Shanghai

City Overview

Shanghai is located at the mouth of the Yangtze River in eastern China and is one of the most international metropolises in the country. Known as "魔都 (The Magic City)" and "东方巴黎 (The Paris of the East)," it features a modern skyline formed by the historic international architecture of 外滩 (The Bund) and the skyscrapers of 陆家嘴 (Lujiazui). At the same time, it preserves the old Shanghai charm in areas like the French Concession historic district and 石库门里弄 (Shikumen alleyways). The city is renowned for finance, shipping, and technological innovation, and boasts top cultural venues such as the Shanghai Museum, Shanghai History Museum, Pudong Art Museum, West Bund Art Museum, and Long Museum West Bund.

For first-time visitors, must-see landmarks include 外滩 (The Bund), 南京路步行街 (Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street), 豫园—城隍庙 (Yuyuan Garden and City God Temple), Shanghai Disney Resort, and the Lujiazui viewing cluster (东方明珠 (Oriental Pearl Tower), Shanghai Tower (上海中心大厦·上海之巅), Shanghai World Financial Center, and Jin Mao Tower). For those seeking a slower pace to experience the Haipai culture and creative atmosphere, areas like 武康路 (Wukang Road), 安福路—武康路—愚园路 (Anfu Road—Wukang Road—Yuyuan Road), 田子坊 (Tianzifang), M50 Creative Park, 1933 Old Millfun, the Suzhou River waterfront (苏河湾 area), North Bund Riverside, and 外滩源 (The Bund Source) are ideal.

Shanghai’s modern history is rich and profound. Cultural celebrity street 多伦路 (Duolun Road), the Sihang Warehouse War of Resistance Memorial, the former Shanghai General Chamber of Commerce site, China Securities Museum, Shanghai Postal Museum, and the area around Waibaidu Bridge collectively connect the city’s commercial and revolutionary memories from modern China. These are key to understanding Shanghai’s unique blend of "red gene + Haipai culture + Jiangnan essence." Whether traveling with family, as a couple, a culture enthusiast, or on business, everyone can find a travel style that suits them in Shanghai.

Best Travel Seasons and Climate

Shanghai has a subtropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons and an average annual temperature of about 17℃. The best times to visit are from March to May and September to November.

In spring (March to May), temperatures range from 10–22℃, perfect for flower viewing and outings in Lu Xun Park, Century Park, and Gongqing National Forest Park. The French Concession historic district, Wukang Road, Anfu Road, and Gansu Road areas are filled with fresh sycamore greenery, creating a great atmosphere for street photography. However, early March can still be chilly, so bring a light jacket.

Autumn (September to November) offers the most comfortable weather, with daytime temperatures between 20–26℃ and moderate humidity. It’s ideal for riverside strolls along the Bund (外滩), North Bund Riverside (北外滩滨江), and Longteng Avenue West Bank Riverside (龙腾大道西岸滨江) near the West Bund Natural Art Park (西岸自然艺术公园). You can also visit the ancient water towns of Zhujiajiao (朱家角古镇) and Qibao (七宝古镇) to enjoy the autumn scenery.

Summer (June to September) is hot and humid with frequent rain, and temperatures often exceed 35℃. Plan indoor activities such as the Shanghai Natural History Museum, Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, Shanghai Astronomy Museum, Shanghai Museum, Pudong Art Museum, and West Bund Art Museum. In the evenings, take a Huangpu River ferry ride or visit the observation decks of the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center to enjoy the night views.

Winter (December to February) is damp and cold, with a lower perceived temperature, but fewer tourists. The Yuyuan Garden Lantern Festival (豫园灯会), the festive atmosphere at City God Temple (城隍庙), the holiday decorations along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (南京路步行街), and the Shikumen district of Xintiandi (新天地石库门街区) create a wonderful ambiance. It’s a great time for shopping and enjoying warming local delicacies like hot pot, pork ribs with rice cakes, and xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).

Arrival in Shanghai

By Air:

• Pudong International Airport (PVG): Mainly handles international and some domestic flights. The airport maglev train takes 8 minutes to Longyang Road Station (龙阳路站) for ¥50 (~$7 USD) one way. From there, you can transfer to Metro Line 2 to reach key areas like Lujiazui, East Nanjing Road (南京东路), and People’s Square (人民广场). Airport buses have multiple routes directly connecting to Shanghai Railway Station, Hongqiao Hub, The Bund (外滩), and more.
• Hongqiao International Airport (SHA): Primarily serves domestic flights and is seamlessly connected to Hongqiao Railway Station, making it a major hub for high-speed rail and flights in the Yangtze River Delta. Metro Lines 2 and 10 provide direct access to Jing’an Temple (静安寺), West Nanjing Road (南京西路), Yuyuan Garden (豫园), and Xujiahui shopping district.

By Train:

• Shanghai Hongqiao Station: One of the core stations in the national high-speed rail network, connecting cities such as Beijing, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing, Hefei, Wuhan, and Guangzhou with frequent high-speed trains. Upon exiting, you can transfer to Metro Lines 2 and 10 or take long-distance buses.
• Shanghai Railway Station (上海站): Located in Jing’an District, it serves some conventional and high-speed trains. Metro Lines 1, 3, and 4 intersect here, making it convenient to reach People’s Square, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (南京路步行街), The Bund (外滩), and Jing’an Temple.
• Shanghai South Station: Mainly serves conventional trains. Metro Lines 1 and 3 provide access to Xujiahui shopping district, Longhua Temple (龙华寺), and Shanghai Stadium areas.

By Road and Long-Distance Bus:
Highways such as Huning (沪宁), Huhang (沪杭), and Hujia (沪嘉) connect Shanghai with surrounding cities. Long-distance bus stations like Shanghai Long-Distance Bus Terminal and Shanghai South Long-Distance Bus Station offer routes to Suzhou, Hangzhou, Huangshan, and more, ideal for planning short trips to nearby ancient towns like Zhujiajiao and Qibao.

By Water:
International cruises through the Yangtze River estuary are less frequent than before, but the Shanghai Huangpu River Ferry (黄浦江轮渡) along the Huangpu River is a unique way to combine city transport and sightseeing. For just ¥2 (~$0.30 USD), you can cross the river between The Bund (外滩) and Lujiazui.

City Transportation and Travel Options

Metro:
Shanghai’s metro system is extensive, with more than ten lines in operation, covering major attractions such as 外滩 (The Bund), 陆家嘴 (Lujiazui), 南京路步行街 (Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street), 人民广场 (People’s Square), 徐家汇商圈 (Xujiahui Shopping District), 静安寺 (Jing’an Temple), 豫园 (Yuyuan Garden), and 迪士尼 (Disney). Commonly used lines include:

• Line 2: Pudong Airport — Longyang Road — Lujiazui — East Nanjing Road — People’s Square — Jing’an Temple — Hongqiao Railway Station/Airport, the most frequently used line by tourists.
• Line 10: Hongqiao Railway Station/Airport — Shanghai Zoo — Jiaotong University — Xintiandi — Yuyuan Garden — East Nanjing Road, connecting the old city area with the city center.
• Line 11: Direct access to Shanghai Disney Resort Station, about 40–60 minutes from downtown.
  Single-ride fares range from ¥3 to ¥8, payable via transportation cards or mobile QR codes (Alipay, WeChat Pay, UnionPay QuickPass).

Buses and Trams:
Bus routes are dense, with fares mostly at ¥2, suitable for short supplementary trips, such as to M50 Creative Park, Gongqing National Forest Park, along the Suzhou River (Suhewan area), and the west bank of Longteng Avenue Riverside. Modern trams operate in Pudong Zhangjiang and Lingang areas, connecting attractions like Shanghai Astronomy Museum and Dishui Lake.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing:
The starting fare is generally ¥14 (including the first 3 kilometers), with a slight increase at night. You can hail rides via apps like Didi Chuxing, Gaode Taxi, and Shouqi Limousine. Taxi fares within the city center to destinations like 外滩 (The Bund), 陆家嘴 (Lujiazui), 武康路 (Wukang Road), and 田子坊 (Tianzifang) usually range between ¥30–60, depending on distance and traffic conditions.

Shared Bikes and Walking:
Meituan Bike and Hello Bike are available citywide, ideal for leisurely rides in areas such as the French Concession historic district, Anfu Road — Wukang Road — Yuyuan Road area, along the Suzhou River, North Bund Riverside, and the west bank of Longteng Avenue Riverside. The cost is about ¥1.5 per 15 minutes. Walking is recommended in areas like 外滩 (The Bund), 南京路步行街 (Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street), Sinan Mansions, Zhangyuan on West Nanjing Road, Xintiandi Shikumen District, and 田子坊 (Tianzifang), though expect large crowds during holidays.

Ferries and Sightseeing Transport:

• Shanghai Huangpu River Ferry (The Bund Ferry): Connects 外滩 (The Bund) and 陆家嘴 (Lujiazui), with a fare of ¥2, offering a cost-effective way to capture the skyline on both sides of the river.
• Huangpu River Cruises: Departing from The Bund or North Bund piers, night cruises range from about ¥50 to ¥200, providing close-up views of landmarks such as the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, Jin Mao Tower, and the historic Bund architecture illuminated at night.

Food and Dining Culture

Shanghai blends local Shanghainese cuisine, Jiangsu and Zhejiang dishes, and various regional cuisines, making it a paradise for food lovers. Must-try local dishes include:

• Red-braised pork, oil-burst shrimp, stir-fried river shrimp, crab meat lion’s head meatballs: You can taste these at established restaurants like Laojishi Restaurant, Shanghai Old Restaurant (near Chenghuangmiao 城隍庙), and Lvbolang (next to Yuyuan Garden 豫园), with an average cost of ¥150–300 per person (~$21–42 USD).
• Local cold dishes such as smoked fish, eight-treasure spicy sauce, and drunken chicken, which tend to have a sweet and fresh flavor.

Snacks and Street Food:

• Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), Shengjianbao (pan-fried buns): Available at places like Nanxiang Mantou Dian in Chenghuangmiao (上海城隍庙), Fengyu Shengjian, and Asan Shengjian, costing around ¥20–40 per person (~$3–6 USD). These can be sampled in concentrated areas like Chenghuangmiao (上海城隍庙), Yuyuan Old Street (豫园老街), and Qibao Ancient Town Food Street (七宝古镇美食街).
• Pork rib rice cake, scallion oil noodles, crab shell pastries, and glutinous rice cakes: Numerous small shops around Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (南京路步行街), Huanghe Road (黄河路), and the old city area of Huangpu District (黄浦区老城厢) offer these snacks, typically priced ¥10–30 (~$1.5–4 USD).
• Tangyuan (glutinous rice balls), fermented rice balls: Perfect for winter, found at the Old Chenghuangmiao Snack Plaza and snack shops near Jing’an Temple (静安寺).

Specialty Neighborhoods and Nightlife:

• Xintiandi Shikumen District (新天地石库门街区): Features mid-to-high-end restaurants and bars, with an average cost of ¥200–400 (~$28–56 USD) per person. Ideal for a nightcap while experiencing the blend of Shikumen architecture and modern nightlife.
• Anfu Road—Wukang Road—Yuyuan Road area (安福路—武康路—愚园路一带街区): Packed with cafes, dessert shops, craft beer bars, and niche restaurants like SOE Coffee, Seesaw, and Manner, costing ¥40–100 (~$6–14 USD) per person. Great for afternoon tea and brunch.
• Tianzifang, 1933 Old Millfun, M50 Creative Park: Creative hubs with international cuisine, boutique cafes, and artsy bars, averaging ¥80–200 (~$11–28 USD) per person.

Seafood and Jiangnan Flavors:
Restaurants near the Huangpu River and Suzhou Creek specialize in fresh river delicacies such as white-cut chicken, boiled shrimp, and steamed white fish. Zhujiajiao Ancient Town and Qibao Ancient Town along the riverbanks have many farmhouse-style restaurants featuring specialties like whitewater fish, river shrimp, green rice balls (Qingtuan), and cured meat, with prices around ¥60–150 (~$9–21 USD) per person.

Coffee Culture:
Shanghai is known as one of the cities with the most coffee shops worldwide. Historic French Concession neighborhoods, Gansu Road, Shenyu Lane, The Bund Source (洛克外滩源), Baiyulan Square People’s Coffee Shop, and North Bund Riverside all have cafes with excellent views where you can enjoy coffee while overlooking Lujiazui and the Huangpu River, with prices around ¥40–80 (~$6–11 USD) per person.

Recommended Accommodation Areas

1. 外滩 (The Bund) — 南京东路 (Nanjing East Road) — 人民广场 (People’s Square) Area (Top Choice for First-Time Visitors)
Suitable for: First-time visitors to Shanghai, night views, shopping. Within walking distance to 外滩 (The Bund), 南京路步行街 (Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street), 上海博物馆 (Shanghai Museum) including the People’s Square and East Branches, 上海历史博物馆 (Shanghai History Museum), 上海邮政博物馆 (Shanghai Postal Museum), 外白渡桥 (Waibaidu Bridge) area, 礼和洋行旧址 (Lihe Trading Company Site), 沙美大楼 (Shamei Building), and more. Metro Lines 2, 10, and 1 intersect here, making it convenient to reach 陆家嘴 (Lujiazui), 豫园 (Yuyuan Garden), and 静安寺 (Jing’an Temple). High-end hotels like 外滩华尔道夫 (The Bund Waldorf Astoria), 和平饭店 (Peace Hotel on The Bund), and 外滩茂悦 (Hyatt on The Bund) cost about ¥800–2000 per person; mid-range chains such as 全季 (All Seasons), 亚朵 (Atour), and 桔子水晶 (Orange Crystal) range from ¥400–700 per person; there are also a few hostels at ¥100–200 per person.

2. 陆家嘴 (Lujiazui) — 浦东滨江 (Pudong Riverside) (Business & Scenic Views)
Suitable for: Business travelers and those seeking river views. 陆家嘴 (Lujiazui) is home to landmarks like 东方明珠 (Oriental Pearl Tower), 上海中心大厦·上海之巅观光厅 (Shanghai Tower & Observation Deck), 环球金融中心观光厅 (Shanghai World Financial Center Observation Deck), 金茂大厦观光厅 (Jin Mao Tower Observation Deck), and 浦东美术馆 (Pudong Art Museum), all within walking distance to the 黄浦江 (Huangpu River) waterfront. Metro Line 2 provides direct access to Hongqiao and Pudong airports. High-end hotels such as 柏悦 (Park Hyatt), 丽思卡尔顿 (Ritz-Carlton), and 香格里拉 (Shangri-La) cost around ¥1000–2500 per person, with many rooms offering river views. Budget-conscious travelers can opt for mid-range hotels on the outskirts of 陆家嘴 or along 世博大道 (Expo Avenue) and 龙腾大道 (Longteng Avenue) on the west bank of the river in Pudong, costing ¥400–800 per person.

3. 静安寺 (Jing’an Temple) — 南京西路 (Nanjing West Road) — 张园 (Zhangyuan) Area (Fashion Shopping + Artsy Vibe)
Suitable for: Shopping, dining, and artsy young travelers. 南京西路 (Nanjing West Road) shopping district features high-end malls like 恒隆广场 (Plaza 66), 芮欧百货 (RIO Department Store), and 静安嘉里中心 (Jing’an Kerry Centre). Nearby attractions include 静安寺 (Jing’an Temple), 南京西路张园 (Zhangyuan on Nanjing West Road), 慎余里 (Shenyu Lane), 甘肃路 (Gansu Road), 上海总商会旧址 (Shanghai General Chamber of Commerce Site), and the 苏州河沿岸 (Suzhou Creek Riverside) area around 苏河湾 (Suhewan). Metro Lines 2, 7, 12, and 13 intersect here, making travel convenient. There are many high-end design and boutique hotels costing ¥700–1500 per person, as well as numerous cost-effective business hotels at ¥400–700 per person.

4. 徐家汇 (Xujiahui) — 法租界 (French Concession) — 武康路 (Wukang Road) Area (Laid-back Lifestyle & Boutique Charm)
Suitable for: Those who enjoy a slower pace, cafes, and street photography. This area includes the historic 法租界 (French Concession) district, 安福路 (Anfu Road) — 武康路 (Wukang Road) — 愚园路 (Yuyuan Road) area, 思南公馆 (Sinan Mansions), 田子坊 (Tianzifang), 徐家汇天主教堂 (Xujiahui Catholic Church), and the 徐家汇 (Xujiahui) shopping district. The neighborhood is shaded with trees and filled with old villas and garden residences, ideal for walking and cycling. Metro Lines 1, 9, and 11 provide quick access to 人民广场 (People’s Square), 陆家嘴 (Lujiazui), and 上海迪士尼度假区 (Shanghai Disney Resort). There are many boutique guesthouses and small design hotels costing ¥400–900 per person, as well as chain hotels at ¥300–600 per person, making this a great balance of atmosphere and value.

5. 浦东张江 (Pudong Zhangjiang) — 世纪公园 (Century Park) — 迪士尼 (Disney) Area (Family & Science Education)
Suitable for: Families with children and science-themed trips. Nearby attractions include 上海科技馆 (Shanghai Science and Technology Museum), 世纪公园 (Century Park), 上海自然博物馆 (Shanghai Natural History Museum, requires a transfer), 上海天文馆 (Shanghai Astronomy Museum near Dishui Lake in Lingang, accessible via Metro Line 16 or special shuttle), and 上海迪士尼度假区 (Shanghai Disney Resort). Metro Lines 2, 11, and 16 run through this area, with about 30–50 minutes travel time to downtown. Disney Resort offers themed hotels costing ¥1000–2000 per person; surrounding areas like 川沙 (Chuansha) and 康桥 (Kangqiao) have many mid-range hotels and guesthouses at ¥300–600 per person, ideal for families spending multiple days at the parks.

6. Ancient Towns & Suburbs (朱家角 (Zhujiajiao), 七宝 (Qibao), 临港 (Lingang), etc.)
Suitable for: Travelers wanting to experience water towns and quiet environments. 朱家角古镇 (Zhujiajiao Ancient Town) offers riverside inns and boutique guesthouses at ¥200–600 per person; the town is especially peaceful in the early morning and at night. 七宝古镇 (Qibao Ancient Town) mainly features budget hotels at ¥200–400 per person. Near 临港滴水湖 (Dishui Lake in Lingang) and 上海天文馆 (Shanghai Astronomy Museum), there are resort-style hotels suitable for self-driving or in-depth tours of the Huangpu River estuary and coastal scenery. If your itinerary focuses on the city center, it is recommended to stay in downtown or along metro lines and plan day or half-day trips to the ancient towns and suburbs.