shanghai can still be overwhelming.

As such, this itinerary and guide is full of practical advice and recommendations for your Shanghai itinerary… All based on my experience in this incredible city!

Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a qualifying purchase.

Visiting Shanghai in 2024

China is only just reopening following years of strict measures and travel restrictions. As such, few international visitors have been there since early 2020.

And Shanghai will have inevitably changed. They’ll be new places and some will have closed.

Because of this, I’ve updated this guide as much as possible with the information I can find. But, some of it will be out of date.

Plus, it will take a while for tourist numbers to recover. The expat community is just a fraction of what it was before and it’s not as easy to get into China at the moment, as it was before.

Tourist Visa for China

Since early 2023, the China transit visa is back – allowing tourists from about 60 countries to stay in the country for up to 6 days.

However, things change quickly. For the most up-to-date information and testing requirements, check out the latest advice on your country’s government website.

If you’re not eligible for a transit visa, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa from an embassy.

What You Need to Know Before Visiting Shanghai

It can be overwhelming to go on a vacation to Shanghai where the culture, language and laws are so different. But with a little preparation and research into what to expect, you can quickly get to grips.

Here are some key bits of information to help you have the best time…

Summers in Shanghai are Scorching Hot

In July and August, temperatures are often in the high 30s. And, when combined with smoggy or humid days can be really insufferable.

If you have a trip planned in the summer, you’ll want to minimise walking and time outdoors. Consider afternoon naps!

Say Goodbye to Google Maps

You’ll need to find a maps app that isn’t Google.

I used Maps.me, which worked perfectly and had all the functionality of Google Maps. This includes being able to star/favourite places and use pre-downloaded offline maps.

Cash is King for Tourists

Shanghai still operates a predominantly cash-based society for tourists. This is because most people use an app for payments that requires a Chinese phone number.

Withdraw cash from banks or ATMs in the city as you’ll need cash for restaurants and tourist attractions. The currency is the Renminbi, which uses units of Yuan.

ATMs are usually inside banks or buildings that have 24-hour access – and even have individual cubicles for total protection.

The availability of ATMs in Shanghai means you don’t need to carry large amounts of cash on you. Find a bank account that offers a 0% transaction fee on foreign withdrawals – then make small, regular withdrawals.

You’ll Feel Cut Off from the Outside World

Pretty much all Western news sites are banned in China. As well as all Western social media networks.

The ban on Google also means Android users can’t use Google Pay, Google Drive etc.

Get a VPN to keep an eye on the news and do research about where to go in Shanghai. Although these aren’t guaranteed to work.

Common Shanghai Myths: Debunked

Myth: you’ll have to use squat toilets in shanghai.

Reality: Not true, I found seated toilets in every public toilet block. Hotel bathrooms always had seated toilets.

And, while some public toilets did have a mix of both, you can simply choose what you are comfortable with. Importantly, and in my experience, accessible toilets offered the best chance of finding a seated toilet.

However, public toilets never provided toilet roll – so make sure to bring your own (or tissues).

Myth: The language barrier will be huge and will affect your experience in Shanghai

Reality: Shanghai is the Chinese city with the most foreign expats. As a result, if something is going to be translated into a second language, then that will be English.

The airports, Metro, museums and tourist attractions are very foreign-tourist friendly.

For local restaurants, the availability of an English menu was hit and miss. And most of the time the staff didn’t speak English. You can either learn the names of foods, use translation apps, or just eat somewhere else.

Myth: All the food is (very) spicy

Reality: Incorrect.

I think this misconception often comes from people who try to find Western food in China, as often this is spicier than what you’d find at home.

But, this is because the restaurants are targeting Chinese people who want to eat Western food rather than Westerners themselves, and as such have catered to local palates.

Having said that, not all Chinese food is spicy. And, compared to Western eateries, a greater proportion of food is freshly prepared to order. So you can ask for less or no spice if you would prefer.

Myth: China is dirty

Reality: This is also really far from the truth. Having first visited China back in 2010, and then twice more in recent years, I have only ever found it to be a clean country, overall.

The streets and Metro of Shanghai were free from litter and all the tourist spots were clearly regularly cleaned.

Historically, spitting was common in China – in public, private, indoor and outdoor places. But, in recent years the Chinese government have been running marketing campaigns to reduce spitting.

With this, they hope to increase the appeal of China to Western tourists and also make Chinese tourists more sanitary visitors to foreign countries.

Myth: Everywhere is overcrowded

Reality: Shanghai is the second-largest city in the world. Estimates of the city’s population range between 24 to 27 million – rising up to 34 million people when you consider the wider metropolitan area.

Shanghai is also a popular domestic tourist destination, attracting citizens from all across the most populated country on Earth. So, if you’re expecting to have The Bund to yourself even by going at 6am, then I’m going to have to disappoint you.

However… Whilst Shanghai is busy, it is not overcrowded. Unless you are visiting on national holidays then you can still enjoy everything on this Shanghai 5-day itinerary without feeling claustrophobic.

Find the best prices and the best dates with flight comparison sites like Skyscanner!

Make sure you use tools such as ‘Add nearby airports’ and set your departure airport as wide as possible (you can just put the United States or UK, for example) to see the cheapest cities to fly from! Check prices for your trip here…

How to get around in Shanghai

Using the metro in shanghai.

The Metro system is going to be your best friend for the 5 days you’re in Shanghai.

It’s cheap, quick and requires absolutely no knowledge of Mandarin! Think of it as a cleaner, cooler and cheaper version of the London Underground.

Ticket prices are based on the distance covered, with fares ranging from 3 to 15 Yuan ($2.20). Given that the 15 Yuan fare is for distances of over 116 km, it’s impressively cheap!

Additionally, one-day tickets are available for 18 Yuan ($2.60), with a three-day ticket costing 45 Yuan ($6.50).

Tickets can be bought from self-service machines that can be changed to a language that suits you. Signs on trains, platforms and in the station are also in English as well as Mandarin.

Taxis and Buses in Shanghai

Since the 17 Metro lines cover most of the city, it’s unlikely you’ll need to use taxis or buses during your 5 days in Shanghai. Taxi prices start at 14 Yuan increasing by 2.5 Yuan for each kilometre and are higher at night.

To avoid confusion, anxiety and unintentional city tours – having a screenshot or printed version of the place you are going in Mandarin is good to show the taxi driver.

Certain places are easy to cover on foot, such as The Bund and Nanjing Road. But Shanghai is huge and there can be large distances between places. Given how cheap and quick the metro is, it makes for an easy and convenient choice over long walks. Especially in the heat of summer or cold of winter.

Where to Stay in Shanghai

Pretty much all of the best things to do in Shanghai are located in the centre of the city. As such, I recommend staying as central as possible to make the most of your time here.

Generally speaking, staying near a Metro Line 2 station is best as this line links pretty much everywhere you’ll want to go.

Like all cities, Shanghai has a full range of options from budget to luxury accommodation for your 5 days in Shanghai.

Hostels in Shanghai

The city doesn’t have a big hostel scene and backpackers aren’t too common here. But, there are still a couple of cheap and basic hostels.

Meego Youth Hotel has private rooms and dorms. It’s surrounded by grocery stores, bars and restaurants. The metro is a few blocks away.

Alternatively, Hidden Designer Youth Hostel is located right by People’s Park and Nanjing Road. With a metro station also very close by.

The hostel has private rooms and dorms and allows check-in from midday.

If you’re looking for cheap and cheerful, there are plenty of options in Shanghai.

Conveniently located near the metro, Shanghai Fish Inn Bund has sleek rooms and all the essential facilities. The executive suite even comes in a very budget-friendly price range, so it can be a great place to upgrade for a little extra luxury.

Another option is Seventh Heaven Hotel , located a stone’s throw from the Nanjing Road pedestrian shopping street. As well as being 5 minutes from the metro, the hotel also has a cabaret, beauty salon and massage parlour!

Shanghai is full of mid-range options and a lot of them have pretty good facilities.

One such option is the Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World , situated on the northern side of People’s Park. This hotel is centrally located just metres from the metro and Shanghai’s famous shopping street.

All stays come with free use of the fitness centre and indoor swimming pool! Additionally, if that wasn’t enough, it also has a revolving restaurant on the 45th floor!

If money is no object or you just fancy treating yourself to a night of luxury, you’ll want to check out The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong .

Located among the skyscrapers in Pudong, this hotel is a slice of luxury. This hotel features an indoor swimming pool with panoramic views of the city (free use as a hotel guest).

Plus, all rooms have city views. And, even the cheapest room has a standalone bathtub, an extra-large bed, floor-to-ceiling windows and over 500 square feet of space!

How many days do you need in Shanghai?

5 days is a good amount of time to see the best Shanghai has to offer, without having to rush around like mad! From food to history to culture, the city has something for everyone.

You could see the top attractions in 2 action-packed days. With 3 or 4 days, you’d probably still have to be selective about what you see and do.

Of course, you won’t see the whole city in 5 days. But, in this time, you’ll start to get a real feel for the culture and way of life. And, get to see the best spots in the city.

What to Eat in Shanghai

Shanghai is full of amazing restaurants and street food stalls. And, there are a few foods that you have to try! All of these can be found all across Shanghai, so when you’re in a restaurant keep an eye out for them.

Xiaolongbao

Xiaolongbao is soup dumplings made with pork and/or crab meat, most commonly. The soup is made in advance and then refrigerated to turn into a jelly, in this state it can then be wrapped in the outer shell.

The dumplings are steamed and the jelly melts back to soup inside! Be careful when you eat them though as you don’t want to burn the inside of your mouth!

These are, in essence, crepes that come with a variety of toppings. Normally including egg, spring onions, spicy sauce and a rice cake/cracker.

Additional sweet and savoury options also vary depending on the seller. Jian Bing is commonly sold in small, hole-in-the-wall food outlets on the streets of Shanghai.

Cong you Bing

Cong You Bing is a popular savoury snack across much of China. These scallion (spring onion) pancakes are available in restaurants and street-side stalls. Cheap and tasty!

Shengjianbao

Shengjianbao is fried pork buns, with a much thicker and doughier outside than xiaolongbao.

Yang’s Dumplings restaurants are commonplace in Shanghai and are a perfect place to try these bao buns.

Shanghai 5-Day Itinerary: Day 1

Day 1 of your Shanghai 5-day itinerary should be spent exploring the heart of the city! Use this time to get your bearings in this vast city and it’ll make your next 4 days in Shanghai much easier.

Consider taking a walking tour for a guided view of the city, but you can do it all yourself.

Key stops: People’s Square & Park, Nanjing Road, The Bund, Yu Gardens and the Old City.

People’s Square & People’s Park

Start your day in People’s Square and People’s Park. This is a popular meeting spot for locals in Shanghai.

You’ll find yourself immersed in the Shanghainese culture pretty quickly. Hence, this is the perfect first stop for your Shanghai trip itinerary.

Nanjing Road Shopping Street

Next, you’ll want to visit Nanjing Road, which starts at the northeast corner of People’s Park. It’s full of national and international brand shops and restaurants.

On a warm day, you’ll want to stop for ice cream along this street. Or perhaps a hot drink in winter.

Nanjing Road runs all the way from People’s Square to the next stop and is an absolute must-do in Shanghai…

Home of the most famous viewpoint in all of Shanghai is The Bund! This long, riverside promenade offers spectacular views of the Lujiazui skyscrapers.

Once you’ve finished at the city’s most popular photo spot (it’ll be hard to drag yourself away from the mesmerising view), head south to the next stop.

Make sure you also visit the Bund after dark, the lit-up skyline is one of the best things to see in Shanghai – simply spectacular!

Just a 20-minute walk south along The Bund is the popular and beautiful Yu Gardens.

The small entrance fee (30/40 Yuan [off-peak/peak]) is well worth it to see the 5 acres of gardens, water features and traditional Chinese-style architecture.

Shanghai Old City

The gardens are located in the heart of Shanghai Old City , a great place for exploring.

From the city wall to temples, and streets full of local sellers and shops, it’s a very different experience from central Shanghai.

Take a food tour

Finally, finish off Day 1 of this Shanghai 5-day itinerary with a food tour .

Guided tours are good as they allow you to visit local eateries and be introduced to local cuisines without a language barrier. I went on a tour with Free Tour Asia , although there are other operators available at a range of costs.

> > > RELATED POST: If you only have 1 day in Shanghai, I recommend following this Shanghai one-day itinerary to see the best of the city!

Shanghai 5-Day Itinerary: Day 2

Day 2 of 5 in Shanghai explores the Lujiazui area of the city. It’s home to some of the most popular Shanghai tourist attractions.

Known for its soaring skyscrapers, the architecture and engineering in Lujiazui will leave you in awe!

Key stops: Oriental Pearl Tower, Science Museum, Century Park.

Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower

Put your head in the clouds and journey to the top of some of the tallest buildings in the world.

The Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower provides the full visitor experience with a 360-degree transparent Skydeck at 259 metres up as well as an observation deck at 351 metres.

Other options for skyscrapers include the Shanghai World Financial Center , known by locals as ‘the bottle opener’ for its distinctive look.

The building has three observation floors – including a transparent floor deck on the 100th floor, 474 metres up!

Another option is the Shanghai Tower – the second tallest building in the world at 623 metres high!

The observation floors are located around 550 metres above the ground – for stunning views of Shanghai (or the clouds). Given this, choose a clear day to ascend the Shanghai Tower for the best views.

Science & Technology Museum

Next up, is the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum . It’s three stops along on the Shanghai Metro from the TV tower.

This vast museum covers all areas of science from pre-historic animals to space exploration. There’s something for everyone here and you can easily spend a couple of hours seeing all the exhibitions.

Century Park

Located just a stone’s throw from the science museum is Century Park . This huge, inner-city park is a world away from the skyscrapers.

In the park, you can hire bicycles or pedalos, you can visit the small funfair, or you can just explore the many gardens and lakes. The perfect slice of nature in a busy metropolitan city!

If you exit the park through Exit 7 on the south side then you’ll pass the Century Mart on your way to Century Park Metro station. Is it really a trip abroad without a trip to a local supermarket for unique snacks and drinks? I would say not!

Did I buy several bottles of salted caramel flavour Pepsi? Absolutely, yes! Was it sickeningly nice? Also, yes!

Shanghai 5-Day Itinerary: Day 3

For the mid-point of this Shanghai itinerary, it’s time for a day trip to Hangzhou.

This beautiful city is one of the best day trips from Shanghai and is located just less than 200 kilometres southwest of Shanghai. But, thanks to the high-speed train network, the journey time is just 1 hour!

Key stops: Hangzhou & West Lake.

The high-speed trains run from Shanghai to Hangzhou from Hongqiao Railway Station . Which is located on Line 2 of the metro.

Trains run several times an hour from 6 am to 9.30 pm.

You can buy a ticket from the station – but don’t expect the staff to speak any English. Alternatively, you can book your train tickets in advance and online using 12go.asia – a specialist transport agency. Remember to pack your passport, as this is required to travel on trains in China.

Once you arrive at Hangzhou East Railway Station (Hangzhoudong), take the Metro (Line 1) 5 stops to Fengqi Road. From here, it’s just a 10-minute walk to West Lake – the absolute jewel of Hangzhou.

West Lake in Hangzhou

West Lake is the hub of the best things to see in Hangzhou. There are many attractions, viewpoints and photo spots on the shores.

With stops for attractions, photos and breaks, it’ll take you most of the day to walk the perimeter of the lake. But, rest assured, this is the best place to be in Hangzhou.

All around the lake, you’ll find pavilions, parks, bridges and walking trails. There are viewpoints and photo spots almost everywhere. And you can even take a trip on the lake with the pleasure boat service.

By early evening, you’ll want to be back on the eastern side of the lake to watch the sunset in the west. This is a popular activity at West Lake, so you won’t be alone, but that won’t detract from a magical sunset.

Give yourself enough time to navigate the Metro back to Hangzhou Station and get your train back to Shanghai.

Given everything that we’ve covered so far, you’re only 60% of the way through this Shanghai itinerary! Two more action-packed days to come!

> > > RELATED POST: Looking for a shorted Shanghai trip itinerary? This Shanghai 3-Day Itinerary makes sure you get to visit the best the city has to offer in just a few days!

Shanghai 5-Day Itinerary: Day 4

Day 4 and we’re back exploring some of the best places to visit in Shanghai – it’s what we came to do after all! Today’s itinerary is rather cultured as we visit a host of temples and museums.

Key stops: Jing’an Temple, Food Market, Jade Buddha Temple, History Museum, Urban Planning Museum, Shanghai Museum

Jing’An Temple

First up is the beautiful Jing’an Temple . Which is served by a Metro stop aptly named ‘Jing’an Temple’ on Lines 2 and 7.

Surrounded by skyscrapers and modern-day buildings, this temple complex is just shy of 2000 years old! Although, there have been more recent reconstructions and restorations.

Huxi Mosque Muslim Food Market

Next up, is the Huxi Mosque Muslim Food Market , which runs every Friday from 10 am until 3 pm.

Here, you can sample many delicacies of the Uyghur people such as lamb skewers and freshly baked bread.

The market is located on Changde Road, just a short walk from the Changshou Road Metro Station. Which is two stops north of Jing’an Temple on Line 7.

Jade Buddha Temple

A 20-minute walk away from Huxi Mosque is the Jade Buddha Temple , home to a giant jade-green Buddha statue.

This impressive temple complex is a great place to learn more about Buddhism. And you can easily spend at least an hour here exploring the many parts.

From the Jade Buddha Temple, you should head two Metro stops away to the Shanghai Natural History Museum (Line 13). This tourist-friendly museum is a great place to escape the outside weather for a couple of hours while learning a thing or two.

Although, there are a large number of stuffed (preserved) animals. Which do look quite creepy and perhaps aren’t as accepted in Western culture these days.

A 30-minute walk from the history museum will bring you to the Shanghai Urban Planning Museum .

It isn’t the biggest of museums in Shanghai. But the main attraction is a complete model version of the city of Shanghai. Featuring every building and every road, to scale!

The museum also showcases the rapid development of Shanghai into today’s status as the world’s most populated city!

If you’re not completely sick of museums of this point, then just across the road is Shanghai Museum . This free museum contains 1000s of artefacts and artworks providing a snapshot into China’s history and culture.

Shanghai 5-Day Itinerary: Day 5

For the final day of your Shanghai China itinerary, I’d recommend a slightly easier day (i.e not visiting 5+ attractions in one day!)…

Two potential options: Disneyland Shanghai or Zhujiajiao water town

Disneyland Shanghai

Like all Disney parks around the world, Disneyland Shanghai is a truly magical place and fun for all the family!

If you book tickets at least 7 days in advance online then you get a discount and avoid queuing on the day. Generally, weekends are peak times and weekdays are regular prices.

Despite the high prices, entrance to the park is much cheaper than for other Disney parks around the world (including Hong Kong).

Disneyland Shanghai is the last stop on the eastern end of Line 11 of the Metro. From People’s Square Station, you’ll need to take Line 8 nine stops south to Oriental Sports Center. Then, you’ll need to change to Line 11 for the eight stops to Disneyland.

Zhujiajiao Water Town

Zhujiajiao is located to the west of the city and is an ancient water town. Much like its more famous counterpart, Venice.

The town makes for a great day trip from Shanghai as you can explore the canals, old streets, bridges and take gondola rides.

As the town is a dedicated tourist area, it can get very busy on weekends and public holidays. So I recommend visiting during the week if possible.

You can reach Zhujiajiao via the Metro. You’ll need to take Line 2 all the way to Hongqiao Railway Station stop, then change to Line 17.

After the 11 stops, you’ll arrive at Zhujiajiao Metro Station, which is a 15-minute walk from the water town.

Is Shanghai Safe for Tourists?

Assuming you apply the usual rules of common sense, then yes, Shanghai is a safe city for visitors.

Like anywhere that is popular with tourists, exercise reasonable caution about pickpockets. Avoid putting your phone or wallet in your back (or visible) pockets and make use of hotel safes for valuable items.

Additionally, visitors to China are required by law to carry their passports on them at all times. As such, I recommend finding a safe internal pocket within your bag for this.

Is Shanghai Tourist Friendly?

The city attracts tourists from across China and across the world. But, tourism has been almost non-existent for the last 3 years.

Given the hardships and measures the city had to endure, it’s hard to say how welcome visitors will be made to feel as the country opens its doors.

However, the city has a good tourism infrastructure and will continue to attract visitors for years to come. And if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s to travel while you can.

Is Shanghai an Expensive City?

Shanghai seems to have a reputation as an expensive city. While it would be easy to spend your money here, there are plenty of budget options. And what you do spend on, you get much more value for money than in the West.

Both food, travel and accommodation are fairly cheap. Meaning, that you can make the rest of your trip as cheap or expensive as you want.

For those on a budget, choose from the many free activities, take the metro and eat locally.

But if you want to spend more money there are plenty of tours, western restaurants and international brand shops.

And, for most people visiting Shanghai, they’ll be somewhere in the middle. So, you can choose which experiences are important enough to you, to spend money on.

Is Shanghai worth visiting?

If you like big cities and tall skyscrapers and don’t mind immersing yourself in a totally different culture and language, Shanghai is for you.

In this city, east meets west and historical landmarks sit in the shadows of modern engineering masterpieces. It’s busy, it’s big and it’s every bit worth visiting!

If you have any questions or want any more information drop a comment below and I’ll get back to you!

Prices and offerings mentioned are correct to the best of my knowledge as of April 2023 but are subject to change in future.

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21 thoughts on “Shanghai 5-Day Itinerary (The Best of Shanghai)”

This sounds like a great Itinerary. I find it interesting that such a large city is mostly cash based.

90% of the locals don’t carry a single cent of cash. They scan QR code with their phone to pay. While for foreigners without access to this app, it’s cash only in most stores. Stores catering to tourists do accept credit card.

Yes, this is true. Pretty much everyone uses WeChat for payment, but you need a Chinese mobile number to access the app. So for tourists, it is pretty much cash only. Card payments are accepted in some places, but it’s just easier to have cash as you never know if they will accept Visa/Mastercard/have a working card machine. Apple pay can be used in some places, but Google Pay doesn’t work with the ban on Google.

Such an in-depth guide! You really haven’t missed anything out and it will certainly help me plan my trip to Shanghai! Thanks so much and keep up the great work 🙂

Thank you, glad you found it useful! Hopefully we will all be back travelling freely soon!

A few comments: I felt the Shanghai Art Museum to be more interesting than the Science Museum. You did not mention the MagLev train. If you qualify, the Executive Lounges at China’s international hotels (e.g., Marriott) put anything in America to shame. The tidal bore (Silver Dragon) in Hangzhou at the river is not to be missed, if you time it right.

Ah I should definitely add the MagLev train, there’s not many places in the world you can travel at those speeds (and it feel like a pleasant ride all the same). Thanks for letting me know, I’ll consider these next time I update the post.

I lived in Shanghai for eight years; one in Pudong and the rest in Puxi. This was a very good recap for the city, and the comments are also good. Thank you!

Thank you, glad you enjoyed the post!

Does tourists need to use Ali pay to make payment in Shanghai ? Can foreigners pay with cash in most shop frequent by local?

I haven’t been since before 2020 but I had no problems using cash then and even had free withdrawals from ATMs. It might be worth checking out some forums to see if it’s changed in the last few years especially with the lack of international visitors.

Many thanks for this very interesting article about your 5 days itinerary in Shanghai. Perhaps is our online route planner for the Shanghai metro (subway) usefull as well: https://www.metrocazar.com/shanghai/

Very helpful, thank you!

Going next week and I’m quite nervous! How is english speaking with the locals fare? Last time I was in Shanghai was 20 years ago.

Excited to see shanghai!

I found far fewer people spoke English than I expected, especially in restaurants/shops etc. I’d recommend finding a good offline/non-Google translation app as that’ll help a lot, or using a tour guide, walking tours etc.

This 5-day itinerary looks like a great way to see the best of Shanghai, from historical sites and museums to delicious food and shopping – I don’t know where I’m going to start but I’m looking forward to planning my trip using this guide!

Is the Muslim Friday market really open for business? I read that it has been closed down after covid.

Hi Liza, I believe it has closed down permanently. I tried to leave in places that had closed over the pandemic in the hope they might open again with the return of tourism, but seems that’s not the case here, I will update as soon as I can. Thanks, Zoe

Hey Zoe, I’ve just returned home from China and this is a great itinerary for Shanghai 🙂 Just on the spitting – you’re right about it not being very common in Shanghai. However, if you go to any smaller Chinese city it is still very prevalent. What did you think of Disneyland? I wasn’t sure about going there alone!

Hi Mike, thanks for the feedback, always nice to hear. That’s interesting to know, I haven’t visited any of the smaller Chinese cities since way back in 2010 but it was very widespread then. Always love a Disney trip, sometimes you just have to get your cliche tourist hat on for a day! Thanks, Zoe

Great Itinerary, simple and sweet. Found helpful. Thanks for sharing !!!

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Shanghai travel blog — the fullest shanghai travel guide for first-timers.

This Shanghai tourist destination will give you the feeling of returning to the days of the Republic of China. Because most of the works recreated are almost identical to the originals. You will see Department Store Building No. 1, Xintiandi neighborhood…

• Top places to visit in Shanghai — 29+ famous, must-see & best places to visit in Shanghai
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Not only is it open to visitors, filming still takes place at the studio (but if there is filming, the whole filming area will be blocked from visiting).

How to go: You take mentro line 1 from the city center to Xinzhuang station, then change to line 5 to continue to Minhang Development Zone station. Then take a taxi to go to Shanghai Film Park.

Shanghai Tower

• Address: 501 Yincheng Middle Rd, Lu Jia Zui, Lujiazui Residential District, Pudong Xinqu
• Opening hours: 8:30 – 21:30
• Ticket price: 180 yuan – Buy tickets in advance here
• Directions: Metro Line 2 – Lujiazai – Exit 6

Lujiazui area is home to the most modern high-rise buildings in Shanghai city. Among them, the most prominent is still the 128-storey Shanghai Tower. This is the tallest building in China and the second tallest in the world.

You can buy tickets to the observation deck on the 118th floor of Shanghai Tower to see the panoramic view of Shanghai city. The view up here is quite blurry due to the glass covering it.

I went at sunset but couldn’t see anything clearly. I had to wait until the whole city was lit up to be beautiful. You can book tickets online or buy at the counter (queuing takes 10 minutes).

Huangpu River

The Huangpu River is known as the Mother River of Shanghai. It divides Pudong, Puxi from the world-famous the Bund and Lujiazui financial centers. Admiring the brilliant night view of the Huangpu River is an indispensable stop for visitors to Shanghai. You can also take a cruise on the river to admire the extremely poetic and romantic scenery on both banks.

With a total length of about 113 km and a river width of 300 – 700 meters, the Huangpu River flows through various districts of Shanghai and is the symbol of this flourishing metropolis.

Chenghuang Miao (City God Temple of Shanghai)

Address: 249 Fangbang Middle Rd, Huangpu, Shanghai, China, 200000 Hours: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM

Among the modern high-rise buildings in the city, somewhere still looms ancient architectural features from the Ming Dynasty, which are being preserved in the area of the Imperial Chenghuang Miao.

Although the name is a temple, there is actually no temple at all inside this neighborhood. This entire area is a complex of houses and two gardens built in the 15th century. Currently, most of the buildings on the grounds of the City God Temple of Shanghai have been used as restaurants, fashion stores and hotels.

Around this Shanghai tourist destination, it is always bustling with people. Revealing to you that the Imperial Chenghuang Miao is very sparkling at night, and there are many more attractive dishes.

Going to Chenghuang Miao, you can fully experience Shanghai’s folk customs, sample famous local snacks and dishes. Every night, the colorful lights on the ancient buildings make the place beautiful.

Address: 279 Yu Yuan Lao Jie, Huangpu, Shanghai, China, 200000

Located in the tourist area of Chenghuang Miao, Yu Garden is a classical garden with a history of more than 400 years. It has a sophisticated design and a rare quietness in a bustling city like Shanghai. When you visit Yu Garden, you can also see hundreds of famous inscriptions and stone carving collections.

In addition to Yu Garden, Shanghai also has a number of other famous gardens such as Guyuan, Drunk Baichi, Qiuxiayu, Qushuiyuan…

Xintiandi (# shanghai guide)

Xintiandi street located near Huaihai Road was formerly known as the old Shikum alley. Today, it is a fashionable spot frequented by young people and a must-see tourist destination. During the day, you can admire the beautiful street views and enjoy leisurely afternoon tea. In the evening, you can go to different bars to experience the bustling nightlife in Shanghai.

There are many food stalls, commercial, entertainment and cultural shops along both sides of the road. Xintiandi Street has blue tiles, red and green brick walls, thick lacquered doors. Walking through here will give you the feeling that you are reliving the years 1920 – 1930.

Madame Tussauds Shanghai

Madame Tussauds Shanghai is located next to Nanjing Road and has a famous collection of wax figures. Here, you can dance with Michael Jackson, quarrel with Sun Hao, the emperor’s “Four Lord”, see Yao Ming, play with Beckham and even shoot Obama. It’s really interesting, isn’t it?

In Madame Tussauds museum, you can learn about the process of making wax statues and have hands-on experiences such as competing in making models of famous people’s hands… However, you can also make your own hand wax model and keep it as a souvenir here.

Shanghai Ocean Aquarium (# shanghai city guide)

Address: China, Shanghai, Pudong, Lujiazui Hours: 9 AM–6 PM

Shanghai Aquarium Park is located next to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, where you can see not only freshwater creatures, marine creatures from around the world but also exciting animal performances.

There are 4 tunnels at the bottom of the aquarium. If you get lost here, you just need to look up and you will see magical sharks or sea turtles swimming right above your head.

Jade Buddha Temple

Address: 170 Anyuan Rd, Jing’An, China, 200061

Jade Buddha Temple is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Shanghai. Besides its ancient and sacred beauty, this pagoda is also famous for its Buddha statue, exquisitely carved from a block of white jade from Burma. This is why you should visit the temple to admire this 19th-century statue.

When visiting the temple, remember to maintain order, dress neatly and discreetly, and do not film or take photos because this is a temple of worship for local people.

World Financial Center

If you want to see the panoramic view of Shanghai from above, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the World Financial Center when coming to this city. This is considered the most magnificent building in Shanghai in particular and the world in general because it holds the record for being the building with the highest roof in the world with 101 floors, 492m high.

Dine at a luxury restaurant and watch Shanghai transform by night from an unlikely location is sure to be a memorable experience in your trip. Come and let us know how you feel?

Take a cruise on the Huangpu River

Another way to see the city and its charming Shanghai Bund is to cruise along the Huangpu River. Standing on the cruise ship, visitors will feel the atmosphere as well as the vibrant and bustling beauty along the river banks.

The time for a cruise trip lasts about 1 – 4 hours, especially if you go in the evening, you will be served a luxurious dinner. Evening is the best time for you to book a cruise trip. When the light from the tall buildings shines straight onto the Huangpu River, it creates a shimmering, surreal photo frame that couldn’t be more wonderful.

Shanghai Centre Theatre

Address: 1376 Nanjing Rd (W), 南京西路 Jing’An, Shanghai, China, 200041

In addition to unique cuisine and interesting sightseeing spots, enjoying a concert at Shanghai Centre Theater is also another great experience. In particular, when visiting Shanghai Centre Theater, visitors should definitely not miss the world’s most famous circus performances including balancing acts, contortion, coordinated juggling and discus throwing… With the incredible talent and technique of the artists, your 2 hours will definitely not be wasted.

Where to stay?

Not all hotels in China are allowed to accept foreign guests. To know whether the hotel accepts foreign guests or not, read the reviews. If you see any language beyond Chinese, it proves that the hotel is allowed to accept foreign guests.

Hotels that are allowed to accept foreign guests in Shanghai will check in international guests using a facial recognition system (while in Beijing, we do not have this case when checking in).

Hotel room prices in Shanghai are relatively expensive but the quality is not very good. And especially the receptionist here speaks English very bad (only in central areas with tourists, luckily the receptionist can speak a few English sentences).

As a major city in China, this city offers all types of hotels from budget to luxury. Please refer to the Shanghai hotels below for your trip.

FX Hotel Xujiahui Shanghai Stadium Branch

This hotel has a 4-star standard, located in the center of Xujiahui and Everbright Xuhui. This place features 118 rooms for visitors to choose from. And you can rest assured because the equipment is fully furnished. In addition, customer service is considered very good by the attentive and enthusiastic staff.

The cost per night is about $43 for a double room of about 15m2. Considered quite economical for your budget. Come and experience it.

Shanghai Chi Chen Boutique Hotel

Shanghai Chi Chen Boutique Hotel is a 3-star hotel with full amenities. Especially here is the extremely spacious parking lot and includes airport shuttle service. The staff is considered enthusiastic, thoughtful and dedicated. They are ready to advise you on tourist attractions or questions about their city.

When traveling to Shanghai, you can freely choose the form of accommodation from 5-star hotels to motels or apartments for rent @heremagazine

Guhua Garden Hotel Shanghai

Guhua Garden Hotel Shanghai is also another 3-star hotel in Shanghai.

With room prices ranging from only $37, and there are up to 138 rooms with full amenities such as TV, refrigerator, wifi… for visitors to choose from. The service here is quite good, the staff are enthusiastic and friendly enough to give this affordable hotel 10 points, right?

In my opinion, you should book a room near Nanjing Walking Street and near metro stations for convenience. Although it is cheaper to live far away, it is very tiring to go back and forth, and the receptionists in these areas are not very good at English.

I discovered this because during my trip to Shanghai, I booked a room in 2 different zones. The first few days, I stayed at Shanghai Holland Hotel, near MRT Zhongsan Bei. This hotel is close to my friend’s house and is a residential area, so there are very few restaurants around.

The next day, I moved to Baron Business Hotel, near Nanjing Road and Shanghai Wharf. This was the cheapest option and had 2 single beds at the time of my booking. However, the staff here has very good English, different from the first hotel I stayed at.

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Hotel Equatorial Shanghai ( Agoda , Booking )
• Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai ( Agoda , Booking )
• The Langham Shanghai Xintiandi ( Agoda , Booking )
• InterContinental Shanghai Ruijin ( Agoda , Booking )
• Cordis, Shanghai, Hongqiao ( Agoda , Booking )
• Campanile Shanghai Bund Hotel ( Agoda , Booking )
• The PuLi Hotel and Spa ( Agoda , Booking )
• SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund ( Agoda , Booking )
• The Peninsula Shanghai ( Agoda , Booking )
• Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre ( Agoda , Booking )

Check out more top & best hotels in Shanghai on Agoda.com or Booking.com

What to eat?

The Chinese have a saying “South-sweet, north-salty, east-hot and west-sour.” and Shanghai cuisine belongs to the “South sweet” category. For that reason, the dishes here are often less greasy, fresh and have a very characteristic sweet flavor. Furthermore, in the cooking process, from selecting ingredients to presenting the dish, is given great importance. No wonder the dishes here are compared to beautiful women.

Below are some famous traditional dishes that domestic and foreign tourists come to Shanghai must enjoy.

Pan-Fried Pork Buns (Sheng Jian Bao)

Pan-Fried Pork Buns (Shengjianbao) can be said to be a typical Shanghai snack with a history of hundreds of years. Its characteristics are: Crispy outside, juicy, delicious meat. The flavors of meat, oil, onions and sesame linger in the mouth.

Shanghai Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao)

When it comes to Shanghai Soup Dumplings, the dumplings at Nanxiang Xiaolongbao are the most famous. This dish is very famous, originating from the town of Nanxiang on the outskirts of Shanghai. It has a small size, thin transparent shell and is steamed using a special small bamboo basket, so it is also called “(small cage dumpling)”. The taste is delicious, fatty but not greasy, very frugal and worth enjoying.

Shanghai-Style Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou)

Shanghai’s braised pork is sweeter than other places. This dish includes soy sauce, sugar, Hangzhou braised pork (dongpo meat), Wuxi braised pork with a very thick and red oil sauce.

Shanghai Savory Mooncakes (Xian Rou Yue Bing)

The savory mooncakes are very crispy, the meat inside is delicious and you can taste the delicious sauce in every bite. The taste of the cake is very light, much less fat than the traditional moon cake. The most famous mooncakes is in Guangming Village.

Stir-fried rice cakes

There are many delicious cakes in Shanghai made from rice, a typical ingredient of the ancient agricultural civilization. In Shanghai there are many traditional rice cake shops such as Wang Jiasha and Shen Dacheng. Snack shops everywhere are also very popular with young people.

Shanghai Sweet and Sour Ribs

The Shanghai sweet and sour ribs dish, sweet and tender, the meat is best eaten when it is cold. Almost every restaurant in Shanghai has this dish and visitors coming here cannot miss it.

Smoked fish (Xun Yu)

Smoked fish is very popular in Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai. This dish is a cold dish. The pieces of fish are marinated for more than three hours with more than ten different spices so they are very soft, and the sauce is sweet and not spicy at all, making it very enjoyable for visitors to enjoy.

Crab Roe with Tofu

Crab Roe with Tofu is a flavorful dish in Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai. It is made by cooking crab meat with yellow tofu. The dish has a delicious taste and is smooth and soft and is very popular in Shanghai.

Chinese Tea Eggs

Chinese Tea Eggs is considered a famous dish of Shanghainese. When mentioning this beautiful city, it is certainly impossible not to enjoy it and is considered the most worth trying dish when coming here. Egg tea’s main ingredients are braised eggs with star anise, cinnamon bark, etc. When eaten, it has a light, relaxing scent. This dish has a fairly frugal flavor, suitable for morning breakfast.

Shanghai steamed dumplings

It’s no exaggeration to say that Shanghai steamed dumplings are the ultimate street food. If you are a lover of culinary tourism, you should not miss this dumpling dish. The two most popular types are vegetarian dumplings and steamed dumplings, each with its own unique flavor.

Shark fin soup

Shanghai shark fin soup is called a “high-end dish” famous not only in China but also in the world. However, the price paid is not cheap. But if possible, you should enjoy this dish when traveling to Shanghai.

Yangcheng Lake Crab

This is a species of crab that lives in Yangcheng Lake and is only found in Shanghai. This species of crab has a rather strange shape compared to other crab species. It has a blue color covered with feathers and a scrumptious flavor. You can taste fried or steamed Yangcheng crab at several restaurants in Shanghai.

Where to eat?

• Shanghai Ren Jia House: Where you can enjoy many delicious and cheap dishes such as Shanghai dumplings, drunken shrimp (shrimp soaked in wine)…
• Wang Baohe Restaurant: This is the world of crab dishes and wine. If you want to eat delicious Yangcheng lake crab, come here.
• Xiao Shaoxing Restaurant: The main dishes of this restaurant are chicken foot soup, chicken blood and chicken dishes.
• Xinjishi Restaurant: This restaurant is a bit shabby, but the food is delicious and super cheap. The most popular dishes here are: soy-braised pork, pickled eggplant, crab-flavored tofu…
•  Jian Guo Restaurant: The famous dining destination in Shanghai attracts the most tourists with its cozy space, delicious, abundant food and affordable prices. For less than 100 yuan, you can have a full meal with many dishes at this restaurant.
• Shanghai markets are a great place for those who love and want to explore Shanghai’s street food.

What and where to shop in Shanghai?

Have fun, eat, drink, take pictures but don’t forget to shop. You can refer to the gifts you should buy and some shopping locations in the detailed article here !

Suggested Shanghai itinerary 5 days

You should spend 4 days or more to explore Shanghai. During my trip to China, I went to three places: Shanghai – Beijing – Suzhou, in which Shanghai was the main transit point. So I spent 2 more days in Suzhou and 3 more days in Beijing.

The following itinerary is the days I spent in Shanghai. You can alternate Suzhou and Beijing into the itinerary below.

DAY 1: Fly to Shanghai – Nanjing Pedestrian Street – The Bund

I flew to Shanghai at 2:15 p.m., then it was over 5pm after I finished checking in and got back to the hotel. So after eating, you can only visit Nanjing Pedestrian Street, then go to the Bund area to admire the night view.

DAY 2: Xintiandi – Kikyo Space – The Bund

The next day in Shanghai, we visited Xintiandi and Kikyo Space (a virtual living photography museum). Then in the evening, I went back to Shanghai Bund again, because I hadn’t played full the day before.

DAY 3: Shanghai Film Park – Shanghai Tower – Shanghai City God Temple (Chenghuang Miao)

Because Shanghai Film Park is quite far from the center, I spent half a day here. Around 3pm, go back to Shanghai Tower to see the panoramic view of the city. In the evening, go to the Chenghuang Miao area to eat and visit.

DAY 4: Powerlong Museum – Light Museum – Lujiazui – Flair Rooftop

Last day in Shanghai, for photography activities, eating and shopping.

DAY 5: Go to the airport to return to Hanoi

Travel costs

In general, the cost of self-sufficient travel to Shanghai is relatively expensive, especially air tickets and hotels. However, the cost of food and transportation in the city is quite cheap. To save money, you should hunt for cheap air tickets and book hotel rooms early.

The following is a summary of my self-sufficient travel costs to Shanghai, you can refer to it:

Some notes and tips before you go

Language: Remember that most Shanghai locals do not speak English. So to have the most complete trip, learn basic communication sentences in advance or bring a mini dictionary for tourists (of course, in the case of a tour, this is not necessary). At the same time, bring a map, write down the hotel address and emergency phone number for tourists, etc. so that if any problem occurs, you can respond promptly.

Money: Shanghai residents rarely use the US dollar. Therefore, if you want to buy or sell goods here, you should exchange to yuan (CNY) before going to China. In case of urgent need, you can also exchange money at banks or some places that specialize in exchanging money for tourists. Make sure you have enough knowledge to not be disadvantaged in this case! The use of USD in China in general and Shanghai in particular is not very common. Except for some places that specialize in selling goods to tourists, all denominations and currencies can be accepted, but otherwise, Chinese Yuan is still the most popular. At the same time, photocopy your passport so you can exchange money at banks when you run out of money.

If you come to Shanghai in the summer, don’t forget to bring sunscreen, umbrella, handheld fan, etc. because the summer here is quite hot and sunny.

I exchanged money for yuan at Ha Trung street, Hanoi. When exchanging money, the staff also advised me that the 100¥ note is very often counterfeited, so you need to pay attention to this note.

Bring your passport with you because you will be checked at any time on the street (usually the police will not be too harsh on this case, you can show the passport photo saved on your phone for check).

When traveling to China on your own in general and to Shanghai in particular, you should pre-install some necessary applications to support during the trip such as Baidu, WeChat, Didi…

Shanghai is one of the extremely safe cities, I don’t feel afraid when walking at midnight. The reason is because many security cameras with facial recognition systems are installed all over the city. Anyone who does anything unusual will be found out immediately.

If you don’t know how to arrange your Shanghai travel itinerary, you can refer to Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour. This tour will go to the main tourist attractions in the city such as People’s Square, Jade Buddha Temple, Oriental Pearl Tower… For details, please refer to the following link.

Above is all the information you need to know about traveling to Shanghai, hopefully it will be helpful for your upcoming trip.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Shanghai you can refer to

• Shanghai By Night
• Best of Shanghai Half Day Tour
• Essential Shanghai 3 Day Private Tour
• Shanghai Museum Half Day Tour
• 2 Days Shanghai Private Tour
• Modern Shanghai Private Day Tour
• Shanghai City Walking Tour
• Traditional Shanghai Private Day Tour
• Private Shanghai Classic Full Day Bike Tour
• Shanghai Disneyland Admission Ticket
• Shanghai Disneyland Admission (90 days calendar)
• Huangpu River Cruise（Qingjiang Line）
• Yu Garden Admission Ticket in Shanghai
• Shanghai Tower 118th Floor Observation Deck Ticket
• Shanghai Bund Sightseeing Tunnel
• Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park Ticket
• Shanghai Pudong International Airport Transfers
• [World Highest Skywalk] Shanghai Jin Mao Tower 88th Floor Exclusive Skywalk Experience
• [Bund View·Klook Exclusive] Shanghai Magic Jungle Ticket
• Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden
• Shanghai EF PARK Power Formula Park
• Shanghai Disneyland Annual Pass
• Shanghai Disneyland (1 Day Admission/2 Day Admission)
• Oriental Pearl Tower
• CMHK | HK 7 Days unlimited data + 200 HK Local Mins + 1GB Mainland China and Macau data (HK Airport Pick Up)
• [Thailand Pick Up] Dtac GO INTER SIM Card Zone 1(Asia, Australia, USA, exclude Thailand)
• 4G LTE WiFi (MNL Airport Pick Up) for Asia
• 4G Portable WiFi (Manila Delivery) for Asia
• [Unlimited Data] 4G Portable WiFi for Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau from Uroaming (HK Airport Pick Up)
• 4G WiFi (HK Airport Pick Up) for Hong Kong/Macau/China (No Speed Limited) from Song WiFi

Read more China guide here .

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• Shanghai Itinerary 5 days for first time visitors

This is post 8 of 9 in the series “China”

China – the land of dragons is a vast and varied country that witnessed one of the oldest history in the world. Pagodas, temples, majestic mountains and rivers, it’s a place like no others and almost like another world. Fortunately, I speak Mandarin so here are some of my hidden top tips;

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• China travel tips: what to know before traveling to China
• Qingyuan China: 7 things to do
• Shenzhen from Hong Kong: day trip + weekend guide
• Shanghai water town: Zhujiajiao vs Qibao
• Best restaurants in Shanghai and what to eat

Shanghai is one of the biggest cities in China and famed for its French architecture and cosmopolitan status. While it is easy to cover the major sights in one day if you really try, it would be a shame not to give Shanghai a proper chance. To be fair, it took me quite a while to put together a good itinerary because the city is big and full of cool things to do!

Note: Check here for a food and restaurants guide in Shanghai with more detail on the places I had eaten at.

Shanghai’s airports

Pudong airport.

The bigger but further airport, the fastest way to get from the airport to the city is via Maglev trains. It operates between Longyang Road Station and the airport and departs every 15-20 minutes.

You can purchase the tickets online to save some time and save some RMB – and I highly recommend you, on landing, to check the timetable beforehand . Longyang Road is connected to Line 2, 7, and 16 on the Metro line – and you can find a map here.

Alternatively, you can also take the metro directly from the airport into the city. But the queue to get in is long (since all metro stations require security bag checks) and it’d be harder to get a seat.

Also, if you are a group and or have big luggage, it might be better to arrange private transfer since the total time can take up to an hour and a half to reach the city center

Hongqiao Airport

Much closer to the city, Hongqiao can be reached via the metro line 10. There are different stops for the two terminals, so be sure you know which one to go to beforehand. It’s a 5 minutes’ walk from the metro station to the airport, which is a lot smaller than Pudong so easy to get around.

Sim card for Shanghai

It’s much easier to order a WiFi device or Sim Card before reaching Shanghai as you are likely require to register to purchase a sim card with your full details if you do it on the ground.

If you are arriving and leaving from Pudong Airport, consider getting a WiFi device with unlimited 4G data and can connect up to 5 devices!

VPN for China

It’s essential to get a VPN in China if you need to access Google, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube – basically, all your usual hangouts. There are many free ones on the market but they aren’t very good. Most people use ExpressVPN , which costs around 12.75 USD for a month but can get you watching Netflix and using everything at top speed.

For more tips on traveling in China, check out my post here.

Getting around Shanghai

Shanghai is a best city and while some sights are within walking distance, you’ll need to use public transport or taxi to get around. In addition, google map isn’t very accurate or doesn’t load so it’s best to download another map. If you know Chinese, I recommend 高德地圖 as it let you save locations (unlike Baidu). Otherwise, try to get offline map eg OsmAnd or Maps.me .

Tip: download a PDF of the Shanghai Metro map and get a paper map from your hotel

Shanghai Metro

The metro in Shanghai is fairly easy to use. If you are staying more than one day, it would save a lot of time to get a metro pass. You can get it at the metro station at the airport or any station. Simply go to the counter and asks for a metro pass.

It costs 20 RMB for the card itself and you can top up as you like. The 20 RMB is refundable when you return it at the station.

An average journey costs between 6-4 RMB in the city center and its useful to have a map handy.

Buses in Shanghai

The bus link in Shanghai is pretty good, and most have English announcements as well. They charge a flat fare between 1-3 rmb depending on how far the line runs.

During non rush hours, it can be a faster point to point transport method. Again, I used the Chinese Map to help me navigate, so if you are unsure it’s best to take a taxi or metro.

Taxi in Shanghai

Have your hotel or destination address in Chinese is immensely helpful. DO keep a card or a written version of it with you and insist that the driver turns on the meter. If possible, using a taxi app would be easier and can likely be done by asking your hotel staff.

Cycling in Shanghai

It is difficult to register for the sharebike system in China without a China mobile number.

However, I can use my Hong Long ofo Account but it charges me more – 3 rmb per 15 minutes – which is comparable to a metro trip that lasts half an hour.

Shanghai itinerary 5 days

Day 1 pudong riverside and yu garden, binjiang avenue 濱江大道.

The eastern promenade in Pudong area near Lujiazui, this section is completed with jogging and cycling trails at 2.5km long. I ended up starting my trip here just because my Airbnb was nearby, and was pleasantly surprised to find it a great walk and lacks the usual crowd, although it’d be more time efficient if I cycled!

The western edge has a beautiful view of the Bund and the Oriental Pearl tower. Here are some of the top sights to look out for, too:

A former shipyard that was built in 1862 by a British company, a relic of one of the many Shanghai’s shipyards that had all been demolished in 2005 except one. It is now a mall and theatre, with many promenade-side restaurants. They did a good job of preserving the industrial edge of the shipyard and making it a modern mall.

Oriental Pearl Tower

From the riverside there are plenty of points where you can see the Oriental Pearl Tower clearly and get a good shot without anyone in sight! You can also go up its observation tower, although since the weather was abysmal during my visit so I didn’t go up. But you can pre-purchase ticket online for a discount and skip the ticket queue.

If you are planning to do more sightseeing in Shanghai, you can also consider the Shanghai Attraction Pass that includes entry to the Oriental Pearl Tower along with a few other perks at a discounted rate.

The financial hub of Shanghai, it is the equivalent of Wanchai/Central in Hong Kong and Canary Wharf in London. Fun fact: a lot of the buildings share the same names to those in Hong Kong and major cities such as IFC (International Finance Center).

The coolest part, in my opinion, is the circular pedestrian walkway that straddles the giant roundabout beneath. You can get a great view of the Oriental Pearl Tower here, though it’s much harder to fit it in the frame of your camera.

正大廣場 Super Brand Mall lunch

A big mall by the ring pedestrian road at Lujiazui, it is home to many restaurants and some even offers a view of the Bund. I ate at a chain store – 南小館 the Dining Room – that serves Shanghainese food with modern seatings and a view of the Bund. It’s not the best food in the world but it was a nice place to sit. Alternatively, there are many other choices inside such as a coconut chicken hot pot one shop down.

Fuyumen Market 福佑門

Get on the metro at Lujiazui then change at East Nanjing Road to Yu Garden. Fuymen Market Market sells a lot of trinkets such as sunglasses, bags, socks etc and is right by the metro station.

It’s worth a snoop if you like browsing, don’t forget to haggle when you buy, particularly if the price is not listed.

Yuyuan Tourist Mart

Arguably one of the must-sees in Shanghai, Yuyuan Tourist Mart is often just refer to as Yu Garden as well, but that is technically only the inner garden. The area was once a Ming Dynasty Garden built by an aristocrat at the time. However, the family eventually lost their fortune and the garden was pass around and neglected until 1760 when it was reopened as the Western Garden by wealthy locals. But that also didn’t last long with the Opium War and Japanese Occupation.

The area was home to some tea houses and restaurants for a while but was once again abandoned during the liberation before it was finally rebuilt. It is most recognisable by the distinctive architecture of the curved roofs and wood on white. This area is free to enter and fairly commercialised, with shops and restaurants vying for your attention. In the center is the famous ‘Nine Curve Bridge’.

On the bright side, there are plenty of food store around so you definitely won’t be leaving hungry.

The current Yu Garden we see is a reconstruction done in the 50s. To visit the inner gardens will cost you 40 RMB and you can also get online here . Since there’s an admission fee, the inner garden is quieter with the quintessential ponds, pavilions, bridges, and greenery. If you are free and don’t mind paying, I think it’s a nice walk and look around!

Opening times: 9:00 – 16:45, last entry 16:00

City God Temple

The City God Temple is a Taoist shrine that was built in 1403 in the Ming Dynasty. City God, as his name suggests, is a personification and representation of the city and therefore an important part of people’s live.

The temple was expanded numerous times in history, however, the wars had all but destroyed it and the current temple we see was rebuilt in 1926. Similar to many Taoist temple, it also houses other deities inside such as the Chinese Cupid, Tin Hau, and the Money God.

The temple isn’t very big at all, so unless you are particularly interested or curious, the other temples such as Jing’an and Longhua are more worth visiting.

Admission fee: 10 RMB

Opening times: 8:30 – 16:30

Depending on the time and how tired you are, I’d say go straight to the Bund and admire the view. If you are quick, here is an extra stop:

The Bund Finance Center

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A distinctive bronze building that looks like a giant organ, the Bund Finance Center is a multi-purpose building that also houses exhibitions. The pipes are meant to resemble not only stage curtains, but a harp and a crown, though I thought it looks more like an organ. The most interesting fact of all is that the pipes, which consists of three layers, can rotate around!

The attraction that needs no introduction, the Bund is the most iconic place in Shanghai and a testimony to its turbulent and multi-ethnic past. These beautiful French buildings are a relics of the western banks and enterprises that had flourished in the city after the Nanjing Treaty was signed following the First Opium War.

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The French, along with other western countries, had divided up the city and set base there along the Huangpu River. The French Concession was the biggest of all, taking up prime real estate by the river for trade and settlement. Nowadays, it’s a lengthy promenade that overlooks the new financial hub Lujiazui and also offer a good view of these buildings.

It is pretty busy no matter which day of the week you visit, especially during sunset time.

The nearest station is the East Nanjing Pedestrian Street and the walk to and from is almost always jam packed.

Nanjing Pedestrian Street

An 19th century road that was once called Park Lane, the Nanjing Road East is for the most part a pedestrian street now. It is THE high street of Shanghai teeming with department stores, high end malls, and anything in between. The pedestrian street is one block from the Bund and goes all the way to People’s Square, with a spacious width of 28m.

The wide lane is adorned by trees and there’s even a little train can take you from one end to the other for 5 RMB! The best part is that the shops and restaurants aren’t all high end, you can find plenty of affordable shops and eateries among the branded names.

ZhouLi LaoYa FenSiTang (Qi Pu Road) 妯娌老鴨粉絲湯

I ended up eating at this restaurant in one of the streets between the Bund and Nanjing Road. They serve up very affordable though more adventurous noodles as well as soup dumplings. Their signature dish is the duck blood and meat noodles and even with soup dumplings only cost me 33 RMB!

Address: 中國上海市虹口區武昌路579號

Opening times: 9:00 – 23:00

Day 2 Museums and Tianzifang

Shanghai museum.

With free admission, there’s really no reason why one wouldn’t pay a visit to the Shanghai Museum. It highlights the main cultural gems of China: ceramics (porcelain), calligraphy, jade, and more. All of the exhibits are done well and in chronological order, with Chinese and English explanation throughout.

While the museum is not big, to do a walk through of all four floors will likely take 2 hours, more if you are paying close attention. Here’s an overview of the exhibits:

• 4th floor coins, minorities, jade, and furniture from Ming and Qing dynasty
• 3rd floor calligraphy, painting, seals
• 2nd floor ceramics and porcelain
• 1st floor bronze and sculptures

My personal favourites were the Chinese minority and coins. They also have seasonal exhibits .

There is free storage available across the hall from entrance as well as audio guides (20 RMB).

Opening times: close Monday, 9:00 – 17:00, last entry 16:00

World Expo Museum

Even if you are uninterested in the exhibit, the architecture of the building is swoon worthy as a combination of glass, wood, and white stone.

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The glass roofs are particularly photogenic and it was almost empty on my visit on a dreary Friday afternoon. They let me use my tripods too!

It’s free to visit the museum, all you need to do is get tickets from the northern hall and then go across to the exhibit.

It showcases the different expos around the word in the last few centuries, in particular London, Paris, and the effect they have on the general public and, in particular, the host cities. The exhibits are spread over 5 floors ending with Shanghai expo. Then on the floors back down it’s exhibits from around the world.

They have escalators but they weren’t working in my visit.

Opening times: close Monday, 9:00 – 17:00, last entry 16:15

The most famous Shikumen area in Shanghai, Tianzifang is a cluster of 200 odd shops and restaurants clustered in the maze-like streets of an old residential neighborhood-turn-tourist-district. Shikumen refers to the architecture style of the buildings, which is akin to wutong and combine Western and Chinese design that was popular in Shanghai in late 19th and early 20th century.

Tanzifang itself was built in the 30s and used to be an ordinary residential area on the edge of French Concession. Its cheap rents and location drew a flood of artists over who helped protest against its demolishment in the early 21st century.

It’s very easy to lose your way around the streets inside with street food, international cuisine, and boutiques sandwiched side by side. The charm of Tanzifang isn’t only in the narrow lanes and brick facade, but in the fact that it’s still lived in with the residents’ motorbikes parked along the street, electric cables in the air and old ladies sitting on the bench outside.

There are many dining options here as well – from western to Thai food. A few cafes are around the area, too.

Nearest station: Dapuqiao 打浦橋

Yuyuan Road 愚院路

A super cute tree lined road, Yuyuan Road extends between Jing’an Temple and Zhongshan Park with many historic building and French architecture. If you like cute cafes, boutiques, and little nooks and crannies, then you’d love exploring Yuyuan Road. A number of famous local authors and merchants lived here, so you’ll see a sign here and there declaring it as the former residents of so-and-so.

I was late for dinner with some friends so I was only able to do a quick walk through and snapped some shots.

Dinner at Lotus Hubei Cuisine 蓮餐廳．湖北菜

Do you like spicy food? This is the place to be! It serves Hubei cuisine with a modern twist. It’s more suitable for a group as most dishes are meant for sharing.

Address: 長寧區 长宁路641号

Opening times: 11:00 – 14:00, 17:00 – 22:00

Drinks at Saga-Milu

After dinner, my friends from uni found this cute bar hidden in a residential street right by the main road. The cocktails are divine, though prices rival that of Hong Kong’s. This small bar is very popular so it might be best to book beforehand if you know you are going.

Address: 江蘇路62弄弄里54弄18號後門

Opening times: 19:00 – 02:00

Day 3 People’s Park and Longhua Temple

People’s park and marriage market.

People’s Park is the most central park in Shanghai, bordering Nanjing Road and People’s Square. It covers over 92,000 m2 of ground, built in the 50s and taking up the northern part of the old Shanghai Race Course.

Nowadays, it’s a place where people gathers on the weekend to do morning exercises, dance, sketch, and most famous of all: find romantic prospect for their children.

In the northern part of the park, parents lined the side of the path with umbrellas with handwritten notes of their children’s age, occupation, and a short bio. More parents with a smattering of tourist roam the open market with the former seeking prospects and the latter curiously looking. If you want to take photos don’t take close up, be discreet and fast as they can be quite unfriendly about having their photos taken.

Shanghai History Museum

Right by People’s Park, it’s a beautiful historical building itself with four floors of exhibits and a top floor restaurant and garden. It is housed in the building that used to be the Shanghai Race Club, distinctive with its brick facade and tall clock tower.

The Museum covers the history of Shanghai from prehistoric period to modern history, with many interactive exhibits and short movies. If you are unfamiliar with the history of the city, it’s well worth a visit. The lobby offers a short film that goes over the history of Shanghai from prehistoric to modern times, lasting about 8 minutes, as well as a wall of interactive maps and chronicles.

The first floor covers the prehistoric settlements and through the different dynasties in China history, then it moves to focus on the recent past starting from the 19th century when its port opened after the Treaty of Nanking.

The rooftop has a decent view of the surrounding and a western restaurant. There are seasonal exhibits in the other building but I didn’t have time to check them out.

You can rent an audio guide for 20 RMB right of the entrance with a deposit of 300 RMB.

Free admission

Opening times: 9:00 – 17:00

(I didn’t end up getting lunch here because I wanted to make the best of time sight-seeing  – but I did buy some bread from a bakery)

St. Ignatius Cathedral, Xujiahui 徐家匯

In a city full of temples, St. Ignatius Cathedral is the most well-known church in Shanghai since it is also the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of the city. While a temple existed on the grounds since 1851, the current Neo-Gothic church was built to accommodate larger crowds in the early 20th century.

During the Cultural Revolution, however, much of the cathedral was destroyed and used as grain storage. It was reopened in 1978 with restoration being carried out since the 80s, starting with the church towers and ending with the stained glass window in this century.  

The exit to the church (3) is currently under construction, as is the area in front of it (May 2019).

It is free to visit inside during its opening hours and when it’s not in service. The area is currently (May 2019) under construction so I’d give it a skip or stop by enroute to Longhua Temple briefly (the next day)/

Note: it’s not a short walk from all metro lines except 1 to get to the church – it’s like 10 minutes walk to the nearest exit!

Opening times: 9:00-11:00, 13:00 – 16:00

Longhua Temple 龍華寺

A huge Buddhist temple complex on the southern edge of town, Longhua Temple’s history can be traced back to War of the Three Kingdoms (242 AD). The current architecture style, however, it’s from Song Dynasty as it was destroyed and even then these are reconstruction from Qing Dynasty and the 50s.

The temple boosts 20,000 square meter of grounds and attracts many here to pay respect to the Buddha. Outside the temple, you’ll find tortoises basking in the small pond and the pagoda:

Incense are strictly forbidden to enter the temple, and you must purchase any from the temple shop itself and not bring your own.

The temple ground are extensive, with a symmetrical design down the center. There are various halls in the temple dedicated to the Buddha, as well as various others such as the Louhans (Arhat – highly enlightened Buddhists), and the thousand-hand Guayin.

Admission fee: 10 RMB – however seems to be free admission right now with construction around. You are not allowed to bring your own incense.

Nearest station: Longhua exit 2

Opening times: 9:00 – 16:30

Longhua Memorial Park of Revolutionary Martyrs

A memorial park built in 1981 to commemorate the communists who was executed between 1927 to 1931 when the ground it is on now was the Garrison Command and prison.

Allegedly, over 9000 people were held here and 800 killed. After the Japanese Occupation, the building was used as a factory for a time. The park is big with a memorial center in the heart, surrounded by various memorial sculptures and even a bamboo forest. If you aren’t in a hurry after visiting the Longhua Temple, do pay it a visit.

Opening times: 6:00-17:00 for the park, and 9:00-16:00 for the memorial

Dinner at 嗲記湯包

Food dumplings galore – I was enticed to try this place as they serve soup dumplings the size of my face and it was decent for its price point.

Address: 定西路1115号夢海上1樓106室

Opening times: 9:00 – 21:00

Today would be a good day to get a massage. I basically collapsed back in my hotel since I have decision making problem! Later, someone recommended Zen Message to me, but it was already my penultimate day.

Day 4 Food tour and Qibao

Morning food tour.

I did a breakfast food tour with Untour Shanghai which starts at 9am and lasts for three hours! See more about the tour and eating in Shanghai here.

Propaganda Poster Museum

A collection of posters mostly from the Cultural Revolution period by Mr. Yang Pei Ming, the Propaganda Poster Museum is hidden away in the basement of a residential building. Mr Yang started collecting the posters in 1995 and his collection are considered to be one of the best as many Maoist propaganda posters were destroyed.

The museum consist only of two rooms with a separate gift shops with good English, Chinese, and French explanation. It might not be as comprehensive or well laid out as the other museums I go to, but if you are interested in art and the Moaist era, it’s worth a visit.

Admission fee: 25 RMB

Address: Changning, Shanghai, China, 200333

Opening times: 10:00 – 17:00

Xintiandi and French Concession

Xintiandi is another Shikumen neighbourhood but it was completely rebuilt and designed it into a shopping district in 2001. The historic buildings are in the center, which is also a pedestrian-only zone with one of the most expensive real estates in Shanghai. The entire area are full of modern malls and restaurants with outdoor seatings, making it a lively place to be.

In addition, there’s also a Shikumen Open House Museum and Museum of the First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party. As it is in the French Concession area, the area is home to many historic buildings and quaint parks. If you like shopping, soaking in the atmosphere, and pretty architecture, Xintiandi is the place to be.

Jing’an Temple 靜安寺

A sprawling Buddhist Temple complex at the end of Nanjing Road, Jing’an means Quiet and Peace in Chinese. The existence of the temple can be traced back to the War of the Three Kingdoms in 2nd century AD, but the current location dates back to the Song Dynasty. In fact, the current temple was rebuilt in the 80s with the addition of the Pagoda.

There are various halls in the temple, most notable is the main hall Mahavira, as well as Heavenly Kings, Three Saints, and more. Incense are restricted to the those bought from the temple itself and usually spots a queue at the front of the temple. Many also throw coins into the opening of the pagodas to make a wish.

Jing’an Temple is a working temple and monks can be seen roaming around or found praying in halls. You can walk around the temple on ground level and on the gate level, taking a closer look at the two towers by the entrance gate.

The Pagoda is at the back of the temple and not accessible from the inside that I can see, and is best viewed outside around the back. It’s actually quite hard to get a photo of the entire temple complex, but the nearby skywalk gets a decent view of the top of the temple.

Opening times: 7:30 – 17:00

Qipao Old Town

A charming water town within the town limit of Shanghai, Qibao is perfect for anyone who wants to see one but doesn’t have a lot of time. It’s just a few minutes walk from the metro station of the same name. For more info about visit Qipao and Zhujiajiao, see my post on Shanghai Water Towns .

Day 5 Zhujiajiao or other day trips

Zhujiajiao朱家角.

A water town about an hour or so from Shanghai – see my post on Shanghai Water Town for more information on how to visit!

Best Area to Stay in Shanghai

Generally, I’d say stay near a metro station and it shouldn’t be that bad at all. But if you want to be the center of action, I recommend the general area around Diazijia on line 2 and line 10. They are connected to most other lines and also go directly to either airport. I’ll also list some alternatives that are good for budget and are more hip!

The district of Huangpu is much larger than you think, encompassing the Bund, Yu Garden, and in general the French Concession. It’s much easier to split it further down according to the main attraction close by:

Close to the Bund

For lively vibes in the most iconic part of Shanghai, stay close to the Bund and Nanjing Road and you’ll never run out of things to do or cool places to visit. However, the Bund is almost always fairly busy.

Mid-range: Shanghai Fish Inn East Nanjing Road has great function rooms despite being a little harder to find in an alley. If you are fans of apartments, The Bund Cozy Loft is a good choice.

Splurge: Fairmont Peace Hotel on the Bund not only has a view of the Bund, it is a historic building in itself in the beautiful art-deco style and a must see even if you aren’t staying there. Alternatively, the Shanghai Edition is a new and modern hotel with a gorgeous rooftop.

Around Dashijie Xintiandi  

Stay closer in the heart of the French Concession where you’ll find old architecture and plenty of malls and amusements.

Budget: want great location and don’t mind small rooms? Haishang Xiaowu Hotel (Renmin Plaza Branch) fits the bill – though review says that staff doesn’t speak much English and it can be quite loud.

Midrange: U hotel Xintiandi is set between Xintiandi and Loaximen, I’ve personally stayed there and enjoyed the location. The rooms are relatively clean with good amenities (and washing machine!). But the single room is on the small side. Staff speaks a little English but it’s a quirky refurbished hutong hotel!

The Phoenix Hostel Shanghai-LaoShan is closer to metro station and designed to resemble an ancient Chinese guesthouse. Its room are competitively priced and even has a rooftop bar!

Low level splurge: Metropolo Classiq, Shanghai, YMCA-People square has retro style rooms that are big and clean by People’s Square.

Basically the majority of land east of the Huangpu River, the Pudong area is vast extending along the river from Lujiazui south and east. It’s the more futuristic and newer part of Shanghai.

Splurge: Ritz Carlton and Shangri-La are both at Lujiazui, and for those who prefer apartments there’s the IFC Residence – all with a view of iconic buildings and the Bund!

Hi, my name is Nam. I am 24 and spent half my life in Hong Kong and the other half in UK. I believe there's endless experience and beauty in the world and this is me chronicling how to experience the best at the best price.

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Great! I am planning on visiting China someday. Thank you for the tips and for sharing.

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Shanghai Travel Guide: Visiting as an American [2023]

· everything you need to know about visiting shanghai as an american, coming from someone who worked there ·.

If you want to visit one of the biggest cities in the world, you definitely need to consider Shanghai. With a population of over 25 million people, Shanghai is the biggest city in China and one of the 5 biggest cities in the world. For comparison, Shanghai is slightly bigger than Sao Paulo, Brazi l , which is the biggest city in the entire western hemisphere. While visiting a city 1.5 times bigger than New York may sound intimidating, Shanghai is absolutely worth the visit, and actually very tourist friendly. After living and working there for a whole summer, we definitely recommend checking it out. This guide will help you plan your trip while giving our top tips – as well as those from our Chinese friends – for visiting Shanghai.

Top Things to Do in Shanghai

Being so giant, Shanghai has just about anything you could want. This list is certainly not exhaustive – it’s more so just our top recommendations for things to do as an American tourist in the biggest city in China! From Chinese history and culture to American icons, this list should help you to start planning your Shanghai itinerary.

1. Walk down Nanjing Road

Nanjing Road is one of the coolest places to explore in all of Shanghai. This long strip is filled with stores, restaurants, and malls of every price range and is an awesome way to spend an evening. This place is so popular that during busy hours you need to swim through crowds of people just to get to wherever you’re going.

Since it is easily accessible by the metro, Nanjing Road is one of the world’s busiest shopping streets ranking right up there with Times Square. One of the best things to do here is enter the very fancy malls and look at stores like Gucci, Versace, and Louis Vuitton, but unless you’re rich, these items are probably not within your price range. While it is known best for its luxury designer brand stores, Nanjing Road is a must-see part of Shanghai for travelers of every budget.

2. Visit Yu Garden and Chenghuang Temple

Built over four centuries ago, Yu Garden is a must-see attraction in Shanghai. This beautiful outdoor garden was built by the Ming Dynasty and was the center of sophisticated culture at the time. Spanning about five acres, you can expect to spend a bit over an hour here and come out with great pictures and a deepened appreciation for Chinese architecture.

Both of these complexes show the beauty of old Chinese architecture and are conveniently located right in the city.

Chenghuang Temple is a different pace and style from Yu Garden but is equally worthy of a visit. This giant Taoist temple was built in the middle of the 1600s and is one of the most iconic places to visit in all of Shanghai. The temple grounds are actually made of nine buildings covering over 21,000 square feet. Both of these complexes show the beauty of old Chinese architecture and are located right in the city. No Shanghai visit is complete without stopping at both of these places!

3. Visit the Shanghai Tower and Oriental Pearl Tower

Whenever you think of a major city, there are iconic attractions that come to mind. In Paris , it’s the Eiffel Tower. In Rio de Janeiro , it’s Christ the Redeemer. In Shanghai, that attraction is the Oriental Pearl Tower, which was the tallest structure in China until 2007. This TV tower that appears to have a giant pearl lodged in its core is one of the biggest and most iconic buildings in Shanghai and is a bucket list item that you need to see.

The tower is so tall that our ears popped when taking the jet elevator to the top.

Conveniently, the Shanghai Tower is nearby! The Shanghai Tower is the second tallest building in the entire world standing at 2,073 feet, trailing only behind the Burj Khalifa in Dubai . Taking an elevator to the top of the Shanghai Tower is a really cool experience, as there is only one building in the entire world that can take you any higher. From the top of the Shanghai Tower, there is a great view of the Oriental Pearl tower, too, which is an added perk of paying the ticket fee!

4. Spend a Day at Disneyland Shanghai

In case you didn’t know, Disney is really popular. Disney is so popular around the world that there are six Disneylands in five countries on three different continents. Everyone knows about the Disneyland in Los Angeles and Disney World in Orlando, but not as many people realize that you can also go see Mickey Mouse and his pals in Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai! Visiting Disneyland in Shanghai is very easy to do, and is a great use of a day if you’re looking for something to do.

For-warning: The lines are even longer than Disney World in Orlando.

We spent a day at Disneyland and honestly didn’t go on one ride. The lines are insanely long – longer than in Orlando – and the one ride we waited in line for shut down as we got to the front. However, don’t let our iffy experience mar your expectations! The park is awesome to walk around in, and we had some really fantastic food, too. You can reach Disneyland directly on the Metro and you can buy tickets online or at the park.

5. Experience a Proper Night Club

We aren’t normally crazy partiers. While we love having a good time, we’re more into chill bar scenes than we are into clubs. With that being said, visiting a rooftop night club is a must-do thing in Shanghai if you like to go out. There are so many great options, and the parties are truly incredible. While there is a cover at some bars, the experience is totally worth it.

We went to Bar Rouge, which is considered one of the best spots to go out in the whole city. As Shanghai is so international, these night clubs are filled with people from all over the world.

We actually have two friends that met in a club in China and wound up getting married a couple of years later!

On that note, local establishments love when foreigners visit, as attracting foreigners in China tends to earn a place some esteem. As China is extremely ethnically homogenous (not diverse), any non-Chinese tourists are pretty exotic and give a club or bar a lot of street cred. For this reason, foreigners often drink for free in the finest clubs in all of Shanghai.

How to Get to Shanghai

Flying to shanghai.

Being one of the biggest cities in the world, you can expect that Shanghai is a very accessible destination. In fact, Shanghai is the only city in China to have multiple international airports! Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is the bigger of the two international airports and handles about 60% of the cities air traffic. Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) , the other of the two, handles the other 40% of Shanghai’s flights. If you’re visiting Shanghai from abroad, your only option will be to fly into either of these airports. The flight from the United States to China is a very long one regardless of your origin and destination cities, so I’d recommend that you check out my detailed guide to finding cheap flights so that you can save yourself a bit of cash.

– R E A D –

We flew in and out of Pudong International Airport, but both airports are very nice and are connected well to the city. Both airports are served directly by metro stations. Pudong International Airport’s metro station is served by line 2, while Hongqiao International Airport’s station is served by both lines 2 and 10. To get from either airport into the city, the most convenient way is absolutely by metro.

Taking a Domestic Train to Shanghai

If you’re heading to Shanghai from somewhere else in China, look into taking a bullet train . We took a high-speed train from Shanghai to Beijing and it was a really cool experience. The train moves at over 200mph, and we covered the 819 mile distance in about 4.5 hours.

How to Get Around Shanghai

METRO | DIDI

Even though Shanghai is one of the biggest cities in the world and sprawls further than the eye can see, it is one of the most navigable cities I’ve ever been to. Getting around Shanghai could not be any easier, thanks to the incredible public transportation. I’ve mentioned in several posts how much I value a good metro system, and Shanghai easily has the best metro system I’ve ever used . While the metro systems in Panama City , Sao Paulo , and London are all great, nothing even comes close to the quality of public transportation in Shanghai. The subway is immaculately clean, it’s air-conditioned, and its 18 lines that share 473 stations will take you anywhere in the city you need to go. All of that, plus it’s cheap and all of the signs and announcements are in both Mandarin and English.

Shanghai has the best metro I have ever used.

If you are going somewhere that isn’t conveniently reached by the metro or you aren’t a fan of public transportation, you should download the DiDi app. DiDi is essentially China’s Uber, and it works pretty much the same. In fact, Uber owns a big portion of DiDi! You can call a ride from anywhere in the city, and your driver will drop you off at your designated destination. DiDi is just as safe and convenient as Uber and is definitely the best way to get around the city other than the metro.

If you can avoid it, NEVER take a taxi in Shanghai. The drivers will undoubtedly rip you off when they see that you are foreign. Instead, download the Didi App.

While there are taxis all over the city and they are safe, we never recommend using taxis unless its absolutely necessary, and since DiDi covers the whole city of Shanghai, taxis just aren’t necessary. They usually cost more than a DiDi, and many drivers will make up their own price rather than using the meter. If you do need to use a taxi, make sure that the driver turns on the meter and sets it to zero before starting your trip.

Is Visiting Shanghai as an American Safe?

Despite the tense political relationship between the Chinese and American governments, visiting Shanghai as an American tourist is about as safe as visiting the United States as a Chinese tourist. In fact, we felt like Shanghai was one of the safest major cities we’ve ever been to, largely thanks to the strong policing and culture of responsibility. The metro trains are all watched by security cameras, too, which makes pickpocketing pretty rare on the metro, at least compared to other metro systems around the world. We walked around late at night without any problems whatsoever, and never once had any kind of threat or instance of insecurity.

Shanghai was one of the safest major cities we’ve ever been to, largely thanks to the strong policing and culture of responsibility.

While this shouldn’t need to be said, it is a sad trap that many Americans and other western tourists fall into when visiting Shanghai: don’t seek out any kind of prostitution or “special” massage treatments. Many unwise tourists fall into one of these two traps and are very quickly stuck in a room with a pimp and forced to withdraw thousands of dollars before leaving. I’m not even kidding. While it shouldn’t need to be said, stay away from all forms of prostitution as it is illegal, dangerous, and costly.

On a similar note, be sure not to commit any crimes while visiting Shanghai. Some laws differ than those of the United States, and most laws are strictly enforced. Just like the United States, you probably don’t want to wind up in a Chinese jail until things get sorted out. We literally had friends who got into trouble at a night club and if our Mandarin speaking professor hadn’t been there to step in, they would have been arrested. Don’t be dumb and please follow the law.

Our Final Tips for Visiting Shanghai as an American

Get your tourist visa early.

The biggest tip we can offer is making sure that you get your tourist visa well in advance of your trip. Sometimes getting a tourist visa to China can be a hassle, and it would really be a shame to miss out on your trip to Shanghai simply because of not having a visa. If you’re new to getting visas and are looking for some tips, check out my post on applying for foreign visas .

BUY A METRO CARD

In addition to that, we’d recommend buying a metro card at any metro station and using that as your main means of transportation throughout the city. It’s very cheap and accessible and there is really no better way to get around. Just beware that you can’t share a card, as the price of your trip depends on the length of your travel. Since you need to swipe in and swipe out on every trip, you can’t swipe the same metro card for two people entering a station. You’ll need to have separate cards for everyone in your group. It is easy to add the metro cards to your mobile wallet.

LEARNING BASIC CHINESE PHRASES WILL GO A LONG WAY

Finally, Chinese is a very difficult language, but learning a few basic phrases would go a long way in helping you to get around. While there is a fair amount of English spoken, it is certainly not common and in some situations, like taxis, it is non-existent. Learning a few simple phrases like “I want this” or “please” and “thank you” is both considerate and helpful and really not too difficult.

That’s all we have for you about visiting Shanghai as an American! Hopefully this Shanghai Travel Guide helps you to plan the best possible trip to the biggest city in China. If you have any questions, be sure to drop a comment in the comment section!

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

things to do

One of the cities I always want to visit, thank you for the detailed post!

You got it! Thanks for reading!

My wife and I are taking a cruise out of Singapore that stops in Hong Kong and end in Shanghai. I noticed that your article was written in 2021. Does the advice still apply in 2024?

This advice does still apply. That would be such an awesome cruise! Where else does it stop?

We found Shanghai to be very safe, affordable, and filled with things to do. If you have any particular questions, I’d love to help you out if you send me an email at [email protected] !

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Home » Asia » China » Shanghai

INSIDER SHANGHAI ITINERARY for (2024)

When it comes to Shanghai, less is certainly not more! As a leading business center, a luxury shopping paradise and a treasure trove of history, the city definitely thrives on excess! With our  Shanghai itinerary , you’ll get to see why some call it ‘China’s Big Apple’!

Whether you’re having drinks on top of one of the city’s iconic skyscrapers or traversing crowded People’s Square, amazing entertainment and lots of things to see is definitely guaranteed! From sipping traditional tea to learning more about China’s history, this guide has it all.

You’ll find that this bustling city slows down in the art galleries and traditional gardens. Put in the work with our Shanghai itinerary, and you’ll be lucky enough to see the amazing city drop its guard and transform from glitzy city center to lush Chinese garden!

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Best Time To Visit Shanghai

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Bustling Shanghai stays busy year-round with business people, that is! When you’re planning a trip for pleasure, it’s super important to know when to visit the city!

The best time to visit Shanghai is from October to November, during autumn when the temperature is comfortably warm, rainfall is low and the crowds are thin. The first week of October, which is a national holiday, is a good time to visit as smart hotels will offer discounts while the business people are on holiday!

Spring is another good time to plan your trip. However, it’s also festival season which will hike prices so if you’re backpacking China on a budget , steer clear. On the other hand, this is the prime time for culture lovers with money to spare!

Shanghai is a global business destination, meaning that weekdays tend to bring higher prices. So it doesn’t matter how many days you spend but try to get a weekend in!

Shanghai is already a sprawling city and it continues to grow, with over whopping 24 million people living there! This can easily overwhelm tourists and make it tricky when you’re looking for the best place to stay in Shanghai . Luckily, this part of our itinerary will take all the guesswork out of picking the perfect accommodation!

In our opinion, the best place to stay in Shanghai is Xujiahui. It has a perfect central location so it’s ideal for a first-time visitor! It’s also a popular shopping district, with plenty of international and Chinese brands at the many shopping malls. When it all gets a bit too much, you can relax beneath the trees at Xujiahui Park!

Shanghai is largely very modern but there are more traditional parts as well. If you’d like to soak up the contemporary part of the city, head to Pudong. The skyscrapers that light up come nightfall are the heart of this area.

The Bund and People’s Square are both older parts of the city. You’ll find souvenir stores between traditional houses there, but you’ll still have sight of those towering skyscrapers in Pudong! The Former French Concession area is popularly known as the “Little Paris of the East,” thanks to its quaint cafes and neoclassical buildings!

Best Airbnb in Shanghai – Room With Big City Views

If you plan on staying in the magical city of Beijing, you gotta find a place in the city. Lucky you, this place is smack dab in the heart of it all.

It is considered the golden area of Shanghai and for a good reason. The restaurants in the neighborhood are to die for, and they are just within footsteps of this home.

With European decoration and on the 13th floor you can see the beautiful city lights that entrap us all. For the walking type of traveler, this home is about 15 minutes from the subway, so if what your looking isn’t around the corner, hop on the train, and you will almost certainly find whatever you are looking for in no time.

Don’t forget to try the Japanese restaurant around the corner while you are here!

Best Budget Hotel in Shanghai – Campanile Shanghai Natural History Museum Hotel

This excellent hotel from the Campanile group offers true value for your money! It has a sophisticated interior that prioritizes comfort, with airconditioning and heating to ensure the perfect microclimate in your room. The hotel also boasts a restaurant, cafe, and bar. Although it’s not exactly centrally-located, it is near the center, and you’ll be within easy reach of the metro.

Best Luxury Hotel in Shanghai – The Peninsula Shanghai

Right opposite the Bund and in the center of town, the Peninsula Shanghai is the absolute best hotel in Shanghai! Each room comes with a Nespresso machine and large-screen TV but there’s so much more to discover outside of your room. The two in-house restaurants ensure that all tastes are catered to, while live music and drinks are offered at the other in-house establishments!

Best Hostel in Shanghai – The Phoenix

The warm welcome you get as you check-in at The Phoenix is just the start of great things to come! It’s a clean, friendly place that is also ideally situated next to the People’s Square metro station. There’s free Wifi in the hostel and The Phoenix Bar on the rooftop. What more can you ask for?

Want a few more amazing ideas? Head over to our post on the most incredible hostels in Shanghai !

The Phoenix is one of our favourites in Shanghai but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

It really doesn’t matter how many days in the city you spend because we’ve got the perfect plan for you! With art galleries, panoramic observation desks, and quaint historic districts, you won’t even have time to wonder what to do next!

Thanks to its superb public transport system, it’s easy to get into the city center, no matter where you stay! The heart of the network is the metro system and it’s best to stick to this form of public transport. Signs, maps, and announcements come in both Chinese and English so there’s minimum confusion!

Individual tickets cost upwards of USD $0.45 and never exceed USD $2.00, but there are more cost-effective options! The 1-day and 3-day passes cost USD $3.00 and USD $7.00, respectively.

If you’d like an even more convenient way of getting around Shanghai, then call a taxi, or Uber. Dazhong Taxis is the most reputable local taxi company.

Once you’re in the city center, you’ll be fine just getting around on foot since all the top Shanghai attractions are quite near to each other! Just watch out for the never-ending stream of hurried motorists!

The Bund | Nanjing Road and People’s Square | Shanghai History Museum | Observation Deck | Old City

For day 1, our guide will introduce you to the most classic Shanghai points of interest! From a public square to a history museum and a riverside promenade, there’s plenty of things to do in Shanghai! (And, yes, you really can see all of this in just one day in Shanghai!)

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Bund

• Why it’s awesome: It’s one of the most easily recognized Shanghai attractions!
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: We have yet to find fault with Lost Heaven Silk Road which serves authentic Yunnan dishes in a sleek venue with spectacular views!

We’re starting our first 24 hours in Shanghai with the iconic Bund! It’s a long waterfront on the bank of the Huangpu River that is lined with numerous historical buildings from the colonial era. In fact, there are 26 buildings in so many different styles that the Bund is now known as ‘the museum of international architecture’!

Most of the buildings were designed as imposing workplaces for banks and merchants which is what they’re still used for today! Look out for the Nissin Building, which has a pleasing combination of Japanese and classical Western styles. The China Merchants Bank Building, which is one of the oldest on the Bund, was designed in an elaborate gothic style.

Mostly though, you just want to stroll around and enjoy the lively atmosphere. There are some incredible views and sites that will probably provide some of the best photos you take home from your Shanghai trip!

Insider Tip: It’s important to see the Bund during the day to appreciate all the lovely architecture, but do try to come back later in the evening. There are amazing views of the city’s skyscrapers all lit-up, and watching the sunset across the river is one of the best things to do in Shanghai at night!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – Nanjing Road and People’s Square

• Why it’s awesome: This iconic road stretches over 5km and is the best shopping destination in Shanghai!
• Food nearby: There are so many Chinese food stores along Nanjing Road where you can find plenty of Chinese snacks. Look out for meat-filled mooncakes and wine-cured crab!

As you leave the Bund, you should find yourself in the much-talked-about Nanjing Road. It’s chock-full with department and luxury stores, both local and international!

Besides the usual Tiffany’s and Montblanc, you’ll find old Chinese department stores that specialize in traditional Chinese crafts. There’s a myriad of silks, jade carvings, and clocks on sale here, making Nanjing one of those places you must see in Shanghai!

Along Nanjing Road, you’ll find People’s Square, the heart and soul of modern-day Shanghai! It’s bisected by People’s Avenue, a 32m-wide pavement that has a large greenbelt.

On the southwest side of the square is a blue and white dovecot. Thousands of doves gather there in the mornings, providing a soothing presence in one of the busiest parts of Shanghai!

In the center of the square, be sure to admire the Musical Fountain! It spans 320 square meters and is decorated with Chinese symbolisms.

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Shanghai History Museum

• Why it’s awesome: The museum uses state-of-the-art technology and rare artifacts to transport visitors through the millennia since Shanghai was settled!
• Cost: Admission is free; audio guides cost around $3 USD.
• Food nearby: On the museum’s rooftop you’ll find Roof325, a cafe serving international meals and offering jaw-dropping views of People’s Square and the larger city!

On the southern end of People’s Square, you’ll find an imposing building with redbrick features. This is the Shanghai History Museum which tells the 6,000-year-old story of this colossal city!

When the museum opened in 2018, people were queuing up from 5am to get inside! Thankfully, this level of popularity has subsided since but the Museum is still the best museum you’ll find in the city and something you should definitely do in Shanghai!

There are over 1,100 artifacts spread out over an awesome 9,800 square meters! As you make your way from the ground floor to the third floor, you will travel from Neolithic China to the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949!

In the ancient section, you’ll be blown away by how the early Chinese utilized precious materials like jade and ivory to create utensils, as well as intricately-detailed ceremonial items! There is also art and other pieces that show some of the sights, like the Yu Garden, as they were when they were first created!

The section on modern Shanghai is a lot more somber, as the exhibitions chronicle long decades of war and colonialism, followed by the Maoist years. However dark, it’s an important part of Chinese history, and it’s well-presented.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – Observation Deck

• Why it’s awesome: Shanghai’s collection of neck-craning skyscrapers are some of the most iconic landmarks! Not to mention, there are views for days!
• Cost: $31 USD for admission to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the in-house Municipal History Museum. $26 USD for admission to all sightseeing zones at the Shanghai World Financial Center.
• Food nearby: You’ll find the Revolving Restaurant at the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. At the Shanghai World Financial Center, the Park Hyatt Hotel has a cocktail bar and a smart restaurant!

Now that you’ve explored the tourist area around the Bund, cross the river to Pudong. The commercial center of Shanghai is bursting with high-rises that offer epic views! Our two favorites are the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the World Financial Center.

The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is the second tallest TV tower in China with a height of 468m and the sixth highest in the world! With the Nanpu Bridge in the background, it’s designed to look like two dragons playing with pearls! The surrounding greenery should give you the appearance of a jade plate.

Inside the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, it’s all very modern, especially the various observation decks. Time to send home some pictures!

The Shanghai World Financial Center on the other hand, is the second tallest building in the whole world! It attracts a global finance industry, but we’re really just here for the views! There’s a sightseeing hall at 423m, a sightseeing observatory at 439m with windows to take photos, and a sightseeing skywalk at 474m!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – Old City

• Why it’s awesome: Discover a picture-perfect district of traditional pre-European Chinese architecture, culture, and history!
• Food nearby: No visit to Old City is complete without Chinese teas at Mid-Lake Pavilion Teahouse! The extensive tea menu has been sampled by British Queen Elizabeth and Bill Clinton!

One of the highlights of Shanghai travel has to be the Old City! As it predates 1850, it’s ideal for visitors who want to see a more traditionally Chinese part of the city!

Yu Gardens (often called Yuyuan Gardens) is the first place to visit in Old City. It’s a lush, shaded park with sparkly fish pools and fragrant magnolia flowers! It was built over 18 years in the 16th century, during the Ming dynasty!

The Temple of the Town God is a restored 15th-century temple that combines Taoist and Buddhist worship. Be sure to admire the carvings that decorate the roof!

Complete your own “What to do in Shanghai” walking tour of Old City by heading to Dàjìng Pavilion . This pavilion contains the only extant section of the old city walls. There’s also a lovely, tiny Guandi Temple and a small calligraphy museum to enjoy!

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The Former French Concession | Jade Buddha Temple | Urban Planning Exhibition Center | Shanghai Duolun Museum of Modern Art | Moganshan Road Art District

Spending at least 2 days in Shanghai is perfect for you to explore the city’s cultural history and contemporary art scene! Today will take you to sites that are a little further out of the city center but are totally worth the effort!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – The Former French Concession

• Why it’s awesome: Called “The Little Paris of the East,” this stylish suburb offers quaint Shanghai points of interest!
• Food nearby: Find your morning pick-me-up at And Coffee. Amongst the minimalist interior, you’ll be served with a refreshing, tangy drink of coffee, tonic, and raspberries!

As morning dawns on the second day of your trip, enjoy your own casual Shanghai walking tour by heading down this pretty district! It’s one of the best things to do in this area!

The Former French Concession was once just that: a part of the city occupied by the French after the Opium Wars. History aside, you’ll find that time tends to slow down as you wander the tree-lined avenues of the Former French Concession. This atmosphere is why it’s on our what to do in Shanghai list, but if you need a clear destination to stroll towards, read on!

Wulumuqi Zhong Lu is the most popular place to start a Shanghai walking tour here! First up, it’s time for some local fashion. Feiyue is a Chinese sneaker brand that’s beloved around the world. You’ll find these snazzy shoes on sale at Culture Matters.

To see how local bamboo is used in the fashion industry, pop into Kate Wood Originals where you’ll find stunning sunglasses and custom-made wooden bicycle frames!

Wuyuan Lu is the next street to head to. Here, you’ll find the Zhang Leping Museum which is dedicated to the eponymous author of Sanmao the Orphan , a popular 20th-century comic.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Jade Buddha Temple

• Why it’s awesome: An opulent house of Buddhist worship in the city, this is a fantastic sensory experience on our Shanghai trip itinerary!
• Cost: It’s $3 USD for entrance and an additional $1 USD to see the jade Buddhas.
• Food nearby: Enhance your Buddhist experience and grab a bite at the on-site vegetarian restaurant. You’ll be amazed at just how much can be cooked with only veggies!

Now that you’re well into your day 2, it’s about time that you head over to the Jade Buddha Temple in Jing’ an! This temple was built in 1882 to house two statues of Buddha that were shipped from Burma. It was destroyed during the revolution against the Qing dynasty but was rebuilt in 1928.

The Hall of Heavenly Kings houses exquisite statues of the four Heavenly Kings. Even more magnificent, though, is the Grand Hall. It’s usually packed with worshippers praying to Buddhas past, present, and future. Look out for the copper statue of Guanyin at the back of the hall.

Across a courtyard lies the Jade Buddha Hall , which may well be the highlight of your itinerary! Put your camera away (photography is forbidden) and lower your voice as you admire the Sitting Buddha. This 1.9m statue was carved from a single piece of pale green jade. It’s a masterpiece of art!

In the Reclining Buddha Hall , you’ll find the second jade statue of Buddha. This statue is smaller and made of white jade, but it’s equally as beautiful as the Sitting Buddha!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – Urban Planning Exhibition Center

• Why it’s awesome: Shanghai is enjoying its present moment on the world stage but for a glimpse of the bright future, head here!
• Cost: $4 USD for entrance. Audio guides are an additional $3 USD but information is provided in the exhibitions.
• Food nearby: On the fifth floor, there’s a small cafe that serves light meals.

From its humble origins as a fishing village to a future that promises to be even more exciting, Shanghai’s destiny is comprehensively presented by the Urban Planning Exhibition Center! The use of photos, models, and other multimedia ensures that you really feel a part of the city in each and every era!

On the first floor, you’ll explore Shanghai’s past. The exhibition includes the establishment of the international community in the city, colonial architecture, and traditional shíkùmén (stone gate) housing.

The second floor is dedicated to temporary exhibitions.

The third floor is all about the future of this megatropolis ! A detailed model shows what the city is envisioned to look like, while the Virtual World 3D wraparound tour adds to the believability of it all!

Sustainability and transport are the subjects of exhibitions on the fourth floor.

As you exit the museum, you walk along Old Shanghai Street, a reconstruction of the city in the 1930s that comes complete with a cobble-stoned walkway and vintage cars! It’s a fun ending to such an exciting attraction on our 2-day itinerary in Shanghai!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – Shanghai Duolun Museum of Modern Art

• Why it’s awesome: This state-owned art gallery presents cutting-edge exhibitions that provoke thought amongst locals and foreigners alike!
• Food nearby: Dulong Road has many interesting shops and cafes along the way but we love Old Film Cafe! This tribute to the golden age of local cinema is atmospheric, often hosts film screenings, and has excellent coffee!

With 2 days in Shanghai, it’s time to admire Shanghai’s contemporary art and there’s nowhere better to start than the Shanghai Duolun Museum of Modern Art! Whether it’s an electronic music performance or an exhibition on local gender prejudice, this museum uses a variety of media to engage visitors!

The museum aims to connect Western and Eastern cultures through the power of art. To this end, artists hail from all corners of the world, with Picasso exhibiting alongside Yoshitaka Amano!

The museum is located on Duolon Road, a historic area where many prominent Chinese cultural figures, like Lu Xun, created their art. Inside, the spiral staircase that ascends seven floors is considered a work of art itself!

For a memento of your visit, browse around in the museum shop! There are some wonderful products, like books in Chinese and English, and posters for sale.

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Moganshan Road Art District

• Why it’s awesome: Home to local and international talents like Zhou Tiehai and Ding Yi, this is the center of Shanghai’s art scene!
• Food nearby: Wind down with a cup of coffee and delicious treats at UNDEF/NE. It’s a popular hang-out for local creatives. With regular events and some of the best coffee in town, you’ll soon see why!

At 50 Moganshan Road, known as M50, you’ll find a complex that’s a prominent home of contemporary Chinese art. The building used to house textile mills but has since been converted into a sophisticated network of galleries, studios and workshops all in the name of the city’s burgeoning art scene!

There are over 130 different artistic ventures in this complex so prepare to be blown away by China’s young creatives and their extraordinary ideas! You want to have a bit of a wander around but there are certain parts that you must visit before leaving!

If it’s iconic Chinese artists you’re looking for, head to shanghART H-Space Gallery . The Swiss-owned space is one of the oldest contemporary galleries in Shanghai! For a wider variety, try Eastlink Gallery on the 5th floor.

Bear in mind that M50 is the perfect place to bag some unique souvenirs from your trip to Shanghai! Plenty of tourists have managed to get well-priced pieces of art here. For this alone, you should have it on your Shanghai itinerary!

Insider Tip: There isn’t a metro station within walking distance of the art district and using the bus to get here is rather complicated. In any case, it’s best to save your energy for the myriad of shops, so take a taxi!

The Phoenix

The warm welcome you get as you check-in at The Phoenix is just the start of great things to come!

• 24 Hour Reception
• Airport Transfers

Propaganda Poster Art Center | Soong Qing-Ling’s Former Residence | Chongming Island | Qibao | Power Station of Art

Today’s plan is all about the hidden gems that not all tourists get around to. Luckily, though, 3 days in Shanghai means that you’ve got more than enough time to enjoy these unique attractions!

Propaganda Poster Art Center

• ‘Quirky’ and ‘vibrant’ are key words to describe this one-of-a-kind museum that documents the history of propaganda in Maoist China!
• This fascinating insight into how the state functioned during that era is a mind-blowing experience !
• The $4 USD that you spend on admission is absolutely worth it!

As you walk along Hushuan Street, you’ll come to a seemingly ordinary residential complex. This unassuming entrance, however, is how you enter the Propaganda Poster Art Center ! It’s located in the basement of the building which just adds to the intensity of the experience!

The museum has an extraordinary collection of around 5,000 posters, many of which were collected from rubbish dumps by the dedicated founder. Together they span three decades of Chinese political life, from the late 1940s to the late 1970s!

These posters are works of art that demonstrate the political outlook at the time, as well as give us clues about how ordinary Chinese felt. You can track the change in styles over time, from European-style cartoons to socialist-realist images to the Red art-style of the Cultural Revolution. The artists truly managed to capture in images the resilience of the human spirit!

This is hands-down one of the best places to visit in Shanghai during your 3 days! You can even purchase some of these amazing historic artifacts at the center! It’s open daily, with the exception of Monday. Don’t miss it!

Soong Qing-Ling’s Former Residence

• Soong Qing-Ling is a hero to multitudes of Chinese people. The locals honor her!
• The Shanghai-born Soong Qing-Ling married Dr Sun Yat-sen, the founder of the Chinese Republic, and later played a prominent role in the communist government.
• She lived in this two-story house for 15 years in the mid-20th century!

Soong Qing-Ling is the kind of historical figure that seizes the imagination when you first learn of her! In addition to her role as the wife of Sun Yat-sen, the much beloved Chinese woman would later become Vice President of China under the communist government and often served as head of state. Her home remains much as it would have been when she lived here in the 1950s, making it a treat for anyone touring Shanghai!

The first floor of the house was the living and dining area, while upstairs you’ll find her office, her bedroom, and the bedroom of her beloved maid. A small annex to the house has an absorbing display of memorabilia. It’s a fascinating collection of letters from the likes of Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, family photographs, and her college degree!

In the garage, be sure to admire the two black limousines, one of which was given to her as a present by Stalin in 1952! The garden is often considered the highlight of the house. The well-kept lawn is bordered by magnolias and camphor trees and is where Soong entertained guests!

Chongming Island

• Find peace and quiet from downtown Shanghai on this nature-filled island in the Yangtze River!
• As the third-largest island in China, there’s a huge variety of fauna and flora to ogle on Chongming!
• Try some tasty hairy crab while you’re there! Chongming alcohol, a herbal brew, is also good to taste!

Chongming Island is about an hour outside of the city center, so it’s a good option to save for the third day of your itinerary! Once you’re there and surrounded by the chirping birds and swaying trees, you’ll probably feel like you’re on the other side of the world.

In the center of Chongming Island, you’ll enter Dongping National Forest Park, which is the largest man-made plain forest in east China. The forest is dense and the sweet scent of flowers fill the air. It has good facilities for birdwatching, as well as offering rock climbing and ziplining, amongst other activities!

On the far east of the island is Dongtan Wetland Park. Reeds grow in marshes as far as the eye can see, while thousands of birds soar towards the horizon. Try to show up for sunrise. The view is one of the most breathtaking things to see in Shanghai!

Come sunset, secure your spot in Xisha Wetland Park, on the western end of the island. Unlike Dongtan, it’s free to visit!

To see how traditional Chinese gardeners have tamed nature, visit Danyuan Garden, the only man-made garden on the island. It’s designed in the Suzhou style with halls, pavilions, small pools, and bridges scattered around the park. Have your camera on hand as you pose amongst the red lanterns and porcelain chairs!

• Shanghai is surrounded by the aptly-named water towns which are admired for their canals, stone bridges, and charming whitewashed houses!
• It’s the perfect place to experience a more traditional lifestyle as locals still use the waterways for transport, fishing, and washing clothes.
• Qibao is the nearest water town to Shanghai (just 30 minutes by metro from the city center) so it’s an ideal attraction to put on your 3-day itinerary!

If you start to wonder what to do in Shanghai on day 3, then make a beeline for Qibao! This tiny town was established during the Northern Song Dynasty which ruled from 960 to 1126. The little settlement grew into a prominent commercial center over the centuries. In fact, ‘Qibao’ means ‘seven treasures’ in Chinese which locals attribute to the wealth the town gathered!

Qibao Temple is the perfect place to start your adventure in Qibao! The temple is a much-revered site for locals as a famed monk, Jing, studied here. It’s the perfect place to observe both Han and Tang-era architectural styles!

One of the most unique experiences has to be this: cricket fighting! That’s right, this age-old Chinese pastime is still practiced in Qibao. In fact, it’s so popular that locals have established a small museum to it where visitors can learn more about the activity and witness live fights! Unlike bullfighting, cricket fighting very rarely causes injury to the animals.

Power Station of Art

• This state-run contemporary art gallery is the heart of urban culture in Shanghai!
• It’s hosted some of the biggest art shows in China, such as the Biennale and an Andy Warhol retrospective!
• The awesome architecture and history of the location is also a highlight of our Shanghai itinerary!

Housed in a former power station, which was established in 1897 and along the Huangpu River, Power Station of Art screams innovation! It hosts an array of exhibitions that feature both Chinese and international artists.

From jewelry to toys to architecture, the museum takes a broad definition of art and changes the way visitors look at objects that may seem to have only a utilitarian use! It tends to collaborate with some big names, like jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels, so what you see is certainly world-class!

Pick up some creative souvenirs for friends and family at A Power Store, branches of which are positioned throughout the museum! There’s also a cafe and a swanky restaurant upstairs to chat about your new discoveries!

When you go outside, crane your neck upwards to spot the temperature. The 165m high chimney serves as a thermometer to tell locals what the temperature in Shanghai is!

Insider Tip: Save money on the admission fee by visiting on a Tuesday, which is always free!

Those who travel to China generally find the country quite safe. However, there are a few general things to keep in mind safety-wise.

• Chinese men have a poor reputation when it comes to drinking! Visitors have found that it’s very easy to get into a fight with locals in bars which is definitely not advised!
• The major concern when you travel to Shanghai, though, is pickpocketing. As in all cities, this tends to happen in crowded areas like transportation hubs and landmarks.
• Try to pay in exact change if you pay cash as China does suffer from counterfeit currency problems.
• Pollution is also a concern so if you’re planning a trip to Shanghai, you may want to put a filtration face mask on your packing list. It’s a common thing for locals to wear, so you won’t look one bit out of place!
• Shanghai has hectic traffic, so exercise supreme caution! A good tip is to avoid making eye contact with motorists when you want to cross the road; otherwise, they’ll think you’re letting them go!
• For peace of mind while on vacation in Shanghai, get yourself a reputable travel insurance that offers you comprehensive cover in case of emergency. There are plenty of choices but we love World Nomads! It’s easy to purchase, provides comprehensive cover and customizes your policy based on your destination.

Get more AWESOME advice on our post about travel safety tips !

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Shanghai

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

We know it seems crazy to leave this dazzling city, but these epic day trips from Shanghai will change your mind! Whether it’s a lake or a palace, there’s somewhere exciting to explore outside the city every day!

Nanjing Private Tour from Shanghai

One of the best Shanghai day trips has to be this epic 8 hour trip to Nanjing! Nanjing was once China’s capital, and it remains an important city in modern China!

Your first visit will be to Chaotian Gong, a 19th-century palace complex. Next up is the iconic Zhonghua Gate which is the biggest castle-style city gate in China and a part of the most complicated castle in the world!

After a visit to the 1,000-year-old Confucius Temple and a stroll along the city’s Qinhuai River, your tour will take you to the mausoleum of Dr Sun Yat-sen, the founder of the Republic of China. Even though it’s in Nanjing, the proximity to Shanghai means the mausoleum is an absolute must-see!

Private Day Tour to Wuxi Lingshan Grand Buddha and Tai Lake

This immersive 10-hour tour is one of the most extraordinary day trips from Shanghai!

The star attraction of this day trip is the Lingshan Grand Buddha, which towers above you at 88m! It’s actually the tallest bronze Buddha in the world!

At the Five Mudra Mandala, you’ll have the chance to touch the largest Buddha’s hand in the world. It’s meant to bring good fortune and longevity!

Following a vegetarian lunch in the temple, it’s time to explore the northern bank of Tai Lake, the third largest freshwater lake in China . Then, it’s back to Shanghai with some amazing memories!

Private Day Tour to Suzhou From Shanghai By Fast Train

Most tourists consider this one of the best day trips from Shanghai due to the UNESCO World Heritage Site at the heart of Suzhou!

Suzhou is nicknamed “the Venice of the East” because of the large network of canals. Around the canals are some gorgeous Chinese gardens! One of those you’ll visit is the Humble Administrator’s Garden which also has a pretty residential quarter.

A tour of Shantang Street will teach you more about China’s water towns. You’ll visit the Opera Stage and the Boat Museum.

To cap off this excellent day trip, there’s a boat cruise on the Grand Canal and a visit to the Suzhou Silk Museum. Don’t miss out!

Hangzhou West Lake, Dragon Well Tea Village & Linyin Temple

As you tour through he city, you’ll often hear talk of day trips to Hangzhou and wonder where is Shanghai in relation to Hangzhou! Well, all your questions about this lush and vibrant city will be answered by the end of the day!

At the picturesque Dragon Well village, you’ll be introduced to Chinese tea farming and one of the best tea brands! Later on, there’s boat cruise on the West Lake and a visit to one of the lovely islands.

The Linyin Temple is the final stop on this trip. Built in 328, it’s now one of the largest Buddhist temples in China!

Shanghai: Zhujiajiao UNESCO Water Town Afternoon Tour

You may have visited Qibao already, but Zhujiajiao is the absolute winner of all the water towns surrounding Shanghai! It’s also one of the furthest, making it a perfect day trip from the city!

This ancient water town is over 400 years old and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Make sure to keep your camera close by as you cruise along the stunning canals and admire Dian Shan Lake!

Your local guide will point out all the best places to eat and shop, as well as show you the most atmospheric parts of the town! Trust us, it’s sublime!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Shanghai itinerary.

How many days should you stay in Shanghai?

Shanghai is massive. However, thanks to its vast public transport system, 4-5 days are enough to really explore the area.

What should you include on a 3 day Shanghai itinerary?

Don’t miss out on these awesome hotspots! – Jade Buddha Temple – Old City – People’s Square – The Bund

Where is the best place to stay in Shanghai if you have a full itinerary?

Xujiahui is the place to be if you’re looking to stay close to everything. Its central location and transport connections make it an ideal base for exploring Shanghai.

What are the coolest things to see in Shanghai?

If you’ve got time to spare, we recommend checking out Qibao, the Power Station of Art, and the Observation Deck.

Foreigners tend to see Shanghai as a glitzy modern metropolis but with this Shanghai itinerary ,  you’ll find that there’s so much more to this riverside city! Look beyond the imposing cityscape of Pudong and explore the ground-level landmarks for a truly rich vacation!

From a temple with carved jade Buddhas to a converted powerhouse art gallery, Shanghai is bursting with creativity! Up-and-coming local artists mingle with long-gone Chinese masters, not just in galleries, but in the renovated stone houses of Old City. Whether it’s noodles and dumplings or using the river to get around, some things don’t change and that’s only enhanced the beauty of contemporary city!

A trip to Shanghai is an eye-opening, mind-boggling, and spine-tingling experience that is offset by tranquil oases of art and nature in the city center. Find the perfect balance between now and then, as well as the ideal combination of the man-made and the natural! Pick your favorite hostel or hotel to book and start packing for China!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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25 quick and helpful Shanghai travel tips (2024)

Posted by Gayle Aggiss | Updated October 1, 2023 | China blog , Travel

Shanghai is hands down one of the most buzzing cities in the world and it’s one of my personal favorites.

You probably hear this a lot, but Shanghai really does have everything.

It’s got amazing food, shopping, culture, architecture, history… the list goes on.

But despite all of these amazing features, it’s still different to western countries and can be confusing for first timers and experienced travelers alike.

So, to make your trip smoother, here are the top Shanghai travel tips that I’ve put together after numerous trips to this incredible city.

1. Eat your way around the world

Eat Chinese food or international cuisine in Shanghai – take your pick. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

The food in Shanghai is so damn good, and has always satisfied my hungry stomach. (I’m not ashamed to say that I travel for the food as much as the sights.)

I ate Mongolian food for the first time while I was in Shanghai. Previously, I hadn’t even known that Mongolian food was a thing.

I still think about the cheesy, meaty goodness at that restaurant!

But if you want to sink your teeth into something local, my favorite kinds of Shanghai dumplings are:

• Xiao long bao (小笼包), delicate little things that have a soup broth inside
• Sheng jian (生煎) which are fried pork dumplings with a crispy base.

They’re both so delicious that I wrote an entire article about how good the dumplings in China are  (you can check it out later).

My advice while you’re in Shanghai is to get out of your comfort zone and try everything. Watch where the locals go and what they eat.

2. See if visa-free travel applies to you

You’ll need an L tourist visa if you’re ineligible for Visa Free Transit. Image by i viewfinder on Shutterstock.

To be able to sink your teeth into a Shanghai dumpling, you’ll need to make sure you get here in the first place!

Like most travelers to Shanghai, you’ll probably have to get a visa before you visit.

And depending on where you live, the visa process can be difficult or time-consuming, so I recommend getting started early. Not the week before you leave!

However, if you’re on a short trip (on the way to another country), then it’s worth knowing that Shanghai has a 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit policy.

Passport holders from a bunch of countries can enjoy 144 hours in Shanghai without having to get a visa.

So, if you’re on your way to somewhere else, you could spend up to 6 days in Shanghai without going through any extra paperwork trouble.

Some of the countries included under this rule are:

• Germany and many European countries
• New Zealand

Interestingly, some large countries like India and Malaysia do not enjoy this privilege, and you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa regardless of the length of your stay.

You can check your eligibility for Visa Free Transit by tapping here.

Note that this opens up in a new window (it’s an official Chinese government site).

3. Get a VPN

Access banned websites and apps in Shanghai with a VPN. Image by Privecstasy on Unsplash.

If you’re like most people, then you enjoy sharing images and updates about your trip as you explore. But you’ll have a lot more trouble doing that while you’re in Shanghai.

China’s firewall is real, and it will leave you unable to access sites like YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Google.

Basically, the sites that you’re most likely to use to stay connected, share your holiday snaps, and find out the answers to questions (like ‘best dumpling restaurants in Shanghai’), will be completely off limits.

That’s why you’ll need a virtual private network (VPN) during your stay. And you’ll need to download it before arriving in China, otherwise you won’t be able to download it at all.

You can read a review of which VPN is best for Shanghai here or tap on the button below to get the one which The Helpful Panda recommends.

If you’re already in China and your VPN is playing up (that’s normal in China), there’s a troubleshooting guide here .

4. Don’t tip

People generally don’t tip in Shanghai. Image by AndreyCherkasov on Shutterstock.

If you’re from the United States, you’ll be used to tipping. But please don’t tip in China.

Not only do the locals not tip, service staff may feel awkward if you try and slip them a note.

There are a few little exceptions to the ‘no tipping’ rule, so I suggest you read this article that Mike wrote .

5. Beware the traffic

Shanghai traffic on a good day! Image by Robert Biesewig on Pixabay.

OK, this applies all over China, but I need to put it in this list of Shanghai travel tips.

Don’t expect everyone to obey traffic laws. Red lights, cross walks, they’re more suggestions than hard and fast laws in Shanghai.

So, don’t just step out when the walk sign flashes and expect to be safe.

This applies to walking on the sidewalk too. Back home, I always think of the sidewalk as car-free and much safer to walk on.

But in Shanghai, you’ll find e-scooters and e-bikes driving like maniacs on the sidewalk, and it isn’t unusual for cars to park on the sidewalk. Keep your eyes and ears open!

6. Use a navigation app

Using a map app will definitely help you. Image by Brett Jordan on Pexels.

Now, I’ll be the first one to tell you that Shanghai is easy to navigate.

The tourist areas are generally well-signposted and, if you get lost, the locals can speak some English.

But why rely on the locals, or even your intuition, when you can use a navigation app?

The best China map app , in my opinion, is MAPS.ME but others swear by Google using a VPN.

It’s ultimately up to you, but if you plan on using MAPS.ME just remember to download your Shanghai map before you arrive in China so you can use it offline (and not use expensive roaming data) while you’re there. Awesome.

If you use one of the Chinese map apps, like Gaode, you’ll need to be able to read Mandarin!

7. Prepare for squat toilets

Yep, this is me photographing a squat toilet. Image supplied by Gayle Aggiss.

Shanghai gets a lot of foreign visitors, so it has facilities to match.

But if you go need to use public toilets, like at a local mall, you’ll probably be confronted with the dreaded Chinese squat toilet (boy, was it fun writing that article).

These toilets can be a bigger challenge than you might expect, especially for women. Here’s a few tips to help you survive them:

• Carry toilet paper with you, as the toilets usually don’t have them
• Don’t put the toilet paper down the toilet, it goes in the bin
• Try not to look at the bin as it’s usually quite foul and overflowing
• Bring sanitizer with you as there’s usually no soap.

If you struggle to squat, then plan your daily trips around places you know have western toilets. Or, if you can, do your business in your hotel!

8. Explore the side streets

Get off the main streets for better, cheaper food. Image by Paralaxis on Shutterstock.

In any big Chinese city, and especially Shanghai, the food is often better (and always cheaper) if you venture off the main street.

I can’t tell you how many amazing meals I’ve had in China down side streets.

9. Pack your adapter

This is something you shouldn’t forget to pack in your bag. Image by Edward Eyer on Pexels.

Shanghai’s power points aren’t uniform, and you’ll find A, C, and I plug sockets apparently at random.

So, make sure that you pack an adapter to match. It’s one of the best things to buy for your trip.

Side note: Check out Mike’s incredible packing list for China , which covers a lot more than power adapters!

Depending on where you’re from, you might also need a voltage converter just to make sure your electronics don’t get blown out.

10. Bring your passport on day trips

It may sound obvious, but if you forget your passport then you can’t get into the tourist sites. Image by Gustavo Fring on Pexels.

Got a day trip planned for Suzhou or one of the lovely water towns?

If you’re taking the high-speed train, you’ll need to bring your passport to be able to board the train.

The locals use their national ID card to go through the electronic gates, while foreigners like you and me annoyingly have to go to the manual gate and present our passport.

Also, most tourist attractions in China require ID to get in, so even if you stay in central Shanghai, you will need your passport to get into places.

11. Use the Metro or Didi

This is the symbol to look out for to take the subway. Image by TK Kurikawa on Shutterstock.

While we’re on the topic of trains, let’s talk about how good the Shanghai subway is.

It’s prompt, clean, and will take you all over the city (of course). And there’s a whopping 16 lines.

The Metro also connects up with Maglev train, which is the ‘magnetic levitation’ train that you can get to and from the Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

If you’d rather travel in a car while you’re in the city, then download Didi, which is China’s version of Uber.

You can literally get a ride within a few minutes from anywhere in the city.

I suggest you take a look at the other great travel apps to use in China .

12. Explore the shopping malls

There are shopping centers in and around Nanjing Road. Image by ThewayIsee on Shutterstock.

If you’re cashed up and love shopping, then you’ll love Shanghai.

Check out this website where you can filter for shopping centers and malls based on the Metro stations you’re near.

I’m not a big shopper myself, so wandering down East Nanjing Road is enough for me.

13. Stay near attractions

I recommend staying near The Bund as that’s where many of the main attractions are. Image by Adli Wahid on Unsplash.

Although Shanghai is China’s largest city, it’s remarkably walkable.

But this doesn’t mean that you’ll want to walk for miles every day while you’re there, especially if you’re only in Shanghai for a few days.

To avoid this, consider staying near the attractions you most want to see. This will cut down on your transport times and costs as well as shoe leather.

You can check out some great hotels in Shanghai by tapping on the button below.

Obviously if you’re on a packaged tour you don’t need to worry about this. But Shanghai is the easiest place in China to travel solo .

Oh, and fun fact: the population of Shanghai is about the same as the whole of Australia, where I’m from.

14. Use a translation app

A translation app is an indispensable tool for Shanghai. Image by Lars Poyansky on Shutterstock.

There’s more English in Shanghai than in any other city in China, but this doesn’t mean that everyone speaks English or that everyone will understand you.

Taxi drivers in particular often don’t speak English and this can make getting around difficult.

To overcome this issue, use a translation app on your phone. Pleco is a good one, but there are plenty of others.

I like using trusty Google Translate, but just remember you’ll need a VPN in Shanghai to use any of Google’s services.

If you’re a bit old school, or a bit old (sorry mum!), then at least make sure you have the hotel’s address on a business card or written down somewhere in Chinese characters.

That way, you can just hand it to a taxi driver and be on your merry way.

15. Get out of the city

Getting wet in Zhouzhuang Water Town! Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

One of the best Shanghai travel tips that I can give you is to get out of the city if you can.

This will give you a break from the noise and the lights and there are also some absolutely amazing places really close to Shanghai that are well worth seeing.

If you’re not part of a tour group, take advantage of the bullet trains and go!

Here’s where I recommend that you visit:

• Hangzhou, for lake cruises and tea (1 hour from Shanghai Hongqiao by train)
• Suzhou, for beautiful gardens (30 minutes by train)
• Nanjing , where you can experience China’s ancient capital (75 minutes by train).

There are also some picture-perfect ancient water towns within easy reach of the city:

• Zhujiajiao Water Town (40 minutes by Metro, then walk)
• Tongli Water Town (75 minutes by car, or take train to Suzhou)
• Zhouzhuang Water Town (90 minutes by car).

Just remember to bring your passport to board the bullet trains, as I mentioned in tip number 7.

16. Don’t drink the water

Only drink bottled water in China. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

This may seem like an obvious one, but the consequences of forgetting are pretty dire, so I’m including it.

Do not drink the tap water while you’re in Shanghai. Drink bottled water at all times and use it to brush your teeth as well.

You don’t want to spend all of your short time in Shanghai being sick, so don’t risk it.

17. Avoid Shanghai in summer

Everyone covers up in Shanghai in the summer. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

Autumn and spring are the best times to visit the city as the weather is mostly very pleasant.

But even winter is fairly mild and comfortable for most (there’s no snow in Shanghai).

In contrast, summers can be intense. Between June and August, you can expect temperatures around 86-95°F (30-35°C) or even as high as 104°F (40°C).

Combine these temperatures with all of the city’s glass and metal plus high humidity, and it can lead to a lot of hot, sticky days.

If you have choice over travel dates, I recommend booking your trip for the other seasons.

Check out the page on the best time to visit Shanghai and Beijing .

18. Reconsider that trip to Disneyland

Think twice if you want to use your time in Shanghai by visiting Disney Resort. Image by Woshinidayess on Pixabay.

Look, I need to be honest and tell you I haven’t been to Shanghai Disney Resort. I’m not really an amusement parks kind of girl.

But hearing from friends who have been there, all I’ll say is have a big hard think if you want to spend an entire day at Shanghai Disney.

It’s expensive, there are long queues, and in my opinion, plenty of other better places to visit!

Only go there if you’re a massive fan.

19. See the best tourist sights

The French Concession is a lovely area to explore. Image by Robert Mullan on Shutterstock.

Only in Shanghai for a few days?

Then here are the best places where everyone typically goes:

• The Bund, which is the huge, lovely waterfront and a true Shanghai landmark
• Pudong skyline, which you can see from the Bund or you can go up one of the towers (see below)
• Nanjing Road for large stores and malls
• Yuyuan Garden for traditional Chinese gardens (see below)
• Jing’an temple for a more peaceful experience in the city
• Former French Concession , where there are cafes and leafy trees
• Xintiandi and Huaihai Road for upmarket shopping and dining
• Puxi District if you’re into nightlife.

Note: Try to avoid public holidays and weekends if you can.

Also, the Chinese are night owls, so if you get somewhere when it opens, you’ll beat the hordes (well, at least for the first hour).

20. Go up a tower

There’s so much fog that you can only see the top of the Bottle Opener. Image by Jeremy Zhu on Pixabay.

I say ‘a’ tower as there are so many options!

But if you like observation decks like I do, then you could try a few:

• Shanghai Tower is China’s tallest building, and one of the world’s tallest buildings
• Shanghai World Financial Center, the second tallest building in the city which looks like a big bottle opener
• Jin Mao Tower, which is nestled between the two above
• Oriental Pearl TV Tower Observation Deck, one of the futuristic buildings on the banks of the Huangpu River.

They’re all in Pudong, so you could literally tower-hop your way through this district.

The Oriental Pearl Tower is the original tall structure in Pudong, but now looks a little dwarfed next to the other monstrosities.

Note: You’ll only get spectacular views on days where there’s no smog or clouds.

Otherwise, you’ll see absolutely nothing (well, except smog and clouds).

21. Beware of strangers at Yuyuan Garden

There’s a known scam that happens near the Yu Garden. Image by Laurette Chapuis on Pixabay.

Shanghai, like the rest of China, is very safe and especially for foreign tourists.

However, there’s a common scam near the busiest tourist attractions in China, that being the Yu Garden in Shanghai and the Forbidden City in Beijing.

Basically, someone (usually a woman) with excellent English will start talking to you, and once she’s built your trust, she’ll invite you to a teahouse.

The only thing is – the tea will cost an astronomical price per cup, and you’ll only find this out once you’ve downed half a dozen of them.

And, you’ll be locked inside the teahouse until you pay! So, never ever accompany a stranger to a teahouse in China.

22. Use mobile payments but carry cash

Everyone in Shanghai uses their phone to pay. Image by Humphery on Shutterstock.

Shanghai is mostly a cashless city, with most hotels, shops, and attractions relying on mobile payments.

Lots of shops may even refuse to take large bills because they can’t give you change. This means you should prepare other ways to pay other than cash.

Download WeChat Pay or Alipay and set it up with your card before you go.

Seriously, no one uses cash anymore in China!

23. Get your coffee fix (hopefully)

Some coffee shops don’t accept cash or even have customer service. Image by Sarunyu L on Shutterstock.

While I’m on the topic of payment apps, you’ll find that some of the coffee shops in Shanghai (I’m looking at you, Luckin Coffee) only take app orders.

The apps are only in Mandarin, and you’ll need a Master’s degree on how to order. And that’s assuming you’ve already set up your foreign card on WeChat Pay or Alipay.

You might need to ‘shop around’ for a coffee shop that will take your cash order, otherwise head to a Starbucks.

At least you won’t go thirsty in the country’s biggest city. Shanghai has the most coffee shops in the world (you can see more crazy facts about China here .)

24. Take a boat ride on the Huangpu

Find your feet in the city by doing a river cruise. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

I like being around water. I’m Australian.

So, if you’re anything like me and you need some respite from all the concreteness that is Shanghai, take a boat ride on the Huangpu River.

There are a few options leaving from The Bund area, and it’s nice to see the city from a different angle.

25. Go further

Take the high-speed to explore other parts of China. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

I’ll finish with this tip.

If you want to visit other Chinese cities, I recommend taking the high-speed train.

For relatively short distances, the train is always cheaper than flying, but even on longer distances it can be just as good.

For example, you can get from Shanghai to Beijing in under five hours on the bullet train. You cut out all the stress and extra time needed at the airport for security and whatnot.

And, domestic flights in China can be relatively expensive.

Psst! Last travel tip

I mentioned at the start how all the major foreign sites and apps are blocked in China.

So, I’m reminding you before you go off and have a cup of tea!

If you want to use the internet in China using hotel Wi-Fi, then you’ll need to get a VPN on your devices.

Check out this review or tap on the button below for the recommended one.

Just remember to download it before you arrive, as VPN sales are blocked in China.

You’ll have a great time in Shanghai

This huge, exciting city is perfect for giving you a quick taste of all that China has to offer. It’s remarkably safe as well, making it a great option for first timers to China.

Unfortunately, even with the best Shanghai travel tips in the world, you may still find yourself shocked and uncertain when you first visit the city (e.g. the public toilets may get you).

So, keep these travel tips in mind, but be open to the new and unfamiliar. Because they’ll definitely make the best stories when you get back home.

And finally, don’t forget to try the delicious soup dumplings. I’m so envious already!

Let me know if you have any questions in the comments area below. And be sure to get your VPN before you leave . Bon voyage and safe travels.

Where to from here?

You’ll like these little nuggets of Shanghai knowledge:

• Shanghai travel guide
• Best time to visit Shanghai
• What to wear in Shanghai
• What is Shanghai known for?

Or, if you want more travel tips, then check out these pages:

• Best China travel tips
• Best Beijing travel tips

Main image credit: Sean Sheng on Pixabay.

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Tips and faq about shanghai travel, what do i need to know before going to shanghai.

The most important things are to see if you’re eligible for Visa Free Transit and to get a VPN before you jet off. You should also set up WeChat Pay or Alipay because the city is almost cashless.

What is the best way to explore Shanghai?

Use the Metro which has a whopping 16 lines and numerous interchanges.

How many days is enough for Shanghai?

You could rush through it within a few days, but if you want to explore the water towns and nearby cities (like Suzhou, Hangzhou, etc), then a week would be ideal.

Is Shanghai an expensive city to visit?

Yes, compared to other Chinese cities. But a trip to Shanghai won’t totally break the bank, provided you eat local Chinese food, stay at three-star hotels, and don’t splurge too much at the shopping malls!

Commercial relationship disclosure: The Helpful Panda has commercial arrangements with organizations that may appear on this page, such as affiliate links. See our terms for more info.

Gayle Aggiss

Gayle loves learning and is intensely curious about the world. This curiosity has driven her to travel and work overseas, including China and Vietnam. Gayle is from Perth, Western Australia. You can follow her on LinkedIn .

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Shanghai Travel Guide

When you think of China, there are many things that come to mind: an ancient culture full of beauty and history, very large cities with towering skyscrapers, and incredible food from the street vendors up to high-end restaurants. Shanghai blends all of that into one thriving city.

Shanghai, which sits on the Yangtze River, is one of the most populated cities in the world and the most populated city in China. In a country known for its mega cities, Shanghai easily takes the crown.

Often called the Paris of the East, Shanghai is a mix of modern towers that define its skyline, like the Oriental Pearl TV Tower with its iconic circular design, and quaint neighborhoods that make visitors feel like they've been transported to the romantic streets of Europe.

From classic xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) to Michelin star meals, top-floor observation towers to an after-dinner stroll along the Bund waterfront, Shanghai offers something for everyone.

China Standard Time

Best Time to Go

One of the coolest times to visit Shanghai is around Chinese New Year, which tends to fall around late January or February. The city comes alive with vibrant decorations, special food, and an amazing lantern display.

Cherry blossom fans should head to the city in March to watch the blooms. There are thousands of cherry blossoms and dozens of varieties to see.

In September or early October, tourists can feast on traditional mooncakes (typically filled with red bean paste or lotus seed paste) for the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Things to Know

Shanghai is known for hordes of bicycles and scooters zooming by on the streets. It's an amazing sight to see, but pedestrians should remember to be extra careful.

It's great to post photos and Google everything you see while on vacation, but remember some websites are blocked in China, including Facebook. But a digital detox isn't necessarily a bad thing and less social media just means more time for being in the moment.

Shanghai is a very safe city , especially compared to other cities of comparable size.

U.S. citizens need to apply for a visa to enter China. More information on visas is available through the Department of State's website .

Currency: Chinese yuan (Check the current exchange rate )

Language: Mandarin, Shanghai dialect Useful phrases: Hello: Nǐ hǎo Goodbye: Zàijiàn Thank you: Xièxiè nǐ

Calling Code: +86

Capital City: The capital of China is Beijing

How to Get Around

Trains: Shanghai's metro has more than a dozen subway lines. Station announcements are made in both English and Chinese and fares are calculated by distance. The city also has a high-speed Maglev train , which can travel at 431 kilometers per hour (or about 267 miles per hour) between the city and the Shanghai Pudong Airport.

Buses: There are buses in Shanghai, but they tend to be more difficult to navigate for tourists and non-Chinese speakers than the metro.

Taxis: Official, licensed taxis in Shanghai use a meter to calculate the fare and tourists should rely on these.Car service: Those looking to order a car through an app on their smartphone can do so through China's Didi Chuxing .

Best Hotels

Amanyangyun.

Address: 6161 Yuanjiang Rd., Minhang Qu, 201111, Shanghai Phone: +86 21 8011 9999 Website

This hotel just outside Shanghai offers all the luxury travelers would expect from the Aman brand as well as an escape from the city, immersing travelers in the tranquility of a 10-hectare forest park with giant camphor trees where guests can learn Tai Chi or go for a picnic. The hotel features both contemporary suites and antique Ming and Qing Dynasty villas and offers guests the ultimate in relaxation, including traditional Chinese medicine therapy.

J Hotel Shanghai Tower

Address: Shanghai Tower, No. 126 Dong Tai Rd., Lujiazui Pudong New District, Shanghai Phone: +86 21 3886 8888 Website

This brand-new hotel sits in the tallest skyscraper in China (and the second tallest in the world behind Dubai's Burj Khalifa), offering unparalleled views of the city and making guests truly feel as if they're on top of the world. Each room is situated on the 86th to 98th floors and includes a personal butler service and unparalleled views of the city.

Fairmont Peace Hotel

Address: 20 Nanjing Rd. East, Shanghai, 200002 Phone: +1-800-257-7544 (U.S. and Canada) Website

This art deco-designed hotel sits right in the middle of the action with the Bund and Shanghai's famous shopping street, Nanjing Road, just steps away. The hotel, which features 270 rooms and suites with modern amenities, was once known as the playground of Shanghai's elite. Capture some of that old world glamour with a visit to the hotel's Jazz Bar, featuring cocktails inspired by the 1920's and 1930's.

The Shanghai EDITION

Address: 199 Nanjing Rd. East Huangpu, 200002, Shanghai Phone: +86 (0) 21 5368 9999 Website

This modern hotel, which sits right in the heart of the famous Nanjing Road shopping street, offers views of the city or the Bund in every room. Shop til you drop and then relax with a drink on the Roof where guests can take in the views from underneath a gorgeous ivy-covered trellis.

Hyatt on the Bund

Address: 199 Huang Pu Rd., Shanghai Phone: + 86 21 6393 1234 Website

Relax in bed and enjoy the views of Shanghai's incredible skyline and the Bund from the floor-to-ceiling windows, or head up to watch the sunset and have a glass of Champagne from the VUE Bar on the top two levels of the hotel. Simply step outside the hotel's front doors to go for a stroll along the Huangpu River.

URBN Boutique Shanghai

Address: 183 Jiaozhou Rd., Jing'an District, Shanghai Phone: +86 21 5153 4600 Website

This carbon-neutral boutique hotel contains only 26 rooms and offers a green escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, featuring recycled and reclaimed local materials, including reclaimed bricks from the French Concession. Explore the neighborhood around the hotel, popping into the many independent bars and cafes, before ending the night at the hotel's garden restaurant.

Best Restaurants

Ultraviolet.

Address: 18 Zhongshan Dong Yi Rd., Shanghai Website

This three-Michelin Star, 10-seat restaurant delights diner's tastebuds with a whopping 20-course "Avant-Garde" menu (think: Pop Rock oyster with green tea and citric or "A Chicken in a Jar" with vineyard smoke and foie gras). Everyone sits together at one large table where lights, sounds, scents, and even projections accompany each course. Advance reservations are necessary (bookings are open four months in advance) and guests must pay a deposit to confirm their booking.

M on the Bund

Address: 7F, No 5 The Bund, Shanghai Phone: +86 21 6350 9988 Website

Take in views of the Shanghai skyline and the Huangpu River from this classic restaurant, serving everything from crispy suckling pig and salt-encased slow baked leg of lamb for dinner to "M's Very Famous Pavlova" for dessert. In the mood for a healthier meal? Head to the restaurant on Sunday's for an all-vegan menu with dishes like maple-glazed heirloom carrots with pickled chili potato and kumara and cassava gnocchi with olive crumbs.

Din Tai Fung

Address: Multiple locations Website

This famous restaurant was originally founded in Taiwan in 1958 and now has multiple locations throughout China, including several in Shanghai. Feast on the classic soup dumplings, or xiao long bao (theirs contains fillings like pork, crab roe and pork, chicken, or green squash and shrimp), or try the vegetarian mushroom buns. In the mood for a sweet treat? Try a steamed red bean rice cake with walnuts or even a chocolate xiao long bao .

Riviera Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental

Address: 111 Pudong Rd. (S) Pudong, Shanghai, 200120 Phone: +86 (21) 2082 9928 Website

Tea is very important to Chinese tradition and nothing says a luxurious tea experience quite like an over-the-top afternoon tea. At the Mandarin Oriental, tradition is combined with modern cuisine to create dishes like mint crab and cucumber sandwiches, grilled pork neck with BBQ sauce in a cone, and yuzu raspberry Swiss rolls.

Jia Jia Tang Bao

Address: 90 Huanghe Rd., Huangpu, Shanghai Phone: +86 21 6327 6878 Website

Eat your weight in xiao long bao at this famous spot in a city known for its steep soup dumpling competition. Go early (seriously) to get the popular crab and pork dumplings and be prepared to wait.

Things to Do

Untour food tours.

Address: Varies Phone: +86 137 0172 9642 Website

Learn how to cook (and eat) dumplings while exploring the former French Concession or visit a traditional wet market and sample traditional Chinese breakfasts, like jianbing. Each tour is available in English and children are welcome.

Disneyland Shanghai

Phone: +86 21 3158 0000 Website

This park offers everything someone would expect from the Happiest Place on Earth from favorite rides like Peter Pan's Flight and Dumbo the Flying Elephant to character selfie spots, but it also has some distinctly Chinese flair. The park's Garden of the Twelve Friends, for example, includes Disney characters to represent Chinese astrology.

Shanghai Museum

Address: No.201 Ren Min Da Dao, Shanghai, 20003 Phone: +86 (0) 21 63723500 Website

This free museum, first established in 1952, is focused on pre-modern Chinese art, including bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, jade, and more. The museum has ten permanent galleries along with temporary exhibitions and other showrooms, and sits in People's Square, a central square in Shanghai.

Go to the Shanghai Tower's observation deck

Address: 479 Lujiazui Ring Rd., Pudong New Area, Shanghai Phone: +86 (21) 2065 6999 Website

Visit the second highest tower in the world with a view from the "Top of Shanghai Observatory" on the 118th floor where guests can take in a 360-degree view of the city and its iconic skyline. While there, visit the Summit Art and Cultural space on the 126th floor where people can hear a 4D music experience.

Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center

Address: 100 People's Ave., near Xizang Zhong Lu, Huangpu district Phone: 86 21 63722077 Website

The highlight of this experience is the very detailed scale model of the city, complete with Shanghai's impressive skyscrapers down to its individual homes. In addition to the scale model, the exhibition center contains a 150-meter-long underground street called the "1930 Shanghai-Style Street."

Go on a river boat cruise

Address: Varies by company

The Huangpu River serves as an important landmark in Shanghai and one of the best ways to take it all in—along with the city's diverse architecture as a whole—is on a cruise. While there are cruises available during the day, going in the evening and seeing the city lit up is a special experience.

Museum of Contemporary Art Shanghai

Address: Gate 7, People's square, No. 231, West Nanjing Rd., Shanghai

This modern art museum, known as MoCA, was founded in 2005 and features avant-garde art and design as well as hosted fashion-focused exhibitions. The museum also features the Pavilion, an art space dedicated to supporting young artists.

Best Shopping

Nanjing road.

This is one of the main shopping streets in Shanghai, complete with a pedestrian-only stretch that weaves between local and international stores. While there, head to the Shanghai First Foodhall where visitors can sample local eats.

Madame Mao's Dowry

Address: 207 Fumin Lu, Shanghai Phone: +(86) 21 54033551 Website

This concept store sells beautiful crafts from local designers and artists. The shop values design from the Mao Period (from 1949 to 1976) and has a large collection of propaganda posters and news photographs.

Tianshan Tea Market

Address: 520 Zhongshan Xi Lu, near Wuyi Lu, Changning District

Tea plays a big role in Chinese culture and that holds very true in Shanghai. This massive tea-focused market is home to more than 100 vendors selling all kinds of tea along with other beautiful tea accessories.

Huaihai Road

This upscale shopping street has something for everyone from high-end stores like Prada and Tiffany & Co to popular brands like Levi's. While some stores are directly on the street, many are located inside large shopping malls.

South Bund Fabric Market

Address: 399 Lujiabang Rd., Huangpu, Shanghai

This bustling market will make any fashion-obsessed traveler's dreams come true with hundreds of tailors and endless possibilities for custom-made outfits from suits to dresses and more. If travelers have a style in mind, be sure to bring a photo (or photos) of the clothing item, and don't forget to go with cash.

Garden Books

Address: 325 Chang Le Rd., 200031, Shanghai Phone: +(86) 021 5404 8728 Website

This English-language bookstore is perfect for picking up a great novel or catching up on foreign newspapers and magazines. Stop by for one of the shop's lecture events or grab a coffee and settle in with your latest riveting read.

Neighborhoods to Know

Shanghai French Concession is a leafy neighborhood full of trendy bars and restaurants that evoke a romantic vibe and offer a change from the high-rises in other parts of the city. The area got its name since it used to be administered by the French.

Pudong is a large area east of the Huangpu River where many of Shanghai's most iconic buildings are located, including the Shanghai Tower and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower as well as one of Shanghai's main airports. Beyond the skyscrapers, Pudong is also home to the massive Century Park.

Xintiandi is a car-free, pedestrian-only area full of cafes and cobblestone streets. The quaint feeling of the neighborhood is only enhanced by the preserved traditional shikumen buildings.

Xujiahui is a central commercial center in Shanghai, known for its bustling shopping centers. While the busy pace can be fun, the neighborhood's green Xujiahui Park offers a bit of a respite.

People's Square is home to some of Shanghai's best museums and government buildings, and serves as a central landmark in the city. The bustling square sits at the entrance to Nanjing Road, a popular shopping street.

Shanghai has four seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Spring tends to be mild in Shanghai with temperatures hovering in the 60's and 70's.

Summer tends to be the rainiest season in Shanghai with temperatures hitting the 80's and frequent downpours.

Fall temperatures tend to drop into the 60's and 70's and much less rain falls on the city, making it one of the best times to visit.

Winter in Shanghai gets somewhat cold with temperatures falling into the 40's and 50's, and even dipping down into the 30's at night.

Apps to Download

WeChat : Popular messaging app and a great way to follow restaurants and shops iOs | Android

Alipay : Popular way to pay for things in China iOs | Android

MetroMan Shanghai : App to help travelers navigate the Shanghai subway with a route planner iOs | Android

Dianping : App to read restaurant reviews iOs | Android

Google Translate : App to translate languages through text or by using the camera iOs | Android

4-Day Shanghai Itinerary

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

• Shanghai in 4 days
• 1-Day Shanghai Itinerary
• 2-Day Shanghai Itinerary
• 3-Day Shanghai Itinerary
• 5-Day Shanghai Itinerary

Table of contents

Day 1: most popular attractions, day 2: west side of town, day 3: proximity is everything, day 4: keep it simple, oriental pearl tv tower.

Shanghai Tower

Shanghai world financial center, jin mao tower, where to eat, m on the bund, lost heaven bar.

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

Gucheng Park （Northeast Gate）

Shanghai old street, yuyuan old street, shanghai museum, di shui dong, lost heaven.

Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Shanghai Science and Technology Museum

Century park, 1933 old millfun, huangpu park, china art museum, din tai fung.

All travel reservations in 1 place

Never dig through your emails again — access all your flights, lodging, and any reservations in 1 place.

Shanghai Zhujiajiao Ancient Town Tourist Zone

Shanghai ancient town at zhujiajiao tourism development co., ltd., shanghai audi international circuit, guyi garden, hongqiao pearl market, top searches in shanghai, popular road trips from shanghai, what's the weather like in shanghai.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Shanghai for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Shanghai in January
• Weather in Shanghai in February
• Weather in Shanghai in March
• Weather in Shanghai in April
• Weather in Shanghai in May
• Weather in Shanghai in June
• Weather in Shanghai in July
• Weather in Shanghai in August
• Weather in Shanghai in September
• Weather in Shanghai in October
• Weather in Shanghai in November
• Weather in Shanghai in December

All road trips from Shanghai

• Shanghai to Hong Kong drive
• Shanghai to Beijing drive
• Shanghai to Hangzhou drive
• Shanghai to Hanoi drive
• Shanghai to Seoul drive
• Shanghai to Nanjing drive
• Shanghai to Xi'an drive
• Shanghai to Macau drive
• Shanghai to Hoi An drive
• Shanghai to Wuxi drive
• Shanghai to Guangzhou drive
• Shanghai to Tongxiang drive
• Shanghai to Qingdao drive
• Shanghai to Xiamen drive
• Shanghai to Chengdu drive
• Shanghai to Ningbo drive
• Shanghai to Hue drive
• Shanghai to Busan drive
• Shanghai to Halong Bay drive
• Shanghai to Fukuoka drive
• Shanghai to Changzhou drive
• Shanghai to Wuhan drive
• Shanghai to Yangzhou drive
• Shanghai to Shaoxing drive
• Shanghai to Huangshan drive
• Shanghai to Yangshuo County drive
• Shanghai to Zhangjiajie drive
• Shanghai to Tianjin drive
• Shanghai to Guilin drive
• Shanghai to Vladivostok drive

Explore nearby places

• Chongming County
• Jiashan County
• Haiyan County
• Shengsi County
• Zhangjiagang
• Rudong County
• Daishan County
• Changxing County

All related maps of Shanghai

• Map of Shanghai
• Map of Taicang
• Map of Chongming County
• Map of Kunshan
• Map of Qidong
• Map of Jiashan County
• Map of Pinghu
• Map of Haimen
• Map of Changshu
• Map of Suzhou
• Map of Jiaxing
• Map of Haiyan County
• Map of Nantong
• Map of Tongzhou
• Map of Shengsi County
• Map of Tongxiang
• Map of Haining
• Map of Zhangjiagang
• Map of Wuxi
• Map of Cixi
• Map of Rudong County
• Map of Daishan County
• Map of Jiangyin
• Map of Yuyao
• Map of Huzhou
• Map of Jingjiang
• Map of Shangyu
• Map of Changxing County
• Map of Ningbo
• Map of Rugao
• Map of Zhoushan

Shanghai throughout the year

• Shanghai in January
• Shanghai in February
• Shanghai in March
• Shanghai in April
• Shanghai in May
• Shanghai in June
• Shanghai in July
• Shanghai in August
• Shanghai in September
• Shanghai in October
• Shanghai in November
• Shanghai in December

Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Shanghai?

Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:

Day itineraries for nearby cities

• 4-Day Suzhou Itinerary
• 4-Day Wuxi Itinerary
• 4-Day Ningbo Itinerary
• 4-Day Jiashan County Itinerary
• 4-Day Tongxiang Itinerary

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

Shanghai Travel Guide

Shanghai, a vibrant city situated on the Yangtze River Delta, has a fascinating past as a gateway to China. It is not only the largest economic and trade hub in the country but also a fantastic cultural center.

You can still catch glimpses of Shanghai's colonial history in the charming Bund area, which adds to its cosmopolitan charm.

Get ready to be amazed!

• Top Attractions & Places to Visit
• How to Plan a Shanghai Trip
• Top Shanghai Tours
• Travel Guide by Month

Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Shanghai

How to plan a trip to shanghai, top private shanghai tours.

• See old and new Shanghai
• Rowing in a water town.
• Explore the Bund in-depth
• Get close to the world's leading drone.
• Be a local and pick tea leaves for one day.
• Enjoy a cultural experience in Nanxun Water Town.
• Explore a Suzhou garden at night
• Experience a tea farmer's life in Hangzhou
• Specially designed for a cruise excursion
• Relaxe in the Zhujiajiao Watertown

Travel from China's capital to its prosperous largest city. Feel the contrast of old and new.

Explore China's ancient glory and its modernity with our top itinerary.

• The best choice for first-timers
• Discover the picturesque rural China
• The best choice for panda fans
• Be a panda keeper
• The best choice for nature lovers
• Witness the Hallelujah Mountains
• Top family itinerary
• Experience China's countryside life together
• The best choice for ones who have a Tibet dream
• Pay your respects at the pilgrim's holy palace.

Shanghai Travel Guide by Month

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2024 shanghai travel guide blog with diy itinerary, things to do, tourist spots, budget, tips and more for first timers in china.

Ni Hao! Or should I say, hello! Hehehe! If you're planning a trip to Shanghai, I hope this Shanghai Travel Guide Blog with DIY Itinerary help you have a memorable trip to Shanghai!

Shanghai travel guide blog 2024 for first-timers, okay, let's get started, visa requirements to enter china, flights to shanghai.

HOW TO GET OUT OF THE AIRPORT?

HOW TO GET AROUND SHANGHAI?

HOW TO STAY CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET IN CHINA?

Where to exchange money.

WHERE TO STAY? HOTELS IN SHANGHAI

• Good location. It is near subway stations: People's Square and West Nanjing Stations.
• Room rates are quite affordable. We got it for 1,500 pesos per night for a twin room.
• Staff are nice and can speak and understand English.
• Room is clean, spacious, and well-kept.
• 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour front desk, currency exchange, and luggage storage are available.
• There are many convenience stores, grocery, restaurants, milk tea shops located just 2-5 minutes walk from the hotel.

Here's a photo of our booked room for 1,500 pesos per night.

24K International Hotel People's Square

Other hotels in shanghai.

• The Bund Riverside Hotel
• Green Court Residence City Center
• Campanile Shanghai Natural History Museum Hotel
• SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund
• Guxiang Hotel Shanghai
• Sweetome Boutique Apartment Shanghai East Nanjing Road
• Central Hotel Shanghai
• Jinjiang Metropolo Hotel Classiq Shanghai Bund Circle

TOP THINGS TO DO IN SHANGHAI (TOURIST SPOTS AND ATTRACTIONS)

Shanghai Disneyland

Shanghai Tower

Waibaidu Bridge

Shanghai Old Street

Yuyuan Garden

Shanghai Museum

People’s Park

Nanjing Road

M&M's Chocolate World

China Art Museum

Jade Buddha Temple

Jing’an Temple

Starbucks Reserve Roastery Shanghai

SAMPLE SHANGHAI ITINERARY - 3 DAYS & 2 NIGHTS

Day 1 - arrival + city tour part 1.

• 12:10 am - Arrive at Pudong International Airport.
• 01:00 am - 06:00 am - Sleep at the airport’s arrival hall or proceed to the city center.
• 06:00 am - take the shared bus transfer , subway or Maglev going to the city center (we took the shared bus - pre-booked via Klook) .
• 07:30 am - Early check-in at the hotel (if allowed) or leave your bags.
• 08:30 am - Take the subway to Yuyuan Station (4 RMB) .
• 09:00 am - Arrive at Yuyuan Station and walk to Shanghai Old Street.
• 09:30 am - Explore, eat, and shop (Brunch 10 RMB) .
• 11:00 am - Visit Yuyuan Garden (pre-booked) .
• 01:00 pm - Lunch (20 RMB)
• 02:00 pm - Walk to The Bund.
• 02:30 pm - Arrive at The Bund and take the ferry to the other side of Huangpu River (2 RMB) .
• 02:45 pm - Arrive at the ferry terminal and walk to Shanghai Tower.
• 03:00 pm - Go up to Shanghai Tower’s Observatory (pre-booked ticket) .
• 04:30 pm - Go down and walk towards the ferry terminal to cross the river going to back to The Bund (2 RMB) .
• 04:45 pm - Arrive at The Bund.
• 05:00 pm - 09:00 pm - Explore The Bund and Waibaidu Bridge, enjoy Huangpu River Cruise , take photos of the skyscrapers and old buildings, and dinner (20 RMB - dinner) .
• 09:30 pm - Walk to East Nanjing Station and take the subway to your hotel (4 RMB) .
• 10:00 pm - Back at the hotel and sleep.

DAY 2 - SHANGHAI DISNEYLAND + NANJING ROAD

• 06:00 am - Breakfast (8 RMB) .
• 07:00 am - Travel to Shanghai Disneyland (Take Subway Line 11 and get off at Disney Resort Station) (6 RMB) .
• 08:00 am - Arrive at Shanghai Disneyland.
• 09:00 am - 6:00 pm - Enjoy Shanghai Disneyland (pre-booked ticket / lunch 100 RMB) .
• 06:00 am - Depart for Nanjing Road. Take the subway Line 11 towards Jiangsu Road Station. Transfer to Line 2 and get off at East Nanjing Road. (6 RMB) .
• 07:00 am - Arrive at Nanjing Road.
• 07:00 pm - 10:00 pm - Shop, eat, enjoy Nanjing Road. Don’t forget to also visit M&M’s World. (Dinner 20 RMB) .

DAY 3 - CITY TOUR PART 2 + DEPARTURE

• 07:00 am - Early hotel check-out. Take your bags or leave bags at the hotel.
• 08:00 am - Go to People’s Park. Take subway line 2 and alight at People’s Square Station. (0 RMB, we just walked from our hotel) .
• 08:30 am - Explore People’s Park (Free entrance) .
• 09:00 am - Visit Shanghai Museum (Free entrance) .
• 11:00 am - Travel to Jing’an Temple. Take subway line 2 and get off at Jing’am Station. (4 RMB) .
• 11:30 am - Visit Jing’an Temple. (50 RMB entrance fee) .
• 12:15 pm - Lunch (20 RMB) .
• 01:00 am - Go to Jade Buddha Temple. Take subway line 7 towards Changshou Rd. station. Transfer to line 13 and get off at Jiangning Road. Walk towards Jade Buddha Temple (4 RMB) .
• 02:00 pm - Visit Jade Buddha Temple (30 RMB entrance fee) .
• 03:00 pm - Go to China Art Museum. Take subway line 13 to Hanzhong Road Station then transfer to line 1 towards People’s Square Station, then transfer to line 8 and get off at China Art Museum Station (4 RMB) .
• 03:30 pm - Explore China Art Museum (Free entrance) .
• 05:00 pm - Go back to your hotel to get your bags or proceed to the airport for your flight (10 RMB) .
• To get to the airport from China Art Museum, take the subway line 8 towards People’s Square Station then transfer to line 2 to Pudong International Airport. You may also take the Maglev from Longyang Road station for faster travel to the airport.
• 07:00 pm - Dinner at the airport (20 RMB) .

SHANGHAI BUDGET TRIP AND EXPENSES

• You will be traveling in a group of two to share some of the expenses.
• You will be staying in a hotel near People's Square Station. We booked our room at 24k International Hotel People's Square for PHP 1,500 per night.
• You will be using a travel Sim Card from @travelsimph for 900 pesos.
• Your budget for breakfast is around 8-10 RMB for breakfast, and 20 RMB for lunch and dinner.
• Conversion rate used is 1 RMB = 7.41 PHP.

PRE-TRAVEL EXPENSES

• Hotel Accommodation (2 nights) - ₱ 3,000 / 2 = ₱ 1,500 per person [ BOOK A ROOM HERE ]
• Shared Bus Airport Transfer - ₱ 467 per person [ GET DISCOUNTED TICKETS HERE ]
• Travel sim card - ₱ 900 per person
• Shanghai Disneyland Ticket - ₱ 2,662 per person [ GET DISCOUNTED TICKETS HERE ]
• Shanghai Tower Observatory Ticket - ₱ 1,223 per person [ GET DISCOUNTED TICKETS HERE ]
• Yuyuan Garden Ticket - ₱ 223 per person [ GET DISCOUNTED TICKETS HERE ]

TOTAL - ₱ 6,975

Breakdown of expenses.

• Pre-travel expenses - 6,975 PHP
• DAY 1 - 459.69 PHP
• DAY 2 - 1,038.01 PHP
• DAY 3 - 1,112.16 PHP

TOTAL ₱ 9,584 per person

• Round trip airfare Manila-Shanghai-Manila
• NAIA terminal fee and travel tax
• Food expense for snacks
• Budget for pasalubong, souvenirs and shopping expenses

SHANGHAI TRAVEL TIPS AND REMINDERS

• The immigration law of China requires all foreigners to register with the police. If you’re staying in a hotel, the hotel will do it for you. If you’re not staying in a hotel, you should register yourself at a nearby police station within 24 hours upon arrival in China.
• Always bring your passport anywhere you go. The police might ask you and you need to show them your passport.
• Use a VPN to access Facebook, Instagram and Google apps. I highly recommend a sim card (like what we used) that will not require you to use a VPN. To save your allocated internet data, use your hotel’s wifi and use VPN as well.
• Communication could be your biggest problem when in Shanghai. You may use Google Translate to communicate with locals who doesn’t speak English.
• Wear a comfortable footwear because you’ll be walking a lot. To save on travel expenses, walk if you can.
• If you’re visiting during summer, wear light breathable clothes. Also bring an umbrella for the occasional rains.
• Traveling on a tight budget? You can enjoy a good meal at the convenience stores for as low as 10 RMB.
• If you’re visiting Shanghai Disneyland , bring an empty water bottle and just refill it at the drinking fountains found inside the park. This will save you a lot on travel expenses.
• Use the subway because it very cheap.
• Always bring coins and 5/10 yuan bills to buy single journey train tickets. The ticketing machines only accepts 1 yuan coins and 5/10 yuan bills.
• To fully utilize the Shanghai Metro Subway, choose an accommodation near a subway station.
• If you’re visiting Beijing, take the hi-speed train . It’s cheaper than taking a domestic flight and can bring you to Beijing from Shanghai in less than 6 hours.
• Always be cautious with electric motorcycles that are so many and very popular in China. They are very silent and you can barely notice it while walking along the side streets. It might hit you if you’re not cautious.
• Before packing your bags for your trip to China, be sure to check the electricity in China, as well as its plugs and socket system.
• China generally uses 220V, 50HZ. There are three types of plugs used in China – three-pronged angled pins, two flat pins and two narrow round pins. Always bring a universal adaptor to be sure.
• To save on travel expenses, book discounted tickets, join group tours, take the subway, walk if you can, stay in hostels or budget hotels in Shanghai , and take advantage of flight seat sales and promos .

SHANGHAI TRAVEL BLOGS

• How to get to Beijing from Shanghai?
• SHANGHAI TOWER, "The Tallest Building in China and 2nd in the World!"
• Top Things to do at SHANGHAI DISNEYLAND in China

SHANGHAI VIDEO BLOG

You may also watch my shanghai video blog below. please don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to my youtube channel :).

I hope this Shanghai Travel Guide Blog for First-timers help you in planning a memorable adventure in China! Enjoy, have fun and don't forget to SHARE this to your friends! Xie xie!

How to get to beijing from shanghai please watch my video blog below., please don't forget to like, share, and subscribe :).

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2 comments :.

Hi how did you use Google, FB and IG while in China? We are highly dependent on google maps for navigation

Hi can I bring 30000mah power in airport?

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20 things to experience in Shanghai

Not only is Shanghai the largest city in China but it’s also one of the largest cities in the world. It’s an important business center but perhaps more notably a favored tourist destination. You don’t want to miss out on the sights, foods and fun this city provides travelers, so book your flight and find a hotel in Shanghai so you can finally have your dream vacation.

1. The Bund

Source: Flickr

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A gorgeous riverfront boardwalk many frequent for its view of the city and striking skyline that makes for a great photo op is the Bund . Walking along here you’ll see the likes of famous Shanghai skyscrapers and other buildings across the Huangpu River, like the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center. Past visitors agree strolling along this waterfront is best done at night when it’s less crowded and you’re under the glow of lights from all the buildings.

2. Eat Xiaolongbao

It’s easy to say all dumplings are alike, but there are specific distinctions throughout Chinese culture. And the Xiaolongbao is Shanghai’s very distinctive and popular version. Traditionally prepared with bamboo steaming baskets, the dumplings are usually stuffed with pork and served with a ginger-type vinegar for dipping. Most travelers say avoid the high-end restaurants and go to the local holes-in-the wall for the best Xiaolongbaos in Shanghai.

3. Shanghai World Financial Center… toilets

When you see a skyscraper resembling a massive bottle opener, then you know you found the Shanghai World Financial Center . It’s not only one of the world’s tallest buildings but also one of the best bird’s-eye views of this city. Need to use the restroom? Stop off at the 94th floor for the world’s highest-altitude restrooms – 1,388 feet. Then head up to the 100th floor for another record – the world’s highest observatory and its glass-walled walkway. There is an admission fee. (Around $15)

4. Shanghai Natural Wild Insect Kingdom

A great attraction for kids, the Shanghai Natural Wild Insect Kingdom offers live displays where the insects live in different environment like water and rainforest. In addition to insects, there are amphibians like Chinese alligators and tree frogs… and oddly, goats. To parents, it may feel like a hodge-podge (not to mention the Looney Tunes statues outside), but kids will revel in the interaction with the insects and animals.

5 locals you must meet on every trip Get the inside scoop

5. Yuyuan Garden

At times, visitors feel overwhelmed from the buildings, loud sounds, various smells and packed streets of Shanghai. Go to Yuyuan Garden and find some tranquility in this little hidden treasure in the center of the city. Take your time to experience the decorated bridges and the Chinese pagodas and spot all the stone dragons around the garden. Don’t miss the Lotus Pool, a breathtaking and peaceful spot where you can meditate and relax. There is an admission fee for the Garden.

6. Jade Buddha Temple

Another Shanghai spot giving off a serene atmosphere is the Jade Buddha Temple , built between 1918 and 1928. All kinds of figures and statues reside in this temple, but none are more special than the two cultural jade Buddhist statues. You will marvel at the temple’s centerpiece, is the 1.9m-high (6 feet) pale-green jade Buddha carved from one piece, but unfortunately photographs are not permitted. The Temple is a popular stop for tour buses, so be prepared for crowds. There is an admission fee.

7. Shanghai Sidecar Tours

For a unique experience to see the bustling streets of the city, try taking a Shanghai Sidecar Tour . Zip around Shanghai’s neighborhoods in motorcycle sidecars driven by expert, English-speaking guides. Tours are tailored around centers of interests or Shanghai history and can range from 2 to 4 hours depending on what you want to learn. Depending on the tour, expect to pay extra for things like GoPro camera renting, video editing and burning to DVD. Tips are encouraged.

8. Nanjing Road

A vacation isn’t a vacation unless you get to shop. And the place to do it in Shanghai, and really all of China, is Nanjing Road . Hundreds of businesses line this 3.4-mile long street, including high-end fashion stores, traditional Chinese stores, specialty shops and common American fast food chains. This spot is always busy and full of people, so be prepared to walk briskly through crowds. At night the neon signs make this Shanghai street sparkle like the Las Vegas strip.

9. Get a Chinese Massage (owww!)

Source: Getty Images

There’s really nothing like a great massage while on vacation, right? Well, at some of the best places for massage in Shanghai , you can get one… intense… massage. If you’re looking for a soothing massage, there are several to choose from throughout the city. However you’re in China, so go with the traditional therapy for tackling muscle pain, but it’s not for the weak at heart. What’s the saying? No pain. No gain. In the end though, you are gonna feel refreshed.

10. Shanghai Marriage Market

Started in 1996, the Shanghai Marriage Market allows parents to advertise their single children by hanging paper “profiles” in a corner of People’s Park . Parents promote the typical achievements of their kids: education, work, age, etc. in hopes of finding that love connection. If both parents find a pairing that could work, they work on setting their kids up on a blind date. While remembering this stems from a more traditional time when parents arranged their children’s marriages, this is still a fun experience for visitors and something to share with your friends.

11. Shanghai Acrobatic Show

Nothing is more shocking or entertaining than a Shanghai acrobatic show. A popular show is ERA Intersection of Time . Performed at Shanghai Circus World , ERA is a story combining Chinese acrobatics, martial arts and dance, along with modern technology. The acrobats’ tricks and stunts keep you on the edge of your seat, while the music, lighting and sounds just intensify your overall experience. This is a must-see while in Shanghai.

12.  Jing’an Park

Yet another peaceful getaway inside Shanghai, Jing’an Park is a green urban oasis in the middle of the bustling city. From small caves to picturesque waterfalls, this charming park was developed across from the Jing’an Temple , an ancient Buddhist temple. In the morning, Shanghai residents perform the beautiful art of Tai Chi here and gives you a chance to watch this peaceful ritual. Tip: Don’t confuse Jing’an Park with the Jing’an Sculpture Park , which is nearby.

13. Tianzifang

One of the coolest areas of Shanghai, Tianzifang is an array of alleyways and stone architecture that feels a lot artsy and chic. It houses more than 200 small businesses from coffee cafes to art galleries and quirky fashion boutiques to one-of-kind bars. Make sure you take plenty of selfies when you visit, because the backgrounds will be uniquely Shanghai. Bonus: It’s right around the corner from the SML Center,  the largest international shopping mall.

14. Shanghai Museum

Composed of 11 galleries on four floors, the Shanghai Museum celebrates 5,000 years of Chinese history. This place is big, and if you’re a history buff, it’s suggested you take a couple of days to tour its massive collections. Not a history lover? Choose an area or two of focus like the Jade or Ming dynasty furniture or traditional Chinese calligraphy. Fun fact: The top of the museum is shaped like an ancient Chinese cooking pot.

15. Oriental Pearl Tower

The Tower and it design harkens back to the 1980s, so it may feel out of date. So should you skip this venue? No way! With its noticeable purple design, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower consists of three main full-scope sightseeing spheres. The bottom sphere houses a VR Roller Coaster and futuristic space city; the middle sphere offers 360° view of the city while walking on transparent glass and a revolving restaurant; and the third sphere hasa 5D Cinema (not a typo) and old-school arcade with dozens of games.

16. Shanghai Maglev

Ever wanted to 18 miles in roughly 7 minutes? Here’s your chance. The Shanghai Maglev is magnetic levitation train that travels at lightning speeds, back and forth between the city and Pudong International Airport. The train hovers a half-inch above the track. Round trip costs about 80 yuan ($12). Shanghai Maglev currently the fastest train in the world, but China is working on one that goes 373 mph .

17. Shanghai Urban Planning Museum

One of the most impressive venues in the city is the Shanghai Urban Planning Museum , which boasts five floors covering Shanghai’s urban planning  history. Located in People’s Square, the museum’s largest attraction is a stunning model of the entire city. Throw in a Virtual World 3D tour and several interactive displays and you have the most unique museum in the city. Plus when you leave the museum, you’re greeted with “Old Shanghai Street,” a re-creation of 1930s Shanghai.

18. Bund Sightseeing Tunnel

The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel is one of Shanghai’s strangest attractions. Located beneath the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, you travel under the Huangpu River by train for the most psychedelic trip of your life. Compartments on the train are completely transparent, so you can see all around, and the sound system changes as much as the colors. It takes about 5 minutes to go through the tunnel, plus it’s a great chance for memorable vacation photos.

19. Grand Cinema

Source: Ideal Singapore

If you’re in Shanghai for an extended vacation, you might want a taste of homegrown cinema. The historic Grand Cinema is your best option for popcorn and a movie. It’s the pinnacle of lavish theater design – Italian marble and Art Deco fixtures dot the main lounge. There are six theaters, including one that tops out at more than 1,500 seats and two levels. There’s even a VIP room with 25 seats for groups or work teams and translation earbuds in some seats.

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