In this travel guide, you’ll find my recommendations to help you explore Shanghai on your first visit.
Shanghai is one of my favorite cities in China. I’ve visited many times and have finally created this travel guide to help you organize your first trip to this amazing city. I’ll take you through some of Shanghai’s must-see spots, and help you discover the most interesting places.
Here are some quick Facts About Shanghai:
- Location: Eastern China, on the coast.
- Established: Modern Shanghai began to develop in the 19th century, though its history dates back thousands of years.
- Population: Over 24 million people, making it one of China’s largest cities.
- Main Attractions: The Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Museum, Xintiandi, and the French Concession.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Shanghai is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is nice during these months, with mild temperatures and lower humidity, making it a great time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. This suggestion is valid pretty much for all of China as I explained in my China Travel Guide. Remember to avoid the first week of May, the first week of October, and, of course, the Chinese New Year. Those weeks can be incredibly busy and expensive. It will also be a challenge to find and book a train ticket.
Arrival and Transportation
If you arrive at Pudong Airport, you can take the Maglev train, one of the fastest trains in the world. It covers the 30 kilometers between the airport and the city center in just over 7 minutes and can reach speeds of up to 431 km/h. The Maglev ticket office is located on the second floor between Terminals 1 and 2 and accepts Western credit cards.
Trains depart every 20 minutes from 6:51 a.m. to 9:51 p.m. For detailed information about tickets, visit the Maglev website.
Alternatively, You can take the subway, which connects the whole city and is quite cheap. The 72-hour pass costs ¥45 and covers all metro trips, including transfers to the high-speed train station on the fourth day. The pass can be purchased at service centers.
Since Google Maps doesn’t work in China, you can use this app instead to find out which subway line to use during your stay. Also, please remember to get a VPN before you arrive in China and/or an eSim. I recommend this one.
Where to stay
As a rule of thumb, stay near a subway station and use Trip.com for your booking. The other platforms have fewer and often more expensive options. I recommend staying somewhere between the Bund and Yuyuan Garden. This is, for example, a very popular option. As you can see, Shanghai is quite an expensive city, especially compared to the rest of China.
Top Attractions
This itinerary is divided by day, and I tried to add a theme to each day. You can always swap some attractions or skip them entirely.
Day 1: Cultural Heritage and Landmarks
If you are a morning person, I recommend heading to The Bund (外滩) around sunrise. There, you’ll see locals practicing Tai Chi and flying Dragon Kites. The Bund is the perfect place to see the contrast between historic colonial buildings and the futuristic skyline across the Huangpu River. It’s a short walk from East Nanjing Road Station (南京东路站) on Line 2.
You can then, after a quick breakfast, head to the Yuyuan Garden (豫园), a peaceful Ming Dynasty garden with pavilions, ponds, and bridges. I recommend getting there early to beat the crowds. The garden is located near Yuyuan Garden Station (豫园站) on Line 10.
In the afternoon, visit the Shanghai Museum (上海博物馆), home to an impressive collection of ancient Chinese art, from jade to ceramics. The museum is located at People’s Square and is easily reached by Line 1.
After the museum, take a relaxing walk through People’s Park (人民公园), near People’s Square Station.
You can end your day at East Nanjing Road (南京东路), a pedestrian street known for its shops, restaurants, and neon lights. It’s best explored in the evening and is accessible via East Nanjing Road Station (南京东路站) on Line 2. You can keep walking until you reach the Bund and you’ll see how different it is compared to the early morning view.
Day 2: Skyscrapers and Modern Shanghai
You can start the day at the Shanghai World Financial Center (上海环球金融中心). Head to the 100th-floor observation deck for panoramic views of the city. It’s best to visit early to avoid crowds. Reach it via Lujiazui Station (陆家嘴站) on Line 2.
Then, visit the nearby Oriental Pearl Tower (东方明珠电视塔), another iconic skyscraper. It offers observation decks and a revolving restaurant. Both landmarks are within walking distance of Lujiazui Station.
In the afternoon, visit the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum (上海科技馆). Its interactive exhibits are perfect for a couple of hours of exploration. The museum is easily accessible from the Science and Technology Museum Station (上海科技馆站) on Line 2.
You can then end the day at Xintiandi (新天地), a stylish district mixing traditional architecture with modern boutiques and restaurants. Perfect for an evening stroll and dining. You can get there by Line 10 at Xintiandi Station (新天地站).
If you are not interested in modern architecture, you can spend the second day exploring some of the nearby Water Towns. I wrote a comprehensive article here comparing all the main water towns near Shanghai.
Day 3: History and Art
You can start your third day at Jing’an Temple (静安寺), a beautiful Buddhist temple in the heart of Shanghai. I recommend visiting this place as early as possible to avoid the crowds. The temple is located near Jing’an Temple Station (静安寺站) on Line 7.
Next, visit Longhua Temple (龙华寺), Shanghai’s oldest and largest temple, known for its beautiful pagoda and gardens. You can reach it via Longhua Temple Station (龙华站) on Line 3.
In the afternoon, explore Tianzifang (田子坊), a cool neighborhood filled with boutique shops and cafes. It’s perfect for a leisurely walk and souvenir shopping. Access it via Dapuqiao Station (打浦桥站) on Line 9.
You can then stroll through the French Concession (法租界), known for its tree-lined streets, colonial architecture, and cozy cafes. You can get here via South Shaanxi Road Station (陕西南路站) on Line 1.
You can finish your day with a performance at the Shanghai Grand Theatre (上海大剧院), famous for its ballet, opera, and theatre shows. It’s located near People’s Square Station (人民广场站) on Line 1.
Final thoughts
Although I would never live in Shanghai (too expensive and stressful), it is still one of my favorite cities. It’s a city of contrasts that perfectly represents China and the rapid development it has experienced in the last decades. where ancient temples stand beside futuristic skyscrapers, and traditional markets coexist with luxury shopping streets.
Its efficient public transportation system, particularly the subway, makes exploring the city easy. Some people skip in favor of Beijing (here is my guide), and I get it. If you are passionate about ancient Chinese history, Shanghai cannot stand in contrast with Beijing, but in my opinion, Shanghai never disappoints. It has something to offer to everyone and is the most open-minded and international city in China, which means that it will also be easier to explore than other cities.
Shanghai is also the perfect gateway to explore nearby historic places, such as Jiangsu Province.
