Shanghai
3–4 days recommended

Shanghai 上海

Modern China. Skyscrapers across the Bund, classical gardens and canal towns an hour away.

How many days3–4
Where to stayJing'an or People's Square

What you will see

Yuyuan Garden and old town
Yuyuan Garden and old townEarly, before the groups
Shanghai Museum East
Shanghai Museum EastFree, no booking. Closed on Tuesdays
Former French Concession on foot
Former French Concession on footTree-lined streets and cafés
Zhujiajiao water town
Zhujiajiao water townCanals and bridges, an hour away

Our hotels in Shanghai

Weather month by monthAverage high and low, °C
9°3°J
11°4°F
15°8°M
21°13°A
26°18°M
29°22°J
33°26°J
33°26°A
29°22°S
24°17°O
18°11°N
11°5°D

Green, pleasant. Blue, cold. Red, hot. Grey, many rainy days. 1991 to 2020 averages from the China Meteorological Administration.

Extras to add to your trip

Huangpu River night cruiseThe Bund lit up · Civitatis
Zhujiajiao tripCanal town · Civitatis
Airport transferSomeone meets you with a name sign · Civitatis
More hotels in Shanghai

Itineraries that include Shanghai

Metro and bus in Shanghai

Tap your contactless Visa or Mastercard at the gate, on the whole network since June 2025. The Alipay code works too. Step by step

What to eat in Shanghai

小笼包xiǎolóngbāoSoup dumplings (xiaolongbao)Steamed dumplings filled with pork and hot broth. Bite, sip, then eat.Not spicyCareful, the broth inside is very hot.
生煎包shēngjiānbāoPan-fried pork bunsPork buns with a golden, crispy base. A hit with kids.Not spicyKid friendly
红烧肉hóngshāoròuShanghai red-braised porkPork belly slow-braised in soy sauce and sugar, tender and glossy.Not spicy
葱油拌面cōngyóu bànmiànScallion oil noodlesThin noodles tossed in fried scallion oil and soy sauce. Simple and addictive.Not spicySome versions add dried shrimp (开洋).
大闸蟹dàzháxièHairy crabSeasonal freshwater crab with golden roe and a sweet flavour.Not spicyIn season in autumn, best in October and November.

Allergies or vegetarian? You have cards in Chinese to show at restaurants in the My trip kit.

Questions about Shanghai

How many days do I need in Shanghai, and where should I stay?

Three days covers the Bund, the old town, the former French Concession and a canal town. Stay in Jing'an or near People's Square, with the metro everywhere. On a honeymoon, a hotel with Bund views makes a great finale.

When is the best time to visit Shanghai?

April to May and October to November. June and July bring the rainy season, and summer is hot and humid. Winter is cold and damp, but quiet.

How do I get from the airport to the city centre?

From Pudong, the Maglev reaches Longyang Road in 8 minutes for 50 yuan, then take metro line 2. Trains from Beijing usually arrive at Hongqiao, on the other side of the city. Do not mix up Hongqiao and Pudong on the day you fly.

What should I not miss?

The Bund at night, best from a Huangpu River cruise. And Yuyuan Garden first thing, before the groups. Shanghai Museum East is free with no booking, but closed on Tuesdays.

Is Shanghai good with kids?

Yes. The Maglev, the night river cruise and the boats in Zhujiajiao, an hour away by metro, are big hits. With a spare day, Shanghai Disneyland is on metro line 11.

What should I eat in Shanghai? Is there vegetarian food?

Xiaolongbao, soup dumplings, and shengjian, pan-fried buns. Bite carefully, the soup is hot. Vegetarians have good Buddhist restaurants, such as the one at the Jade Buddha Temple.

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