Shanghai Travel Guide: Best Things to Do & Itinerary Ideas

Shanghai is China’s economic, financial, and trade center — and also its most international city. With its diverse and welcoming culture, modern infrastructure, and relatively high English proficiency, Shanghai is an ideal first stop for travelers visiting China.

• Located on China’s eastern coast, Shanghai covers 6,340 square kilometers, about four times the size of London.

• The city has a population of around 25 million, roughly the same as the entire population of Australia.

• The best time to visit is spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October). June is usually humid and rainy.

• Avoid China’s two major public holidays: Labor Day (May 1–5) and National Day (October 1–7), when travel spots are very crowded.

by Edward He | Road Trip with Raj

Airport Transportation

Shanghai has two international airports:

Pudong International Airport (PVG)

Located about 50 km from downtown Shanghai, this is where most international flights arrive.

How to get to the city center:

• Maglev Train: Take the Maglev to Longyang Road Station (8 min, ¥50; ¥40 with a same-day flight ticket). Then transfer to the metro or take a taxi to your hotel (about another 30 min). This is the fastest option.
  Watch: How to Take Maglev Train from Pudong Airport to Longyang Station

• Taxi / Ride-share: Takes 1–1.5 hours, costing around ¥150–200. This is the most convenient option.

• Metro: About 1.5 hours, costing ¥7–8. This is the cheapest way to reach the city.

Hotel near the airport: Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Pudong Airport
Note:
The Maglev train was designed for a top speed of 430 km/h, but it currently runs at up to 300 km/h. The experience is similar to China’s regular high-speed trains, so don’t expect a major difference.
In the early 2000s, Chinese engineers debated whether to develop maglev or wheel-rail technology for high-speed rail. Shanghai built this short maglev line as a test project, but due to high construction and maintenance costs, all later high-speed rail lines adopted wheel-rail systems instead.

Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)

Located about 20 km from downtown, Hongqiao mainly handles domestic flights.
Taxi / Ride-share: 20–40 minutes, ¥40–80
Metro: About 30 minutes, ¥4

Getting from Beijing to Shanghai

Beijing is about 1,300 km from Shanghai. You can travel between the two cities by high-speed train or flight.

1. High-Speed Train
Multiple trains run daily between Beijing and Shanghai. Most trains depart from Beijing South Station and arrive at Shanghai Hongqiao Station.

Travel time: 5.5–6 hours (some faster trains take 4.5 hours at up to 350 km/h)

Fares: Second Class: around ¥600 First Class: around ¥1,000 Business Class: around ¥2,000 The fastest trains cost about ¥50 more.

You can check schedules and prices using the 12306 app (China Railway’s official app) or Trip.com app (China’s largest online travel agency).

2. Flight
The flight time is about 2 hours, with fares ranging from ¥400–1,000, depending on the airline and airport. However, once you include travel time to and from the airport, plus check-in and security, the total trip takes around 5 hours — so the high-speed train is usually the more convenient choice.

Where to Stay in Shanghai

Staying near the Bund is the most convenient option for first-time visitors.

Radisson Collection Hyland Shanghai 8.7 / 3869 reviews
3 min walk to Nanjing East Road metro station 15 min walk to the Bund

SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund 8.6 / 3749 reviews
5 min walk to Yuyuan Garden metro station 20 min walk to the Bund

If you find the Bund area too busy (similar to staying near Times Square in New York), consider staying near Jing’an Temple — it’s quieter, still central, and offers great value for money.
Paramount Gallery Hotel — 8.7 / 650 reviews

Itinerary & Map

Suggested 3-Day Shanghai Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Shanghai and visit the Bund and Yu Garden at night for the best views.
Day 2: Take a walk around the Former French Concession, visit Jing’an Temple, then explore Tianzifang and Xintiandi in the afternoon.
Day 3: Take a day trip to Shanghai Disneyland or Zhujiajiao Water Town.

Note:
Shanghai, like Tokyo or Singapore, is a highly modern city, so you don’t need to spend too many days exploring it. If your schedule allows, consider taking a high-speed train to Beijing or other nearby cities to experience more of China’s unique local atmosphere.

Getting Around Shanghai

Navigation Apps
Google Maps data in China is outdated. Use Apple Maps or download AMap (the English version of China’s most popular map app).

Metro/Subway
Shanghai has around 20 subway lines with a total length of about 831 km, making it the second-longest metro system in the world after Beijing.
Plan your route using Apple Maps or AMap.
Fare: ¥3–10, depending on distance
Payment:
You can tap your credit card directly at the gate (Visa, MasterCard, and JCB are accepted) Or buy a 1-Day Pass (¥18 / 24 hours) or 3-Day Pass (¥45) at the service counter
Operating Hours: Around 6:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m., depending on the line
Rush Hours: 7:00–9:00 a.m. and 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Watch: Starting June 28, you can ride the Shanghai metro using just your bank card!

Watch: Riding the Shanghai Metro on a Busy Friday Night

Didi
You can order a ride directly through the Didi option in Alipay, and you don’t need a Chinese phone number.
If you can’t locate your driver or change your mind, you may cancel the ride, though a 3 RMB cancellation fee will apply. Therefore, we recommend waiting at clearly identifiable locations like bus stops or building entrances to help your driver find you easily.

Walking
If your destination is nearby, walking is a great option. Shanghai is very safe, both day and night. However, be extra cautious when crossing the street—watch out for electric scooters. They’re fast, quiet, and often the drivers don’t follow traffic rules.

Attractions in Shanghai

1. The Bund

As Shanghai’s iconic landmark, the Bund perfectly exemplifies the city’s inclusive spirit. On one side, you find the historic Bund, home to the former foreign concessions that earned the nickname “Wall Street of the Far East” in the 19th century. On the other, the ultramodern skyscrapers of Lujiazui stand as a powerful testament to China’s tremendous developmental achievements.

Recommended Visit Time: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Best Time to Visit:
Evening, to see the lights
Summer: Lights turn on at 7:00 p.m.
Winter: Lights turn on at 6:00 p.m., until 10:00 p.m.

Getting There:
① Metro: Take Line 2 or Line 10 to Nanjing East Road Station, Exit 2, then walk about 10 minutes east to the Huangpu River. (This station can be crowded; you may consider visiting Yu Garden first and then walking to the Bund.)
② Taxi / Ride-share at Night: It’s hard to get a ride in the Bund area at night. Take the metro to leave the area first or walk about 15 minutes north before trying to get a ride.

Watch: Shanghai 4K Walking Tour - East Nanjing Road and The Bund

Watch: SHANGHAI Walking Tour - Dusk to Night

Tips:
① The Bund is extremely popular, so expect crowds.
② For fewer people, take Metro Line 12 to International Cruise Terminal Station, Exit 3 — this is the North Bund (also home to White Magnolia Plaza). It’s less crowded but still offers great views.
Watch: North Bund Dazzling Night View 4K HDR

2. Yu Garden

Strictly speaking, Yu Garden includes three main areas:

Yuyuan Mall
A commercial complex built in the style of Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, with restaurants and souvenir shops.
Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Cost: Free to enter.
Best Time to Visit: Evening, around 6:00 p.m., when the lights are on. (From January to early February, there is a special light show with an entrance fee of ¥50–80 per person.)

Getting There: Metro: Take Line 10 or Line 14 to Yuyuan Station, Exit 7
Watch: 4K Exploring in shanghai Yuyuan Garden China

Yu Garden
A 400-year-old traditional Chinese garden.
Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., closed on Mondays
Entrance Fee: ¥30–40
Reference video available here

City God Temple (Chenghuang Miao)
A Taoist temple honoring three historic heroes who protected the Shanghai area.
Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Entrance Fee: ¥10
Reference video available here

3. Stage Magnolia Observation Deck

Shanghai’s newest outdoor observation deck, converted from a helicopter landing pad. Inspired by Shakespeare’s line “All the World’s a Stage”, it stands 320 meters high and offers 360° views of the Bund and the distant Lujiazui skyline.

Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (last entry at 9:15 p.m.)
Admission:
Adults: ¥230
Students / Seniors: ¥160
Children: ¥110
Sunset time: ¥288
Tickets are available on-site or on Klook.

Recommended Visit Time: 15 minutes – 1 hour
Tips:
① Go on a clear day; air visibility can be low.
② Daytime views are good, but sunset or night views are more stunning.
③ Backpacks are not allowed; LG1 level has self-service lockers.
④ DSLR cameras and flash are allowed, but tripods are not permitted.

Getting There: Metro: Line 12 to International Cruise Terminal Station, entrance at Magnolia Plaza LG1

Watch: A Rooftop Stage Above Shanghai’s Skyline

Watch: 上海登高去哪里？挑战魔都最便宜和最贵的观景点！

Other Observation Deck Options:

Oriental Pearl Tower – tickets from ¥199
Pros: Transparent glass floor, rotating restaurant, very fun for children
Cons: Very crowded on weekends/holidays. Special access available with ¥299 ticket or buffet package
Watch: One Day at Shanghai’s TOP Tower – the Oriental Pearl Tower

Shanghai Tower Observation Deck (Shanghai’s Highest) – tickets from ¥215
Pros: Height 632 meters, world’s second-tallest building
Cons: Too high; the view can feel like looking at a circuit board rather than scenic beauty
Watch: Visiting the TALLEST Building in China – Shanghai Tower

4. Former French Concession

The Former French Concession is famous for its plane trees and colonial-era European-style buildings. It’s perfect for walking and shopping, giving a sense of Shanghai’s unique blend of European architecture and local culture.

Recommended Visit Time: 1–2 hours
Getting There:
Metro: Line 10 or Line 11 to JiaoTong University Station, Exit 7
Taxi / Ride-share: Go to Wukang Mansion

Suggested Route:
Take the metro to Jiao Tong University Station → walk to Wukang Mansion → turn onto Wukang Road → then Anfu Road → leave from Changshu Road Station an0

Wukang Road
Starts at Wukang Mansion, designed by a Hungarian architect in 1924 in Renaissance style, similar to the Flatiron Building in New York.
Length: 1.17 km
Lined with European-style historic buildings, plane trees, boutique coffee shops, and ice cream stores.
Originally called Ferguson Road, named after John Calvin Ferguson, an American missionary and educator. He built the road to make it easier for teachers and students to travel between the school and the city.
Watch: Lovely Spots in Shanghai : Local Vibes, Anfu Road, Wukang Road, Historic Street

Anfu Road
Length: 900 meters
Famous for Shanghai’s independent designers and trendy brands. It’s a popular shopping street among young locals.
Watch: Walking on Anfu Road Shanghai

  Brief History of the French Concession:

• 1849: France sent its fleet to Shanghai and, through diplomacy and military pressure, established the concession.

• 1900–1914: Systematic urban planning began — plane trees planted, high-end residences built, trams and streetlights introduced.

• 1920–1937: After the Russian October Revolution, many Russian nobles fled to Shanghai, settling mainly in the French Concession. They opened high-end restaurants and fashion shops. Shanghai became a cultural melting pot and gained the nickname “Paris of the East.”

• 1937: During the Japanese invasion of China, the French Concession remained relatively safe.

• 1940–1942: France was occupied by Germany and could no longer control its colonies. In 1942, the concession was handed over to the Japanese puppet government, marking the end of the French Concession era.

5. Tianzifang

Tianzifang is a commercial area converted from old Shanghai residential buildings. It retains the Shikumen and lilong architectural style, and some local residents still live here.

Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
Recommended Visit Time: 30 minutes
Getting There: Metro: Line 9 to Dapuqiao Station, Exit 1, then a 3-minute walk
Notes:
① Fewer Shanghai locals visit now; most visitors come from other parts of China or Korea.
② When first developed, many artists set up studios here, giving it a creative atmosphere. Over time, shops and bars increased, making it more commercialized.
③ For tourists, Tianzifang is still worth visiting, as it preserves authentic old Shanghai buildings, unlike other attractions which are newly built in an old-style design.

Watch: Tianzifang District - Shanghai

6. Xintiandi

Xintiandi is Shanghai’s most famous shopping and entertainment area. It features shopping centers and open-air streets in the Shikumen architectural style.

Recommended Visit Time: 2–4 hours
How to Explore: Start from one metro station and walk to the other (about 1 km straight), stopping along the way for shopping or dining as you like.
Getting There:
Option 1: Metro Line 1 to Site of the First National Congress / Huangpi South Road Station, Exit 2
Option 2: Metro Line 10 or 13 to Site of the First National Congress / Xintiandi Station, Exit 1

Watch: Xintiandi District - Shanghai, China

7. Jing’an Temple

Jing’an Temple was originally built in the 3rd century and has been rebuilt several times due to fires and wars.

Highlights:

• An 18-meter-high stone pillar engraved with ancient Buddhist scriptures
• A bronze bell in the bell tower, weighing 7.3 tons, built in 1363
• A pure silver Buddha statue in the Main Hall, about 15 tons and 9 meters tall
• A Guanyin statue in the Guanyin Hall, about 5 tons and 6.2 meters tall, carved from a single thousand-year-old camphor tree

Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Admission: ¥50
Recommended Visit Time: 30–60 minutes
Getting There: Metro Lines 2, 7, or 14 to Jing’an Temple Station
Notes:
① Jing’an Temple and the nearby Jade Buddha Temple belong to different Buddhist sects and operate differently. You can think of Jing’an Temple as a “family business,” while Jade Buddha Temple is more like a “public institution.” The higher ticket price helps fund operations and control visitor numbers (its central location would otherwise attract 10x more visitors if free).
② Opposite the temple is Asia’s largest Apple Store.
③ Nearby shopping centers offer restaurants if you want to eat during your visit.

Watch: 静安寺最佳机位

Watch: Jing’an Temple: Shanghai’s historic buddhist sanctuary

8. Jade Buddha Temple

Jade Buddha Temple, built in 1882, is named for the two jade Buddha statues it houses.

Highlights:

• The two statues are Sitting and Reclining Buddhas, carved from single blocks of jade in Myanmar by local craftsmen, brought back to China by Chinese monk Huigen. (In Buddhist culture, jade symbolizes purity and nobility; Myanmar produces some of the finest jade in the world.)
• Locals also come here to copy sutras, which is free of charge.
• The temple is most crowded around Chinese New Year: before the holiday, people pray to thank the deities for the past year; after the holiday, they pray for good luck in the new year. (Chinese New Year 2026: February 17)

Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
Recommended Visit Time: 30–60 minutes
Getting There: Metro Line 13 to Jiangning Road Station, Exit 3, then a 10-minute walk
Official Site: yufotemple.com
Watch: Jade Buddha Temple - Shanghai, China

9. Shanghai Disney Resort

Opened in 2016, Shanghai Disney Resort is the only Disney theme park in China.

Hours: Vary by date; usually 8/9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Admission: Adults from ¥475, Children from ¥356, Tickets can be booked on the official website or Klook. Buying 10–15 days in advance is usually cheaper.

Tips:
① Entry requires passport scan or showing a passport photo at manual gates. You can also enable facial recognition in the official app to enter without showing documents.
② Download the Shanghai Disney Resort App before your visit.
③ Popular rides: Zootopia: Hot Pursuit, Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, TRON Lightcycle Power Run.
④ On busy weekends, you can buy a single-attraction FastPass via the official app.

Official Site: shanghaidisneyresort.com
Nearby Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott, Novotel Shanghai Clover
Getting There:
① Metro: Line 11 to Disney Station, ~1 hour from downtown
② Taxi / Ride-share: 40–60 minutes from the city, ¥70–125 depending on traffic

Watch: Our Honest Review of Shanghai Disneyland

10. Zhujiajiao

Zhujiajiao is an ancient water town in Qingpu District, about 50 km from downtown Shanghai. It has a history of over 400 years. The core area covers around 1.5 km², featuring 36 ancient bridges and a network of canals. It is Shanghai’s most famous water town.

Recommended Visit Time: 2–3 hours
Things to do:
The area is compact; walking along the canals is enough. Must-see spots:
▸ Fangsheng Bridge – the largest five-arch stone bridge in Shanghai
▸ North Street – ~300 meters of traditional Chinese commercial street
▸ Kezhi Garden – built in 1912, a classic southern Chinese private garden, ticket ¥20
▸ Try a hand-pulled boat ride – ¥200 per boat, up to 6 people, ~15 minutes per trip
▸ Area map here

Getting There:
① Taxi / Ride-share from downtown: 1–1.5 hours, ¥150–200 depending on traffic
② Metro: Line 17 to Zhujiajiao Station, Exit 1 (~2 hours from downtown). From the station:
Take a direct ferry to Fangsheng Bridge Pier, ¥40 per person
Or taxi (~¥10, 8 minutes)
Or walk (~20 minutes)

Official Site: zhujiajiao.com

Watch: 江南上海朱家角古镇

Watch: My first impressions of Zhujiajiao, China

Watch: Exploring China’s Classical Garden — Kezhi Garden

Thank you for reading. Hope you have a wonderful journey! ヽ(´▽`)/