City Overview
Shanghai blends colonial riverfront charm with a futuristic skyline. Walk the Bund, cross to Pudong for cloud-kissing towers, and dive into old lanes and world-class dining.
Best Time to Visit
March–May and September–November for mild weather and clearer skies.
Climate
Humid subtropical; hot, humid summers and cool, damp winters.
Iconic Skyline
Soaring towers in Lujiazui like Shanghai Tower and the Oriental Pearl.
Historic Bund
Colonial-era riverfront promenade with sweeping Huangpu views.
Food Capital
From xiaolongbao to global fine dining and trendy cafes.
Must-Visit Attractions
The Bund
Historic waterfront with Art Deco buildings facing Pudong's skyline.
Go at dusk for skyline lights; early morning for quiet photos.
Shanghai Tower
China's tallest tower with high-speed elevators and panoramic deck.
Buy tickets online to skip queues; check visibility before going.
Recommended Itineraries
1-Day Highlights
Day 1
- Morning: Stroll the Bund and Yu Garden Old Street
- Afternoon: Cross to Pudong (Lujiazui) for Shanghai Tower/IFC
- Evening: Nanjing Road or Xintiandi for dinner and nightlife
Meals: Try xiaolongbao at breakfast and a Bund-view dinner.
Accommodation
Recommended Areas
- The Bund / Huangpu (river views, heritage buildings)
- Lujiazui (Pudong) for skyline hotels and malls
- Jing'an or Xintiandi for dining and nightlife
Accommodation Types
Luxury riverfront hotels, serviced apartments in Pudong, boutique stays near the Former French Concession.
Booking Platforms
Booking.com, Agoda, and Trip.com work well; Chinese apps may require local payment.
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Food Guide
Local Dishes
Xiaolongbao
Steamed soup dumplings with delicate wrappers and rich broth.
Recommended Places: Nanxiang, Din Tai Fung
Recommended Restaurants
- Din Tai Fung - Consistent xiaolongbao and noodles in clean settings (Mid-range)
Food Notes
Shanghai cuisine is lighter and sweet-savory; international options abound across Jing'an and the Former French Concession.
Transportation
Getting There
Fly into PVG (Pudong) or SHA (Hongqiao); Maglev from PVG to Longyang Rd connects to Metro Line 2.
Within the City
Extensive metro network (20+ lines); taxis and ride-hailing are plentiful; ferries cross the Huangpu.
Transportation Tips
Get a transit card (Shanghai Public Transportation Card); avoid metro rush hours if possible.
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Shopping
Shopping Items
- Silk scarves
- Local tea
- Lifestyle/design goods from indie shops
Shopping Places
Nanjing Road for flagships, Huaihai Middle Road for fashion, AP Plaza at Science & Tech Museum for bargaining.
Shopping Tips
Haggle in markets; check return policies in malls.
Practical Information
Language Help
English signage common in metro and major sights; basic Mandarin phrases help in taxis and local eateries.
Currency & Payment
Chinese Yuan (CNY); mobile pay dominant, cards accepted in malls and hotels.
Emergency Contacts
Police: 110, Medical: 120, Fire: 119.
