Shanghai is China's most cosmopolitan city — a place where 1920s art deco buildings sit next to the world's tallest towers, where you can eat $1 dumplings at a street stall and Michelin-starred xiaolongbao in the same afternoon.
This guide covers everything you need to know: the best things to do, where to eat, how to get around, and day trips to nearby water towns. Whether you have 2 days or a week, you'll find exactly what to do.
💡 Quick answer: Spend 3-4 days in Shanghai. Day 1: The Bund + Yu Garden. Day 2: French Concession + temples. Day 3: Day trip to Suzhou or Zhujiajiao water town. Day 4: Museums, shopping, and local neighborhoods.
What Makes Shanghai Special
Shanghai isn't "traditional China" — and that's the point. It's a city that blends East and West, old and new, in a way that exists nowhere else on Earth.
What Shanghai does better than anywhere in China:
- 🏙️ Skyline views — the Bund at night is iconic
- 🥟 Food scene — from street-side jianbing to 12-course tasting menus
- 🚶♀️ Walkability — the former French Concession is one of Asia's most pleasant neighborhoods to explore on foot
- 🎨 Art and culture — world-class museums, galleries, and live music
- 🚄 Day trips — Suzhou (30 min), Hangzhou (1 hour), Zhujiajiao water town (1 hour)
What Shanghai is NOT:
- ❌ It's not Beijing — less imperial history, more modern energy
- ❌ It's not a "traditional Chinese" city — the old city is small compared to the modern sprawl
- ❌ It's not cheap — Shanghai is China's most expensive city
💡 First time in China? Shanghai + Beijing is the classic combo. Check our 3-day Beijing itinerary for the other half of your trip.
Day 1: The Bund, Yu Garden & Old Shanghai
Morning: The Bund (外滩)
Start your Shanghai trip where everyone starts — but go early (7-8 AM) to beat the crowds and catch the best light.
What to do:
- Walk the full Bund promenade (1.5 km) — colonial buildings on one side, Pudong skyscrapers on the other
- Photo spots: The best angle is from the Pudong side looking back at the Bund, or from the rooftop bars along the river
- Free walking tour — several operators offer tip-based tours at 9 AM and 10 AM from the Bund entrance
The Bund's buildings tell a story: Each one was built by a different foreign power between 1860 and 1930. The Customs House (with the Big Ching Chong bell) is British. The HSBC Building is neoclassical Greek. The Peace Hotel was the Cathay Hotel — the most glamorous address in 1920s Asia.
Late Morning: Yu Garden & Old City (豫园)
Walk 15 minutes south from the Bund to Yu Garden, Shanghai's best-preserved classical Chinese garden.
What to expect:
- 🏯 Yu Garden (¥40 / $5.50) — 400-year-old Ming dynasty garden with rockeries, ponds, and pavilions. Allow 1-1.5 hours.
- 🛍️ Yu Garden Bazaar — the touristy area outside the garden. Great for photos, overpriced for shopping.
- 🥟 Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant — the most famous xiaolongbao (soup dumpling) spot in Shanghai. Expect a line. Worth it.
🥟 Xiaolongbao tip: Don't bite into the dumpling immediately. Put it on your spoon, bite a small hole, sip the soup, then eat. Burning your tongue is the #1 rookie mistake.
Afternoon: French Concession (法租界)
Take the metro (Line 10) to Xintiandi or South Shaanxi Road and spend the afternoon wandering the former French Concession.
This is the best neighborhood in Shanghai for:
- 🌳 Tree-lined streets — Wukang Road, Anfu Road, and Fuxing Road are gorgeous
- ☕ Café culture — Shanghai has more coffee shops than any city in the world (yes, more than Seattle)
- 🏛️ Architecture — art deco villas, 1920s apartments, and hidden gardens
- 🍷 Nightlife — some of China's best bars and restaurants
Must-visit spots in the French Concession:
| Spot | Why Go | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Wukang Road | Tree-lined street with 1920s villas | 1 hour walk |
| Xintiandi | Restored shikumen neighborhood, dining | 1-2 hours |
| Tianzifang | Artsy alleyways with galleries and shops | 1-2 hours |
| Fuxing Park | Local life — dancing, tai chi, card games | 30 min |
Day 2: Temples, Museums & Local Life
Morning: Jing'an Temple & Nanjing Road
Jing'an Temple (静安寺, ¥50 / $7) is Shanghai's most impressive Buddhist temple — a golden complex right in the middle of a shopping district. It's been rebuilt several times (the current version dates to 2010), but the grounds are stunning and the contrast with surrounding skyscrapers is jarring in the best way.
After the temple, walk east along Nanjing Road — Shanghai's main shopping street. It's touristy, but worth seeing once. The pedestrian section from People's Square to the Bund is about 1.5 km and packed with shops, street performers, and food stalls.
Afternoon: Shanghai Museum & People's Square
The Shanghai Museum (上海博物馆, free, reservation required) is one of China's best museums. The bronze, ceramics, and calligraphy collections are world-class. Allow 2-3 hours.
Nearby:
- People's Square — the city's central park, great for people-watching
- Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center (free) — surprisingly fascinating model of Shanghai's future
- Shanghai Grand Theatre — if you're lucky, catch a performance
Evening: Huangpu River Cruise or Rooftop Bar
Option A: Huangpu River Cruise (¥120-180 / $16-25)
- 45-minute cruise along the river
- Best at sunset or after dark when the skyline is lit up
- Departs from multiple piers along the Bund
Option B: Rooftop Bar
- Flair (Ritz-Carlton Pudong, 58th floor) — the highest bar in Shanghai
- Bar Rouge — iconic Bund rooftop with DJ and cocktails
- Captain's Bar — more affordable, great Bund views
💡 Budget tip: You can get the same skyline views for free from the Pudong Riverside Promenade — walk to Lujiazui and look back at the Bund.
Day 3: Day Trip — Suzhou or Zhujiajiao
Option A: Suzhou (苏州) — The Venice of the East
Getting there: High-speed train from Shanghai Railway Station, 30 minutes, ¥40-70 ($5.50-10).
What to do in Suzhou:
- 🏯 Humble Administrator's Garden (拙政园, ¥70-90) — China's most famous classical garden, UNESCO World Heritage Site
- 🌊 Tiger Hill (虎丘, ¥70) — leaning pagoda, ancient tombs, and gardens
- 🚣 Pingjiang Road — historic canal-side street, great for walking and tea houses
- 🏛️ Suzhou Museum (free) — designed by I.M. Pei, stunning modern architecture
How much time: Full day (depart 8 AM, return 6 PM) or overnight if you want a slower pace.
💡 Suzhou vs. Hangzhou: Suzhou is closer and more compact. Hangzhou (West Lake) is larger and more scenic but takes longer to get to. If you only have one day, choose Suzhou.
Option B: Zhujiajiao Water Town (朱家角)
Getting there: Metro Line 17 to Zhujiajiao Station, then 10-minute walk. About 1 hour from central Shanghai.
What to expect:
- Ancient water town with canals, stone bridges, and Ming/Qing dynasty architecture
- Fangsheng Bridge — the iconic 5-arch stone bridge (great photo)
- Kezhi Garden — small but beautiful classical garden
- Boat ride (¥60-100) — drift through the canals on a wooden boat
- Local snacks — zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), smoked fish, sweet rice cakes
How much time: Half day (4-5 hours). Combine with a relaxed afternoon back in Shanghai.
Where to Eat in Shanghai
Must-Try Shanghai Dishes
| Dish | What It Is | Where to Try |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaolongbao (小笼包) | Soup dumplings | Nanxiang (Yu Garden), Din Tai Fung |
| Shengjianbao (生煎包) | Pan-fried pork buns | Yang's Fry-Dumpling (multiple locations) |
| Hongshaorou (红烧肉) | Red-braised pork belly | Any local Shanghainese restaurant |
| Congyoubing (葱油饼) | Scallion pancake | Street vendors everywhere |
| Dan dan mian (担担面) | Spicy noodles | Local noodle shops |
| Hairy crab (大闸蟹) | Seasonal delicacy (Sept-Nov) | High-end Shanghainese restaurants |
Best Food Streets
- Yunnan Road — "Food Street" with dozens of local restaurants
- Wujiang Road — late-night food stalls and local favorites
- Qibao Old Street — touristy but packed with snacks (also a water town)
- French Concession — the best mix of local and international food
Restaurant Recommendations by Budget
| Budget | Where | What to Order |
|---|---|---|
| Under ¥50 ($7) | Yang's Fry-Dumpling | Shengjianbao, wonton soup |
| ¥50-150 ($7-20) | Din Tai Fung | Xiaolongbao, fried rice |
| ¥150-300 ($20-40) | Old Jesse (老吉士) | Shanghainese classics |
| ¥300+ ($40+) | Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet | 22-course sensory experience (book months ahead) |
💡 How much should you budget for food in Shanghai? Street food meals: ¥20-40 ($3-6). Mid-range restaurant: ¥80-150 ($11-20). Fine dining: ¥300-800+ ($40-110). See our full China travel cost guide for a complete daily budget breakdown.
Getting Around Shanghai
Metro (Recommended)
Shanghai's metro is excellent — clean, fast, cheap (¥3-7 / $0.40-1 per ride), and has English signage. It's the easiest way to get around.
Key lines for tourists:
- Line 1 — North-south, connects People's Square, Xintiandi, South Railway Station
- Line 2 — East-west, connects Pudong Airport, the Bund area, Hongqiao Airport/Station
- Line 10 — The "tourist line" — Yu Garden, French Concession, Hongqiao
Metro tips:
- Buy a Shanghai Public Transportation Card (¥20 deposit) for tap-and-go
- Or use Alipay/WeChat Pay — scan the QR code at the gate
- Download MetroMan app for offline metro maps
Taxis & Didi
- Taxis — start at ¥14 (first 3 km). Use DiDi (China's Uber) for English interface and fixed pricing.
- Didi — has an English version within the Alipay app. Highly recommended.
Walking
The French Concession, the Bund area, and Yu Garden/Old City are all very walkable. For longer distances, use the metro.
When to Visit Shanghai
Best months: March-May and September-November.
| Season | Weather | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar-May) | 10-25°C / 50-77°F | Moderate | Moderate |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | 25-35°C / 77-95°F, humid | High (domestic) | High |
| Autumn (Sep-Nov) | 15-25°C / 59-77°F | Low-Moderate | Moderate |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | 0-10°C / 32-50°F | Low | Low |
Avoid: Chinese New Year (late January/early February) and Golden Week (October 1-7) — extreme domestic travel crowds.
🗓️ For a detailed month-by-month breakdown, see our best time to visit China guide.
Practical Tips for Shanghai
Payment
- Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted everywhere — set them up before you arrive
- Cash is rarely needed but accepted at larger establishments
- International credit cards work at hotels and upscale restaurants only
📱 Need help setting up mobile payments? Our Alipay & WeChat Pay guide walks you through the entire process.
SIM Card & WiFi
- Free WiFi is available at most cafes, hotels, and metro stations (requires Chinese phone number for registration)
- Tourist SIM card — buy at Pudong or Hongqiao airport (¥50-100 with data)
- eSIM — options like Airalo work in China without a Chinese phone number
Safety
Shanghai is extremely safe — one of the safest large cities in the world. Violent crime is rare. Pickpocketing is the main concern, especially on Nanjing Road and the Bund.
🛡️ For a detailed safety breakdown, see our China safety guide.
Do You Need a Visa?
Most nationalities need a visa to enter China. However, Shanghai offers a 144-hour visa-free transit for citizens of 54 countries if you're continuing to a third country.
🛂 Check if you need a visa — our China visa guide covers all policies, including the 144-hour transit rule.
Shanghai Itinerary Quick Reference
| Days | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1 day | The Bund + Yu Garden + French Concession (highlights only) |
| 2 days | Add Jing'an Temple, Shanghai Museum, and a food street |
| 3 days | Add a day trip to Suzhou or Zhujiajiao |
| 4-5 days | Add Hangzhou, more neighborhood exploration, and day trips |
FAQ: Shanghai Travel
How many days do I need in Shanghai?
Minimum 2 days, ideal 3-4. Two days covers the highlights. Three days lets you add a day trip. Four+ days lets you explore neighborhoods and take multiple day trips.
Is Shanghai good for first-time visitors to China?
Yes. Shanghai is the most foreigner-friendly city in China. English is more widely spoken, the metro has English signs, and the food scene includes options for every palate. It's a "soft landing" for China first-timers.
Is Shanghai expensive?
Compared to the rest of China, yes. Compared to New York, London, or Tokyo, no. A mid-range traveler can comfortably spend ¥500-800 ($70-110) per day including food, transport, and activities.
Can I use Google/WhatsApp/Facebook in Shanghai?
Not without a VPN. Google Maps, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Gmail are all blocked in China. Download alternatives before you arrive: Baidu Maps (or Apple Maps), WeChat for messaging.
What's the best area to stay in Shanghai?
- The Bund / Nanjing Road — best for first-timers, walkable to major sights
- French Concession — best atmosphere, great restaurants and bars
- People's Square — central, near metro hub and museums
- Pudong — modern, business district, great skyline views
Is the Shanghai Metro easy for foreigners?
Very. All signs are bilingual (Chinese/English), station announcements are in both languages, and the system is clean and efficient. Download MetroMan for an offline map.
Ready to Plan Your Shanghai Trip?
We organize private Shanghai tours with:
- ✅ Local English-speaking guides who know the hidden gems
- ✅ Custom itineraries — your pace, your interests
- ✅ Food tours — eat like a local, not a tourist
- ✅ Day trips — Suzhou, Hangzhou, water towns, all arranged
Real Guide Travel — Experience China Like a Local.
Last updated: May 2026. Prices, hours, and policies may change. Always verify before your visit. This guide is based on real traveler experiences and local knowledge.