Shanghai, ChinaChillTrip

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Shanghai

Shanghai travel guide · Asia

ContinentAsiaLanguageMandarin ChineseCurrencyCNYLocal specialtyXiaolongbao (soup dumplings)Free to read

Shanghai is China's most developed city and a global financial and cultural powerhouse, captivating visitors with its dramatic skyline, historic waterfront, and vibrant blend of Eastern and Western influences. From the colonial-era grandeur of the Bund to the futuristic towers of Pudong, the city offers a stunning contrast of old and new. With world-class dining, Art Deco architecture, and a buzzing nightlife scene, Shanghai is one of Asia's most exciting destinations.

01

Best time to visit Shanghai

septemberoctobernovember

Autumn offers mild, warm and sunny weather, making it the most comfortable season for sightseeing and outdoor exploration, avoiding the intense summer heat and humidity as well as the rainy spring.

02

What to see in Shanghai

The BundChillTrip
Must-see
01neighborhood

The Bund

Shanghai's iconic waterfront promenade lined with grand colonial-era buildings in British and European styles, offering stunning views of the Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River.

FreeAbout 90 minhistoryculturenature & outdoors

AddressZhongshan Rd (E-1), Waitan, Huangpu, Shanghai, China, 200002

4.7/5 on Google

Open in Google Maps

Oriental Pearl TowerChillTrip
Must-see
02monument

Oriental Pearl Tower

One of Shanghai's most recognizable landmarks, this distinctive pink-hued tower in Pudong features observation decks and a revolving restaurant with panoramic city views.

Paid entryAbout 90 minculturehistory

Address1 Shiji Blvd, Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai, China, 200120

4.6/5 on Google

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Shanghai TowerChillTrip
Must-see
03monument

Shanghai Tower

The tallest building in China and second tallest in the world, featuring one of the highest observation decks on the planet with breathtaking 360-degree views of Shanghai.

Paid entryAbout 60 mincultureadventure

Address501 Yincheng Rd (M), Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai, China, 200120

4.6/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Friday8:30 am–9:30 pm

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Yu GardenChillTrip
Must-see
04garden

Yu Garden

A classical Chinese garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty, located in the heart of the Old City, featuring rockeries, pavilions, ponds and traditional architecture.

Paid entryAbout 90 minculturehistorynature & outdoors

Address四牌楼 Huangpu, Shanghai, China, 200000

4.5/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Friday9 am–4:30 pm

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

People's SquareChillTrip
05park

People's Square

The civic heart of modern Shanghai, built on the site of a former British horse-racing track, surrounded by major museums, city hall and cultural institutions.

FreeAbout 45 minculturehistory

AddressHuangpu, Shanghai, China

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Shanghai MuseumChillTrip
Must-see
06museum

Shanghai Museum

One of China's premier museums, housed in a striking building on People's Square, with an outstanding collection of ancient Chinese art including bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy and jade.

FreeAbout 120 minculturehistory

Address201 Renmin Ave, People's Square, Huangpu, China, 200003

4.3/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Friday9 am–5 pm

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

French ConcessionChillTrip
Must-see
07neighborhood

French Concession

A charming tree-lined neighborhood retaining its early 20th-century French colonial character, filled with boutiques, cafes, historic villas and vibrant street life.

FreeAbout 120 minculturehistoryfood & dining

AddressChina, Shanghai, Xuhui District, Wulumuqi Rd (M), 86号, 邮政编码: 200031

4.5/5 on Google

Open in Google Maps

TianzifangChillTrip
Must-see
08neighborhood

Tianzifang

A creative arts and crafts enclave in the former French Concession, built within a maze of traditional shikumen alleyways, now home to boutiques, galleries and cafes.

FreeAbout 90 mincultureshoppingfood & dining

Address210弄 Taikang Rd, Huangpu, China, 200023

4.2/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • FridayOpen 24 hours

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

03

Where to eat in Shanghai

Din Tai Fung ShanghaiChillTrip
01Shanghainese / Taiwanese

Din Tai Fung Shanghai

World-renowned chain famous for its meticulously crafted xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), with multiple locations across Shanghai offering consistent quality.

Price $$Must tryXiaolongbao (pork soup dumplings)

AddressChina, Shanghai, Changning District, 水城南路37号,水城南路与荣华东道路路口南侧路西,沿水城南路方向

4.1/5 on Google

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04

Things to do in Shanghai

Shanghai Maglev Train

otherPaid entryAbout 15 min

Experience one of the world's most thrilling train rides on the Shanghai Maglev, which connects Pudong Airport to Longyang Road station at speeds up to 300 km/h.

Huangpu River Cruise

cruisePaid entryAbout 60 min

A scenic boat cruise along the Huangpu River offering spectacular views of the Bund's colonial architecture on one side and Pudong's futuristic skyline on the other, especially magical at night.

Shanghai Acrobatics Troupe at ERA Intersection of Time

showPaid entryAbout 90 min

A world-class acrobatics show performed by the acclaimed Shanghai Acrobatics Troupe, featuring breathtaking feats of balance, agility and artistry in a purpose-built theater.

Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

tourPaid entryAbout 180 min

A well-preserved ancient water town on the outskirts of Shanghai, accessible via Metro Line 17, featuring stone bridges, canals, traditional architecture and local snacks.

05

Where to go near Shanghai

Suzhou

Train 30minBus 1h30Car 1h

Known as the 'Venice of the East', Suzhou is famous for its classical gardens (UNESCO World Heritage Sites), silk production and picturesque canal-side streets.

Hangzhou

Train 45minBus 2hCar 2h

Home to the legendary West Lake, Hangzhou is one of China's most scenic cities, celebrated for its natural beauty, tea culture and historic temples.

Nanjing

Train 1hBus 3hCar 3h

A historically significant city and former capital of China, Nanjing offers rich history including the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Ming city walls and the Nanjing Massacre Memorial.

Zhoushan

Bus 3hCar 3hFerry 3h

An archipelago off the coast of Zhejiang province, Zhoushan is known for its Buddhist pilgrimage island Putuo Shan, fresh seafood and scenic coastal landscapes.

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