Beijing and Shanghai are China's two most visited cities — and they're completely different experiences. One is about history and culture; the other is about modernity and energy.
If you can only pick one (or want to know which to visit first), this comparison will help you decide.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Beijing | Shanghai |
|---|---|---|
| Vibe | Historic, political, traditional | Modern, international, fast-paced |
| Age | 3,000+ years | 1,000 years (modern city: 170 years) |
| Must-See | Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven | The Bund, Yu Garden, French Concession |
| Food | Northern Chinese (noodles, dumplings, Peking duck) | Eastern Chinese (seafood, soup dumplings, sweet) |
| Language | Mandarin (standard Chinese) | Shanghainese + Mandarin |
| Cost | Moderate | Higher |
| Best for | History buffs, culture seekers | Foodies, urban explorers, shoppers |
Beijing: The Historic Heart
What Makes Beijing Special
Beijing is where Chinese history lives. Every dynasty left its mark — the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace. You walk through 5,000 years of civilization here.
Must-Do in Beijing
- Great Wall — Mutianyu or Jinshanling section see our Wall guide
- Forbidden City — The world's largest imperial palace complex
- Temple of Heaven — Where emperors prayed for good harvests
- Hutongs — Ancient alleyways where old Beijing still lives
- 798 Art District — Contemporary art in a former factory zone
Beijing Food
- Peking Duck (北京烤鸭) — The signature dish
- Zhajiangmian (炸酱面) — Beijing-style noodles
- Jianbing (煎饼果子) — Street crepe breakfast
- For more: Our food guide
Who Beijing Is For
- First-time visitors who want "classic China"
- History and culture enthusiasts
- Photographers (iconic architecture everywhere)
- Anyone who wants to walk the Great Wall
Full Beijing itinerary: Our 3-day Beijing guide
Shanghai: The Modern Gateway
What Makes Shanghai Special
Shanghai is China's window to the future. The Bund's colonial architecture faces Pudong's sci-fi skyline. It's where East meets West, old meets new, and tradition meets ambition.
Must-Do in Shanghai
- The Bund — Iconic waterfront with colonial buildings
- Yu Garden — Classical Chinese garden
- French Concession — Tree-lined streets with cafes and boutiques
- Shanghai Tower — Tallest building in China (go to the observation deck)
- Nanjing Road — One of the world's busiest shopping streets
Shanghai Food
- Xiaolongbao (小笼包) — Soup dumplings
- Shengjian mantou (生煎馒头) — Pan-fried pork buns
- Scallion oil noodles (葱油拌面)
- For more: Our Shanghai guide
Who Shanghai Is For
- Urban explorers and foodies
- People who want a "soft landing" into China
- Business travelers combining work with tourism
- Anyone who appreciates architecture and design
Can't Decide? Visit Both
Most travelers do Beijing + Shanghai in one trip. They're connected by:
- High-speed rail: 4.5 hours (¥553 second class)
- Flight: 2 hours (¥800-1,500)
Recommended route: Beijing (3 days) → Xi'an (2 days) → Shanghai (3 days) = classic 8-day China itinerary.
Cost Comparison
| Item | Beijing (per day) | Shanghai (per day) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget hotel | ¥200-400 | ¥300-500 |
| Mid-range hotel | ¥500-800 | ¥600-1,000 |
| Meals | ¥80-150 | ¥100-200 |
| Transport | ¥20-40 | ¥20-50 |
| Attractions | ¥50-150 | ¥30-100 |
Both cities are cheaper than most Western destinations. Full budget breakdown.
When to Visit
Beijing: Best in April-May and September-October (spring/autumn). Summer is hot and humid; winter is freezing and dry.
Shanghai: Best in March-May and September-November. Summer is oppressively hot and humid; winter is cold and damp.
See our month-by-month guide for the full breakdown.
The Verdict
- If you have 3-5 days: Beijing (more iconic sights)
- If you have 5-7 days: Beijing + Shanghai
- If you want culture & history: Beijing
- If you want food & city life: Shanghai
- If you've never been to China: Start with Beijing
For a ready-made itinerary combining the best of both cities, try our AI Trip Planner.