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 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 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
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 Jade Buddha Temple.

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 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
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

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
Central Hotel Shanghai
Central Hotel Shanghai
4 out of 5
No 555 Jiujiang Road, Shanghai, Shanghai
The price is NZ$168 per night from 13 July to 14 July
NZ$168
13 July - 14 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Staff was helpful. Place is near to shopping street with plenty of food options."

Reviewed on 21 Jun. 2025

Central Hotel Shanghai
Conrad Shanghai
Conrad Shanghai
5 out of 5
789 Nanjing Road East, Shanghai, Shanghai
The price is NZ$274 per night from 14 July to 15 July
NZ$274
14 July - 15 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions The Bund and People's Square are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
Bad layout of WC/Bathroom
"Location is good. Steps away from Nanjing Road shopping street. However, the lobby is forever congested. It usually took us quite a bit of time for the DiDi to get in and out of the lobby area due to the congestion. Another down side is the layout of the room. The sink, WC and bathroom are all seperated. ..."

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 2025

Conrad 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$360 per night from 15 July to 16 July
NZ$360
15 July - 16 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,004 reviews)
Ok but not so ok
"I always stay at this hotel whenever I’m in Shanghai because of its location. It’s close to everywhere that I want to go. Great staff, great service. I would have given full score if not for the fact that this hotel is starting to look old and hygiene is not perfect - the bathroom had mildew and ..."

Reviewed on 24 Jun. 2025

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 (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (943 reviews)
"Away from tourists area yet easily reachable by Metro. The Metro station and Food court with many restaurants are located just one block from the hotel. Breakfast is excellent with a variety of items especially a variety of vegetable dishes daily."

Reviewed on 29 Jun. 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. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (795 reviews)
"A luxurious hotel, it's clear this was designed as a residence first, then designated for hotel use. The location is absolutely prime, given the IFC Mall is downstairs, public transportation close by, and a stone's throw from the Shanghai Tower."

Reviewed on 5 Jul. 2025

IFC Residence
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 spa aparthotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,453 reviews)
"Very good"

Reviewed on 21 Jun. 2025

Green Court Residence City Center 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 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