Shanghai is an international metropolis which tens of thousands of travelers arrive here every year, it’s pretty easy to explore Shanghai for a few days, and this article will help you broaden your eyes and explore Shanghai with detailed information.

Visa

Shanghai provides 24 hours and 144 hours of visa-free transit policy, which largely increase the number of tourists traveling in Shanghai. If you want to travel for more days, you can apply for a Chinese tourist visa before traveling to China.

When to Visit Shanghai?

The best time to visit Shanghai are spring(from March to May) and autumn( from September to November) with delightful temperature. Flowers bloom all round in spring, and you can taste delicious hairy crab in autumn.

Rain period starts from mid-June to July, it’s rainy and sultry in Shanghai. However, the temperature will keep increasing until August, please reduce outdoor activities as much as you can. The winter starts from November to February, the average temperature can as low as 1 degree.

What to See and Do in Shanghai?

1. Yu Garden

It is a famous classical garden and believed to have been built in the Ming Dynasty with more than 400 years of history. The exquisite layout, beautiful scenery, and the artistic style of the garden architecture have made the garden one of the highlights of Shanghai.

2. Bund

For a century, the Bund has been one of the most recognizable symbols and the pride of Shanghai. The architecture along the Bund is a living museum of the colonial history of the 1800s.

3. World Financial Center & Oriental Pearl Tower & Jinmao Tower & Shanghai Tower

The outstanding skyscrapers of modern Shanghai, witnessed the rapid development of the old empire. Standing on the top of the building and have a panoramic view of the whole vibrant city.

4. Jade Buddha Temple

It boasts two jade Buddha statues imported to Shanghai from Burma by sea. Travelers can experience the peaceful and transcendent atmosphere of Buddha.

5. Huangpu River cruise

It is the best way to admire Shanghai's classic skyline views of colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers along the river. With lit up lamps, everything looks stunning and refreshing.

6. Nanjing Road

It is a popular shopping site attracting thousands of fashion-seeking shoppers from all over the world.

7. Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

The nearest water town from Shanghai, with a history of more than 1700 years. You can experience quaint courtyards and idyllic canals running under the ancient bridges, which forms a picturesque scenery.

8. Shanghai Museum

It is considered one of China's first world-class modern museums. The museum has a collection of over 120,000 pieces, including bronze, ceramics, calligraphy, furniture, jades, ancient coins, paintings, sculptures, minority art and foreign art. If you are a fan of Chinese history, don’t miss it!

9. Xintiandi

The combination of Chinese culture and western culture, the old and modern building, which can easily recall how it looks like in the ancient time.

10. Former French Concession & Tianzifang

Former French Concession used to the most popular residential address among expats due to its enchanting leafy neighborhood, gorgeous streets, quaint cafes, colorful walkways, concept clubs and breweries and stylish stores. While Tianzifang mixed with the ancient hutong with bars, restaurant together. A scenic place for travelers to experience the old Shanghai.

How Long to Stay?

In general, 3 days for Shanghai tour is enough to view the highlights of Shanghai.

And we highly recommend you visit nearby cities, Suzhou and Hangzhou to explore the ancient Chinese classic gardens and beautiful water towns.

1 Days Shanghai Bus Tour

Shanghai Old Street, Yu Garden, Bund, Pudong New Area, World Financial Center, People's Square, Former French Concession

1 Day Shanghai Classic Tour

Yu Garden, City God Temple Bazaar, Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, Huangpu River Cruise

2 Days Shanghai Essence Tour

Yu Garden, City God Temple Bazaar, Bund, Nanjing Road, Oriental Pearl Tower

Tianzifang, Former French Concession, Shanghai Museum, People’s Square, Jade Buddha Temple

3 Days In-depth Shanghai Tour Package

Yu Garden, City God Temple Bazaar, Bund, Nanjing Road, Huangpu River cruise

Jade Buddha Temple, People’s Square, Shanghai Museum, Tianzifang, Shanghai Tower

Zhujiajiao Water Town

What to Eat?

There is a wide range of delicious food in Shanghai, you can try famous Xiaolongbao, pan-fried pork bun, soup bun, braised pork, sliced cold chicken, etc.   

Where to Stay?

We advise staying around People’s Square, which is a convenient transfer station for subway line 1 and 2, easy to access to main attractions of Shanghai. If you want to enjoy the beautiful night view of skyscrapers, please consider booking a hotel near Huangpu River or Lujiazui area.

If you want to have a hassle-free vacation in Shanghai, please consider a private tour with a professional tour guide to explore the essence of Shanghai. And we can tailor-make a wonderful Shanghai tour itinerary according to your interests and your duration in Shanghai, and no other traveler will join in this party.