Shanghai Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Jing An Temple featuring a temple or place of worship and a city
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 showing a bar, street scenes and café scenes

Downtown Shanghai

5/5(8 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 modern architecture, a skyscraper and a city

Pudong

4/5(77 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 religious aspects and a temple or place of worship

Jing'an

4.5/5(30 area reviews)

Travellers choose Jing'an for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Yanchang Road Station or Circus World Station and check out top sights like Daning Lingshi Park.

Jing'an
Shanghai Museum featuring modern architecture

Huangpu

4.5/5(125 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(4 area reviews)

Travellers choose Xuhui for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Stadium Station or Xujiahui Station and check out top sights like Shanghai Stadium.

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 NZ$153 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
NZ$153
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions The Bund and Nanjing Road Shopping District ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Good location"

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

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 NZ$254 per night from 29 Apr to 30 Apr
NZ$254
per night
29 Apr - 30 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions The Bund and Nanjing Road Shopping District ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (948 reviews)
Great stay
"Excellent experience with westin. Perfect room and perfect breakfast."

Reviewed on 16 Mar. 2024

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 NZ$305 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
NZ$305
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
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! (786 reviews)
"Great place and perfect location just few meters from xin tian di area"

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

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. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (846 reviews)
"two bedroom loft style suitable for family"

Reviewed on 4 Jan. 2024

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 The Bund and Shanghai Tower are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (652 reviews)
"Lovely hotel in the middle of Pudang. I will stay here again for the convenience and friendliness of the staff."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

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! (877 reviews)
"Good location, convenient and walkable distance to mall"

Reviewed on 23 Mar. 2024

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

Activities

Reviews of Shanghai

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
98
" "5 - Excellent 52.68817204301075%
4 - Good
82
" "4 - Good 44.086021505376344%
3 - Okay
5
" "3 - Okay 2.6881720430107525%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.5376344086021505%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

AO
16 Jan 2020

Recommend walking tour with Viola from FreeAsiatours and to do it earlier in trip as a good starting point. Also enjoyed ERA acrobat show - amazing

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
30 Dec 2019

Very nice place to go.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
28 Dec 2019

Fantastic city. Can’t wait to go back!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
18 Nov 2019

I liked it very much. Great place to visit.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
9 Nov 2019

Amazing city!

2/5 - Disappointing

Anna
5 Nov 2019

Beautiful culture and history, however first experience of Mainland China somewhat lacking and disappointing.

Cities near Shanghai