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
Default Image

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
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
Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai
Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai
5 out of 5
33 Fu Cheng Road, Pudong, Shanghai
The price is ¥17,224 per night from Apr 6 to Apr 7
¥17,224
¥20,084 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 6 - Apr 7
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! (840 reviews)
"Shanghai la is always my favorite"

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2025

Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai
Conrad Shanghai
Conrad Shanghai
5 out of 5
789 Nanjing Road East, Shanghai, Shanghai
The price is ¥21,890 per night from Apr 6 to Apr 7
¥21,890
¥25,525 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 6 - Apr 7
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (997 reviews)
"Amazing location and property. Very modern and clean. Staff is friendly and speaks English. Would stay here again!"

Reviewed on Apr 1, 2025

Conrad Shanghai
Grand Central Hotel Shanghai
Grand Central Hotel Shanghai
4.5 out of 5
505 Jiujiang Road, Shanghai, Shanghai
The price is ¥14,504 per night from Apr 6 to Apr 7
¥14,504
¥16,682 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 6 - Apr 7
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"Great hotel have stayed multiple times and would recommend it!"

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2025

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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (928 reviews)
"Room is big, clean and good service. There is no worry about dining. Earliest operate hour restuarant is 7:00 a.m. There are 24 hours convinience stores."

Reviewed on Mar 31, 2025

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 (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (744 reviews)
"The location is great to visit Shanghai with the metro accessible almost directly from the hotel, great units and friendly staff. To improve, I would like to see some more "healthy" options on the breakfast and room service. But overall an excellent option."

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2025

IFC Residence
Ascott Huai Hai Road Shanghai
Ascott Huai Hai Road Shanghai
4.5 out of 5
No 282,Huai Hai Road Central, Huangpu District, Shanghai, Shanghai
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Shanghai. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the property condition ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (514 reviews)
Stay with Ascott Huai Hai
"We stayed at Ascott Huai Hai Road for 5 nights and it was 1 of the best so far, for the amount that we paid for. Service has been top notch from the moment we stepped in. We had to change rooms once as the room below us had a burst pipe, we appreciate that they personally informed us of the issue, ..."

Reviewed on Dec 21, 2024

Ascott Huai Hai Road 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
603
5 - Excellent 53%
4 - Good
428
4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
87
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
11
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
4
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

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

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

Lots of shopping  biking ‍♀️ karaoke

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

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

A mystical place, people are courteous and well manner.

Cities near Shanghai