Shanghai

Shanghai Travel Guide

China's largest economic hub and a cosmopolitan metropolis where East meets West. The dramatic contrast between the Bund's European-style buildings and Pudong's ultra-modern skyline defines the city, while the French Concession's charming cafe alleys and Yu Garden's classical scenery add unique atmosphere. Sophisticated cuisine including xiao long bao and Shanghai hairy crab make it a foodie destination. Recommended for travelers wanting to experience modern China's dynamism.

Essential Shanghai Travel Info

Must-Visit Places in Shanghai

★ 4.7

The Bund

The Bund stretches roughly 1.5km along the west bank of the Huangpu River, lined with 52 grand Western-style buildings. Built after Shanghai's port opened in 1843, the neoclassical, Art Deco, and Baroque architecture earned this strip its 'Wall Street of the East' nickname. At night, the dazzling lights of Pudong's Oriental Pearl Tower and skyscrapers across the river create a magical skyline. Free to stroll. A 10-minute walk from Nanjing East Road Station (Metro Lines 2 and 10).

HoursOpen 24 hours.

LocationHuangpu, Shanghai

TipsThe night view peaks between 18:30 and 22:00. A Huangpu River cruise lets you enjoy both banks at once.

View Details→

★ 4.5

Yu Garden

Created in 1559 by Ming-dynasty official Pan Yunduan as a gift for his father, Yu Garden is a classical Chinese garden hidden in Shanghai's busy center. Across two hectares, ornate dragon walls, ponds, pavilions, and quirky rock formations come together in harmony. The surrounding Yuyuan Bazaar sells traditional crafts and snacks, and the view of the pond from the historic Huxinting Teahouse feels like another world within the city. Admission CNY 40. Metro Line 10, Yuyuan Station, Exit 1.

Hours08:30-17:00 (varies seasonally).

LocationHuangpu, Shanghai

TipsVisit early to beat the crowds, and be sure to try the xiao long bao at the nearby Yuyuan Bazaar.

View Details→

★ 4.5

Oriental Pearl Tower

Completed in 1994, the 468m Oriental Pearl Tower is the iconic TV tower of Shanghai's Pudong district, distinguished by its unique design of two giant spheres connected by columns. The transparent glass-floor observation deck at 259m offers a vertigo-inducing panorama of the Huangpu River and the Bund below your feet, and the revolving restaurant at 267m lets you dine with a view. The first floor houses the Shanghai Municipal History Museum, depicting 100 years of Shanghai history through vivid wax figures and models. Admission CNY 120 (observation deck), CNY 220 (including transparent deck). A 5-minute walk from Lujiazui Station (Metro Line 2), Exit 1.

Hours09:00-21:00 daily.

LocationPudong, Shanghai

TipsHead up before sunset to enjoy both the daytime view and the night lights. On clear days you can see the Bund in its full glory.

View Details→

★ 4.7

Shanghai Disneyland

Opened in 2016, Shanghai Disneyland was mainland China's first Disney resort, sprawling across 910,000㎡ with six themed lands and the world's largest Disney castle, the Enchanted Storybook Castle. Unique rides not found elsewhere — the Pirates of the Caribbean boat journey and TRON Lightcycle Power Run — are crowd favorites, and the nightly fireworks against the castle are magical. Stay at Toy Story Hotel or the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel for a deeper experience. 1-day ticket about CNY 475-799 (varies by season). Directly at Disneyland Station (Metro Line 11).

Hours09:00-21:00 (varies by season)

LocationPudong, Shanghai

TipsDownload the official app to track wait times. Disney Premier Access (paid) skips lines for top attractions.

View Details→

★ 4.4

Tianzifang

Tianzifang is an artistic alley district carved out of 1930s shikumen lane houses in the former French Concession, where narrow maze-like alleys are packed with over 200 galleries, boutiques, cafes, and workshops. The arts community began with Shanghai painter Huang Yongyu's studio and gradually expanded into the present-day district. Handicraft workshops sell ceramics, leather goods, and embroidery, and alley cafes let you sip coffee while watching artists at work. A beloved photo spot for Instagrammers. Free to explore. A 5-minute walk from Dapuqiao Station (Metro Line 9), Exit 1.

HoursStreet 24 hours (shops 10:00-22:00)

LocationHuangpu, Shanghai

TipsThe alleys are a maze — keep a map app open. Weekday afternoons are most relaxed; weekend evenings can be very crowded.

View Details→

★ 4.6

Shanghai Tower Observation Deck

Completed in 2015, the 632m, 128-floor Shanghai Tower is China's tallest building and the world's third tallest. Its sleek twisted form reduces wind load by 24%, a benchmark of eco-friendly architecture. The 118th-floor 'Top of Shanghai' observatory provides sweeping views of Pudong and the Bund, reached in just 55 seconds by the world's fastest elevators (1,080m/min). The 121st-floor outdoor deck holds the Guinness record for the world's highest outdoor observation deck. Admission CNY 180 (118th floor), CNY 240 (VIP). A 10-minute walk from Lujiazui Station (Metro Line 2).

Hours08:30-22:00 (last entry 21:30)

LocationPudong, Shanghai

TipsArrive an hour before sunset to catch day, twilight, and night views. Booking online in advance is cheaper.

View Details→

★ 4.5

Xintiandi

Opened in 2001, Xintiandi reinvented the French Concession's shikumen houses as Shanghai's most fashionable district of upscale cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and clubs. Preserving the look of 1920s-30s Shanghai while blending in contemporary lifestyle, it features Michelin-starred chefs and Starbucks Reserve outlets alike. Along the street, the Memorial of the First National Congress of the CPC marks where the Chinese Communist Party was founded in 1921 — free to visit. Evenings are most atmospheric, often with live music. Free to explore. Directly at Xintiandi Station (Metro Lines 10 and 13).

HoursStreet 24 hours (shops 10:00-22:00; bars/clubs until 02:00)

LocationHuangpu, Shanghai

TipsAfter 8 PM is most lively, with live music bars and clubs in full swing. Michelin-listed Mr. & Mrs. Bund and Lost Heaven are nearby.

View Details→

★ 4.7

Shanghai Museum

The Shanghai Museum, located on People's Square, is one of China's premier comprehensive museums, its distinctive round-top, square-base exterior evoking the ancient concept of 'round heaven, square earth.' Around 120,000 artifacts — Shang, Zhou, and Han bronzes, ceramics through the dynasties, calligraphy, painting, and ethnic minority crafts — are displayed across themed galleries by era and subject, with the bronze and ceramics halls ranked among the world's finest collections. Admission is free, though booking ahead via the WeChat mini-program is recommended due to high demand. A 5-minute walk from People's Square Station (Metro Lines 1, 2, and 8).

Hours09:00-17:00 (last entry 16:00), closed Mondays.

LocationHuangpu, Shanghai

TipsEntrance queues can take over 20 minutes, so arrive right at opening. There's little shade outside, so bring a parasol in summer.

View Details→

★ 4.4

Jing'an Temple

Jing'an Temple was founded in 247 CE during the Three Kingdoms era of the Wu state, making it over 1,700 years old and one of Shanghai's oldest temples — its golden roofs create a striking contrast against the skyscrapers of Nanjing West Road. The Grand Hall, restored in 2010, houses Southeast Asia's largest white jade seated Buddha, alongside a silver Guanyin statue and bronze bells among its treasured Buddhist relics. Admission is CNY 50 on regular days, free on the 1st and 15th of the lunar month (incense days). Directly at Jing'an Temple Station (Metro Lines 2 and 7).

Hours07:30-17:00.

LocationJing'an, Shanghai

TipsVisit on an incense day (lunar 1st or 15th) for free admission and a glimpse of locals worshipping. The adjacent Jing'an Sculpture Park makes for a pleasant stroll afterward.

View Details→

★ 4.4

Longhua Temple

Longhua Temple, said to have been founded in 247 CE during the Three Kingdoms period, is Shanghai's largest and oldest Chan Buddhist temple complex, though most current buildings date from Qing-dynasty reconstructions. Standing beside it, the 40m, seven-story Longhua Pagoda is a landmark symbol of old Shanghai's skyline — its interior is closed to visitors, but the exterior alone is a worthwhile sight. In spring (March-April), the temple grounds bloom with cherry and peach blossoms, making it one of Shanghai's top cherry-blossom spots. Main hall admission CNY 10. A 10-minute walk from Longhua Station (Metro Lines 11 and 12).

Hours07:00-16:30 (06:00-16:30 on the lunar 1st and 15th).

LocationXuhui, Shanghai

TipsWeekends during cherry blossom season get crowded — visit on a weekday morning. On the Lantern Festival or Chinese New Year's Eve, bell-ringing ceremonies begin at dawn.

View Details→

★ 4.5

Zhujiajiao Water Town

Zhujiajiao is a canal town dating back to the Yuan dynasty with over 1,700 years of history, located about 30km west of downtown Shanghai and nicknamed 'the Venice of Shanghai.' Its 36 stone bridges from the Ming and Qing dynasties — most famously the five-arched Fangsheng Bridge — anchor a waterside townscape of traditional houses and shops preserving old Jiangnan charm. Entering the town is free; gardens like Kezhi Garden and Hexin Garden and gondola rides cost extra (gardens CNY 20-30, an 8-site combo ticket CNY 60, boat rides about CNY 200 per boat). About a 15-minute walk from Zhujiajiao Station (Metro Line 17).

HoursTown open 24 hours (attractions 08:30-17:00).

LocationQingpu, Shanghai

TipsRedeem tickets at the Tourist Center by 3 PM. Sharing a gondola with up to 6 people brings down the per-person cost.

View Details→

★ 4.4

Century Park

Spanning about 140 hectares, Century Park is one of Shanghai's largest city parks, divided into seven themed zones including a rural area, scenic area, lakeside area, forest and grassland, a bird sanctuary, and an international garden zone. Visitors can rent bicycles to loop the park or take a boat out on the large man-made lake, with spectacular tulips and cherry blossoms in spring and cosmos flower beds in autumn. Paired with the adjacent Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, it's a popular family outing. Admission CNY 10. A 3-minute walk from Century Park Station (Metro Line 2).

Hours07:00-18:00.

LocationPudong, Shanghai

TipsBike rental spots are scattered throughout for easy exploring. Weekend mornings draw many local families, so a relaxed weekday visit is recommended.

View Details→

★ 4.6

Shanghai Natural History Museum

Opened in 2015 next to the Jing'an Sculpture Park, the Shanghai Natural History Museum is one of China's largest natural history museums, distinguished by its spiral nautilus-shell architecture and rooftop garden. Its 10 permanent galleries display about 240,000 specimens and models spanning dinosaur fossils, a mammoth skeleton, the origins of the universe and life, evolution, and ecosystems, with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs a hit with children. Adults CNY 30, students/seniors CNY 12; online reservation is mandatory. Directly at Exit 1 of Natural History Museum Station (Metro Line 13).

Hours09:00-17:00 (last entry 16:00), closed Mondays.

LocationJing'an, Shanghai

TipsOnline booking opens 7 days ahead; no on-site ticket sales. The 4D theater requires a separate reservation.

View Details→

★ 4.3

Qibao Ancient Town

Qibao Ancient Town, a Jiangnan canal village dating to the Song dynasty, retains mostly Ming and Qing-era architecture and is the most conveniently accessible old town directly served by the Shanghai metro. Wooden houses line the narrow waterways, home to Qibao Temple (free), the Qibao Folk Culture Museum (CNY 5), and a micro-carving hall, with alleys packed with stalls selling biang biang noodles, tanghulu, and pan-fried buns. A combo ticket (CNY 30) covers the main sights, and a short gondola ride (CNY 10) is also available. A 5-minute walk from Exit 2 of Qibao Station (Metro Line 9).

HoursOld town open 24 hours (attractions 09:00-18:00).

LocationMinhang, Shanghai

TipsWeekends and holidays draw big crowds — visit on a weekday or early morning. The pan-fried buns from small eateries tucked in the back alleys are especially famous.

View Details→

★ 4.3

M50 Art District

M50 Art District, officially known as 50 Moganshan Road, grew out of a 1930s textile mill (Xinhe Textile Factory) repurposed by artists as studios in the early 2000s, forming a contemporary art hub along Suzhou Creek. Over 100 galleries, artist studios, and design shops occupy the red-brick factory buildings, and the large-scale graffiti covering the outdoor walls make it one of Shanghai's top photo spots. Entering and strolling the district is free, and most individual gallery exhibitions are free as well. A 10-minute walk from Jiangning Road Station (Metro Line 13).

HoursDistrict open 08:00-22:00; galleries 11:00-18:00 (many closed Mondays).

LocationPutuo, Shanghai

TipsMost galleries open after 11 AM and close by 5-6 PM. Many are closed on Mondays, so a weekday afternoon visit is most relaxed.

View Details→

★ 4.5

Shanghai Ocean Aquarium

The Shanghai Ocean Aquarium sits in Lujiazui right beside the Oriental Pearl Tower, its 155m underwater tunnel ranking among the longest aquarium tunnels in the world. Across 28 themed zones recreating ecosystems from Chinese rivers and seas to Antarctica, the Amazon, and coral reefs, visitors encounter some 30,000 marine creatures including sharks, rays, penguins, and jellyfish. Adults CNY 160, children 1-1.4m tall CNY 110. A 5-minute walk from Lujiazui Station (Metro Line 2).

Hours09:00-18:00 (last entry 17:30), extended to 09:00-21:00 during peak season.

LocationPudong, Shanghai

TipsArrive early on weekends and during summer break. Hours extend to 21:00 during summer peak season and the National Day holiday.

View Details→

★ 4.3

Shanghai Zoo

Shanghai Zoo spans roughly 74 hectares near Hongqiao Airport, housing over 6,000 animals and plants including giant pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys, lions, South China tigers, and Bactrian camels. Originally built on a Western-style golf course site in 1954, it offers a pleasant walking environment of broad lawns and mature trees, with a children's zoo section and outdoor circus shows also popular. Adults CNY 40, children (half price) CNY 20, free for seniors 65+. Directly at Shanghai Zoo Station (Metro Line 10). (Prices and hours may change; verify before visiting.)

Hours08:30-17:30 (March-October, last entry 17:00), 08:00-17:00 (November-February, last entry 16:30).

LocationChangning, Shanghai

TipsVisit the panda enclosure in the morning for the best chance of seeing them active. Plenty of shade makes summer strolls comfortable.

View Details→

Things to Do in Shanghai

Tour

Huangpu River Night Cruise

A 50-minute cruise on the Huangpu River between the Bund and Pudong, with sweeping night views of both banks. Standard fare about CNY 120

Price About CNY 120-200Duration About 50 min - 1 hour

🎟️ Check prices & book →

Adventure

Pudong Maglev Train Ride

Ride the Maglev train from Pudong Airport to Longyang Road Station at 431 km/h — covering the distance in just 8 minutes. The world's fastest commercial train. One-way CNY 50

Price One-way CNY 50Duration About 8 minutes

🎟️ Check prices & book →

Culture

Bund Night Walk

Stroll the Bund promenade and admire the magical night views on both sides of the Huangpu River. Night lighting on 18:30-22:00. Free

Price FreeDuration About 1-2 hours

🎟️ Check prices & book →

Culture

Xiao Long Bao Making Class

Make and taste authentic Shanghai xiao long bao with a chef at a French Concession cooking school. About CNY 350-500 per person

Price About CNY 350-500 per personDuration About 2-3 hours

🎟️ Check prices & book →

Adventure

Shanghai Disneyland

Spend a day at mainland China's first Disney park exploring the Cinderella Castle and top rides. 1-day ticket about CNY 475-799 (varies seasonally)

Price 1-day ticket about CNY 475-799Duration 8-10 hours

🎟️ Check prices & book →

Culture

French Concession Cafe Tour

Wander tree-lined Wukang and Anfu Roads in the former French Concession, hopping between boutique cafes and galleries. Drinks about CNY 40-80

Price Cafe drinks about CNY 40-80Duration About 2-3 hours

🎟️ Check prices & book →

Affiliate link — RoadMento may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Must-Try Food in Shanghai

Xiao Long Bao

🍢 Street Food

Shanghai-style soup dumplings - one bite releases a burst of hot, savory broth. About CNY 30-80 per basket (10 pieces). The original Nanxiang Mantou Dian at Yuyuan and Din Tai Fung are famous.

Hongshao Rou (Red-Braised Pork)

🍱 Traditional

Hongshao Rou: pork belly braised in soy sauce and sugar until glossy and tender. About CNY 40-80 per serving. Available at local Shanghai restaurants and Benbang cuisine specialists.

Shengjian (Pan-Fried Buns)

🍢 Street Food

Shengjian: Shanghai pan-fried buns with a crispy bottom and juicy pork filling. About CNY 10-20 for 4 pieces. Dahu Chun and other local breakfast shops are popular spots.

Shanghai Hairy Crab

🍱 Traditional

Shanghai Hairy Crab: in season autumn (Sept-Nov) from Yangcheng Lake, prized for rich roe and tender meat. About CNY 80-250 per crab depending on size. Chenglonghang and Wang Baohe are 100-year-old houses famous for it.

Cong You Bing (Scallion Pancake)

🍢 Street Food

Cong You Bing: a Shanghai street-style scallion pancake — crispy outside, chewy inside, packed with scallions. About CNY 5-12 each. Try one hot off the griddle at Auntie's Cong You Bing and other stalls.

Yao Zi Rou (Drunken Chicken)

🍱 Traditional

Yao Zi Rou (Drunken Chicken): cold chicken marinated in Shaoxing wine for a delicate boozy aroma — a classic appetizer. About CNY 40-80 per serving. Enjoy at Benbang cuisine restaurants in Xintiandi and the Bund area.

Xia Jian Mian (Shrimp Noodles)

🍱 Traditional

Xia Jian Mian: traditional Shanghai noodles in a deep shrimp-head broth, topped with thin noodles and whole shrimp. About CNY 25-50 per bowl. The 100-year-old Dexing Restaurant is most famous for it.

Shanghai Travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Shanghai?

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are most pleasant. Summer is hot and humid with a rainy season in June-July.

How much does it cost to travel in Shanghai?

Daily budget around $55-115 (accommodation $30-70, meals $15-30, transport $7-15).

How do I get around in Shanghai?

Just 8 minutes from Pudong Airport to the city by Maglev. The metro is excellent, and WeChat Pay/Alipay are the default payment methods. SIM cards available at the airport (VPN needed in China). WeChat Pay and Alipay are the main payment methods; foreign visitors should register for Alipay Tour Pass. Tipping is not customary.

Do I need a visa to visit Shanghai?

Korean passport holders can enter visa-free for 15 days (check 2024 extended-policy updates).

Is Shanghai safe for tourists?

Generally safe, but be wary of touts targeting foreigners and counterfeit goods.

Explore other cities