Shanghai

Travel Guide

Shanghai showing heritage elements and a temple or place of worship
Yuyuan Bazaar
Shanghai
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 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 featuring street scenes, a city and outdoor eating

Downtown Shanghai

4.5/5(65 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 skyline, a city and modern architecture

Pudong

4/5(642 area reviews)

Home to iconic skyscrapers like the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Tower, this district boasts the Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone and Shanghai Disney Resort. Easily accessible via multiple metro lines, bridges, and tunnels.

Pudong
Jing An Temple featuring a temple or place of worship and religious elements

Jing'an

4.5/5(154 area reviews)

Ancient Jing'an Temple and bustling West Nanjing Road offer a mix of history and premier shopping, while Daning Lingshi Park provides a green oasis. Easily explore with nine metro lines available.

Jing'an
Shanghai Museum featuring modern architecture

Huangpu

4.5/5(575 area reviews)

Central Shanghai's bustling hub, Huangpu District boasts popular shopping areas like Nanjing Road, Huaihai Road, and Xintiandi. Explore key attractions such as The Bund, Old City God Temple, and leafy streets lined with cafes, high-end retail, and historical houses.

Huangpu
Lujiazui

Lujiazui

Travelers choose Lujiazui for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Shangcheng Road Station or Dongchang Road Station and check out top sights like Shanghai Tower.

Lujiazui
Default Image

Xuhui

4.5/5(75 area reviews)

Discover a bustling financial center and shopping haven with malls like Grand Gateway Shanghai and Pacific Sogo. Explore St. Ignatius Cathedral, Xujiahui Observatory, and French-style districts, all easily accessible via seven metro lines.

Xuhui
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 NT$2,907 per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
NT$2,907
NT$3,389 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"It was a really good location next to people’s park and across the street from nanjing pedestrian street. Super convenient, clean, and helpful staff."

Reviewed on 2025/8/27

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 NT$3,961 per night from Sep 27 to Sep 28
NT$3,961
NT$4,619 total
Sep 27 - Sep 28
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
Grand Central Hotel Shanghai

Grand Central Hotel Shanghai

4.5 out of 5
505 Jiujiang Road, Shanghai, Shanghai
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$3,391 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
NT$3,391
NT$3,900 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
Grand Central Hotel 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
OPARTMENT The Far Eastern Hotel

OPARTMENT The Far Eastern Hotel

5 out of 5
Xizang Middle Road, 90, Shanghai, Shanghai
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 coffee shops/cafes, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions The Bund and People's ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)
Excellent choice in Shanghai
"Excellent hotel. The rooms are well equipped, everything brand new. It's located in front of a metro station, line 2. Which makes super convenient as it connects both airports and train station. You can walk to pedestrian road easily. The staff was very helpful and friendly."

Reviewed on 2025/8/24

OPARTMENT The Far Eastern Hotel
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

Cities near Shanghai