Where East meets West under glittering skyscrapers. Discover the colonial charm of the Bund, savor legendary xiaolongbao, and witness tomorrow's city today.
Plan Your Shanghai TripHandcrafted itineraries for every type of traveler
Explore the iconic waterfront promenade, discover the Old City godowns, wander through the French Concession's tree-lined streets, and uncover Shanghai's 100 years of transformation.
From street-side Shengjian bao to refined Benbang cuisine. Taste the city's legendary soup dumplings, explore traditional wet markets, and dine where locals eat.
Ascend the Shanghai Tower, explore Lujiazui's financial district, visit tech parks and innovation hubs, and experience the future of urban living in China's largest metropolis.
What makes this city special
The iconic waterfront promenade where colonial-era buildings meet modern skyscrapers across the Huangpu River. Best experienced at sunset and again when illuminated at night.
Tree-lined streets, European architecture, boutique cafes, and independent shops. This former French district remains Shanghai's most atmospheric neighborhood.
Shanghai's signature dish — delicate soup dumplings bursting with porky broth. A culinary experience that embodies the city's attention to detail and culinary mastery.
The futuristic silhouette of the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and financial towers represents the city's meteoric rise as a global economic powerhouse.
Essential tips for your Shanghai visit
Common questions about traveling in Shanghai
Shanghai is an excellent introduction to China. With world-class infrastructure, extensive English signage, and experienced tourism services, it's the most accessible major Chinese city for international visitors. The metro has English announcements, most tourist spots have English menus and staff, and the city welcomes millions of business and leisure travelers annually. It's perfect for those who want to ease into China while experiencing a truly global metropolis.
We recommend 3-4 days for a comprehensive Shanghai experience. This gives you time to explore the Bund and Old Town, wander the French Concession, visit the Shanghai Tower or Oriental Pearl Tower, enjoy a Huangpu River cruise, and savor some legendary xiaolongbao. If you want to add nearby water towns like Zhujiajiao or explore specific museums and neighborhoods in depth, consider 5-7 days.
Yes, more easily than most Chinese cities. In tourist areas, hotels, restaurants in popular neighborhoods, and major attractions, English is commonly understood. The metro makes English announcements, many restaurants have English menus, and apps like Google Translate work well. However, learning a few basic phrases in Mandarin is always appreciated and helps in more local settings.
Shanghai offers exceptional diversity — from street food legends like Shengjian bao and蟹粉小笼 to world-class fine dining and international cuisine. Benbang cuisine (Shanghai local food) emphasizes sweetness and umami. The city has everything from humble noodle shops to three-Michelin-star restaurants. Don't miss: Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant (historic xiaolongbao), Din Tai Fung (soup dumplings), and the historic food streets of Yuyuan Garden area.
Several options: 1) Maglev train (8 min to Longyang Road, then metro) — a unique experience at $8-10. 2) Metro Line 2 directly connects both airports to central Shanghai (~$3, 1-1.5 hours). 3) Taxi/Didi from Pudong takes 45-60 min depending on traffic, costs $40-60 RMB. 4) Airport buses cover major areas. We recommend taking the maglev once for the experience and using the metro for reliability.