Things To Do
in Shanghai
Shanghai is China’s largest city and a global financial hub, known for its futuristic skyline and historic waterfront on the Huangpu River. It combines traditional Shikumen architecture in the French Concession with soaring skyscrapers in Pudong. The city offers a world-class culinary scene from street-side dumplings to upscale fusion restaurants.
Shanghai is vibrant both day and night, blending high-speed urban living with deep cultural roots.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down in Shanghai and head straight to your riverside hotel in the Bund district to settle in and soak up the skyline views. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a nearby café overlooking the Huangpu River. Feel the city’s pulse as ferries glide by and early risers jog along the promenade.
Embark on a walking tour along the Bund, admiring colonial-era buildings juxtaposed with modern skyscrapers. Stop at the Peace Hotel for tea and soak in the art deco interiors. Cross the Waibaidu Bridge for panoramic shots of both sides of the river.
Return to the riverside for a sunset cruise that illuminates the skyline in golden hues. Dine at a riverside restaurant featuring Shanghai specialties like xiaolongbao and braised pork. Cap off the night with cocktails at a rooftop bar gazing over Pudong’s towering silhouettes.
Stroll through the classical pavilions, koi ponds and rockeries of Yuyuan Garden as the morning mist drifts between pines. Explore the adjacent bazaar for traditional snacks like scallion pancakes and sesame balls. Watch local elders play mahjong under ancient archways.
Head to bustling Nanjing Road for an exhilarating shopping spree in malls and high-street boutiques. Stop at a street-side dumpling stall for a quick lunch of steamed buns and wonton noodles. Pause at People’s Park to observe calligraphy artists and tai chi practitioners.
Experience Nanjing Road’s transformation as neon signs flicker on and the crowds thicken. Enjoy dinner at a chic Cantonese or Sichuan restaurant hidden in a back alley. Wander into a speakeasy bar styled like 1920s Shanghai for live jazz and craft cocktails.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5–10 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (0.5L) | $4–6 |
| ☕Cappuccino | $3–5 |
| 🚕Taxi start (normal tariff) | $2.50–4 |
| 🏨Hotel (3-star per night) | $60–100 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- World-class skyline and waterfront
- Diverse and high-quality food scene
- Efficient public transportation
- Rich blend of old and new culture
- High humidity in summer
- Heavy traffic congestion at peak times
- Language barrier outside tourist areas
- Crowded popular attractions
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (Xièxiè)" - Thank you
- "对不起 (Duìbuqǐ)" - Sorry/Excuse me
- "请 (Qǐng)" - Please
- "再见 (Zàijiàn)" - Goodbye
Places to Visit in Shanghai
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic waterfront promenade with colonial architecture facing Pudong’s skyscrapers.
Second-tallest building in the world, offering panoramic cityscapes.
Tree-lined streets, historic villas and boutique cafés ideal for street photography.
Labyrinth of art studios and shikumen houses, perfect for capturing local life.
Food in Shanghai
Shanghai Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Juicy soup dumplings best sampled at Jia Jia Tang Bao or Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant in Old Town.
Must-Try!
Pan-fried buns filled with pork and broth, a breakfast staple available at Yang’s Fry-Dumpling stalls.
Seasonal delicacy in autumn; try at local seafood restaurants along the Huangpu River.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling lane of stalls offering dumplings, fried river snails and tanghulu (candied fruit).
Famous for exotic bites like scorpions on a stick and roasted chestnuts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Offer and receive cards with both hands, taking a moment to read the card before putting it away.
Address older people first and let them enter or be seated before you.
Stand in line at ticket counters and bus stops; cutting is frowned upon.
Safety
Tipping in Shanghai
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping isn’t expected in most local establishments; high-end restaurants may add a service charge.
Mobile payments via WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate; most places also accept credit cards in malls and hotels.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March to May brings mild temperatures and blooming magnolia; occasional rain showers.
June to August is hot and humid, with frequent thunderstorms; carry water and sun protection.
September to November offers clear skies, comfortable temperatures and ideal sightseeing conditions.
December to February is cool and damp; rare snow but bring layers and a warm coat.
Shanghai at Night
Hiking in Shanghai
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic trails, hilltop temples and observation tower about 40 km southwest of downtown.
Wetland boardwalks and forested paths on Chongming Island, accessible by ferry.
Airports
How to reach Shanghai by plane.
Primary international gateway, 30–60 minutes from city center via Maglev train or airport shuttle.
Handles domestic and regional flights, 20–30 minutes from downtown by metro or taxi.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Make up the majority of the population; many are migrants from other provinces.
Significant communities from Europe, North America and other Asian countries work in finance, tech and education.
Overseas students attend universities and language schools throughout the city.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Courts are common in parks and schools; the NBA has a strong fan base.
Played recreationally in community centers and public parks.
Traditional festival sport held on the river in early summer.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Shanghai.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Buddhist temples offer vegetarian menus; look for tofu-based dishes and vegetable dumplings in specialized vegetarian restaurants.
Rice-based dishes like congee and rice noodles are safe; communicate “wǒ duì miàn bāo yǒu guòmǐn” to avoid wheat.