How Many Days in Shanghai?
Choose your trip length based on how many major attractions, neighborhoods, food experiences and nearby day trips you want to include.
Complete Shanghai Travel Guide
Shanghai Travel Guide
Plan your Shanghai trip with a practical travel guide covering top attractions, first-time itineraries, local Shanghainese food, transportation tips and essential travel advice. Explore the Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower, the Former French Concession and Nanjing Road with a clear plan for experiencing both historic and modern Shanghai.
Recommended Stay
3–5 Days
Best for a first-time visit
Best Time to Visit
April–May · October–November
Comfortable weather for exploring Shanghai
Must-See Sights
The Bund · Yu Garden · Shanghai Tower
Historic Shanghai and the modern skyline
Main Airports
PVG · SHA
Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao Airport
Build Your Shanghai Trip
Plan Your Shanghai Trip & Itinerary
Everything you need to plan your first Shanghai trip, including how many days to stay, the best time to visit, top attractions, transportation, local food, hotels, neighborhoods, travel tips and recommended itineraries for first-time visitors.
Recommended for First-Time Visitors
The Perfect First-Time Shanghai Itinerary
Explore the Bund, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road, the Former French Concession and Shanghai’s modern Pudong skyline. Leave time for Shanghainese food, neighborhood walks and a Huangpu River cruise.
Best overall plan
3–5 days · stay near the Bund, People’s Square or Jing’an ·
visit in spring or autumn · use the metro for most sightseeing
Before You Arrive
Check current opening hours and reservation rules for major attractions
Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with a foreign bank card
Download DiDi, a Shanghai metro app and translation apps before arrival
Plan your transfer from Pudong or Hongqiao Airport
Install and test any internet tools you need before entering mainland China
Carry your passport when sightseeing and traveling between cities
Continue Planning Your Shanghai Trip
Explore Shanghai’s top attractions, local food, historic neighborhoods, airport and metro information, and ready-made itineraries for first-time visitors.
Must-See Landmarks
Top Attractions and Places to Visit in Shanghai for First-Time Visitors
Discover Shanghai’s essential attractions, from the Bund and Yu Garden to Shanghai Tower, the Former French Concession, Nanjing Road and Zhujiajiao Ancient Town. Together, these places introduce first-time visitors to historic Shanghai, traditional Chinese architecture, modern skyscrapers, famous streets and the city’s changing skyline.
Shanghai’s Iconic Waterfront
The Bund
Walk along the Huangpu River beside the Bund’s century-old European-style buildings and look across the water to Pudong’s modern skyscrapers. Visit during the day for the historic architecture, then return after dark for one of Shanghai’s most famous skyline views.
Read The Bund Guide
Yu Garden
Step into one of Shanghai’s best-known traditional Chinese gardens. Built in 1559, Yu Garden showcases Ming-style architecture, classical landscaping and a very different side of the city from the modern skyline across the Huangpu River.
Ming Architecture
Historic Shanghai
Shanghai Tower & Lujiazui
See Shanghai’s modern side in the Lujiazui financial district, home to Shanghai Tower, the Oriental Pearl Tower and Jin Mao Tower. Shanghai Tower rises 632 meters, with an observation deck at 546 meters for elevated views across the city.
Modern Skyline
Observation Deck
Former French Concession & Wukang Road
Explore one of the best areas for experiencing old Shanghai on foot. Around the Former French Concession and Wukang Road, historic buildings mix with coffee shops, art spaces and neighborhood streets away from the Pudong skyline.
Historic Streets
Walking & Cafés
Nanjing Road & People’s Square
Experience the commercial heart of central Shanghai along Nanjing Road, then continue toward People’s Square. This busy part of the city combines major shopping streets, high-end stores and convenient access to many central Shanghai attractions.
Central Shanghai
Shopping & City Life
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
Add a traditional water-town experience to your Shanghai trip. Zhujiajiao has a history spanning more than 1,700 years and offers a slower contrast to central Shanghai’s skyscrapers, shopping streets and modern financial districts.
Ancient Water Town
Popular Day Trip
Jing’an Temple
Include Jing’an Temple when exploring central Shanghai for a traditional Chinese cultural stop within the modern city. Its location also makes it easy to combine with nearby streets, restaurants, shopping and other central Shanghai neighborhoods.
Traditional Culture
Central Shanghai
Build a Complete Shanghai Sightseeing Plan
Combine the Bund, Yu Garden, Pudong skyline, Former French Concession, Nanjing Road and a traditional water town in a balanced Shanghai itinerary for first-time visitors.
Local Experiences
Best Things to Do in Shanghai
Discover the best things to do in Shanghai beyond simply visiting landmarks. Walk through historic neighborhoods, cruise the Huangpu River, taste Shanghainese food, explore cafés and art spaces, enjoy the city after dark, shop along famous streets and see Shanghai’s skyline from above.
Signature Local Experience
Walk the Former French Concession & Wukang Road
Slow down and explore one of Shanghai’s most atmospheric areas on foot. Around the Former French Concession and Wukang Road, historic buildings, tree-lined streets, coffee shops and local neighborhoods reveal a quieter side of Shanghai beyond the Bund and Pudong skyline.
Walk past historic buildings and distinctive neighborhood streets
Stop at cafés, small shops and local places along the route
Best explored slowly on foot rather than as a single attraction
Take a Huangpu River Cruise
Cruise along the Huangpu River for panoramic views of both sides of Shanghai. See the historic Bund on one bank and the modern skyscrapers of Pudong on the other, with evening cruises offering some of the city’s best night views.
Huangpu River
Bund Views
Night Skyline
Taste Shanghai’s Local Food
Discover Shanghainese cuisine through local dishes, breakfast foods, noodles and street snacks. Look for xiaolongbao, scallion oil noodles and other local specialties while exploring traditional restaurants and neighborhood food streets.
Xiaolongbao
Scallion Oil Noodles
Local Snacks
Explore Shanghai’s Cafés & Art Scene
Spend part of your trip exploring Shanghai’s coffee shops, art galleries and creative neighborhoods. These smaller-scale experiences offer a different view of the city from its famous shopping streets and towering skyscrapers.
Coffee Shops
Art Galleries
Local Streets
Experience Shanghai After Dark
Stay out after sunset to see the Bund and Pudong skyline illuminated, take an evening river cruise or explore Shanghai’s bars, restaurants and nightlife. The city takes on a very different atmosphere after dark.
Night Views
Bars & Restaurants
Evening Cruise
Shop Along Nanjing Road
Walk along one of central Shanghai’s best-known commercial streets, where major stores, shopping centers and busy city scenes lead toward People’s Square and the Bund. Visit after dark for a livelier atmosphere and illuminated storefronts.
Nanjing Road
Shopping
Central Shanghai
See Shanghai from an Observation Deck
Head into Pudong for elevated views across the city from one of Shanghai’s famous skyscrapers. Observation decks provide a clear perspective over the Huangpu River, the Bund and the dense modern skyline of central Shanghai.
Shanghai Tower
Pudong
Observation Decks
Explore More Shanghai Experiences
Go deeper into Shanghai through historic neighborhoods, Huangpu River experiences, local food, cafés and art, nightlife, shopping and skyline viewpoints.
French Concession
Huangpu River Cruises
Shanghai Food
Art & Cafés
Shanghai Nightlife
Skyline Views
Add local experiences to your Shanghai itinerary
Balance Shanghai’s famous attractions with neighborhood walks, local food, river views, nightlife and modern city experiences based on your interests.
Local Food & Cuisine
What to Eat in Shanghai: Local Food & Shanghainese Cuisine
Shanghai food is an essential part of experiencing the city. Shanghainese cuisine is known for rich, savory-sweet flavors, delicate dumplings, noodles, braised dishes and traditional breakfast foods. Start with xiaolongbao and shengjian mantou, then explore local restaurants, street snacks and neighborhood food stops across Shanghai.
Shanghai Signature Foods
Xiaolongbao & Shengjian Mantou
Begin with two of Shanghai’s best-known dumpling specialties. Xiaolongbao are delicate steamed soup dumplings filled with hot broth and meat, while shengjian mantou are pan-fried buns with a crisp base, soft dough and juicy filling. Try both to experience two very different sides of Shanghai dumpling culture.
Scallion Oil Noodles
Try cong you ban mian, a simple but classic Shanghai noodle dish flavored with fragrant scallion oil and savory sauce. It is an easy local meal to add between sightseeing stops and a good introduction to everyday Shanghainese cooking.
Local Noodles
Quick Meal
Shanghai-Style Braised Dishes
Shanghainese cuisine is famous for red-braised dishes prepared with soy sauce, aromatics and a slightly sweet flavor profile. Hong shao rou, or red-braised pork, is one of the classic dishes to look for in traditional Shanghai restaurants.
Shanghainese Cuisine
Traditional Restaurant
Traditional Shanghai Breakfast
Explore Shanghai early in the morning for a different side of the city’s food culture. Look for ci fan tuan, soy milk, steamed or fried breakfast items and small local shops serving inexpensive morning meals to neighborhood residents.
Ci Fan Tuan
Morning Experience
Street Food & Local Snacks
Leave space in your itinerary for small local snacks rather than relying only on formal restaurants. Shanghai food stalls, neighborhood snack shops and casual eateries are useful places to try dumplings, noodles and other quick local specialties.
Street Food
Local Snacks
Seasonal Shanghai Cuisine
Shanghai dining changes with the seasons, and local restaurants often highlight ingredients that are best at particular times of year. Autumn is especially associated with hairy crab, while seasonal vegetables, seafood and regional dishes appear throughout the year.
Seasonal Dishes
Hairy Crab
Where to Eat in Shanghai
Combine food stops with the neighborhoods already in your sightseeing plan. The old city works well for traditional snacks, the Former French Concession for cafés and restaurants, and Jing’an for a broad mix of local and modern dining options. Vegetarian food is also increasingly easy to find.
Old City
French Concession · Jing’an
Build Shanghai Food Stops into Your Itinerary
Mix signature dishes, breakfast foods, neighborhood restaurants and local snacks into your sightseeing route instead of treating food as a separate activity. The best Shanghai itineraries leave time to eat around the Bund, old city, French Concession and Jing’an.
Trip Planning
Suggested Shanghai Itineraries
Choose a Shanghai itinerary based on your travel time and interests. These suggested routes combine the Bund, Yu Garden, the Former French Concession, Nanjing Road, Pudong skyline, local food and neighborhood experiences. Three days works especially well for first-time visitors, while four or five days allow time for Zhujiajiao, slower exploration and additional Shanghai experiences.
Recommended Route
3 Days in Shanghai Itinerary
This 3-day Shanghai itinerary combines Yu Garden, the Bund, Nanjing Road, the Former French Concession, Wukang Road, local Shanghainese food and the modern Pudong skyline at a comfortable pace for first-time visitors.
Day 1 · Morning
09:00–12:30
Yu Garden & Old Shanghai
Begin with Yu Garden to experience traditional Chinese architecture and classical landscaping before exploring the surrounding old-city streets and nearby local food. This gives your trip a historic starting point before moving into modern central Shanghai.
Day 1 · Afternoon
14:00–17:30
The Bund & Nanjing Road
Walk along the Bund beside Shanghai’s historic European-style buildings and enjoy views across the Huangpu River toward Pudong. Continue toward Nanjing Road and People’s Square for one of central Shanghai’s busiest commercial areas.
Read The Bund Guide →
Day 1 · Evening
18:00 onwards
Huangpu River Cruise & Bund Night Views
Return to the waterfront after sunset or take a Huangpu River cruise for panoramic night views. The illuminated Bund and Pudong skyline create one of Shanghai’s most memorable evening experiences.
Day 2
Full Day
French Concession, Wukang Road & Local Food
Spend the day walking through the Former French Concession and Wukang Road, where historic buildings, tree-lined streets, cafés and neighborhood life reveal a slower side of Shanghai. Continue toward Jing’an and leave time to try xiaolongbao, scallion oil noodles and other Shanghainese food.
Explore Shanghai Food ↑
Day 3
Full Day
Pudong, Lujiazui & Shanghai Tower
Cross the Huangpu River to explore Shanghai’s modern financial district in Lujiazui. Walk among the city’s landmark skyscrapers, visit an observation deck such as Shanghai Tower and finish with views back toward the Bund from the Pudong side of the river.
Other Shanghai Trip Lengths
1 Day
Yu Garden + The Bund + Pudong Skyline
Best for a short stay with one full sightseeing day
2 Days
Classic Shanghai + French Concession
Best compact first-time route
4 Days
Add Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
More relaxed with a traditional water-town day trip
5 Days
Complete First-Time Shanghai Experience
Add more neighborhoods, food, a water town or a full-day attraction
Prefer a ready-made private Shanghai itinerary?
Choose a ready-made Shanghai tour or customize the route around your travel dates, hotel location, interests, food preferences and preferred sightseeing pace.
Weather and Seasons
Best Time to Visit Shanghai
The best time to visit Shanghai is generally April to May and October to November. These months offer more comfortable conditions for walking the Bund, exploring the Former French Concession, visiting Yu Garden and sightseeing across central Shanghai. Summer can be very hot, while winter is colder and less comfortable for long periods of outdoor exploration.
Best Overall Choice
Visit in April–May or October–November
Spring and autumn provide the best overall balance for most first-time visitors. April and May are good months for city walks and sightseeing, while October and November generally bring comfortable temperatures. If visiting in October, avoid the National Day holiday period in early October when attractions, hotels and transportation are much busier.
Best Months
April–May and October–November
Rainy Period
Usually mid-June to early July
Summer Heat
Temperatures can reach around 40°C (104°F)
Shanghai Weather by Month
Best months
Rainy period
Cooler months
Jan
Cold winter
Feb
Cold winter
Mar
Early spring
Apr
Comfortable spring
May
Good for sightseeing
Jun
Rainy season begins
Jul
Rainy then very hot
Aug
Very hot summer
Sep
Early autumn
Oct
Best after early October
Nov
Comfortable and cooler
Dec
Cold winter
March to May
Spring in Shanghai
Spring includes two of the best months for visiting Shanghai. April and May work especially well for walking along the Bund, exploring historic neighborhoods, visiting Yu Garden and spending longer periods sightseeing outdoors.
June to August
Summer in Shanghai
Summer is the most challenging season for outdoor sightseeing. Shanghai’s rainy period usually falls from mid-June to early July, while summer temperatures can reach around 40°C (104°F). Plan indoor breaks and avoid overloading the hottest part of the day.
September to November
Autumn in Shanghai
October after the National Day holiday period and November are among the best times to visit Shanghai, with comfortable temperatures and generally lighter crowds. Avoid early October if possible, when domestic travel, hotels and major attractions are much busier. It is an especially practical season for combining the Bund, Former French Concession, Nanjing Road and other walking-heavy city sights.
December to February
Winter in Shanghai
Winter in Shanghai is cold and can make long periods of urban exploration less enjoyable. A winter trip is still possible, but allow more indoor stops and a more flexible sightseeing schedule between outdoor attractions.
Compare China Weather for Your Travel Month
For broader month-by-month planning, compare weather conditions across China before choosing your Shanghai travel dates, especially if Shanghai is part of a longer multi-city trip.
Accommodation Planning
Where to Stay in Shanghai
Choosing the right neighborhood can make your Shanghai trip much easier. The best areas to stay in Shanghai for first-time visitors include the Bund and Huangpu District, People’s Square and Nanjing Road, the Former French Concession, Jing’an and Lujiazui in Pudong. Each offers a different balance of attractions, restaurants, hotels, metro access and local atmosphere.
Best Overall Area
The Bund & Huangpu District
The Bund and surrounding Huangpu District are among the best places to stay in Shanghai for first-time visitors. You will be close to the Huangpu River, historic Bund architecture, Nanjing Road, People’s Square, Yu Garden and convenient metro connections to Pudong and other parts of central Shanghai.
Excellent access to the Bund and central Shanghai attractions
Ideal for first-time visitors who want sightseeing convenience
Easy metro access with restaurants, shopping and river views nearby
People’s Square & Nanjing Road
Best for Central ConvenienceStay in the heart of central Shanghai with easy access to Nanjing Road, People’s Square, restaurants, shopping and multiple metro connections. It is especially practical for travelers who want to minimize transportation time.
Former French Concession
Best for Atmosphere & CafésChoose the Former French Concession for tree-lined streets, historic buildings, boutique hotels, coffee shops, restaurants and a more neighborhood-focused Shanghai experience. It is a strong choice for travelers who enjoy exploring on foot.
Jing’an
Best All-Round City BaseJing’an combines convenient metro access with hotels, restaurants, shopping and neighborhood life around Jing’an Temple. It works well for travelers who want a central base without staying directly beside the Bund.
Lujiazui & Pudong
Best for Skyline & Modern HotelsStay in Lujiazui for modern hotels, high-rise city views and easy access to Shanghai Tower and the Pudong financial district. It is especially appealing to travelers who prefer luxury hotels and Shanghai’s modern skyline.
Unsure which Shanghai neighborhood fits your itinerary?
Choose your hotel area based on the attractions you plan to visit, your preferred neighborhood atmosphere, budget and arrival point. Staying in the right part of Shanghai can reduce daily travel time and make sightseeing much easier.
City Transportation
Getting to Shanghai & Getting Around
Shanghai has two major airports, Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao Airport, together with an extensive metro system, the Pudong Maglev, taxis, DiDi ride-hailing and major high-speed railway stations. For most first-time visitors, the metro is the easiest way to travel between popular attractions and commercial areas in central Shanghai.
Best Overall Strategy
Use the metro for sightseeing and choose the best airport transfer for your arrival
Shanghai’s metro covers most major sightseeing areas and is generally the most practical way to move around the city. From the airports, choose between metro, taxi, ride-hailing or a private transfer depending on your arrival time, luggage and hotel location.
Shanghai Metro
Shanghai’s metro network is extensive, affordable and useful for reaching the Bund area, People’s Square, Nanjing Road, Jing’an, the Former French Concession, Pudong and many other popular attractions and commercial districts.
Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Pudong International Airport is Shanghai’s main international gateway. Travelers can reach the city by metro, taxi, ride-hailing, private transfer or the Maglev connection to Longyang Road, where onward metro connections are available.
Hongqiao Airport & Railway Hub
Hongqiao Airport (SHA) is closer to central Shanghai and sits beside one of the city’s most important high-speed railway hubs. It is especially convenient for travelers combining Shanghai with other destinations in eastern China.
High-Speed Trains
Shanghai is one of China’s major high-speed rail hubs, with convenient train connections to destinations such as Suzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Beijing and many other cities. Rail is often the easiest option for nearby day trips and multi-city journeys.
China Train Ticket Guide →Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis and DiDi are useful when traveling with luggage, returning late at night or reaching places that require inconvenient metro changes. Allow extra time during peak traffic periods in central Shanghai.
How to Use DiDi →
Need Shanghai airport pickup or private transportation?
Private transfers can be arranged around your flight schedule, hotel location and sightseeing plan, with airport pickup and flexible transportation available as part of a customized Shanghai trip.
Continue Your Journey
Best Day Trips and Destinations Near Shanghai
Shanghai is an excellent base for exploring the Yangtze River Delta, with easy access to classical gardens, ancient water towns, historic cities and nearby cultural destinations. Add Suzhou, Hangzhou, Zhujiajiao, Wuzhen or Nanjing to create a longer Shanghai and eastern China itinerary.
Most Popular Extension
Combine Shanghai with Hangzhou
Pair Shanghai’s Bund, historic neighborhoods and modern skyline with Hangzhou’s West Lake, traditional scenery, tea culture and slower pace. Convenient rail connections make Shanghai and Hangzhou one of the easiest city combinations in eastern China.
Shanghai
High-Speed Train
Hangzhou
4–6 Days
Easy Day Trip
Suzhou
Visit classical Chinese gardens, canals, historic streets and traditional neighborhoods in one of the most popular day trips from Shanghai. Suzhou is especially appealing for travelers interested in gardens, architecture and Jiangnan culture.
Half or Full Day
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
Explore a historic water town with canals, old bridges, traditional streets and local neighborhoods. Zhujiajiao is one of the easiest ways to add an ancient-town experience without leaving the wider Shanghai area.
Best as a Full-Day Trip
Wuzhen Water Town
Discover canals, stone bridges, traditional houses and waterfront lanes in one of the best-known water towns near Shanghai. Wuzhen works well for travelers who want a deeper Jiangnan experience beyond central Shanghai.
Best as a 1–2 Day Extension
Nanjing
Extend your Shanghai trip with one of eastern China’s most historically important cities. Nanjing combines city walls, historic sites, museums, lakes and a very different atmosphere from modern Shanghai.
Before You Go
Shanghai Travel Resources & Practical Tips
Prepare for your Shanghai trip with practical information about China entry requirements, weather, high-speed trains, mobile payments, internet access, travel apps, public holidays and other essentials for first-time visitors.
China Visa & Entry Information
Check current entry requirements, visa or visa-free options, passport rules and the documents you may need before traveling to Shanghai and mainland China.
Shanghai Weather & Best Travel Months
Compare seasonal conditions before choosing your dates, including comfortable spring and autumn periods, Shanghai’s summer rain and heat, and colder winter travel.
China High-Speed Trains
Learn how to travel from Shanghai to Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing, Beijing and other Chinese cities by high-speed rail, including ticket planning and station information.
Mobile Payment in China
Prepare Alipay or WeChat Pay for Shanghai metro trips, restaurants, cafés, shopping, taxis and everyday purchases during your stay.
Internet, eSIM & Essential Apps
Prepare mobile data, translation tools, maps, Shanghai metro information, DiDi ride-hailing and the digital services you plan to use during your trip.
China Public Holidays
Check major Chinese public holidays before visiting Shanghai, as busy travel periods can affect attraction crowds, hotels, railway tickets and transportation.
Chinese New Year Travel
Understand how the Spring Festival travel period can affect transport, restaurants, attractions, opening hours and multi-city travel plans around Shanghai.
First-Time Shanghai & China Travel Tips
Prepare for language differences, metro travel, mobile payments, attraction planning, public holidays and other practical issues that first-time international visitors may encounter in Shanghai.
Need help connecting Shanghai with the rest of China?
Combine Shanghai with Hangzhou, Suzhou, Beijing, Xi’an, Zhangjiajie, Guilin or other destinations in a customized multi-city China itinerary.
Private and Custom Travel
Recommended Shanghai Tours
Choose a Shanghai city tour, water-town extension or a longer eastern China itinerary. These private routes combine Shanghai’s historic neighborhoods and modern skyline with destinations such as Zhujiajiao, Suzhou, Hangzhou and traditional Jiangnan water towns.
Best City & Water Town Combination
2-Day Shanghai & Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour
Combine Shanghai city sightseeing with a traditional water-town experience in Zhujiajiao. This private two-day route includes Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower, the Former French Concession and a relaxing canal boat ride in Zhujiajiao.
Explore Tour
1 Day
Shanghai Layover Tour
Make the most of a long Shanghai layover with private airport pickup, a guide and flexible transportation. Visit selected city highlights such as Yu Garden and the Bund while keeping the route planned around your flight schedule.
4 Days
Shanghai, Hangzhou & Nanxun Water Town Tour
Combine Shanghai with Hangzhou and Nanxun on an easy eastern China journey. Travel between Shanghai and Hangzhou by high-speed train, explore West Lake and continue to Nanxun for a quieter traditional water-town experience.
4 Days
Shanghai & Suzhou Culture Discovery Tour
Experience Shanghai and Suzhou in one private journey, combining the Bund and Yu Garden with Suzhou’s classical gardens, traditional water-town scenery, canal experiences and local silk culture.
7 Days
Shanghai, Hangzhou & Suzhou Cultural Tour
Explore three of eastern China’s most popular destinations with private guides and high-speed train travel. Combine Shanghai with Hangzhou’s West Lake, Suzhou’s classical gardens and traditional Jiangnan water-town experiences.
All Shanghai Packages
Shanghai Tour Packages
Compare Shanghai city tours, private day trips, multi-day itineraries and customizable travel plans for different trip lengths and interests.
Explore Shanghai Tours →
Beyond Central Shanghai
Shanghai Day Trips & Water Town Tours
Add classical gardens, canals and traditional Jiangnan scenery to your Shanghai itinerary with an easy private day trip to Suzhou and nearby water-town areas.
View Suzhou Day Trip →
Food and Local Culture
Shanghai Food & Local Experiences
Discover Shanghainese cuisine, neighborhood streets, local snacks, cafés and cultural experiences beyond the city’s major landmarks.
Explore Shanghai Food ↑Need a Shanghai itinerary designed around you?
Tell us your dates, group size, hotel preferences and interests. Your Shanghai itinerary can be adjusted around your pace and combined with Hangzhou, Suzhou, Beijing, Xi’an or other destinations in China.
Shanghai Travel Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers cover common questions first-time visitors ask when planning a Shanghai trip, including how many days to stay, the best time to visit, top attractions, local food, accommodation, airports and transportation.
How many days do you need in Shanghai?
Three full days is a good starting point for most first-time visitors. This gives you time for the Bund, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road, the Former French Concession and Pudong. Four to five days allows a slower pace plus Zhujiajiao, additional neighborhoods, local food experiences or a nearby day trip.
What is the best time to visit Shanghai?
April to May and October to November are generally the best periods for a Shanghai trip. These months are more comfortable for walking and outdoor sightseeing. Summer can be very hot, with a rainy period usually occurring from mid-June into early July, while winter is colder.
What are the must-see attractions in Shanghai?
For a first visit, start with the Bund, Yu Garden and the Pudong skyline around Lujiazui and Shanghai Tower. Also leave time for Nanjing Road, the Former French Concession and Wukang Road. Travelers with an extra day can add Zhujiajiao Ancient Town. See our Bund travel guide for detailed planning around Shanghai’s historic waterfront.
Where should first-time visitors stay in Shanghai?
The Bund and Huangpu District are excellent for first-time visitors who want easy access to major sights. People’s Square and Nanjing Road are convenient for transportation and central sightseeing, while the Former French Concession is better for neighborhood atmosphere and cafés. Jing’an is a strong all-round base, and Pudong suits travelers who prefer modern hotels and skyline views.
Is Shanghai easy to explore without a tour?
Yes. Shanghai’s extensive metro system covers most major attractions, commercial districts and popular neighborhoods. Taxis and DiDi are useful for shorter routes, luggage transfers and late-night travel. A private guide is most useful if you prefer a more efficient itinerary, local context or door-to-door transportation. If you plan to use ride-hailing independently, read our guide to using DiDi in China .
How do you get from Pudong Airport to central Shanghai?
From Pudong International Airport, you can travel into Shanghai by metro, taxi, ride-hailing service or private transfer. The Maglev also connects Pudong Airport with Longyang Road, where you can continue by metro to other parts of the city. The best option depends on your hotel location, arrival time and amount of luggage.
What food should you try in Shanghai?
Popular Shanghai foods include xiaolongbao, pan-fried buns, scallion oil noodles and local breakfast dishes. Shanghainese cuisine is known for its balance of sweet and savory flavors, and trying neighborhood restaurants and local snack shops is an important part of experiencing the city. See the Shanghai food section for more dishes and local eating ideas.
Can Shanghai be combined with Hangzhou or Suzhou?
Yes. Shanghai has convenient high-speed rail connections with both Hangzhou and Suzhou, making them easy additions to a longer eastern China itinerary. Suzhou works particularly well for classical gardens and historic canals, while Hangzhou adds West Lake, traditional scenery and tea culture. For booking and station planning, see our China train ticket guide .
Start Planning
Create Your Perfect Shanghai Journey
Tell us your travel dates, interests, preferred hotel style and available time. Our local team can design a private Shanghai itinerary around the Bund, historic neighborhoods, local food, Pudong, nearby water towns and day trips, or connect Shanghai with Hangzhou, Suzhou and other destinations across China.
Private and Flexible Itineraries
Local China Travel Support
Shanghai and Multi-City Trip Planning
Family and First-Time Traveler Friendly