Shanghai Travel Guide

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Introduction to Shanghai

When you think of China, several images come to mind: an ancient civilization rich in history, sprawling megacities with futuristic skylines, and incredible cuisine ranging from street food to fine dining. Shanghai perfectly encapsulates all of this in one dynamic metropolis.

Key Facts:

  • Location: Situated along the Yangtze River Delta
  • Population: Largest city in China, among the most populous in the world
  • Nickname: “Paris of the East” for its blend of European charm and modern architecture
  • Signature Landmark: Oriental Pearl TV Tower with its distinctive spherical design

Essential Information

Time Zone

  • China Standard Time (UTC+8)

Best Time to Visit

SeasonMonthsTemperatureHighlights
SpringMar-May60-75°F (15-24°C)Cherry blossoms, comfortable weather
SummerJun-Aug75-90°F (24-32°C)Lively atmosphere, but humid with rain
FallSep-Nov60-75°F (15-24°C)Mid-Autumn Festival, clear skies
WinterDec-Feb35-50°F (2-10°C)Chinese New Year celebrations

Special Events:

  • Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb): Vibrant decorations and lantern displays
  • Mid-Autumn Festival (Sep/Oct): Mooncake tastings

Important Tips

  1. Transport Alert: Watch for bicycles/scooters on sidewalks
  2. Internet Access: Some Western sites (Facebook, Google) are blocked
  3. Safety: Very low crime for a city of its size
  4. Visas: Required for U.S. citizens (apply via U.S. State Department)

Language Basics

PhrasePronunciation
HelloNǐ hǎo (nee how)
Thank youXièxiè (shieh-shieh)
GoodbyeZàijiàn (zye-jee-en)

Getting Around

Public Transport Options

ModeDetailsTips
Metro16+ lines, English announcementsDistance-based fares (¥3-¥8)
Maglev267 mph to Pudong AirportSingle ride: ¥50
TaxisMetered; look for official cabsUse Didi app (China’s Uber)
BusesCheap but challenging for touristsHave your destination written in Chinese

Best Hotels

  1. Amanyangyun
    • Address: 6161 Yuanjiang Rd., Minhang Qu, Shanghai
    • Phone: +86 21 8011 9999
    • Website: Aman Resorts
    • A peaceful retreat in a 10-hectare forest park with Tai Chi, picnics, and Ming/Qing Dynasty villas.
  2. J Hotel Shanghai Tower
    • Address: Shanghai Tower, 126 Dong Tai Rd., Pudong
    • Phone: +86 21 3886 8888
    • Website: J Hotel
    • Stay in China’s tallest skyscraper (86th–98th floors) with butler service and jaw-dropping views.
  3. Fairmont Peace Hotel
    • Address: 20 Nanjing Rd. East, Shanghai
    • Phone (U.S./Canada): +1-800-257-7544
    • Website: Fairmont
    • A glamorous art deco gem near the Bund, with a legendary Jazz Bar.
  1. The Shanghai EDITION
    • Address: 199 Nanjing Rd. East, Huangpu
    • Phone: +86 21 5368 9999
    • Website: The EDITION
    • Right on bustling Nanjing Road, this stylish hotel offers Bund or city views from every room. Don’t miss drinks at the rooftop bar under an ivy-covered trellis.
  2. Hyatt on the Bund
    • Address: 199 Huangpu Rd., Shanghai
    • Phone: +86 21 6393 1234
    • Website: Hyatt
    • Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase Shanghai’s skyline. For sunset cocktails, head to the VUE Bar on the top floors.
  3. URBN Boutique Shanghai
    • Address: 183 Jiaozhou Rd., Jing’an District
    • Phone: +86 21 5153 4600
    • Website: URBN Hotels
    • A cozy, eco-friendly hideaway with just 26 rooms, built using reclaimed materials. End the night at their garden restaurant.

Best Restaurants

  1. Ultraviolet
    • Address: 18 Zhongshan Dong Yi Rd., Shanghai
    • Website: Ultraviolet
    • A 3-Michelin-star, 10-seat sensory explosion. The 20-course “Avant-Garde” menu pairs dishes with lights, sounds, and projections. Book 4 months ahead!
  2. M on the Bund
    • Address: 7F, No. 5 The Bund
    • Phone: +86 21 6350 9988
    • Website: M on the Bund
    • Classic dishes (think crispy suckling pig) with killer Bund views. Sundays feature an all-vegan menu.
  3. Din Tai Fung
    • Address: Multiple locations
    • Website: Din Tai Fung
    • Famous for xiao long bao (soup dumplings). Try the crab roe & pork or even chocolate dumplings for dessert!
  4. Riviera Lounge (Mandarin Oriental)
    • Address: 111 Pudong Rd., Pudong
    • Phone: +86 21 2082 9928
    • Website: Mandarin Oriental
    • Fancy afternoon tea with twists like BBQ pork neck in a cone and yuzu raspberry Swiss rolls.
  5. Jia Jia Tang Bao
    • Address: 90 Huanghe Rd., Huangpu
    • Phone: +86 21 6327 6878
    • The ultimate soup dumpling spot. Go early—the crab & pork ones sell out fast!

Things to Do

  1. UnTour Food Tours
    • Phone: +86 137 0172 9642
    • Website: UnTour
    • Cook dumplings in the French Concession or try jianbing (Chinese breakfast crepes). Kid-friendly!
  2. Shanghai Disneyland
    • Phone: +86 21 3158 0000
    • Website: Disney
    • Classic rides meet Chinese flair, like the Garden of the Twelve Friends (Disneyfied Chinese zodiac).
  3. Shanghai Museum
    • Address: 201 Ren Min Da Dao
    • Phone: +86 21 6372 3500
    • Free ancient art galore: bronzes, ceramics, jade, and calligraphy.
  4. Shanghai Tower Observation Deck
    • Address: 479 Lujiazui Ring Rd., Pudong
    • Phone: +86 21 2065 6999
    • The 118th-floor view is unreal. Bonus: a 4D music experience on the 126th floor!
  5. Urban Planning Exhibition Center
    • Address: 100 People’s Ave., Huangpu
    • Phone: +86 21 6372 2077
    • A jaw-dropping scale model of Shanghai, plus a 1930s-style underground street.
  6. Huangpu River Cruise
    • Evening cruises let you see the skyline lit up—pure magic.

Best Shopping

  1. Nanjing Road
    • A neon-lit shopping frenzy! Hit the Shanghai First Foodhall for local snacks.
  2. Madame Mao’s Dowry
    • Address: 207 Fumin Lu
    • Phone: +86 21 5403 3551
    • Cool Mao-era posters, vintage crafts, and local designer goods.
  3. Tianshan Tea Market
    • Address: 520 Zhongshan Xi Lu
    • 100+ tea vendors—sample everything from pu’er to jasmine.
  4. Huaihai Road
    • High-end (Prada, Tiffany) to mainstream (Levi’s) in glossy malls.
  5. South Bund Fabric Market
    • Address: 399 Lujiabang Rd.
    • Custom-tailored clothes—bring photos and cash!
  6. Garden Books
    • Address: 325 Chang Le Rd.
    • Phone: +86 21 5404 8728
    • English-language books + cozy café.

Neighborhoods to Know

  • French Concession: Tree-lined streets, trendy bars, and European charm.
  • Pudong: Skyline central (Shanghai Tower, Oriental Pearl) + Century Park.
  • Xintiandi: Car-free, cobblestone lanes in shikumen (traditional) buildings.
  • Xujiahui: Shopping hubs + peaceful Xujiahui Park.
  • People’s Square: Museums, gov’t buildings, and the gateway to Nanjing Road.

Weather

  • Spring (60s–70s°F): Mild, perfect for cherry blossoms.
  • Summer (80s°F): Hot + rainy (pack an umbrella!).
  • Fall (60s–70s°F): Sunny, ideal for mooncake season.
  • Winter (30s–50s°F): Chilly, but fewer crowds.

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