Shanghai Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Shanghai
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 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 river or creek and a city

Pudong

4/5(77 area reviews)

Shanghai Disneyland© and The Bund 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
Shanghai Museum which includes 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 The Bund and Old Chinese City, and jump on the metro at Yuyuan Garden Station or East Nanjing Road Station to see more of the city.

Huangpu
Jing An Temple which includes a temple or place of worship and religious aspects

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
Lujiazui

Lujiazui

Consider exploring the abundant dining options in Lujiazui. If sightseeing is on the list, Shanghai Tower is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Shangcheng Road Station or Dongchang Road Station to see more of the area.

Lujiazui
Default Image

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

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Shanghai

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
98
5 - Excellent 53%
4 - Good
82
4 - Good 44%
3 - Okay
5
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

AO

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

Very nice place to go.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Fantastic city. Can’t wait to go back!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I liked it very much. Great place to visit.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Amazing city!

2/5 - Disappointing

Anna

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

Cities near Shanghai