Shanghai

Travel Guide

Shanghai
Yuyuan Bazaar
Shanghai
Shanghai
Shanghai

Visit this bustling eastern province to explore glitzy shopping malls, marvel at historic temples and climb to the top of towering skyscrapers.

The province of Shanghai is dominated by its eponymous metropolis, one of China’s major economic and cultural hubs. Here, modern skyscrapers sit near Buddhist temples and art deco buildings, while sleek museums stand alongside manicured gardens and cramped alleys. Shop for local crafts, slurp freshly made noodles, visit historic museums and enjoy a rare moment of peace in a tucked-away monastery.

Situated on the mouth of the Yangtze River, the city of Shanghai blends modern and historic elements, as well as drawing inspiration from both Eastern and Western cultures. At the Shanghai History Museum, find out more about the city’s origins as a small fishing and textiles town that transitioned into a popular destination for foreigners to establish homes and businesses.

To see the city from different perspectives, walk along the riverfront promenade known as the Bund. Marvel at the various architectural styles visible from the walkway. For a bird’s-eye view, head for the observation deck at the Shanghai Tower.

When the weather is nice, visitors and locals converge on the Yùyuán Gardens to stroll, sit in the shade and watch colorful fish swimming around in the pools. Soak up the sun with a boat trip in Zhujiajiao, a historic water town in the suburbs, known for its Ming- and Qing-era bridges. If it’s raining, consider taking shelter in Xīntiāndì, a shopping and entertainment complex packed with boutique shops and restaurants.

Explore the city’s religious past at the Buddhist Jìng’ān Temple. Smell the burning incense and inspect the ornate statues that decorate the halls. Other notable Buddhist sites include the Jade Buddha Temple, one of the only active monasteries remaining in Shanghai.

Book your vacation in the spring or fall for the best weather or visit in the first week of October during the National Day holiday when crowds flock to the city for celebrations. Fly into one of two international airports, Hongqiao or Pudong, to start your journey through the region.

Upscale shopping complexes, ancient temples and relaxing gardens make Shanghai a top destination for travelers looking to experience modern-day China.

Where to stay in Shanghai

Xintiandi featuring street scenes, a city and outdoor eating

Downtown Shanghai

4.5/5(10 area reviews)

Known for its beautiful gardens and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Shanghai. Check out top attractions like The Bund and Three on the Bund, and jump on the metro at East Nanjing Road Station or Yuyuan Garden Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Shanghai
Oriental Pearl Tower which includes skyline, a city and modern architecture

Pudong

4/5(137 area reviews)

Home to iconic skyscrapers like the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Tower, this district boasts the Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone and Shanghai Disney Resort. Easily accessible via multiple metro lines, bridges, and tunnels.

Pudong
Jing An Temple featuring a temple or place of worship and religious elements

Jing'an

4.5/5(22 area reviews)

Ancient Jing'an Temple and bustling West Nanjing Road offer a mix of history and premier shopping, while Daning Lingshi Park provides a green oasis. Easily explore with nine metro lines available.

Jing'an
Shanghai Museum featuring modern architecture

Huangpu

4.5/5(129 area reviews)

Central Shanghai's bustling hub, Huangpu District boasts popular shopping areas like Nanjing Road, Huaihai Road, and Xintiandi. Explore key attractions such as The Bund, Old City God Temple, and leafy streets lined with cafes, high-end retail, and historical houses.

Huangpu
Lujiazui

Lujiazui

Travelers choose Lujiazui for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Shangcheng Road Station or Dongchang Road Station and check out top sights like Shanghai Tower.

Lujiazui
Default Image

Hongqiao

Noted for its shopping and restaurants, there's plenty to explore in Hongqiao. Top attractions like Hongqiao Int'l Pearl City and Laowai Street 101 are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Hechuan Road Station or Longbai Xincun Station to see more of the city.

Hongqiao
Central Hotel Shanghai
Central Hotel Shanghai
4 out of 5
No 555 Jiujiang Road, Shanghai, Shanghai
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $121 per night from Jul 15 to Jul 16
CA $121
CA $139 total
Jul 15 - Jul 16
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Staff was helpful. Place is near to shopping street with plenty of food options."

Reviewed on Jun. 21, 2025

Central Hotel Shanghai
Conrad Shanghai
Conrad Shanghai
5 out of 5
789 Nanjing Road East, Shanghai, Shanghai
The price is CA $202 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
CA $202
CA $235 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions The Bund and People's Square are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
Bad layout of WC/Bathroom
"Location is good. Steps away from Nanjing Road shopping street. However, the lobby is forever congested. It usually took us quite a bit of time for the DiDi to get in and out of the lobby area due to the congestion. Another down side is the layout of the room. The sink, WC and bathroom are all seperated. ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 6, 2025

Conrad Shanghai
The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi
The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi
5 out of 5
No.99 Madang Road, Luwan District, Shanghai, Shanghai
The price is CA $254 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
CA $254
CA $296 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,008 reviews)
"Check in and out process was fast. Hotel location is very good as it is in between the places we wanted to visit and very convenient to take taxi as well as close proximity to metro and malls. The rooms are big and comfortable for 2. Service is excellent including delivery of parcels to the room. ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 8, 2025

The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Modena by Fraser Putuo Shanghai
Modena by Fraser Putuo Shanghai
4 out of 5
No. 1, Lane 58, Tongchuan Road, Putuo District, Shanghai, Shanghai
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (944 reviews)
"Away from tourists area yet easily reachable by Metro. The Metro station and Food court with many restaurants are located just one block from the hotel. Breakfast is excellent with a variety of items especially a variety of vegetable dishes daily."

Reviewed on Jun. 29, 2025

Modena by Fraser Putuo Shanghai
IFC Residence
IFC Residence
5 out of 5
8 Century Avenue Pudong, Shanghai, PVG
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (797 reviews)
"Very spacious but Hotel is a bit old and needs to be updated."

Reviewed on Jul. 11, 2025

IFC Residence
Green Court Residence City Center Shanghai
Green Court Residence City Center Shanghai
4 out of 5
55 Beijing Xi Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, Shanghai
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,454 reviews)
"Very good"

Reviewed on Jun. 21, 2025

Green Court Residence City Center Shanghai
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Shanghai

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
116
5 - Excellent 52%
4 - Good
89
4 - Good 40%
3 - Okay
14
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
4
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 1%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

Loved the hotel but shanghai in general I did not have the best experience. I had two different negative experiences with taxi drivers not returning change and dropping me off blocks away from my destination in the pouring rain.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

expect large crowds around popular areas

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

My mother and I both have COPD and had a problem with the smog.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

It’s a very unique city with historical artifacts of its own. I fall in love with Shanghai definitely

5/5 - Excellent

S.Sun

A restless, great city to visit.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

The downtown area is so interesting, great architecture.

Cities near Shanghai