Shanghai

Travel Guide
Jing An Temple which includes a city and a temple or place of worship
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 colorful 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 vacation 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 travelers looking to experience modern-day China.

Where to stay in Shanghai

Central Hotel Shanghai
Central Hotel Shanghai
4 out of 5
No 555 Jiujiang Road, Shanghai, Shanghai
The price is S$132 per night from 5 Oct to 6 Oct
S$132
per night
5 Oct - 6 Oct
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Nanjing Road Shopping District and Old ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Not expensive, very nice hotel and excellent location - close to the metro line 2 which travels between the two Shanghai airports, close to a big shopping street and in walking distance from fantastic view to the Shanghai skyline. I would book this hotel again and I recommended this hotel to my ..."

Reviewed on 21 Sep,2023

Central Hotel Shanghai
The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi
The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi
5 out of 5
No.99 Madang Road, Luwan District, Shanghai, Shanghai
The price is S$281 per night from 5 Oct to 6 Oct
S$281
per night
5 Oct - 6 Oct
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (694 reviews)
Outstanding experience
"Everything was incredible. My room was outstanding, the hotel team is generous and helpful. I did a face treatment with Olivia - in one word : speechless!"

Reviewed on 10 Sep,2023

The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi
The Westin Bund Center, Shanghai
The Westin Bund Center, Shanghai
5 out of 5
88 Henan Central Road, Shanghai, Shanghai
The price is S$215 per night from 5 Oct to 6 Oct
S$215
per night
5 Oct - 6 Oct
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Nanjing Road Shopping District and Old Chinese ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (871 reviews)
"Pasamos unos días excelente en este hotel, caminando llegas a la calle Peatonal Nanjing Road y también a The Bund, fácil acceso para todos los puntos de interés caminando."

Reviewed on 22 Sep,2023

The Westin Bund Center, 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.
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 spa aparthotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Shanghai Landmark Department Store ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,266 reviews)
"Decent hotel with a good location. Easy to reach from peoples square metro station"

Reviewed on 20 Aug,2023

Green Court Residence City Center Shanghai
Ifc Residence
Ifc Residence
5 out of 5
8 Century Avenue Pudong Lujiazui, Shanghai, Shanghai
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a children's pool. Popular attractions Shanghai World Financial Center and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (608 reviews)
"Perfect location for shopping and walking around, the rooftop swimming pool was amazingly clean with a beautiful view of the landscape. Suite was quite cozy and spacious, shower was really powerful. The living space on 3rd floor is connected to the IFC mall so it's quite convenience to walk ..."

Reviewed on 4 Sep,2023

Ifc Residence
Ascott Huai Hai Road Shanghai
Ascott Huai Hai Road Shanghai
4.5 out of 5
No 282,Huai Hai Road Central, Huangpu District, Shanghai, Shanghai
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Shanghai. Enjoy breakfast, room service, and a health club. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (468 reviews)
PERFECT HOTEL!
"FANTASTIC SERVICE! STAFF ARE AMAZING! RECOMMEND THIS HOTEL 100%"

Reviewed on 28 Sep,2023

Ascott Huai Hai Road 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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Shanghai

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
92
" "5 - Excellent 48.167539267015705%
4 - Good
88
" "4 - Good 46.07329842931937%
3 - Okay
10
" "3 - Okay 5.2356020942408374%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.5235602094240838%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Asiantraveller
3 Feb 2020

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
22 Jan 2020

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
18 Jan 2020

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
6 Jan 2020

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
6 Jan 2020

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
2 Jan 2020

Love all about Shanghai