Shanghai

Travel Guide

Shanghai
Yuyuan Bazaar
Shanghai showing a lake or waterhole and heritage elements as well as a large group of people
Shanghai
Shanghai

Visit this bustling eastern province to explore glitzy shopping malls, marvel at historic temples and climb to the top of towering skyscrapers.

The province of Shanghai is dominated by its eponymous metropolis, one of China’s major economic and cultural hubs. Here, modern skyscrapers sit near Buddhist temples and art deco buildings, while sleek museums stand alongside manicured gardens and cramped alleys. Shop for local crafts, slurp freshly made noodles, visit historic museums and enjoy a rare moment of peace in a tucked-away monastery.

Situated on the mouth of the Yangtze River, the city of Shanghai blends modern and historic elements, as well as drawing inspiration from both Eastern and Western cultures. At the Shanghai History Museum, find out more about the city’s origins as a small fishing and textiles town that transitioned into a popular destination for foreigners to establish homes and businesses.

To see the city from different perspectives, walk along the riverfront promenade known as the Bund. Marvel at the various architectural styles visible from the walkway. For a bird’s-eye view, head for the observation deck at the Shanghai Tower.

When the weather is nice, visitors and locals converge on the Yùyuán Gardens to stroll, sit in the shade and watch colourful fish swimming around in the pools. Soak up the sun with a boat trip in Zhujiajiao, a historic water town in the suburbs, known for its Ming- and Qing-era bridges. If it’s raining, consider taking shelter in Xīntiāndì, a shopping and entertainment complex packed with boutique shops and restaurants.

Explore the city’s religious past at the Buddhist Jìng’ān Temple. Smell the burning incense and inspect the ornate statues that decorate the halls. Other notable Buddhist sites include the Jade Buddha Temple, one of the only active monasteries remaining in Shanghai.

Book your holiday in the spring or fall for the best weather or visit in the first week of October during the National Day holiday when crowds flock to the city for celebrations. Fly into one of two international airports, Hongqiao or Pudong, to start your journey through the region.

Upscale shopping complexes, ancient temples and relaxing gardens make Shanghai a top destination for travellers looking to experience modern-day China.

Where to stay in Shanghai

Xintiandi featuring a city, outdoor eating and a bar

Downtown Shanghai

4.5/5(11 area reviews)

Known for its beautiful gardens and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Shanghai. Check out top attractions like The Bund and Three on the Bund, and jump on the metro at East Nanjing Road Station or Yuyuan Garden Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Shanghai
Oriental Pearl Tower showing modern architecture, a city and a river or creek

Pudong

4/5(109 area reviews)

Shanghai Disneyland© and The Bund are top sights in Pudong, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Huinan Station or Safari Park Station to see more sights in the area.

Pudong
Jing An Temple showing a temple or place of worship and religious aspects

Jing'an

4/5(16 area reviews)

Travellers choose Jing'an for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Yanchang Road Station or Circus World Station and check out top sights like Daning Lingshi Park.

Jing'an
Shanghai Museum which includes modern architecture

Huangpu

4.5/5(94 area reviews)

Known for its beautiful gardens and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Huangpu. Check out top attractions like The Bund and Old Chinese City, and jump on the metro at Yuyuan Garden Station or East Nanjing Road Station to see more of the city.

Huangpu
Lujiazui

Lujiazui

Consider exploring the abundant dining options in Lujiazui. If sightseeing is on the list, Shanghai Tower is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Shangcheng Road Station or Dongchang Road Station to see more of the area.

Lujiazui
Default Image

Hongqiao

Noted for its shopping and restaurants, there's plenty to explore in Hongqiao. Top attractions like Hongqiao Int'l Pearl City and Laowai Street 101 are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Hechuan Road Station or Longbai Xincun Station to see more of the city.

Hongqiao
Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World

Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World

5 out of 5
88 Nanjing West Road, Shanghai, Shanghai
The price is HK$741 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
HK$741
HK$864 total
28 Sept - 29 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the overall value ...
Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World
Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai

Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai

5 out of 5
33 Fu Cheng Road, Pudong, Shanghai
The price is HK$1,010 per night from 27 Sept to 28 Sept
HK$1,010
HK$1,178 total
27 Sept - 28 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 indoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai
Conrad Shanghai

Conrad Shanghai

5 out of 5
789 Nanjing Road East, Shanghai, Shanghai
The price is HK$1,142 per night from 8 Oct to 9 Oct
HK$1,142
HK$1,332 total
8 Oct - 9 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions The Bund and People's Square are located ...
Conrad Shanghai
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Modena by Fraser Putuo Shanghai

Modena by Fraser Putuo Shanghai

4 out of 5
No. 1, Lane 58, Tongchuan Road, Putuo District, Shanghai, Shanghai
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition ...
Modena by Fraser Putuo Shanghai
Green Court Residence City Center Shanghai

Green Court Residence City Center Shanghai

4 out of 5
55 Beijing Xi Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, Shanghai
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
Green Court Residence City Center Shanghai
IFC Residence

IFC Residence

5 out of 5
8 Century Avenue Pudong, Shanghai, PVG
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
IFC Residence
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Shanghai

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
92
5 - Excellent 48%
4 - Good
88
4 - Good 46%
3 - Okay
10
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Asiantraveller

Be aware that not much Chinese people can speak English, prepare yourself with Chinese instruction/ information to give local people for help. Taxi is not easy to get, especially in short distances travel

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

A busy and clean city, with the traditional and new features stand together. Food varieties are plenty and at very reasonable prices. Getting around is easy on Metro. People in general are helpful and considerate.

4/5 - Good

Maz

Excellent public transport, plenty to see and do for a stopover. It's easier to travel independently here than in other parts of China.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Not easy to shopping or take taxi if you don't have wechat or alipay.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Amazing city especially on evening when all the lights are on, really recommend the acrobatic show if you the time.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Love all about Shanghai