Shanghai Travel Guide

The Oriental Pearl TowerThe Oriental Pearl Tower

Shanghai has a long history as a gateway to China and the Yangtze River delta. It is also the largest economic and trade center in China, and one of China's cultural centers.

Also read Best of Shanghai, Insider Guide

Top Reasons to Visit Shanghai

  • Shanghai is China's largest and richest city: China's biggest and most prosperous city oozes an atmosphere of vitality and rival New York and Paris in terms of modernity.
  • A Blend of Eastern and Western Cultures: Shanghai's colonial legacy combined with Chinese culture has created a unique fusion of East and West.
  • Ease of Onward Trips: From Shanghai it is easy to travel to Xian to see the Terracotta Army or up to Beijing to see the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China, or to Guilin to see the beautiful karst landscape.
  • Shanghai's gorgeous night scene: One of the main highlights that will linger in visitors' mind. As night descends the entire city is lit up by colorful lights.
  • More Reasons to Visit Shanghai

Shanghai has emerged as one of the most popular travel destinations worldwide. Shanghai is constantly improving the travel infrastructure and facilities to ensure tourists exceptional and memorable experience, and many choose to return.

Want a VISA-FREE trip to Shanghai? It's available now!!!

A Blend of Eastern and Western Cultures

Shanghai retains China's last vestige of its unusual colonial past. The architecture along the Bund area is a living museum of the colonial history of the 1800s, and visitors find themselves immersed in thoughts of a bygone era.

Shanghai stands in the front line of China's economic development and has undergone unimaginable changes in the last two decades. The new Pudong area with its prosperous cosmopolitan features is guaranteed to wow visitors.

Shanghai is a renowned green city. Lush green covers all the open space of the city.

Christmas in Shanghai is a classic East meets West scenario. See our information for what's happening in this year's festive season in Shanghai.

Shanghai Walking and Biking

Biking across Wukang RoadBiking across Wukang Road

Shanghai is also a good place to have walking tours, as there are many ancient streets in the city. See China Highlights' Shanghai Walking Routes.

Although Shanghai is a very busy city with heavy traffic, the old part of the city has a lot of quiet streets which you may bike around to have a look at old Shanghai. See our Shanghai biking guide.

Shanghai was the second popular China tour destination in 2012, which is the first one?

Weather

Best time to travel Shanghai is autumn and spring when the weather is pleasant. Hot summer and cold winter are also good seasons to travel in terms of cost.


Planning a trip? Ask us here 800-2682918 (USA & CA)
86-773-2831999 (Int'l)
Do you want to book a tour/hotel/Wi-Fi. etc.
Your Name Your Email
Q: Kim Asked on 2013-10-10 Reply
After visiting Shanghai, I would like to visit either Hong Kong, Beijing, Bangkok or Manila .. being an idiot on the subject of geography .. which one would be my next ideal destination?

Dear Kim,

Transportation is very developed and convenient now.  You can take high speed train or flight from Shanghai to Beijing, then fly to Hongkong and from Hongkong to Bangkok or Manila. It would be cheaper. Do you need some tours in Beijing, Shanghai or Hongkong? Could you please tell me how many people are you and when are you planning to visit there? We can make a tour package based on your needs. You can contact with me at christyluo@chinahighlights.net.

Christy Luo Replied on 2013-10-11
Q: Ling Asked on 2013-08-11 Reply
Hi, i will have a trip to shanghai on sept soon for 6 days, can recommend some place for me that nice and will have a good memories? Tqvm
For 6 days in Shanghai, you may spend 2 days for city sight, such as Yuyuan Garden, Museums and walk in French Concession. Suzhou, Hangzhou are idea place and very closed to Shanghai with the high speed trains. You may consider spending 3-4 days here. We are happy to design a tour plan for you if you like. Please contact us service@chinahighlights.com and tell us when, how many people and other related requirements you have pertaining to your travel so that we can quote you itinerary. Carol Wang Replied on 2013-08-12
Q: Alister McAleese Asked on 2013-03-24 Reply
Dear Whitney Liao, Just returned from my first visit to China and I just have to tell you that everyone in our party loved Shanghai! What a fabulous place to visit, beautifully clean, very friendly and very welcoming. The only problem we did encounter was our own deficiency in not being able to speak at least a few words of the local language. The spectacular light show every night will be remembered for a very long time, actually we all enjoyed Shanghai much more than Hong Kong. Thank you very much indeed for your help and advice.

Hi Alister, glad to hear that.  Next time, our tour guide will teach you some words of the local language. Welcome to China again.

Whitney Liao Replied on 2013-03-27
Q: Vanna Asked on 2013-03-09 Reply
I will arrive Pudong Int''l Airport in March 27th. Please tell me what is the best way to Pullman Shanghai Skyway Hotel. Thanks
Dear Vanna, The convenient way is to take a taxi to the hotel directly, it is about 45 minutes and it costs about CNY200/US$32 per car. You also could take line 2 subway to People square where is about 4 km from the hotel, then take a taxi to the hotel, it can save your money. Lussie Lu Replied on 2013-03-09
Q: Mark Asked on 2013-03-07 Reply
We are planning to visit a manufacturing facility in Cheng Hong and possibly He Wei. Planned on flying into Shanghai in mid-April. Is Shanghai within driving distance of both cities and what will the weather be like in mid-April? Could you recommend a 4 star hotel? There are two people in my party including myself and we plan on staying for 3 days.We may also need a guide for the 3 days.

Hi Mark, sorry, I don't know the cities you mentioned above.

Whitney Liao Replied on 2013-03-08