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

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)

Shanghai Wild Animal Park and Shanghai Disneyland© 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 a temple or place of worship and religious elements

Jing'an

4.5/5(154 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Daning Lingshi Park while getting to know Jing'an, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Yanchang Road Station or Circus World Station to see more of the area.

Jing'an
Shanghai Museum featuring modern architecture

Huangpu

4.5/5(575 area reviews)

Known for its beautiful gardens and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Huangpu. Check out top attractions like Old Chinese City and Yuyuan Bazaar, 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

4.5/5(75 area reviews)

Consider exploring the abundant dining options in Xuhui. If sightseeing is on the list, Shanghai Stadium is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Stadium Station or Xujiahui Station to see more of the area.

Xuhui
Central Hotel Shanghai
Central Hotel Shanghai
4 out of 5
No 555 Jiujiang Road, Shanghai, Shanghai
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$2,543 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
NT$2,543
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
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! (1,005 reviews)
"Good location"

Reviewed on 2024/3/25

Central Hotel Shanghai
The Westin Bund Center, Shanghai
The Westin Bund Center, Shanghai
5 out of 5
88 Henan Central Road, Shanghai, Shanghai
The price is NT$4,342 per night from Apr 28 to Apr 29
NT$4,342
per night
Apr 28 - Apr 29
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Nanjing Road Shopping District and People's ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (947 reviews)
Great stay
"Excellent experience with westin. Perfect room and perfect breakfast."

Reviewed on 2024/3/16

The Westin Bund Center, Shanghai
The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi
The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi
5 out of 5
No.99 Madang Road, Luwan District, Shanghai, Shanghai
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$5,006 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
NT$5,006
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (785 reviews)
"The property has a convenient location and is great for business travel. However the rooms are dated and worn, a renovation of the property is needed, they’re no longer fit for a five star hotel."

Reviewed on 2024/3/7

The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi
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. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (839 reviews)
"two bedroom loft style suitable for family"

Reviewed on 2024/1/4

Modena by Fraser Putuo Shanghai
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, and a children's pool. Popular attractions Shanghai Tower and Oriental Pearl Tower ...
9/10 Wonderful! (651 reviews)
"It is above a very high end mall with luxury shops and restaurants, metro is also underneath, which is only 2 stops to the People's Square. Fantastic view of the Bund from the footbridge of the hotel. Taxi to everywhere is also very cheap."

Reviewed on 2024/3/22

IFC Residence
Riverdale Residence Xintiandi Shanghai
Riverdale Residence Xintiandi Shanghai
4 out of 5
98 Shou Ning Road, 200021 Shanghai, Shanghai, Shanghai
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (876 reviews)
"Good location, convenient and walkable distance to mall"

Reviewed on 2024/3/23

Riverdale Residence Xintiandi 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
603
" "5 - Excellent 53.22153574580759%
4 - Good
428
" "4 - Good 37.775816416593116%
3 - Okay
87
" "3 - Okay 7.678729037952339%
2 - Disappointing
11
" "2 - Disappointing 0.970873786407767%
1 - Terrible
4
" "1 - Terrible 0.353045013239188%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 6, 2020

Love Shanghai, but the Virus changed everything!!! I have visited Shanghai at least 10 - 15 times before, but because of the virus - it was not the Shanghai that I was looking to visit and know, but it still was Beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 29, 2020

Get a refillable Metro Card at the Peoples Square station; there's a lot to see in Shanghai but you'll need to use the Metro. It's very clean, well run and most cars have signs and verbal announcements in English. And don't forget Suzhou and Qibao!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 28, 2020

Shanghai is a vary safe city and vary modern also they have different cultural and You can have restaurant like Italian food everything you can find in Shanghai and even with a vary cheap price compare to other city like hongKong dubai

5/5 - Excellent

Jeff
Jan 27, 2020

Lots of shopping  biking ‍♀️ karaoke

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jan 22, 2020

It will be packed during the holidays but there is a wide variety of food choices and shopping choices. Walking around the city is very safe and you can see a lot by just taking a stroll around town.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 21, 2020

A mystical place, people are courteous and well manner.

Cities near Shanghai