Shanghai, a city as deep and enchanting as the sea, has evolved from a quaint Jiangnan town two hundred years ago to a vast metropolis teeming with countless tales of glory and drama. It’s a city that never sleeps, perpetually stirred by the tides of the Pacific Ocean, particularly in the bustling heart of Lujiazui.
For a taste of modern Shanghai, head to Pudong, where the city’s skyline dazzles with lights after dusk. From atop the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower, overlooking the shimmering waters of the river, one can’t help but be mesmerized by the kaleidoscope of colors. Along the Bund, the historic waterfront area, the splendid lights adorning each building create a captivating spectacle, while the vibrant neon signs beckon passersby to linger.
For those yearning to immerse themselves in the nostalgia of old Shanghai, strolling through the city’s quaint old streets is a must. Places like Xintiandi and the bar-lined Hengshan Road are popular destinations for those seeking to indulge in a bit of bourgeois charm. And for the avid shoppers, Shanghai, often hailed as the “Paris of the East,” offers an abundance of choices, with shopping paradises like Nanjing Road, Huaihai Road, and Lujiazui catering to every whim and fancy.
Most Popular Shanghai Attractions
Tourist Attractions in Shanghai
Detailed Shanghai Itineraries
Best Time to Visit Shanghai
The best time to visit Shanghai is during the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. During these months, temperatures are mild, ranging from around 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), making it ideal for exploring the city’s attractions on foot.
Spring brings blooming cherry blossoms, adding a touch of natural beauty to the city’s parks and gardens. Autumn showcases colorful foliage, creating a picturesque backdrop for your sightseeing adventures. Both seasons offer moderate rainfall, so it’s advisable to carry an umbrella or raincoat.
Avoid visiting Shanghai during the hot and humid summer months (June to August) when temperatures can soar above 30°C (86°F), accompanied by high humidity levels. Winter (December to February) is chilly, with temperatures dropping to around 0°C to 8°C (32°F to 46°F), but it offers unique experiences like the Chinese New Year celebrations and ice skating at outdoor rinks.
Shanghai Weather
Shanghai Food
Tonight, Shanghai seems to be filled with an incredible number of people.
– There are just so many people everywhere.
– It’s incredibly hot and stuffy.
– During the day, the crowds are manageable, but once night falls, the Bund (外滩) becomes a bustling sea of people.
Attractions worth visiting in Shanghai: 1. Shanghai Museum (East Branch): With a rich historical atmosphere, it houses a large number of precious artifacts from the Sanxingdui archaeological site, witnessing thousands of years of Chinese history. Opening hours: 10:00-18:00. Location: Exit 8 of Shanghai Science and Technology Museum Station, Metro Line 2. Free admission. 2. The Bund: A magnificent waterfront area with a mix of buildings from different nations, enjoy the evening breeze by the Huangpu River, take a beautiful photo… Read more »
Accommodation Tips Shanghai has convenient transportation, with the subway reaching every corner, so there’s no need to worry too much about accommodation. It’s recommended to book in advance around the city center at least a week ahead. Transportation Tips in Shanghai Subway: Download “Metro Metropolis” app or use Alipay! If you’re staying for several days, it’s more cost-effective to buy a three-day pass. ⚠️Note: Subways can get crowded during peak hours, especially at downtown stations. It’s advisable to travel during… Read more »
Accommodation Areas:
Nanjing Road: Close to subway lines, within walking distance to the Bund.
Yuyuan Road: Many trendy and Instagrammable shops worth visiting.
Lujiazui: Great for enjoying the night view and convenient transportation.
For those of you who are planning to visit Shanghai but don’t want to plan your itinerary, here’s a quick guide to hitting the most classic spots in Shanghai with minimal time spent. This is a personal sharing with a straight route, feel free to add your own travel tips! Suggested Itinerary: 1. Wukang Building ➡️ Wukang Road/Changle Road ➡️ Jing’an Temple ➡️ Lujiazui Trio ➡️ Ferry Ride ➡️ The Bund (Daytime) ➡️ Yu Garden/ City God Temple ➡️ Nanjing… Read more »
Remember this lazy guide to experience spending less and having a great time in the magic city! Day1✔️ 1️⃣Disneyland: Regular ticket at 437 If you can’t get the early access card, then no need to wake up early! Smooth entry around 11 am – experienced 6 attractions, 1 parade, 1 show, and 1 fireworks display! Stayed in the park until 10 pm! Day2✔️ 1️⃣Shanghai Aquarium: Entered the afternoon session at 1 pm, walked through the three floors, with the highlight… Read more »
1. The Bund’s evening lights turn on at 7 pm and off at 10 pm. 2. If you don’t want to go to the crowded Bund, you can visit the North Bund where there are fewer people and you can still get a good shot of the Oriental Pearl Tower. 3. Avoid spending hundreds of yuan on the ferry ride, instead, take the Line 2 ferry at Dongchang Road Ferry Terminal (before 18:30). 4. It’s better to take the subway… Read more »
♀️ I’ll take some time to organize the Shanghai attractions that require reservations for parents: 1️⃣ Oriental Pearl Tower (3 days in advance) 2️⃣ Shanghai Disneyland (half-price tickets available 10 days in advance) 3️⃣ Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park (10 days in advance) 4️⃣ City God Temple and Yu Garden (7 days in advance) 5️⃣ Shanghai Wild Animal Park (9 days in advance) 6️⃣ Shanghai Natural History Museum (7 days in advance) 7️⃣ Shanghai Planetarium (3 days in advance) 8️⃣ Shanghai… Read more »
After resigning and returning home, I had originally planned to rest for a while. However, since my uncle was going to Shanghai, I decided last minute to join him on the trip! I only brought summer clothes, so I ended up borrowing some spring clothes from my cousin. The next day, we headed straight to Shanghai! Day1️⃣ Jing’an Temple: One of Shanghai’s landmarks, with its magnificent and glittering exterior standing tall among the skyscrapers, exuding a magical charm. Yu Garden:… Read more »
Shanghai Must-Visit Attractions Guide! Transportation Guide: Plane: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (far from the city center, airport shuttle/maglev/subway line 2 to downtown), Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (near the city center, subway line 2/airport express) Train/High-speed train: Shanghai Railway Station, Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, Shanghai South Station, Shanghai West Station. City Transportation: Download the “METRO大都会” APP for the subway, use ZFB to get a “riding code” for ferry and bus rides. Double-decker sightseeing bus: Check the routes with “City Sightseeing” for ticket… Read more »