Shanghai stands as China’s glittering showcase of modernity and ambition. This global financial hub dazzles with its futuristic skyline along the Bund, thriving art scene, world-class dining, and fascinating blend of colonial architecture with ultra-modern developments.
The destination guide
Shanghai
- Overall8/10
- Best forFamilies, Adventure seekers, Solo travelers
- PeakJun–Aug
- CurrencyCNY
The Bund looks better from Pudong at night — but the real Shanghai is the French Concession’s plane-tree alleys at noon.
Travel guides for Shanghai
More guides featuring Shanghai (3)
At a glance
Currency¥ CNYCode: CNY
Time zoneShanghaiAsia/Shanghai
Languages
- Mandarin Chinese
- Shanghainese
Setting
- Urban skyline
- Huangpu River
- Colonial Bund
- Modern architecture
Known for
- History & Heritage
- Architecture
- Food & Street Food
- Nature
- Adventure
- Culture
- Shopping
- Bullet-Train Travel
Population24.3M24,280,000 residents
VisaDuration: 144-Hour (6 days) Visa-Free Transit for eligible nationalities, or 15-day unilateral visa-free entry for select European/Asia-Pacific passports, or validity granted on a Chinese L-Tourist Visa. · Documents: Passport with at least 6 months remaining validity, confirmed onward ticket to a third country/region (for 144-hour transit), and hotel reservation.
How Shanghai scores
8/10OverallExcellent
Weather5/10
Value for money7/10
Safety7/10
Food & cuisine10/10
Culture & arts8/10
Cultural experience8/10
History4/10
Nature & outdoors8/10
Adventure6/10
Nightlife8/10
Shopping7/10
Family friendly7/10
Romance6/10
Editorial scores on a 10-point scale, weighed against destinations of the same kind.
Travel safety snapshot
Overall78/100Moderate rating
Women travellers75/100
LGBTQ+ travellers20/100
Theft72/100
Medical care80/100
Physical harm80/100
Political freedom45/100
SafePlace indicators use their source 100-point scale; higher is more favourable. Planning context, not a live travel advisory — check official government guidance before you go.
When to go
Best months to visit: March, April, May, June, September, October and November.
- January: 1.8 to 9.3 degrees Celsius, 63.8 millimetres of rain, best-time score 3 out of 5.
- February: 2.6 to 10.5 degrees Celsius, 62.1 millimetres of rain, best-time score 3 out of 5.
- March: 7 to 15.8 degrees Celsius, 81.2 millimetres of rain, best-time score 4 out of 5.
- April: 11.7 to 21 degrees Celsius, 100.6 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- May: 16.4 to 25.2 degrees Celsius, 127.6 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- June: 20.9 to 28.1 degrees Celsius, 241.9 millimetres of rain, best-time score 4 out of 5.
- July: 25.6 to 32.2 degrees Celsius, 220.4 millimetres of rain, best-time score 3 out of 5.
- August: 26 to 32.8 degrees Celsius, 124.3 millimetres of rain, best-time score 3 out of 5.
- September: 22.1 to 28.3 degrees Celsius, 183.8 millimetres of rain, best-time score 4 out of 5.
- October: 16.4 to 23 degrees Celsius, 77.3 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- November: 10.4 to 17.9 degrees Celsius, 69.4 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- December: 3.6 to 11.3 degrees Celsius, 38.8 millimetres of rain, best-time score 3 out of 5.
Month-by-month conditions and packing advice
- January
- Cold, occasional rain Cold and damp, off-peak season. Crowds: January in Shanghai is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack warm layers, a coat, and comfortable shoes for cold mornings and evenings.
- February
- Cool to mild, occasional rain Similar to January, Chinese New Year crowds. Crowds: February in Shanghai is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack warm layers, a coat, and comfortable shoes for cold mornings and evenings.
- March
- Cool to mild, some rain Spring warming up, plum blossoms appear. Crowds: March in Shanghai is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- April
- Mild to warm, some rain Pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing. Crowds: April in Shanghai is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- May
- Mild to warm, some rain Warm and comfortable before the summer heat. Crowds: May in Shanghai is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- June
- Warm to hot, rainy Entering plum rain season, humid. Crowds: June in Shanghai is one of the wetter periods, so museums, food stops, flexible reservations, and backup indoor plans make the trip easier. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- July
- Warm to hot, rainy Very hot and humid summer. Crowds: July in Shanghai is one of the wetter periods, so museums, food stops, flexible reservations, and backup indoor plans make the trip easier. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- August
- Warm to hot, some rain Typhoon risk, remaining hot. Crowds: August in Shanghai is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- September
- Warm to hot, rainy Heat begins to subside, good festivals. Crowds: September in Shanghai is one of the wetter periods, so museums, food stops, flexible reservations, and backup indoor plans make the trip easier. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- October
- Mild to warm, some rain Autumn starts, perfect comfortable temperatures. Crowds: October in Shanghai is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- November
- Cool to mild, occasional rain Cool, crisp and dry, excellent for walking the Bund. Crowds: November in Shanghai is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
- December
- Cool to mild, occasional rain Winter cold sets in. Crowds: December in Shanghai is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
Peak season
- June
- July
- August
Off-peak
- December
- January
- February
Know before you go
About
Shanghai, a municipality in eastern China, is the country’s largest city and financial capital, famous for its dazzling contrast between colonial-era heritage and futuristic skyline. Along the Huangpu River, the historic Bund waterfront showcases 1920s-40s European-style architecture, while directly across in the Pudong district rises one of the world’s most recognizable skylines, anchored by the 467.9-meter Oriental Pearl Tower, the 632-meter Shanghai Tower, and the Jin Mao Tower. The city blends East and West at every turn: the over-400-year-old Yu Garden offers classical Ming Dynasty pavilions, koi ponds, and rockeries in the old town, while the surrounding bazaar bustles with traditional shops and dumpling houses. Travelers stroll the tree-lined former French Concession, shop along pedestrianized Nanjing Road, and explore world-class institutions like the Shanghai Museum. As a global hub of commerce, fashion, and cuisine, Shanghai pairs neon-lit modernity with deep history, making it one of Asia’s most dynamic and cosmopolitan destinations for first-time and returning visitors alike.
Neighbourhoods
The Bund (Waitan) along the Huangpu River is Shanghai’s most iconic waterfront, lined with neoclassical and Art Deco buildings facing the Pudong skyline. The French Concession is the city’s most charming neighborhood with plane-tree-lined streets, boutique shops, craft coffee, and Art Deco villas. Pudong is the futuristic financial district across the river, home to Shanghai Tower, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, and the Shanghai World Financial Center. Jing’an is a central upscale district with temples, malls, and the former Bubbling Well Road. Old City (Nanshi) around Yu Garden retains traditional Chinese architecture, bazaars, and teahouses. Hongkou was the former Japanese and Jewish quarter with literary history. Xintiandi is a restored shikumen (stone-gate) district reimagined as a dining and nightlife hub.
Best time to visit
September through November for cool 15–25 °C weather, blue skies, and autumn foliage — the most comfortable season for sightseeing. April–May is equally pleasant with cherry blossoms in Beijing. Avoid Chinese New Year (late Jan/Feb) and Golden Week (Oct 1–7) when domestic travel surges.
Season by season
Spring (Apr–May): 15–25 °C, cherry blossoms in Beijing, pleasant sightseeing weather. Summer (Jun–Aug): 28–38 °C, humid, monsoon rains in the south, peak domestic tourism. Autumn (Sep–Nov): 15–25 °C, clear skies, best overall travel season, Golden Week crowds early Oct. Winter (Dec–Feb): -5 to 10 °C in Beijing, mild in south, Chinese New Year festivities, fewer tourists.
Crowds
Extreme during Golden Week (Oct 1–7) and Chinese New Year; High in summer; moderate in spring/autumn; lower in winter
Getting there and around
Getting there
Shanghai is served by Pudong International Airport (PVG) for most international flights and Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) for domestic and regional flights. The Maglev train connects PVG to the metro network.
Getting around
Shanghai’s extensive metro system (20+ lines) is the world’s longest rapid transit network and the most efficient way to navigate the city. Taxis and ride-sharing (DiDi) are also widely available.
Top experiences in Shanghai
The Great Wall (Mutianyu Section)
The Mutianyu section (70 km northeast of Beijing) offers restored watchtowers, a cable car, and far fewer crowds than Badaling. The wall snakes across mountain ridges draped in forest — autumn foliage in October turns the hillsides gold and crimson. Allow a full day including travel.
The Forbidden City
The world’s largest palace complex: 980 buildings, 8,700 rooms, and 600 years of imperial history protected behind a 3.4 km moat. Must-sees include the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Imperial Garden, and the Clock Exhibition Hall. Book timed tickets online (CNY 60/40 per season); arrive at 8:30 AM via the Meridian Gate.
The Bund (Shanghai)
Shanghai’s iconic 1.5 km waterfront promenade showcasing 52 neoclassical and Art Deco facades on one bank and the futuristic Pudong skyline (Shanghai Tower, Oriental Pearl) on the other. Walk it at dusk when both sides illuminate; a Huangpu River night cruise completes the experience.
Terracotta Warriors (Xi'an)
Over 8,000 life-size clay soldiers, horses, and chariots buried for 2,200 years to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb. Three excavation pits reveal infantry, archers, and command units. Located in Xi’an (4.5 hours by high-speed rail from Beijing). Tickets CNY 120.
Li River Cruise (Guilin)
A 4–5 hour cruise between Guilin and Yangshuo through a mist-draped karst landscape of limestone peaks, bamboo groves, and water-buffalo-dotted rice paddies. Often cited as China’s most scenic waterway. Peak beauty in spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October).
Editor-curated picks carried over from our original guide. Where a full place guide exists, the card links to it.
Worth booking ahead in Shanghai
Hand-picked from the operators our guides already send readers to. Prices and availability are live on the partner site.
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Tours and tickets in Shanghai on Viator (opens Viator in a new tab)
Viator's full list of bookable tours and tickets in Shanghai.
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Experiences in Shanghai on GetYourGuide (opens GetYourGuide in a new tab)
Everything GetYourGuide sells in Shanghai, with the cancellation terms on each listing.
Where to stayBooking.com
Stays in Shanghai (opens Booking.com in a new tab)
Live rates and availability for Shanghai on Booking.com; filter by neighbourhood once you know where your days start.
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Where to stay
Mandarin Oriental Qianmen Beijing
33 East Chang'an Ave, Dongcheng, Beijing 100006, China
A courtyard-style luxury hotel in the Qianmen hutong district, designed to evoke a traditional siheyuan. Steps from Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, with a Cantonese restaurant, a tea lounge, and a spa inspired by the Summer Palace gardens. Opened October 2024.
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund
1 Zhong Shan Dong Yi Rd, Huangpu, Shanghai 200002, China
An Art Deco landmark on the Bund waterfront, originally built in 1911. The Heritage rooms feature restored period details; the Bund-facing suites frame Pudong’s skyline. Two restaurants, Long Bar, and a rooftop terrace overlooking the Huangpu River.
Pan Pacific Suzhou
1 Canlang Ting Jie, Canglang, Suzhou 215006, China
A boutique heritage hotel inside a restored 16th-century Ming Dynasty mansion beside the ancient Canglang Pavilion garden. 49 rooms around classical courtyards, a teahouse, and graceful Chinese landscaping. A serene alternative to Shanghai’s glass towers.
Editor-curated stays carried over from our original guide. Where we have reviewed the hotel, the card links to the review.
Tips from the field
Highlights
- Great Wall of China
- Forbidden City – Beijing
- The Bund – Shanghai
- Terracotta Warriors – Xi'an
- Li River Cruise – Guilin
- Temple of Heaven
- Yu Garden – Shanghai
- Bullet Train Network
Best activities
- Walk the Great Wall at Mutianyu at sunrise, explore the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, stroll Shanghai's Bund at night, cruise the Li River in Guilin, see the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, watch a Sichuan face-changing opera in Chengdu, cycle the ancient city walls of Xi'an, sample street-food dumplings at Shanghai's Yu Garden bazaar, take a tai chi lesson in the Temple of Heaven park, and ride the bullet train between Beijing and Shanghai.
Local experiences
- Take a sunrise tai chi class in the Temple of Heaven park, learn dumpling-making from a local family in a Beijing hutong, cycle the 14 km city wall of Xi'an, join a tea-tasting ceremony in a Chengdu teahouse, or navigate Shanghai's fabric market and have custom clothing tailored in 48 hours.
Practical tips
- Shanghai Metro & Maglev: The Shanghai Metro is the world's largest rapid transit network; tap in using the Alipay Transport QR code. Take the 430 km/h Maglev train from Pudong Airport (PVG) to Longyang Road in 7.5 minutes for ¥50 RMB.
- The Bund & Lujiazui Skyline: Stroll along the colonial Puxi Bund at sunset to watch the futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong illuminate across the Huangpu River.
- French Concession Exploration: Wander under leafy plane trees along Wukang Road and Anfu Road for historic 1920s shikumen architecture, boutique coffee shops, and bakeries.
- High-Speed Rail to Suzhou & Hangzhou: Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station offers 30-minute bullet train connections to UNESCO gardens in Suzhou and West Lake in Hangzhou.
Photography tips
- The Great Wall at Mutianyu photographs best at dawn from the cable-car summit, looking along the wall as it disappears over ridges. The Forbidden City's golden roofs glow warmest in late-afternoon side-light from Jingshan Park's hilltop. The Bund's classic shot frames the Oriental Pearl Tower at blue hour with long-exposure light trails on the Huangpu River. The Li River's karst peaks emerge most dramatically through morning mist — shoot from the bow of the cruise boat.
Timing
- Allow 3–4 days each for Beijing and Shanghai, 2 days for Xi'an (Terracotta Warriors + city wall), and 2 days for Guilin/Yangshuo. A classic Beijing–Xi'an–Shanghai itinerary by bullet train takes 10–14 days.
Keeping it authentic
- China's depth defies generalization. In Beijing, dawn tai chi sessions in the Temple of Heaven park and evening Peking duck at Quanjude (est. 1864) connect visitors to centuries-old traditions. Shanghai's French Concession preserves plane-tree-lined streets and Art Deco villas amid fashion boutiques and craft coffee roasters. In rural Guilin, cormorant fishermen still work the Li River at dusk — a practice dating back 1,300 years. Tea culture pervades daily life: from elaborate gongfu ceremonies in Fujian to street-corner brew stands in Chengdu.
Culture, customs and safety
Cultural heritage
Shanghai represents China rapid modernization while preserving colonial architecture and traditional neighborhoods, creating a unique East-meets-West metropolis. The Bund showcases European colonial buildings facing futuristic Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River. Yu Garden maintains Ming Dynasty classical architecture and traditional gardens amid modern development. French Concession preserves tree-lined streets and Art Deco buildings from the 1920s-30s. Shikumen lane houses blend Chinese and Western architectural elements, while contemporary culture embraces both international influences and regional Wu traditions.
Local customs & etiquette
Shanghai blends traditional Chinese customs with cosmopolitan international influences. Greetings involve a slight nod or handshake. Mobile payment (Alipay, WeChat Pay) is ubiquitous.
Safety notes
As of 2026, Shanghai is recognized as one of the world’s safest megacities with extremely low rates of violent crime, policed by the Shanghai Public Security Bureau.
Key Financial, Street Scam & Internet Regulations:
• Tea House & Art Student Scams: The predominant tourist scam operates around People’s Square, East Nanjing Road, and The Bund. Friendly English-speaking “students” approach tourists offering to practice English or show a “traditional tea ceremony” or art exhibition, resulting in inflated bills running thousands of RMB under coercive pressure. Firmly decline invitations from strangers.
• Digital Cashless Payments (Alipay & WeChat Pay): China is virtually cashless. International travelers should link foreign Visa or Mastercard credit/debit cards directly to Alipay or WeChat Pay before arrival to scan QR codes for all transactions, taxis, and metro rides.
• Great Firewall & Connectivity: Western apps (Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube) are blocked on mainland networks; an international roaming eSIM automatically bypasses domestic network restrictions.
• Emergency: Police 110, Ambulance 120, Fire 119.
Travel Style
Activities
