Shanghai
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At a glance
- Country
- China
- Region
- Shanghai
- Population
- 24.9 million
- Best time to go
- April to May, October to November
- Main airport
- Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)
- Coordinates
- 31.23°N, 121.47°E
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Overview
Shanghai is China at its most cosmopolitan, a city of colonial-era banks along the Bund facing the futuristic skyline of Pudong across the Huangpu river. It grew rich as a treaty port and has reinvented itself as the country's financial powerhouse.
Between the towers you will find leafy lanes, traditional gardens and some of the best eating in China. It is easy to navigate, endlessly energetic and a great introduction to the country.
Things to see
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Photo: 钉钉, CC BY-SA 4.0 The Bund
The riverside promenade of grand 1920s buildings, best at night when Pudong's skyline lights up opposite.
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Photo: Stefan Fussan, CC BY-SA 3.0 Yu Garden
A classical Ming-dynasty garden of rockeries, ponds and pavilions in the old town.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Hanjiang 2009 ( 寒江2009 ), CC BY 2.0 Shanghai Museum
One of China's finest museums, with outstanding collections of ancient bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy and jade.
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Photo: Balon Greyjoy, CC0 Shanghai Tower
China's tallest building, with an observation deck high above the clouds on a clear day.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Chainwit., CC BY 4.0 Jade Buddha Temple
An active Buddhist temple housing two serene Buddha statues, each carved from a single piece of Burmese jade.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: United States Army Map Service, Public domain Wander the French Concession
Plane-tree-lined streets, art deco villas and small cafés make this the city's most relaxing area to explore.
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Photo: Peachyeung316, CC BY-SA 4.0 Eat xiaolongbao
Delicate soup dumplings are the local speciality; bite carefully, as the broth inside is scalding.
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Photo: Chensiyuan, CC BY-SA 4.0 Day trip to Zhujiajiao
An old water town of canals, stone bridges and narrow lanes, around an hour from the centre.
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Huangpu river cruise
An evening cruise shows off the Bund and Pudong's lit-up towers from the water.
Find tours
Where to stay
The Bund
Grand heritage hotels with river views, close to Nanjing Road and the old town.
Hotels in The BundFormer French Concession
Leafy and stylish, with boutique hotels, great restaurants and nightlife.
Hotels in Former French ConcessionJing'an
Central and upmarket, with good transport, temples and shopping.
Hotels in Jing'anLujiazui
Pudong's skyscraper district, for luxury hotels with skyline views.
Hotels in Lujiazui
Getting around
The Metro is fast, cheap and covers almost everywhere. Use Alipay or WeChat Pay, and ride-hailing through Didi is easy.
From Pudong, the Maglev train reaches Longyang Road in about eight minutes, connecting with the Metro; Hongqiao serves domestic flights and high-speed trains.
When to go
Spring and autumn bring the most pleasant weather. June brings the plum rains, summer is hot and humid with occasional typhoons, and winters are chilly and damp.
Plan your trip to Shanghai
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.