Why Visit Shanghai
Shanghai dazzles as China’s cultural crossroads, where colonial heritage meets futuristic ambition. The Bund’s European architecture and Lujiazui’s skyline—home to the 632m Shanghai Tower—epitomize its East-meets-West spirit. Stroll the French Concession’s leafy lanes or explore Ming-era Yu Garden to witness history alive amid modernity. As China’s gateway, it offers seamless access to Suzhou’s canals, Hangzhou’s lakes, and water towns. Savor xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) or red-braised pork, then dive into jazz bars or Buddhist temples. From Art Deco gems to neon-lit nights, Shanghai delivers a thrilling, layered travel experience—where every corner reveals China’s past and future.
Shanghai Top Attractions
Oriental Pearl Tower
Nanjing Road
Yu Garden
Shanghai Tower
Shanghai Museum
Zhujiajiao Water Town
Shanghai Disneyland Park
Tianzifang
Shanghai World Financial Center
Shanghai Wild Animal Park
Former French Concession
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Shanghai
Jing’an Temple
Jade Buddha Temple
Shanghai Natural History Museum
Shanghai Weather
Shanghai enjoys a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons, offering year-round travel opportunities though spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are ideal with mild temperatures (15-20°C/59-68°F) and sunny skies. Summers (June-August) bring heat (often above 30°C/86°F) and 60% of the annual rainfall, while winters (December-February) are chilly (averaging 3-8°C/37-46°F) but rarely snowy.
Pack accordingly: light layers for spring/autumn’s day-night fluctuations, sun protection for summer, and warm coats for winter. Despite occasional rain showers (umbrella vendors appear magically!), the weather rarely disrupts exploring Shanghai’s blend of historic streets and modern skyline.
Shanghai Transportation
Shanghai serves as China’s premier transportation hub, offering seamless global and domestic connections. The city is served by two major airports—Pudong International (PVG) for most international flights and Hongqiao (SHA) for domestic routes—along with an extensive high-speed rail network linking Beijing (4.5-6 hours), Hangzhou (1 hour), and other key cities. The world’s fastest commercial maglev train (431 km/h) whisks travelers from Pudong Airport to downtown in just 8 minutes.
Within the city, Shanghai’s 20-line metro system provides efficient access to all major attractions, complemented by readily available taxis and ride-hailing services. While buses are affordable, the metro remains the most visitor-friendly option, with easy-to-use transportation cards valid across trains, buses, and even ferries. This integrated network makes navigating Shanghai’s vast urban area surprisingly straightforward for travelers.
Shanghai Accommodation
Shanghai offers diverse accommodation options to suit every traveler’s needs, from luxurious heritage hotels like the Fairmont Peace Hotel on the Bund to trendy boutique stays in the French Concession and family-friendly Disney-themed resorts. The most convenient areas to stay are near People’s Square and the Bund, putting you steps away from top attractions, shopping, and dining, while charming traditional lodgings near Yu Garden or Zhujiajiao Water Town provide more cultural immersion. With nearly 5,000 hotels citywide, visitors can easily find everything from five-star international chains to budget-friendly options near transport hubs, all benefiting from Shanghai’s efficient metro system that connects major accommodation areas with key sights.
Learn more about Recommended Hotels in Shanghai