Population
24.9 million
Province
Shanghai
Region
East China
Best Time
Apr - May, Oct - Nov
Language
Mandarin Chinese
Currency
Chinese Yuan (CNY)
China's largest city and a global financial hub, Shanghai dazzles visitors with its futuristic skyline along the Pudong waterfront and the colonial-era architecture of the Bund. Known for its vibrant nightlife, world-class dining, and rich art scene, Shanghai represents the cutting edge of modern China.
A waterfront promenade showcasing a stunning collection of early 20th-century colonial architecture, contrasted by the futuristic Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River. The Bund is at its most magical at night when both sides light up.
A classical Chinese garden dating to the Ming Dynasty, featuring pavilions, rockeries, koi ponds, and winding corridors. The surrounding bazaar area is lively with street food vendors and traditional shops.
An iconic television tower on the Pudong riverbank that defined Shanghai's modern skyline. Its observation decks offer panoramic views of the city, and the transparent glass floor provides a vertigo-inducing thrill.
China's most famous shopping street, stretching from the Bund westward through the heart of Shanghai. The eastern pedestrian section buzzes with neon lights, flagship stores, and street performers.
Jade Buddha Temple is one of Shanghai's most celebrated attractions, drawing visitors from across China and around the world. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage and makes a rewarding stop on any Shanghai itinerary.
Shanghai Tower is one of Shanghai's most celebrated attractions, drawing visitors from across China and around the world. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage and makes a rewarding stop on any Shanghai itinerary.
Shanghai enjoys excellent transport links to Beijing, Hangzhou, Suzhou, and more. High-speed rail is usually the most comfortable and time-efficient option for distances under 1,000 km, while domestic flights serve longer routes with frequent, affordable schedules. Booking through Trip.com or the 12306 app is recommended for train tickets.
| Mode | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| High-Speed Rail | 4.5 hours | $80-$150 |
| Flight | 2 hours | $60-$200 |
| Overnight Sleeper Train | 12 hours | $30-$70 |
| Mode | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| High-Speed Rail | 45-60 minutes | $15-$25 |
| Bus | 2-3 hours | $10-$15 |
| Private Car | 2 hours | $80-$120 |
| Mode | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| High-Speed Rail | 25-30 minutes | $8-$15 |
| Regular Train | 40-50 minutes | $3-$5 |
| Bus | 1.5-2 hours | $5-$8 |
| Mode | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| High-Speed Rail | 1-1.5 hours | $20-$35 |
| Regular Train | 2.5-3 hours | $8-$15 |
| Bus | 3.5-4 hours | $15-$20 |
Budget: Hostels and budget hotels from $15-40/night
Mid-Range: 3-4 star hotels from $50-120/night
Luxury: 5-star hotels and resorts from $150+/night
Compare prices and book your stay in Shanghai with trusted partners.
Shanghai's food scene blends refined Shanghainese flavours with broader Jiangnan cuisine. Expect sweet-savoury dishes, fresh seafood, and delicate soup dumplings.
snack$$Shanghai's signature soup dumplings are delicate steamed parcels with thin, pleated wrappers that contain a savory pork filling and a burst of rich, flavorful broth. The secret is a gelatinized broth mixed into the filling that liquefies when steamed. Eaten by carefully biting a small hole, sipping the soup, then dipping in black vinegar with ginger.
teahotThe most widely consumed tea in China, green tea is prized for its fresh, grassy flavor and numerous health benefits. Famous varieties include Longjing (Dragon Well) from Hangzhou, Biluochun from Suzhou, and Huangshan Maofeng from Anhui. Green tea undergoes minimal oxidation, preserving its delicate flavor and bright green color. It has been a cornerstone of Chinese culture for over 3,000 years.
teahotA partially oxidized tea that falls between green and black tea, oolong offers a complex spectrum of flavors from floral and creamy to roasted and woody. Tieguanyin from Fujian and Da Hong Pao from the Wuyi Mountains are among the most celebrated oolongs. The traditional gongfu tea ceremony, especially popular in Fujian and Guangdong, is built around the careful preparation of oolong tea.
teahotA unique fermented tea from Yunnan Province that improves with age, much like fine wine. Pu-erh undergoes a microbial fermentation process that gives it a deep, earthy, and smooth flavor. Aged pu-erh cakes can command thousands of dollars and are prized by collectors. It is traditionally valued for its digestive benefits and is often served after heavy meals.
Visit East China in April to May or October to November for comfortable temperatures and less rainfall. Summer brings high humidity and heavy rains, while winters are damp and chilly. Spring is especially beautiful in Hangzhou, when the West Lake shoreline bursts with cherry blossoms and new tea is harvested.
Apr - May, Oct - Nov
Peak season
Higher prices and crowds, but the best weather and conditions for sightseeing.
Off season
Lower prices and fewer tourists, but weather may be less favourable for outdoor activities.
East ChinaKnown as the Venice of the East, Suzhou is celebrated for its exquisite classical gardens, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and its ancient canal system. For centuries, this city has been famous for its silk production, refined cuisine, and the soft beauty of its waterways. Suzhou perfectly embodies the elegance and artistry of traditional Chinese culture.
East ChinaFamous for the breathtaking West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hangzhou has inspired poets and artists for over a thousand years. Marco Polo reportedly called it the finest and most splendid city in the world. Today it is also a tech hub, serving as the headquarters of Alibaba, while maintaining its reputation for tea plantations and silk production.
East ChinaA former capital of China for multiple dynasties, Nanjing is steeped in history and lined with grand tree-shaded boulevards. The city is home to the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, the imposing Ming Dynasty city wall, and the sobering Nanjing Massacre Memorial. With its prestigious universities and rich cultural heritage, Nanjing offers depth and reflection for thoughtful travelers.
Find hotels, activities, and travel tips for Shanghai in China.