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Shanghai travel guide

China

Basics

CountryChina

Time zoneAsia/Shanghai

CurrencyCNY

Official language(s)Chinese

Use public transportation to save on travel costs.

Places to visit

Shanghai World Financial Center Observatory

An observation deck in a landmark skyscraper offering sweeping views of Shanghai’s skyline. On clear days, the Pudong area and the Huangpu River are especially impressive.

Travel tipGo around sunset to see both day and night views.

Shanghai Astronomy Museum

A large science museum focused on astronomy, space science, and telescopes. The architecture itself is also highly photogenic.

Travel tipGo in the morning on weekends or holidays to avoid crowds.

Xintiandi

A pedestrian area preserving and repurposing Shikumen-style buildings, now filled with cafes, restaurants, and shops. It is especially popular for an atmospheric evening stroll.

Travel tipVisit in the evening to enjoy the lights and outdoor terrace vibe.

Shanghai Botanical Garden

A spacious botanical garden and park where visitors can enjoy diverse plants, greenhouses, and seasonal flowers in the city.

Location1111 Longwu Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai

Nearest stationShanghai Botanical Garden Station

HoursDaily 07:00-18:00

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipSpring and autumn are the best seasons for walking; leave time for the greenhouses.

Yu Garden

A classic Ming-dynasty garden known for its harmonious pavilions, ponds, and traditional architecture.

Location168 Fuyou Rd, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Nearest stationYuyuan Garden Station

HoursDaily 09:00-16:30

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipCombine it with the surrounding bazaar area, but expect heavy crowds during holidays.

Shanghai Tower

One of China’s tallest buildings, offering panoramic views of downtown Shanghai and the Huangpu River from its observatory.

Location501 Yincheng Middle Rd, Pudong New Area, Shanghai

Nearest stationLujiazui Station

HoursDaily 08:30-22:00

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipGo on a clear day around sunset to enjoy both daytime and night views.

The Bund

Shanghai’s iconic riverside promenade, where historic architecture meets a modern skyline along the Huangpu River.

LocationZhongshan East 1st Rd, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Nearest stationEast Nanjing Road Station

HoursOpen 24 hours

AdmissionFree

Travel tipIt is most beautiful at sunset and after dark; bring a jacket as it can feel windy and cool.

Shanghai Museum

A flagship museum with outstanding collections of ancient Chinese bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, and paintings.

Location201 Renmin Ave, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Nearest stationPeople’s Square Station

HoursTue-Sun 09:00-17:00 (last entry 16:00), closed on Mondays

AdmissionFree

Travel tipArrive early on weekends, as queues can be long.

Pudong Park

A large park located in the Pudong area, great for walking and exercising.

Hours05:00 - 21:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipVisit around sunset for beautiful views.

Shanghai Natural History Museum

A museum featuring a variety of natural history exhibits, popular among families.

Hours09:00 - 17:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipBook in advance if visiting on weekends.

Shanghai Outdoor Museum

A space exhibiting historical buildings of Shanghai in an outdoor setting.

Hours09:00 - 17:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipA must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Mid-Level Escalator

The world's longest escalator located in Shanghai, featuring various shops and cafes.

HoursOpen all year round

AdmissionFree

Travel tipVisit early in the morning to avoid crowds.

Food to try

Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant

A long-established Shanghai eatery famous for Nanxiang-style xiaolongbao. It is popular with travelers looking for traditional local flavors.

LocationMultiple branches in Huangpu District, Shanghai

Nearest stationVaries by branch

HoursVaries by branch

AdmissionAbout CNY 40-100 per person

Travel tipLines can get long at lunch, so an earlier visit is easier.

Songyue Shanghai-style Soup Dumplings

A well-known spot for Shanghai-style xiaolongbao. It is a reliable choice for juicy soup dumplings with a classic flavor.

LocationMultiple branches in Shanghai

Nearest stationVaries by branch

HoursVaries by branch

AdmissionAbout CNY 30-80 per person

Travel tipBe careful with the hot broth inside the dumplings on your first bite.

Events

Shanghai International Film Festival

One of China’s most prominent film festivals, featuring screenings, special programs, and industry events. It is a great fit for film fans visiting Shanghai.

WhenUsually around June

AdmissionTicket prices vary by screening

Travel tipPopular screenings sell out quickly, so check the booking schedule in advance.

Shanghai Biennale

A flagship international contemporary art exhibition in Shanghai. Works are shown across major museums and exhibition venues in the city.

WhenUsually around April to May

AdmissionTicket prices vary by venue

Travel tipThe venues may be spread out, so check the route between them in advance.

Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai

A world-class motorsport event held at the Shanghai International Circuit, where visitors can watch high-speed racing live.

WhenAround October each year

LocationShanghai International Circuit, Jiading District, Shanghai

Nearest stationShanghai Circuit Station

HoursAccording to the race schedule during the event period

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipTickets may sell out quickly, so book early once your travel dates are set.

Shanghai International Flower Show

A major spring flower and garden exhibition featuring large floral displays and landscape design showcases.

WhenAround February each year

LocationVarious venues and parks in Shanghai

Nearest stationVaries by venue

HoursOperates during the event period (varies by venue)

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipVisit during peak bloom for the best experience, and prefer weekdays over weekends.

Shanghai Art Festival

An international arts festival held in Shanghai featuring various art exhibitions.

WhenEvery year from September to November

Travel tipAdvance booking may be required.

Chinese National Day

A celebration of China's National Day, with various events and festivals held nationwide.

WhenAround October every year

Travel tipBooking and planning might be necessary.

Subway lines

11号线:横山 -> 花桥Line 1: Fujin Road -> XinzhuangLine 10: Hongqiao Railway Station -> Jilong RoadLine 12: Qixin Road → Jinhai RoadLine 13: Jinyun Road -> Zhangjiang RoadLine 14: Fengbang → Guiqiao RoadLine 15: Zizhu Hi-tech Park -> Gucun ParkLine 16: Ordinary Train, Dishui Lake -> Longyang RoadLine 17: Xicen -> Hongqiao Railway StationLine 18: Hangtou -> Kangwen RoadLine 2: Pudong Airport Terminal 1&2 → Panxiang RoadLine 3: North Jiangyang Road -> Shanghai South Railway StationLine 4: OuterLine 5: Xinzhuang -> Fengxian XinchengLine 6: Gangcheng Road -> Oriental Sports CenterLine 7: Meilan Lake -> Huamu RoadLine 8: Shendu Highway -> Shiguang RoadLine 9: Caolu -> Shanghai Songjiang Railway StationPujiang Line: Huizhen Road -> Shendu Highway上海浦东机场旅客捷运系统西线:T1 -> S1上海浦东机场旅客捷运系统东线:T2 -> S2

Basic travel phrases (Chinese)

你好

Nǐ hǎo · Greeting

谢谢

Xièxiè · Thanks

很高兴认识你

Hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ · Nice to meet you

祝你有美好的一天

Zhù nǐ yǒu měihǎo de yī tiān · Wishing a good day

欢迎

Huānyíng · Welcome

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