Shanghai

Travel Guide
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 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

Xintiandi showing a bar, street scenes and café scenes

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 which includes modern architecture, a skyscraper and a city

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 featuring religious aspects and a temple or place of worship

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 featuring 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
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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
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Xuhui

3.5/5(3 area reviews)

Travellers choose Xuhui for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Stadium Station or Xujiahui Station and check out top sights like Shanghai Stadium.

Xuhui
The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi
The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi
5 out of 5
No.99 Madang Road, Luwan District, Shanghai, Shanghai
The price is S$271 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
S$271
includes taxes & fees
1 Nov - 2 Nov
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (926 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel best club lounge in China"

Reviewed on 23 Sep,2024

The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi
Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai
Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai
5 out of 5
33 Fu Cheng Road, Pudong, Shanghai
The price is S$205 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
S$205
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (743 reviews)
"The hotel itself was quite pleasant. However, the breakfast area can become overcrowded, making it difficult to find a seat."

Reviewed on 30 Oct,2024

Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai
Conrad Shanghai
Conrad Shanghai
5 out of 5
789 Nanjing Road East, Shanghai, Shanghai
The price is S$221 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
S$221
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions The Bund and West Nanjing Road are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Cara was amazing ! She was informative and gave me a wonderful suite. I will highly recommend this hotel to business travelers."

Reviewed on 31 Oct,2024

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.
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. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (700 reviews)
"No complaints. Room was spacious and clean. Location was pretty convenient and great dining options just across the walking bridge. Freindly staff and beds were almost like home. Will try to stay there next time we are in Shanghai. Best option for a small family we could find."

Reviewed on 19 Oct,2024

IFC Residence
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (890 reviews)
"Fantastic customer service. Prime location with Shanghai Metro right outside, and a massive food court. A few convenience stores close by and large grocery shop downstairs. Highly recommend."

Reviewed on 16 Oct,2024

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 spa aparthotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,369 reviews)
"Very knowledgeably and friendly staff, from the doorman to the front desk to the cleaning lady."

Reviewed on 26 Oct,2024

Green Court Residence City 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

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

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