Shanghai Travel Guide 2026: The Bund, Best Time to Visit, Things to Do, Costs & Tips
Shanghai is China's largest city and its most international metropolis, a dazzling mix of colonial history, futuristic skyscrapers, traditional gardens and world-class food. With over 24 million people, it's China's financial centre and a symbol of its rapid modernisation. Stroll along The Bund, with its grand 1920s buildings facing the glittering skyline of Pudong, explore the classical Yu Garden, wander the leafy streets of the Former French Concession, and sip cocktails in rooftop bars overlooking the Huangpu River. Shanghai is also a gateway to the charming water towns of the Yangtze Delta and to nearby Suzhou and Hangzhou. With visa-free entry for many nationalities and the 240-hour transit policy, Shanghai has become one of Asia's most accessible destinations. This Shanghai travel guide covers the best time to visit, the top things to do, where to stay, how to get there and around, costs, entry rules and practical tips.
Best Time to Visit Shanghai
Shanghai has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the best times to visit, with mild temperatures (15–25°C), blue skies and comfortable conditions for sightseeing.
Summer (June–August) is hot and humid, often 30–37°C, with the plum rain season in June and occasional typhoons in July–September.
Winter (December–February) is cold and damp, around 2–10°C, but there are fewer tourists and festive lights.
Events:
- Chinese New Year (late January or February): Lanterns at Yu Garden and fireworks, though many businesses close.
- Shanghai International Film Festival (June).
- Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix (spring): At the Shanghai International Circuit.
- Avoid Golden Week (1–7 October), when attractions are extremely crowded.
Top Things to Do in Shanghai
1. The Bund (Wai Tan)
Shanghai's famous waterfront promenade, lined with art deco and neoclassical buildings from the colonial era. At night, the view across the river to the illuminated Pudong skyline is spectacular.
2. Pudong Skyline and Observation Decks
Visit the Shanghai Tower, China's tallest building (632 m), with one of the world's highest observation decks, the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center.
3. Yu Garden and Old Town
A classical Chinese garden from the Ming Dynasty, with pavilions, rockeries and ponds, surrounded by the bustling Yuyuan Bazaar and the zigzag Huxinting Teahouse.
4. Former French Concession
Leafy streets lined with plane trees, Art Deco villas, cafés, boutiques and bars. Explore Wukang Road, Anfu Road and Tianzifang, a maze of alleys with shops and galleries.
5. Nanjing Road
One of the world's busiest shopping streets, stretching from the Bund to People's Square.
6. Shanghai Museum
One of China's best museums, with bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy and jade. The new Shanghai Museum East in Pudong has expanded the collections.
7. Jade Buddha Temple
An active Buddhist temple with two precious jade Buddha statues from Myanmar.
Also worth visiting: Xintiandi (restored shikumen houses with restaurants), Huangpu River cruise, Jing'an Temple, Shanghai Disneyland, West Bund galleries, Columbia Circle and Duolun Road.
Beyond Shanghai
- Zhujiajiao: A water town with canals and stone bridges, reachable by metro.
- Zhouzhuang and Tongli: Classic water towns.
- Suzhou: UNESCO-listed classical gardens, about 30 minutes by high-speed train.
- Hangzhou: West Lake and tea plantations, about 1 hour away.
- Wuzhen: A beautiful water town, about 1.5–2 hours away.
Suggested 4-Day Shanghai Itinerary
Day 1 – Classic Shanghai: Walk the Bund, explore Nanjing Road and People's Square, and take a Huangpu River night cruise.
Day 2 – Old and new: Visit Yu Garden, the Shanghai Museum and go up the Shanghai Tower at sunset.
Day 3 – French Concession: Explore Tianzifang, Xintiandi, Wukang Road and the Jade Buddha Temple.
Day 4 – Day trip: Visit Suzhou, Zhujiajiao or Hangzhou.
Shanghai's History
Shanghai was a small fishing and trading town until the Treaty of Nanking (1842) opened it to foreign trade. British, French and American concessions created a cosmopolitan city known as the "Paris of the East," with banks, jazz clubs and grand hotels. After 1949, Shanghai became an industrial centre, and since the 1990s, the development of Pudong has turned it into a global financial hub.
Shanghai Food Scene
Try xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), shengjianbao (pan-fried pork buns), hairy crab (autumn), red-braised pork (hongshao rou), scallion oil noodles, drunken chicken and cifan tuan (sticky rice rolls) for breakfast. Shanghai also has a booming international food scene and some of Asia's best cocktail bars.
China: Practical Information
Most payments are made with Alipay or WeChat Pay, which now accept foreign Visa and Mastercard cards; international cards are also accepted in many hotels and upscale shops. Many international apps and websites (Google, WhatsApp, Instagram) are blocked, so prepare alternatives before you arrive. Carry your passport for hotels, trains and some attractions.
Where to Stay in Shanghai
- The Bund: Luxury hotels with river views.
- People's Square and Nanjing Road: Central and well connected.
- Former French Concession: Boutique hotels and a local feel.
- Pudong (Lujiazui): Skyscraper hotels with spectacular views.
- Jing'an: Upscale, central and lively.
Compare hotel prices and availability in Shanghai here.
Getting There & Around
Flying to Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is the main international hub, about 30–45 km from the centre. Hongqiao Airport (SHA) handles mainly domestic and some regional flights. Search and compare cheap flights to Shanghai to find the best fares.
From the Airport
- Maglev: The world's first commercial high-speed maglev train runs from Pudong Airport to Longyang Road in about 8 minutes, at up to 300 km/h.
- Metro Line 2: Connects both airports with the city.
- Taxis and Didi: Available at all terminals.
Getting Around
- Metro: One of the world's largest metro systems, with English signs.
- Didi: Ride-hailing in English.
- Ferries: Cross the Huangpu River cheaply.
- Bike sharing: Via Alipay.
Travel Costs in Shanghai
Shanghai is one of China's most expensive cities. Prices are in Chinese yuan (CNY). US$1 is roughly CNY 7 (rates vary).
| Travel style | Accommodation | Food & drink | Transport & activities | Daily total (per person) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | CNY 150–300 (hostel) | CNY 80–150 | CNY 30–100 | CNY 260–550 (US$37–80) |
| Mid-range | CNY 500–1,000 (hotel) | CNY 200–400 | CNY 150–400 | CNY 850–1,800 (US$120–255) |
| Luxury | CNY 2,000–5,000 (luxury hotel) | CNY 600–1,500 | CNY 500–1,500 | CNY 3,100–8,000 (US$440–1,140) |
Visa & Entry Rules
- 30-day visa-free entry: Citizens of most EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway and others can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days under a policy currently running until 31 December 2026. The UK and Canada were added from 17 February 2026. Check your nationality.
- US citizens: Usually need a tourist visa, or can use the 240-hour visa-free transit if flying on to a third country with a confirmed onward ticket. Shanghai is one of the main eligible ports, and travel is permitted across the Shanghai–Jiangsu–Zhejiang region.
- Arrival card: Complete China's online arrival card or fill one in on arrival.
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months.
Rules change frequently; always check official sources before you travel.
Local Tips for Shanghai
- Set up Alipay and WeChat Pay: Before arrival.
- Download apps: Didi, Amap or Apple Maps, translation apps and Trip.com.
- Beware of scams: Avoid strangers inviting you to "tea ceremonies" or art galleries near the Bund and Nanjing Road.
- Bund at night: Lights usually switch off around 10–11 pm.
- Crossing roads: Watch for electric scooters, which are silent.
- Staying connected: Many foreign apps are blocked; a travel eSIM usually provides roaming access to familiar apps. Get your China eSIM here.
Tours & Experiences
- Huangpu River night cruise: See the skyline lit up.
- Shanghai food tour: Dumplings and street food.
- French Concession walking tour: Architecture and history.
- Zhujiajiao water town tour: Canals and bridges.
- Suzhou gardens day trip: UNESCO-listed classical gardens.
- Shanghai acrobatics show: A spectacular evening.
Browse and book the best tours in Shanghai here.
FAQ
Can I visit Shanghai visa-free?
Citizens of many countries can stay 30 days visa-free until 31 December 2026; US citizens can use the 240-hour transit with an onward ticket to a third country.
How do I get from Pudong Airport to the city?
By Maglev and metro, Metro Line 2, taxi or Didi.
How many days do you need in Shanghai?
3–4 days, plus day trips.
What is the best time to visit Shanghai?
March–May and September–November.
Can I use credit cards in Shanghai?
Yes, mainly through Alipay and WeChat Pay, and in many hotels.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.