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Why this tour ?

1. Our No.1 best-selling Shanghai tour chosen by most travelers;

2. Most classic itinerary with top landmarks & unique cultural experiences;

3. All-inclusive package & worry free.

1. Discover both the traditional and modern faces of Shanghai;

2. Enjoy a leisure cruise on the West Lake of Hangzhou;

3. Get amazed by the never-ending designs in Lingering Garden.

1. Enjoy the Amazing Blend of West and East in Shanghai;

2. Experience authentic local life of Tongli Water Town;

3. Appreciate exquisite classical gardens in Suzhou.

4. Take an interesting insight into Chinese Silk Culture.

1. Experience ancient and modern charms of Shanghai City;

2. Be shocked by World's wonder - Terracotta Ary & past glory of Xian;

3. Hike iconic Great Wall, trace imperial heritages in Beijing.

China Shanghai Tours & Top 6 Shanghai Tour Packages 2024/2025

Situated in the south estuary of the Yangtze River, China’s east coast, Shanghai impresses the world with lots of labels, such as China’ largest and most developed city, a “Magic City” and “ the Oriental Paris ” whose attractions fascinate millions of tourists each year. Perfect cultural fusion of the West and East , the tradition and fashion are the best city highlights fully embodied its diversity and unique charms. Whether you choose Shanghai to start your China tour, or make a special visit, or a short layover in Shanghai, there are various great experiences you can try to discover the best essence in a well-paced way. You can enjoy beautiful Chinese classical garden, marvel at the amazing cityscape of some world’s top-ranking skyscrapers, wander though local featured Shikumen houses aside narrow laneways, stroll along the Bund and Wukang Road with rich collections of west style historical architectures, explore interesting local life and fancy urbanism in one single trip with China Discovery’s excellent local tours.

How to plan your perfect Shanghai tour?

Shanghai’s essence usually can be explored in 1 ~ 2 full days , based on your time and personal interests. You can walk to the Bund from bustling Nanjing Road, view iconic modern skyscrapers, roam in Yu Garden to admire ancient architectural beauty, appreciate splendid Chinese culture and history in Shanghai Museum, spend leisure time in Tianzifang , harvest family fun in Shanghai Disney Resort, etc. It's also popular to take sidetrips to poetic Suzhou (1~2 days) , scenic Hangzhou (1~2 days) and magnificent Huangshan Mountain (2~3 days) , which all are well linked to Shanghai by high speed trains. With more time, it's highly suggested to extend the trip further to Beijing, Xian , Zhangjiajie, Yangtze River and more wonderful destinations to enrich your China holiday! Feel free to select your favorite way and destinations to travel with us!

Why choose China Discovery’s private Shanghai tour?

With 1,810+ good reviews on TripAdvisor and over 3,610+ favorable customer reviews, China Discovery is an experienced, reliable and efficient China local travel agency who always masters the most comprehensive and newest travel information of Shanghai. Our private Shanghai tour packages will ensure you the highest standards with great flexibility, comfort and customized tour services, personal travel consultant, knowledgeable tour guide and licensed private vehicle, the best local experiences, hotels and meals as you require. Travel with us to enjoy the best Shanghai tour worry free and create a wonderful Shanghai trip memory!

We have helped many global travelers enjoy their memorable trips to Shanghai for the past few years. Among them, Lawson's Family from UK enjoyed their 19 days China family vacation with Shanghai with our customized tour package and shared us their memorable travel stories! Travel with China Discovery to create your wonderful Shanghai trip memories!

Important to Know Before You Go : Shanghai applies to 15-Day Visa-Free Entry for international cruise arrival visitors and 144 Hour Visa Free for transit in Shanghai. Feel free to contact us for more details.

Why you can trust our Shanghai tours? Check what our customers are reviewing about us!

Recommended Shanghai Tour Packages by Categories

• Top 6 Shanghai Tours
• Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou
• Shanghai Huangshan
• Family/Biking Tours
• Water Town Tours

Highlights: The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai World Financial Center, Tianzifang

It’s very popular to spend 3 days on discovering diversity of Shanghai, confront tradition culture surrounded by overwhelming modernization. We will take you to visit top landmarks like the Bund, Shanghai World Financial Center to marvel at great urban development, also tour Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum to trace back to brilliant past. With our cultural guide and considerate service, you can deeply feel the sharp contrast and understand the magic inter-growth in Shanghai!

Highlights: The Bund, Shanghai Museum, West Lake, Meijia Dock Dragon Well Tea Village, Lingyin Temple, Lingering Garden, Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory, Tongli Water Town

This tour takes you to explore the 3 most popular destinations of the Yangtze Delta - starting from Shanghai to visit Hangzhou and finishing in Suzhou by bullet trains. You’ll marvel at the world top skyline contrasting the traditional Chinese and historical international architectures, close up to national treasures in Shanghai and get high on the world top tallest skyscraper. Also, feel the irresistable poetic charm of “Paradise” Hangzhou to savor its best lake and real fields. Furthermore, enjoy one day in Suzhou to feel her distinct elegance at the artistic classic gardens, silk factory and quaint water town! Every day is connected well, without any waste of time and money.

Highlights: The Bund, Yu Garden, Wukang Road City Walk, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai World Financial Center

It’s the most classic Shanghai itinerary covering major landmarks. With our well-organized arrangement and excellent services, you just need 2 days to catch the magic charm of Shanghai, the traditional characters meeting modern urbanization, oriental culture fused with western features. Travel with us to explore Shanghai in the most-efficient way, marvel at the stunning skylines and immerse in unique local history.

Highlights: The Bund, Shanghai Museum, Nanjing Road, Zhujiajiao Water Town, Shanghai World Financial Center, Yu Garden

Looking for a unique Shanghai tour which is different from the regular itineraries? Here it is - A harmony between soft and hard landscapes results in one of a kind holiday in Shanghai. With our private Shanghai tour, you will make the best of your time to sweep all the best highlights away in the urban Shanghai, including panorama of architectures in the Bund, skyscrapers view from one of the highest building in the world, classic Garden of Yuyuan, etc., then enjoy a unique half day in the beautiful water town of Zhujiajiao to experience the traditional face of Shanghai and find out what is a real water town of ancient time like. It is interesting, enjoyable and valuable.

Highlights: Shanghai the Bund, Tongli Water Town, Suzhou Museum, Suzhou Lingering Garde, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall

A short but essential trip to Shanghai and Beijing, the two main parts of China will show you a seamless blend of ancient imperial wonders and a modern metropolis. Furthermore, it will be a lifetime memory to take a bullet train from Shanghai to Beijing in just 5 hours.

Highlights: Yellow Mountain, Hongcun Ancient Village, The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai World Financial Center

Southern China area boasts the elegant scenery with exquisite water and traditional buildings as well as fashion and vacation, and Shanghai to Huangshan are the two brightest stars. Traveling Shanghai with Huangshan, the Yellow Mountain takes you traverse from modern to ancient, from fashion to tradition, from city’s hustle and bustle to tranquility and quietness in this area.

Highlights: The Bund, Shanghai World Financial Center, Wukang Road City Walk, Wuzhen Water Town, West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Linger Garden, Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory

A classic Shanghai tour, with an extension to nearby Suzhou and Hangzhou, is an essential and popular trip to appreciate the classic and elegant East China. Take the flying cool train to see their distinct splendid and authentic charm and prosperous development in 6 days. Start from marveling at the glamorous cityscape as well as the historical appearance of Shanghai, and ride to Hangzhou to admire the paradise beauty of West Lake, tea fields, etc. with rich poetic and painting culture. And enjoy leisure time at the quiet, soft and beautiful Wuzhen Water Town. Furthermore, visit Suzhou to soak in its best artistic and literal aroma at its classic garden and look at the real making of silk products. The trip will be perfectly ending in Shanghai!

Highlights: The Bund, Yu Garden, Wukang Road City Walk, West Lake, Wuzhen Water Town

This 5-day Shanghai Hangzhou Essence Tour is the most recommended itinerary to show you the modern metropolis together with the scenic historical city of Hangzhou. You can view the breathtaking skyline in Lujiazui, stroll along the Bund and see the best epitome of Shanghai’s development, explore Yu Garden, and take a cozy cruise trip on the West Lake, visit time-honored Lingyin Temple, visit a local tea village to know more Chinese tea culture, etc. The best sightseeing and culture experiences are arranged to make sure you fully enjoy the travel and get a wonderful trip memory.

Highlights: The Bund, Wukang Road City Walk, Zhouzhuang Water Town, Lingering Garden, Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory

With our well-organized Shanghai Suzhou tour package, you can visit top landmarks in Shanghai and experience a great cultural trip in Suzhou. You will learn about the splendid cultural and profound history of China in Shanghai Museum, get up to one iconic skyscraper to view Shanghai from the air and take a walk along the Bund in Shanghai. While in Suzhou, you will visit the famous Zhouzhuang Water Town, have cultural and artistic sightseeing in elegant Linger Garden and learn Chinese silk culture. All the best highlights are well-organized at leisurely pace for you.

Highlights: The Bund, Nanjing Road, Zhujiajiao Water Town, Yellow Mountain, Hongcun Ancient Village

Whichever nickname you prefer, "Paris of the Orient" or "Pearl of China", Shanghai captures the essence of new China, as well as its centuries of history and culture. It is also the best gateway city to travel to Huangshan. During this tour, you will first spend 1 and a half days in Shanghai to visit the landmarks as well as the beautiful Zhujiajiao Water Town. After that, take a high speed train to Huangshan to hike the Yellow Mountain.

Highlights: Shanghai Disneyland, The Bund, Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, Shanghai World Financial Center

This is our best-selling Shanghai tour package which perfectly mixes the best highlights of Shanghai, such as iconic modern skyscrapers and historical temples, ancient towns, various western style architectures along the Bund... and the fantastic Disney wonderland. You will firstly explore diverse culture and history of Shanghai, know its past heritages and present achievements, and then spend a whole day to fulfill your Disney dream tour with lively Mickey and notable Disney characters, interesting parade, performances, thrilling activities and family attractions. A relaxing water town trip is especially arranged for your relaxation. All attractions are carefully-selected to offer you a real MAGIC tour in Shanghai!

Highlights: Huangpu River Cruise, Oriental Pearl Tower, the Bund, Zotter Chocolate Factory, City Biking

A perfect Shanghai family holiday doesn't come easily as it needs to entertain and delight both adults and kids of all ages and there are too many details to sort out. That is why we are here to help. Come with us, it’s time to create one-of-a-kind Shanghai experience of your own family. Valuable packaged tour services including private tour guide, comfortable transfer, hotels, sightseeing, etc.

Enjoy a Shanghai your with the best attraction highlights and by interesting ways of travel, such as a leisurely stroll along the Bund, ancient cultural trips in Yu Garden and Shanghai Museum, a breathtaking skywalk on Shanghai World Financial Center and an interesting biking tour across Tianzifang, Xintiandi, some old and historical sites in Shanghai. Our local experienced tour guide will take you view both the old and new Shanghai, have an in-depth cultural and historical communication with this magic city.

Highlights: The Bund, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai World Financial Center, Tongli Water Town, Lingering Garden

This itinerary is particularly designed for you to discover the top highlights in Shanghai and Suzhou, witness the modern skyline of Shanghai and traverse from urban bustle to peaceful and poetic water town and classical Chinese garden in Suzhou. With our best-guided tour package, you can enjoy awesome metropolis landmarks like the Bund, Shanghai World Financial Center and step into poetic Zhouhuang Water Town and elegant Linger Garden, learn fantastic Chines silk processing in Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory.

Highlights: The Bund, Shanghai World Financial Center (492 m), Zhouzhuang Water Town, Classic Garden of Suzhou, Silk

During this 5 days private tour, you will travel Shanghai with neighboring Suzhou, which is an interesting "time-travel" to enjoy the contrasts and diverse experiences. You'll enjoy the comfort and convenience that the modern world has brought us, and have your eyes wide open for the most breathtaking skyscraper, the most thriving shopping street and the largest-scaled Western old buildings in Shanghai. Meanwhile, you'll also experience the classic Chinese garden, the pretty riverside residences, well-preserved traditional lifestyle and China's No.1 Water Town in Suzhou.

Shanghai Tour + Other Popular China Destinations - Xian, Zhangjiajie, Yangtze...

• Beijing Shanghai Tours
• Shanghai Xian Tours
• Shanghai Zhangjiajie Tours
• Shanghai Yangtze River Tours

Highlights: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall, Bird’s Nest, Water Cube, Summer Palace, Yuyuan Garden, The Bund, Wukang Road

From the ancient capital city, Beijing, to the most dynamic modern city, Shanghai, you will experience the stunning contrasts of ancient and present, tradition and modern, East and West during this fantastic tour.

Highlights: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall, Summer Palace, Yuyuan Garden, World Financial Center, The Bund

Take a high speed train from Beijing to Shanghai to explore how amazing the two cities are! Immerse yourselves into the epicenter of tradition and the charming cosmopolitan city with exotic streetscapes - this tour combines two most successful cities in China, one is the ancient and current capital of China, one is the most prosperous modern metropolis of China.

Highlights: The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum, Terracotta Warriors and Horse, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven

See the best of the BEST of China at your own pace! From the metropolitan Shanghai to the ancient hearts Xian and Beijing, you’ll explore the East-meets-West culture, profound history of the ancient emperors, authentic local life and more activities. Experience the beauty of Shanghai by going to Yu Garden for a stroll, feasting on the tastiest views from the Bund and Nanjing Road and so on.Touch ancient Xian and take stock of imperial beginning at the incredible Terracotta Warriors. Step into flourishing Beijing, admiring the magnificence of the Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Great Wall etc.

Highlights: The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai World Financial Center, Jade Buddha Temple, Terraccota Warriors, Ancient City Wall

This 4-day trip is the well-designed tour package taking you to explore all essences of Shanghai and Xian at a budget price. The comfortable overnight high speed train which usually departs after 10 P.M. will help you save one night accommodation cost during the tour, at the same time transfer you from Shanghai to Xian efficiently.

Highlights: The Bund, Shanghai World Financial Center, Lingering Garden, Tiger Hill, Terracotta Warriors and Horses

Spend one extra day to the heaven on earth - Suzhou during your Shanghai Xian tour. In 6 days, you’ll appreciate different styles of Chinese architectures in Jiangnan Area and North China. Also, profound history and splendid culture will present if you take this amazing tour.

Highlights: Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Terracotta Warriors & Horses, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Disney Resort

Discover China's past, present and future together with your family! The most classic route, including Beijing, Xian and Shanghai, mixed with family activities. You will not only visit the attractive sites but also go to the local's family to make dumplins with them.

Highlights: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianmen Mountain, Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge & Grand Canyon, the Bund, Shanghai World Financial Center

Zhangjiajie is famous for its Avatar landscape and exciting adventure experience. You are suggested to stay at least 3 full days to explore all three best and equally important highlights - Wulingyuan National Park, Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, Tianmen Mountain. While the biggest as well as the most modern city of China - Shanghai also provides an exciting adventure - climbing up to one of the highest building in the world and enjoying a thrilling skywalk. You can also spend some time visiting other city highlights, such as the Bund, Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, etc. In this 6 days trip, you will visit Zhangjiajie first, then take a flight to Shanghai, which takes only about 2 hours - well-connected, and without waste of your time.

Highlights: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge Experience, Yuanjiajie Avatar Mountains, Tianzi Mountain, Tianmen Mountain

Why travel from Shanghai to Zhangjiajie? Because Shanghai is the most popular gateway city to Zhangjiajie with most frequent flight schedules. It takes only 2 and a half hours to get to Zhangjiajie from Shanghai. More importantly, you will get a wonderful vacation during which you can not only explore the modernness and hidden tradition in China's largest metropolis Shanghai, but also enjoy the incredible Avatar views in Zhangjiajie National Park.

Highlights: The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum, Tianzifang, Three Gorges Dam, Shibaozhai Pagoda, Fengdu Ghost City

Shanghai is often chosen as the first stop for travelers in China. After viewing the new look of this metropolis, you will take a relaxing cruise on the Yangtze River. Whether you’d prefer a leisure filled break from the fast paced adventure, or an action packed experience full of shore excursions, the decision is yours!

Highlights: Yu Garden, Nanjing Road, the Bund, Shanghai World Financial Center, Ciqikou Old Town, Chongqing Zoo, Shibaozhai Pagoda, Shennv Stream, Three Gorges Dam

Shanghai, located at the mouth of Yangtze River in Yangtze River Delta, is one of the gateway cities to start a China tour. Many travelers choose to land in Shanghai for a relaxing Yangtze River cruise. This 6 days Yangtze tour package starts from Shanghai to explore this metropolis at the beginning and then take a direct flight to Chongqing - the launching point for 4 days and 3 nights downstream cruise along the Yangtze River to Yichang in Hubei Province. This tour allows visitors to discover some of most stunning natural and super-modern elements in China.

Top Recommended China Packages including Shanghai Tours

Beijing / Xian / Shanghai

This itinerary covers two greatest ancient capital cities of China – Beijing & Xian, as well as the most developed city – Shanghai. It’s not overstated to call it the most classic China tour because China’s past, present and future are all epitomized in the golden triangle cities for your exploration: hiking the majestic Great Wall, walking into the splendid Forbidden City and Summer Palace in Beijing, being amazed by the fascinating Terracotta Warriors in Xian, and seizing the most prosperous and modernized scene of China in Shanghai.

Shanghai / Xian / Beijing

Shanghai / Yichang / Yangtze Cruise / Chongqing

Beijing / Shanghai

Shanghai / Suzhou / Hangzhou / Huangshan

This is a unique trip full of diverse things to see and experience with the advanced riding of China high speed train. You will explore the southeastern China, the most prosperous region which is known for diversity of culture - modern metropolis, beautiful water towns, art of Suzhou Classical Garden, Buddhism, Chinese tea culture, Huizhou-style architecture… The fabulous Yellow Mountain pleases both your mind and eyes, which combines the landscape enjoying with cultural exploration in a single trip. You will start the trip from Shanghai to soak in its vitality and busyness, then go to experience the exquisite Jiangnan-style elegance in Suzhou and Hangzhou. Lastly, be amazed at the four wonders of the Yellow Mountain.

Shanghai / Guilin / Yangshuo / Guilin / Xian / Beijing

Start your China tour from the most dynamic city, Shanghai, in the world’s fastest- changing nation! Discover the history, experience the stunning contrasts of ancient tradition and modern fashion, and get up and close with the finest scenery under heaven. Just indulge in the amazing atmosphere of China!

Shanghai / Zhangjiajie / Kaili / Kunming / Lijiang / Shangri-la / Kunming

The Hunan, Yunnan, Guizhou Provinces are believed as three of the wildest regions in China where you can see extraordinary natural landscapes - Karst, snow mountains, gorges, etc., and experience exotic and unique ethnic culture. You will start your trip from Shanghai, then go to explore the Avatar world in Zhangjiajie. After that, you will take a high speed train to Kaili, the very center of Guizhou ethnic culture. The last part of your trip is Yunnan exploration. You will visit the ancient city of Lijiang, hike Tiger Leaping Gorge, discover the land of Shangri-la and finish your tour in Kunming, the spring city.

Hong Kong / Shanghai

Spending 5 days with China Discovery, you will unveil the authentic and unique local culture and history of Hong Kong combining with Lingnan features and excellent world elements. Besides, under the professional guide, you will succeed to explore the traditional Jiangnan elegance and international friendliness of the magic Shanghai. Free time is also spared for you to know these two shining pearls of the orient at your own pace and see your own different Hong Kong and Shanghai!

More Shanghai China Tours

Traveling Beijing and Shanghai - a blend of past and present

Explore Beijing, Xian and Shanghai in comfort and style! Start your journey either from Beijing or Shanghai, and Xian is usually the middle stop. Both flight and bullet train are available for you to transfer between cities.

Most valuable trip to experience China's bests of the bests

Cruise the majestic Yangtze River from Shanghai

Modern metropolitan fashion, marvelous ancient gardens and heavenly scenery

Valuable and tailor-made vacation to explore China highlights

Recommended or Similar Tour Packages You May Also Like

Shanghai / Yichang / Yangtze Cruise / Chongqing / Guilin / Yangshuo / Xian / Beijing

Shanghai / Zhangjiajie / Yichang / Yangtze Cruise / Chongqing / Xian / Beijing

Beijing / Xian / Lhasa / Chengdu / Chongqing / Yangtze Cruise / Shanghai

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Shanghai Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Shanghai. We've got 283 adventures going to Shanghai, starting from just 2 days in length, and the longest tour is 33 days. The most popular month to go is October, which has the largest number of tour departures.

250+ Shanghai tour packages with 275 reviews

• In-depth Cultural

China Express

I loved the tour - it's a very quick trip through China's main tourist attractions and there really isn't time for rest but that was perfect given the limited time I had. There was a problem with one member of the group who didn't speak English and had fairly severe medical issues - which would have been fine if it didn't impact the rest of the group - but they did, and I don't believe he should ever have been let on the trip. G Adventures should at least be asking people if they have a decent grasp of English and are medically fit for the trip. Otherwise it was great - had a brilliant time, and if you want to see China in a limited amount of time then this is a great way to do it.

• Christmas & New Year

Southern China Discovery 7Days: Shanghai, Suzhou, Wuzhen Water Town, Hangzhou

• Sightseeing

Ultimate 4-Day East China Package: Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou and Watertown

8-Day Small Group China Tour to Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai

We had Maggie in Beijing, Susan in Xi’an, and Chris is Shanghai. This tour deserves 5 stars all around, but the only reason I take one off is because of Chris in Shanghai. He didn’t meet us at the airport (all the other guides did) he started the tour later, but then was late to the hotel. This would not have been a huge deal, but we didn’t cover all of what the itinerary said in Shanghai, and he sold us on an extra tour at night that covered the parts we didn’t do during the day plus an extra thing we had asked. It felt weird, because Maggie and Susan were literally bending over backwards to make sure we were having a wonderful time. I was vegetarian, and they made sure that every restaurant we went to made dishes for me. At the restaurant in Shanghai, it was clear he did not relate it to the restaurant and I was given a plate of peas to eat when I asked if any of the dishes on the table were vegetarian. I feel so guilty not giving this tour 5 stars because it really was one of the best tours I have EVER been on other than the Shanghai portion. It may look like there’s a lot in the itinerary, but I NEVER felt rushed. Any questions or concerns I had were dealt with immediately and Susan and Maggie were so kind, knowledgeable, and passionate about what they do. I would HIGHLY recommend using this tour company - and I don’t think I’ve ever said that about a tour group before.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Train & Rail

China Highlights (5 destinations)

Best of China Small Group Tour

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

• Cultural Photography

Tailor-Made Adventure to Huangshan Mountain from Shanghai, Daily Departure

Private 3-Day Tour to Mogao Caves in Dunhuang from Shanghai by air

Great Wall to Great Cities: Beijing to Shanghai China Journey

I took their Beijing tour back a few years ago and loved it!! I still can't believe I saw so much of China in just 3 weeks! The hostels were actually really nice, and the experiences were incredible. Guides were all super friendly and had fun recommendations. When meals weren't provided, we'd get a group dinner together which was super fun. At times I was the most exhausted I've ever been, but the guides were super motivated and kept the energy up. I know people who have gone on more expensive tours of China and didn't get to do the cool stuff we did like camping on the great wall of china or training with shaolin warriors.

• 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Discover China in 26 Days: The Ultimate Adventure Loop

I went on the China trip during 2014. After much research I found it to be the best value for money trip out there! The tour consisted of the best possible attractions, which meant we got to see the best parts of China on a shoestring budget! The tour guides to very friendly and helpful, a mix of English and Chinease guides, and they went out of their way for every single person, (especially when I had to go hospital for 3 days!) They went above and beyond to make sure we had a great time. The transport was good, no frills, and still surprisingly comfy! I fully recommend this trip as you will get to see the best of China and lead by the best tour guides!

Classical China end Xian

Classical China and Chengdu

• Food & Culinary

Chinese Cuisine & Culture

I saw a lot and the chosen destinations were very interesting. The organization was also great. Everything went smoothly and on time. All the tour guides were extremely friendly, well informed and very keen to fulfill all wishes. The hotels were clean and well maintained. The hotels were centrally located for exploring on your own. I felt very well looked after, learned a lot about China and can only recommend this trip.

China Delights Small Group Tour

This is a great tour that packs a lot in. Time flies as you see so much although you won't spend long at many of the sites. My favourite bits of the itinerary were: - The Great Wall at Mutianyu (Beijing) we took the chair lift option which meant we could ride the toboggan back down. - Terracotta Warriors (Xian) half day - Li River Cruise (Guilin) - Huangpu River Cruise (Shanghai) which luckily turned into an evening cruise as we couldn't get on the earlier one. Those are the highlights but there are so many other things such as the Tang Dynasty Dancing and Dumpling Dinner and Summer Palace in Beijng and Reed Flute Caves in Guilin. In particular Guilin so picturesque and Shanghai so modern. We were lucky with our first two guides, Tina (Beijing) and Celine (Xian) who were both excellent. Autumn in Guilin and Mindy in Shanghai were good too. Autumn stayed with us to help us find and order food in the evenings so a couple of long shifts for her. Celine helped arrange a birthday cake for one of our younger travellers. Included meals were excellent. Full banquets usually in local restaurants but we really enjoyed the home cooked lunch as well. Food was plentyful. We even enjoyed the set meal box on the cruise. Hotels were generally of a good standard. Check-in at The Great Wall Hotel in Beijing was really slow though and trying to find a table for breakfast was difficult and located a fair distance away from where the restaurants are (need to get the subway to reach them) The hotel in Guilin was the worst one, the rooms being some distance away from the lift and lobby and small bathrooms. The hotel in Shanghai was excellent. It was nice touch that we got framed photo souvenirs of our trip from Beijing although I think both myself and my sister should have received one each as we paid for single supplements. Some feedback I'd give would be that they need to let us know about the optional night tours that are available on the website/ itinerary before we come out so that we can budget properly. There was a night visit for the Big Goose Pagoda in Xian with the musical fountain light show which we would have liked to have gone to didn't go to due to the weather. We found that the night cruise in Guilin was expensive as the premium we paid for the guide to buy the tickets and come onboard with us was excessive. We could have just walked to the ticket office and bought the tickets ourselves. The night tour of Shanghai was just as expensive but at least that included a coach to drive us around as well as the guide. Having said that, we could have used the subway and got around ourselves and because it started so late, we didn't see much. It is worth going up Jin Mao Tower. Overall, we had a great time on this trip and would recommend Travel China Guide.

Great Wall & Warriors - 10 days

The tour was great. Maybe we went to too many places for shopping instead of the summer palace or places we could use the time. All tour guides were excellent. The Terracota factory is not worth it, or the 4 hours at a mall in Beijing that can be use for summer palace.

Reviews of Shanghai Tours

Great fun packed itinerary and wonderful leading by the guide Howard from Xian. Amazing, just go.

The tour was wonderful. The tour guides were very informative and gave lots of recommendations. I went during their down season in December, best decision every. There was not a lot of people at the most popular tourist locations. I recommend coming during the winter.

I took their Beijing tour back a few years ago and loved it!! I still can't believe I saw so much of China in just 3 weeks! The hostels were actually really nice, and the experiences were incredible. Guides were all super friendly and had fun recommendations. When meals weren't provided, we'd get a group dinner together which was super fun. At times I was the most exhausted I've ever been, but the guides were super motivated and kept the energy up. I know people who have gone on more expensive tours of China and didn't get to do the cool stuff we did like camping on the great wall of china or training with shaolin warriors.

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• Deutsch: Shanghai Rundreisen
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Best Shanghai City Tours and China Shanghai Package Tours 2024/2025

Shanghai, sitting on the eastern coast of China, has witnessed the most striking changes of China in the past seven decades and grown rapidly from a small village to today’s international metropolis, regarded by the world as China’s phoenix raising from old ashes. With the incredible co-existence of old relics and new skyscrapers, like Yuyuan Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, Zhujiajiao Water Town, the Oriental Pearl visible on the Bund and Disneyland, Shanghai appeals huge tourist volume to pour into each year, especially when the statues of world-class financial center bringing it priority of advanced convenient airports and railway stations connecting abroad and domestic cities, which also confirms its position as one of the three gateway cities together with Beijing and Hong Kong.

How Do I Plan My Shanghai Tour?

With a  Shanghai one day layover , you can go for a  Shanghai City Day Tour  to Shanghai Museum, Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Old Street, Nanjing Road, the Bund, World Financial Center and French Concession.

With 2-3 days or  Shanghai 144-hours Visa-free Policy , you can consider deeper sites in downtown like Xintiandi and Jade Buddha Temple, and Shanghai side trips to Zhujiajiao Water Town, Suzhou gardens, and water villages as well as Hangzhou West Lake. See our Shanghai Visa-free Tours

With more days, you can extend your Shanghai tours to other popular China destinations by high-speed trains and flights: Shanghai Suzhou Tours , Shanghai Hangzhou Tours, Shanghai Huangshan Tours, Shanghai Beijing Tours , Shanghai Xian Tours, Shanghai Guilin Tours, Shanghai Zhangjiajie Tours .

See Shanghai Tours of different categories:

Best Shanghai Tours

Shanghai day tours, shanghai family tours, shanghai tours of different themes, shanghai side trips, shanghai small group tours, shanghai night tours, china tours including shanghai.

These are our top-rated Shanghai tours including visits to the most classic attractions. Far beyond showing you around the city, we are dedicated to creating your in-depth local culture and life experience, and interaction with local people. Our English-speaking guides are local insiders who can help advise and are glad to share the knowledge they have.

Best Shanghai Day Tour

2 days best shanghai layover tour, 3 days classic shanghai city tour, 4 days shanghai private tour with zhujiajiao watertown tour.

The most popular gateway city in China, Shanghai offers a bulk of things to do. It is a world-famous metropolis blending ancient charms with thrilling modernization, East gardens, and ancient towns with West colonial architecture. The 144-hour visa-free transit policy in Shanghai and the nearby Jiangsu and Hangzhou Provinces makes it a great destination for stop-over travelers. We designed the Shanghai Day Trips of different themes for people with limited time in Shanghai. Upon your interests, you can follow a local expert guide to visit the Yuyuan Garden, the Bund, Shanghai Museum, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, and the surrounding ancient towns.

Half Day Shanghai Private Tour to Yuyuan Garden

Shanghai highlight day tour, seven treasure town & zhujiajiao water town tour, shanghai classic city tour, half day zhujiajiao water town group tour, shanghai highlight afternoon & evening tour, shanghai classic city tour – route b, one day modern shanghai tour.

Our Shanghai family tours will offer the best family vacations, being organized with  kid-friendly hotels, family-friendly activities and spots . Sit back in our private vehicle, you will follow the local English-speaking guides to have fun at  Disneyland Park, and Shanghai Ocean Aquarium,  explore the antique charm of Shanghai in  Yu Garden , wander around  the Bund  to appreciate many colonial buildings.

4 Days Shanghai Family Tour with Disneyland Park

Shanghai family day tour to disneyland park, 3 days shanghai family tour with shanghai ocean aquarium.

We collected some   Shanghai day tours of different themes to cater to people of different interests and styles. No matter whether you want a city walk to discover the charms of old Shanghai, want an exploration of nearby water towns or visit local bustling night markets and streets, we have the ideal itinerary for you. The following itineraries are just part of the possibilities in Shanghai, our travel consultants would be more than happy to tailor-make your perfect trip based on your interests, time schedule, budget, and other requirements.

One Day Old Shanghai City Tour

Shanghai night city walk tour at night market & snack street, half day shanghai tour for local food and zhujiajiao water town.

Besides the classic attractions like the Bund, Yu Garden, and Nanjing Road in  Shanghai, the nearby Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Huangshan also offer much to see and experience by making side trips.  Our Shanghai side trips include exploration of ancient water towns and exquisite gardens in Suzhou, the experience of Longjing tea culture and West Lake in Hangzhou, as well as awe-inspiring Huangshan Mountain and Hui-style architectures in Tunxi and Xidi Ancient Villages.

5 Days Shanghai Huangshan Highlight Tour by Bullet Train

7 days china private tour of shanghai-hangzhou-huangshan, 5 days shanghai-suzhou private tour, 2 days songyang leisure tour | jiangnan’s last wonderland.

Want to explore Shanghai but have limited time? The following group day trips in Shanghai may enlighten your ideas. Covering Shanghai city tours and tours to nearby Suzhou and Hangzhou, these Shanghai day trips will take you to Yuyuan Garden, the Bund, Huangpu River Cruise, Zhujiajiao Water Town, Zhouzhuang, West Lake, etc.

1 Day Shanghai Classic Group Tour

1 day zhujiajiao & huangpu river cruise tour, seven treasure town & zhujiajiao water town group tour.

As the largest metropolis in China, Shanghai is standout for its colorful nightlife and sceneries. Our Shanghai night tours cover some of  the best night activities in the city, like the acrobatic shows, food adventures in night markets or streets, Huangpu River night cruise, night walk around the Bund , etc. All these night tours in Shanghai are designed by local insiders, aiming to ensure your real experience of the metropolis.

Shanghai Night Walking Tour: the Bund & Acrobatic Show

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Best Shanghai Itineraries from 1 to 5 Days with Side Trips

Are you planning a trip to Shanghai but not sure how much time you need to explore the city and its surroundings? Let us help guide you with our ultimate Shanghai itineraries.

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How long to spend in shanghai.

• Shanghai in 1-3 Days

Side Trip Itineraries from Shanghai

Generally speaking, we recommend spending one to three days in Shanghai. For the city highlights in Shanghai, one day is enough.

Two or three days will give you a more varied and relaxed itinerary. Besides the must-see attractions, you could also have some unique experiences like food hunting or interacting with locals. Additionally, you could relax in a water town in the suburbs or have fun with kids in Disneyland.

If you have a more extended holiday (over three days), you could consider an extended trip from Shanghai. There are many options to explore, such as Hangzhou, Huangshan, Suzhou, Jingdezhen, and Hengdian.

Shanghai in 1‒3 Days

Here is a classic 3-day itinerary to experience various aspects of Shanghai, including historical buildings, skyscrapers, Disneyland, and a pleasant water town:

• Day 1: One-day city highlights tour (the Bund, Shanghai Tower, Yu Garden, food experience, etc).
• Day 2: Have fun in Disneyland.
• Day 3: Zhujiajiao Water Town (bridges, gardens, and a leisurely afternoon tea time).

On the city tour, you could walk around the Bund and embark on a Huangpu River Cruise to take a time travel trip from seeing the old buildings to the skyscrapers. It is like fast-forward from the 1920s Shanghai to the present Shanghai.

Walk through the alleys to hunt for Shanghai's most typical snack with a glimpse of the daily life of the local people.

Wander around the former French Concession where you could learn about the history of Shanghai's colonial past.

If you have a big interest in Shanghai's history, we recommend a visit to Shanghai's Former Jewish Settlement. Discover the memories of elderly Jews by visiting a Jewish ghetto and other old buildings.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

We can tailor-make your itinerary according to your interests. Check out some of our other popular Shanghai itineraries for inspiration:

• 2-Day Shanghai's Old and New Collision
• 2-Day A Journey to the Future
• 1-Day Shanghai Layover Tour

There are many worthwhile destinations around Shanghai that are easily accessible by high-speed trains. The tours range from 2 days to 1 week.

1. 5-Day Shanghai, Huangzhou, and Suzhou Itinerary

Hangzhou and Suzhou are the most classical choices for a trip from Shanghai. They are three of the most important cities in the Yangtze Delta region. They feature exquisite Chinese gardens, water towns, and tea experiences.

A trip combining Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou will take about 4 to 5 days: two days in Shanghai, one day in Hangzhou, and one day in Suzhou.

• Days 1‒2: Shanghai city exploration.
• Day 3: Hangzhou (West Lake and tea experience).
• Day 4: Suzhou (visiting gardens and a water town).
• Day 5: Back to Shanghai.

Don't miss West Lake in Hangzhou. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride and immerse yourself in its beauty. Visit a tea village and learn about the process of tea making while tasting China's most-adored tea.

In Suzhou, visit Lingering Garden, take a rickshaw through Suzhou's old town, and walk around Tongli Water Town to admire its ancient architecture.

2. A Trip to Huangshan from Shanghai

Huangshan is also a popular destination located about three hours from Shanghai by high-speed rail, especially if you are looking for a place to relax and get away from the busy city.

Spending three or four days in Huangshan is suitable:

• Day 1: Visit Bishan village.
• Day 2: Go up to the Yellow Mountain and stay a night.
• Day 3: Go down the mountain, enjoy a hot spring, and return to Shanghai.

Bishan village is a quiet and quaint village where you could enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in the unspoiled natural beauty. Take a stroll through the village to see the Hui-style architecture and cycle around the field to breathe in the freshness of the air.

Go up to Yellow Mountain to see the stunning sunrise and sunset views. Experience the magnificence of the mountain amid the changing sea of clouds. Finally, enjoy a cozy hot spring to refresh yourself.

3. A Tour to Jingdezhen from Shanghai

If you are interested in China's porcelain and want to know the story behind this craft, Jingdezhen is the best choice. A journey of about 4 to 6 hours by high-speed trains will take you into the world of Chinese porcelain. You may need about three days in Jingdezhen:

• Day 1: Visit a museum and ceramic galleries for a basic understanding.
• Day 2: Visit the studios of reclusive artists and try to make your own ceramic.
• Day 3: Go to Yaoli Ancient Town, where you could find the secret ingredient of porcelain.

If you are looking for lovely and delicate porcelain, you could pay a visit to a local porcelain market. An afternoon tea in a cafe converted from a 40-year-old porcelain factory will also be an interesting experience.

4. A Hengdian Tour from Shanghai

If you love watching Chinese costume TV series or movies and want to walk into the scenes, Hengdian World Studios, China's largest movie and television base, is recommended. To tour the highlights of Hengdian World Studio, you may need about 2 days:

• Day 1: Visit 2 popular studios and enjoy a fun night at an amusement park.
• Day 2: Visit 3 popular studios with cycling experience.

The five studios we selected are the most common scenes in movies and TV shows. You could try on different ancient costumes and take wonderful photos. If you're lucky, you could watch filming in action and meet a Chinese superstar.

Tour China with Us

All our tours can be adjusted as much as you like. We aim to create an ideal itinerary based on your interests, group size, budget, and other requirements. Feel free to contact us for personalized travel consultation .

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A great way to see all the great things in china.

Have low expectations and be positive was the motto of our guide. My own expectations were exceeded! We got to see so many great things Pandas! I booked this trip ...

imperial china and yangsie river cruise

Peter Wong was a very good guide. He explained in detail the history of China from the early ages until the present day. I found the trip very educational. The fas...

A great trip, who have interest and energy

Kris was an excellent guide with detailed knowledge on the Nation and people of China. Answered questions with a easily to understand words. There is little rest s...

Hints and tips

This is not a restful trip. It is full on from the start but it gave us everything we wanted to see in China and our guide Kris made it very easy for us. She had a...

So much included

This was my first trip outside of Europe, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to step outside their travel comfort-zone and immerse themselves in a completely d...

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Home » Asia » China » Shanghai

INSIDER SHANGHAI ITINERARY for (2024)

When it comes to Shanghai, less is certainly not more! As a leading business center, a luxury shopping paradise and a treasure trove of history, the city definitely thrives on excess! With our  Shanghai itinerary , you’ll get to see why some call it ‘China’s Big Apple’!

Whether you’re having drinks on top of one of the city’s iconic skyscrapers or traversing crowded People’s Square, amazing entertainment and lots of things to see is definitely guaranteed! From sipping traditional tea to learning more about China’s history, this guide has it all.

You’ll find that this bustling city slows down in the art galleries and traditional gardens. Put in the work with our Shanghai itinerary, and you’ll be lucky enough to see the amazing city drop its guard and transform from glitzy city center to lush Chinese garden!

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Best Time To Visit Shanghai

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Bustling Shanghai stays busy year-round with business people, that is! When you’re planning a trip for pleasure, it’s super important to know when to visit the city!

The best time to visit Shanghai is from October to November, during autumn when the temperature is comfortably warm, rainfall is low and the crowds are thin. The first week of October, which is a national holiday, is a good time to visit as smart hotels will offer discounts while the business people are on holiday!

Spring is another good time to plan your trip. However, it’s also festival season which will hike prices so if you’re backpacking China on a budget , steer clear. On the other hand, this is the prime time for culture lovers with money to spare!

Shanghai is a global business destination, meaning that weekdays tend to bring higher prices. So it doesn’t matter how many days you spend but try to get a weekend in!

Shanghai is already a sprawling city and it continues to grow, with over whopping 24 million people living there! This can easily overwhelm tourists and make it tricky when you’re looking for the best place to stay in Shanghai . Luckily, this part of our itinerary will take all the guesswork out of picking the perfect accommodation!

In our opinion, the best place to stay in Shanghai is Xujiahui. It has a perfect central location so it’s ideal for a first-time visitor! It’s also a popular shopping district, with plenty of international and Chinese brands at the many shopping malls. When it all gets a bit too much, you can relax beneath the trees at Xujiahui Park!

Shanghai is largely very modern but there are more traditional parts as well. If you’d like to soak up the contemporary part of the city, head to Pudong. The skyscrapers that light up come nightfall are the heart of this area.

The Bund and People’s Square are both older parts of the city. You’ll find souvenir stores between traditional houses there, but you’ll still have sight of those towering skyscrapers in Pudong! The Former French Concession area is popularly known as the “Little Paris of the East,” thanks to its quaint cafes and neoclassical buildings!

Best Airbnb in Shanghai – Room With Big City Views

If you plan on staying in the magical city of Beijing, you gotta find a place in the city. Lucky you, this place is smack dab in the heart of it all.

It is considered the golden area of Shanghai and for a good reason. The restaurants in the neighborhood are to die for, and they are just within footsteps of this home.

With European decoration and on the 13th floor you can see the beautiful city lights that entrap us all. For the walking type of traveler, this home is about 15 minutes from the subway, so if what your looking isn’t around the corner, hop on the train, and you will almost certainly find whatever you are looking for in no time.

Don’t forget to try the Japanese restaurant around the corner while you are here!

Best Budget Hotel in Shanghai – Campanile Shanghai Natural History Museum Hotel

This excellent hotel from the Campanile group offers true value for your money! It has a sophisticated interior that prioritizes comfort, with airconditioning and heating to ensure the perfect microclimate in your room. The hotel also boasts a restaurant, cafe, and bar. Although it’s not exactly centrally-located, it is near the center, and you’ll be within easy reach of the metro.

Best Luxury Hotel in Shanghai – The Peninsula Shanghai

Right opposite the Bund and in the center of town, the Peninsula Shanghai is the absolute best hotel in Shanghai! Each room comes with a Nespresso machine and large-screen TV but there’s so much more to discover outside of your room. The two in-house restaurants ensure that all tastes are catered to, while live music and drinks are offered at the other in-house establishments!

Best Hostel in Shanghai – The Phoenix

The warm welcome you get as you check-in at The Phoenix is just the start of great things to come! It’s a clean, friendly place that is also ideally situated next to the People’s Square metro station. There’s free Wifi in the hostel and The Phoenix Bar on the rooftop. What more can you ask for?

Want a few more amazing ideas? Head over to our post on the most incredible hostels in Shanghai !

The Phoenix is one of our favourites in Shanghai but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

It really doesn’t matter how many days in the city you spend because we’ve got the perfect plan for you! With art galleries, panoramic observation desks, and quaint historic districts, you won’t even have time to wonder what to do next!

Thanks to its superb public transport system, it’s easy to get into the city center, no matter where you stay! The heart of the network is the metro system and it’s best to stick to this form of public transport. Signs, maps, and announcements come in both Chinese and English so there’s minimum confusion!

Individual tickets cost upwards of USD $0.45 and never exceed USD $2.00, but there are more cost-effective options! The 1-day and 3-day passes cost USD $3.00 and USD $7.00, respectively.

If you’d like an even more convenient way of getting around Shanghai, then call a taxi, or Uber. Dazhong Taxis is the most reputable local taxi company.

Once you’re in the city center, you’ll be fine just getting around on foot since all the top Shanghai attractions are quite near to each other! Just watch out for the never-ending stream of hurried motorists!

The Bund | Nanjing Road and People’s Square | Shanghai History Museum | Observation Deck | Old City

For day 1, our guide will introduce you to the most classic Shanghai points of interest! From a public square to a history museum and a riverside promenade, there’s plenty of things to do in Shanghai! (And, yes, you really can see all of this in just one day in Shanghai!)

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Bund

• Why it’s awesome: It’s one of the most easily recognized Shanghai attractions!
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: We have yet to find fault with Lost Heaven Silk Road which serves authentic Yunnan dishes in a sleek venue with spectacular views!

We’re starting our first 24 hours in Shanghai with the iconic Bund! It’s a long waterfront on the bank of the Huangpu River that is lined with numerous historical buildings from the colonial era. In fact, there are 26 buildings in so many different styles that the Bund is now known as ‘the museum of international architecture’!

Most of the buildings were designed as imposing workplaces for banks and merchants which is what they’re still used for today! Look out for the Nissin Building, which has a pleasing combination of Japanese and classical Western styles. The China Merchants Bank Building, which is one of the oldest on the Bund, was designed in an elaborate gothic style.

Mostly though, you just want to stroll around and enjoy the lively atmosphere. There are some incredible views and sites that will probably provide some of the best photos you take home from your Shanghai trip!

Insider Tip: It’s important to see the Bund during the day to appreciate all the lovely architecture, but do try to come back later in the evening. There are amazing views of the city’s skyscrapers all lit-up, and watching the sunset across the river is one of the best things to do in Shanghai at night!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – Nanjing Road and People’s Square

• Why it’s awesome: This iconic road stretches over 5km and is the best shopping destination in Shanghai!
• Food nearby: There are so many Chinese food stores along Nanjing Road where you can find plenty of Chinese snacks. Look out for meat-filled mooncakes and wine-cured crab!

As you leave the Bund, you should find yourself in the much-talked-about Nanjing Road. It’s chock-full with department and luxury stores, both local and international!

Besides the usual Tiffany’s and Montblanc, you’ll find old Chinese department stores that specialize in traditional Chinese crafts. There’s a myriad of silks, jade carvings, and clocks on sale here, making Nanjing one of those places you must see in Shanghai!

Along Nanjing Road, you’ll find People’s Square, the heart and soul of modern-day Shanghai! It’s bisected by People’s Avenue, a 32m-wide pavement that has a large greenbelt.

On the southwest side of the square is a blue and white dovecot. Thousands of doves gather there in the mornings, providing a soothing presence in one of the busiest parts of Shanghai!

In the center of the square, be sure to admire the Musical Fountain! It spans 320 square meters and is decorated with Chinese symbolisms.

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Shanghai History Museum

• Why it’s awesome: The museum uses state-of-the-art technology and rare artifacts to transport visitors through the millennia since Shanghai was settled!
• Cost: Admission is free; audio guides cost around $3 USD.
• Food nearby: On the museum’s rooftop you’ll find Roof325, a cafe serving international meals and offering jaw-dropping views of People’s Square and the larger city!

On the southern end of People’s Square, you’ll find an imposing building with redbrick features. This is the Shanghai History Museum which tells the 6,000-year-old story of this colossal city!

When the museum opened in 2018, people were queuing up from 5am to get inside! Thankfully, this level of popularity has subsided since but the Museum is still the best museum you’ll find in the city and something you should definitely do in Shanghai!

There are over 1,100 artifacts spread out over an awesome 9,800 square meters! As you make your way from the ground floor to the third floor, you will travel from Neolithic China to the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949!

In the ancient section, you’ll be blown away by how the early Chinese utilized precious materials like jade and ivory to create utensils, as well as intricately-detailed ceremonial items! There is also art and other pieces that show some of the sights, like the Yu Garden, as they were when they were first created!

The section on modern Shanghai is a lot more somber, as the exhibitions chronicle long decades of war and colonialism, followed by the Maoist years. However dark, it’s an important part of Chinese history, and it’s well-presented.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – Observation Deck

• Why it’s awesome: Shanghai’s collection of neck-craning skyscrapers are some of the most iconic landmarks! Not to mention, there are views for days!
• Cost: $31 USD for admission to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the in-house Municipal History Museum. $26 USD for admission to all sightseeing zones at the Shanghai World Financial Center.
• Food nearby: You’ll find the Revolving Restaurant at the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. At the Shanghai World Financial Center, the Park Hyatt Hotel has a cocktail bar and a smart restaurant!

Now that you’ve explored the tourist area around the Bund, cross the river to Pudong. The commercial center of Shanghai is bursting with high-rises that offer epic views! Our two favorites are the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the World Financial Center.

The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is the second tallest TV tower in China with a height of 468m and the sixth highest in the world! With the Nanpu Bridge in the background, it’s designed to look like two dragons playing with pearls! The surrounding greenery should give you the appearance of a jade plate.

Inside the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, it’s all very modern, especially the various observation decks. Time to send home some pictures!

The Shanghai World Financial Center on the other hand, is the second tallest building in the whole world! It attracts a global finance industry, but we’re really just here for the views! There’s a sightseeing hall at 423m, a sightseeing observatory at 439m with windows to take photos, and a sightseeing skywalk at 474m!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – Old City

• Why it’s awesome: Discover a picture-perfect district of traditional pre-European Chinese architecture, culture, and history!
• Food nearby: No visit to Old City is complete without Chinese teas at Mid-Lake Pavilion Teahouse! The extensive tea menu has been sampled by British Queen Elizabeth and Bill Clinton!

One of the highlights of Shanghai travel has to be the Old City! As it predates 1850, it’s ideal for visitors who want to see a more traditionally Chinese part of the city!

Yu Gardens (often called Yuyuan Gardens) is the first place to visit in Old City. It’s a lush, shaded park with sparkly fish pools and fragrant magnolia flowers! It was built over 18 years in the 16th century, during the Ming dynasty!

The Temple of the Town God is a restored 15th-century temple that combines Taoist and Buddhist worship. Be sure to admire the carvings that decorate the roof!

Complete your own “What to do in Shanghai” walking tour of Old City by heading to Dàjìng Pavilion . This pavilion contains the only extant section of the old city walls. There’s also a lovely, tiny Guandi Temple and a small calligraphy museum to enjoy!

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The Former French Concession | Jade Buddha Temple | Urban Planning Exhibition Center | Shanghai Duolun Museum of Modern Art | Moganshan Road Art District

Spending at least 2 days in Shanghai is perfect for you to explore the city’s cultural history and contemporary art scene! Today will take you to sites that are a little further out of the city center but are totally worth the effort!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – The Former French Concession

• Why it’s awesome: Called “The Little Paris of the East,” this stylish suburb offers quaint Shanghai points of interest!
• Food nearby: Find your morning pick-me-up at And Coffee. Amongst the minimalist interior, you’ll be served with a refreshing, tangy drink of coffee, tonic, and raspberries!

As morning dawns on the second day of your trip, enjoy your own casual Shanghai walking tour by heading down this pretty district! It’s one of the best things to do in this area!

The Former French Concession was once just that: a part of the city occupied by the French after the Opium Wars. History aside, you’ll find that time tends to slow down as you wander the tree-lined avenues of the Former French Concession. This atmosphere is why it’s on our what to do in Shanghai list, but if you need a clear destination to stroll towards, read on!

Wulumuqi Zhong Lu is the most popular place to start a Shanghai walking tour here! First up, it’s time for some local fashion. Feiyue is a Chinese sneaker brand that’s beloved around the world. You’ll find these snazzy shoes on sale at Culture Matters.

To see how local bamboo is used in the fashion industry, pop into Kate Wood Originals where you’ll find stunning sunglasses and custom-made wooden bicycle frames!

Wuyuan Lu is the next street to head to. Here, you’ll find the Zhang Leping Museum which is dedicated to the eponymous author of Sanmao the Orphan , a popular 20th-century comic.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Jade Buddha Temple

• Why it’s awesome: An opulent house of Buddhist worship in the city, this is a fantastic sensory experience on our Shanghai trip itinerary!
• Cost: It’s $3 USD for entrance and an additional $1 USD to see the jade Buddhas.
• Food nearby: Enhance your Buddhist experience and grab a bite at the on-site vegetarian restaurant. You’ll be amazed at just how much can be cooked with only veggies!

Now that you’re well into your day 2, it’s about time that you head over to the Jade Buddha Temple in Jing’ an! This temple was built in 1882 to house two statues of Buddha that were shipped from Burma. It was destroyed during the revolution against the Qing dynasty but was rebuilt in 1928.

The Hall of Heavenly Kings houses exquisite statues of the four Heavenly Kings. Even more magnificent, though, is the Grand Hall. It’s usually packed with worshippers praying to Buddhas past, present, and future. Look out for the copper statue of Guanyin at the back of the hall.

Across a courtyard lies the Jade Buddha Hall , which may well be the highlight of your itinerary! Put your camera away (photography is forbidden) and lower your voice as you admire the Sitting Buddha. This 1.9m statue was carved from a single piece of pale green jade. It’s a masterpiece of art!

In the Reclining Buddha Hall , you’ll find the second jade statue of Buddha. This statue is smaller and made of white jade, but it’s equally as beautiful as the Sitting Buddha!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – Urban Planning Exhibition Center

• Why it’s awesome: Shanghai is enjoying its present moment on the world stage but for a glimpse of the bright future, head here!
• Cost: $4 USD for entrance. Audio guides are an additional $3 USD but information is provided in the exhibitions.
• Food nearby: On the fifth floor, there’s a small cafe that serves light meals.

From its humble origins as a fishing village to a future that promises to be even more exciting, Shanghai’s destiny is comprehensively presented by the Urban Planning Exhibition Center! The use of photos, models, and other multimedia ensures that you really feel a part of the city in each and every era!

On the first floor, you’ll explore Shanghai’s past. The exhibition includes the establishment of the international community in the city, colonial architecture, and traditional shíkùmén (stone gate) housing.

The second floor is dedicated to temporary exhibitions.

The third floor is all about the future of this megatropolis ! A detailed model shows what the city is envisioned to look like, while the Virtual World 3D wraparound tour adds to the believability of it all!

Sustainability and transport are the subjects of exhibitions on the fourth floor.

As you exit the museum, you walk along Old Shanghai Street, a reconstruction of the city in the 1930s that comes complete with a cobble-stoned walkway and vintage cars! It’s a fun ending to such an exciting attraction on our 2-day itinerary in Shanghai!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – Shanghai Duolun Museum of Modern Art

• Why it’s awesome: This state-owned art gallery presents cutting-edge exhibitions that provoke thought amongst locals and foreigners alike!
• Food nearby: Dulong Road has many interesting shops and cafes along the way but we love Old Film Cafe! This tribute to the golden age of local cinema is atmospheric, often hosts film screenings, and has excellent coffee!

With 2 days in Shanghai, it’s time to admire Shanghai’s contemporary art and there’s nowhere better to start than the Shanghai Duolun Museum of Modern Art! Whether it’s an electronic music performance or an exhibition on local gender prejudice, this museum uses a variety of media to engage visitors!

The museum aims to connect Western and Eastern cultures through the power of art. To this end, artists hail from all corners of the world, with Picasso exhibiting alongside Yoshitaka Amano!

The museum is located on Duolon Road, a historic area where many prominent Chinese cultural figures, like Lu Xun, created their art. Inside, the spiral staircase that ascends seven floors is considered a work of art itself!

For a memento of your visit, browse around in the museum shop! There are some wonderful products, like books in Chinese and English, and posters for sale.

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Moganshan Road Art District

• Why it’s awesome: Home to local and international talents like Zhou Tiehai and Ding Yi, this is the center of Shanghai’s art scene!
• Food nearby: Wind down with a cup of coffee and delicious treats at UNDEF/NE. It’s a popular hang-out for local creatives. With regular events and some of the best coffee in town, you’ll soon see why!

At 50 Moganshan Road, known as M50, you’ll find a complex that’s a prominent home of contemporary Chinese art. The building used to house textile mills but has since been converted into a sophisticated network of galleries, studios and workshops all in the name of the city’s burgeoning art scene!

There are over 130 different artistic ventures in this complex so prepare to be blown away by China’s young creatives and their extraordinary ideas! You want to have a bit of a wander around but there are certain parts that you must visit before leaving!

If it’s iconic Chinese artists you’re looking for, head to shanghART H-Space Gallery . The Swiss-owned space is one of the oldest contemporary galleries in Shanghai! For a wider variety, try Eastlink Gallery on the 5th floor.

Bear in mind that M50 is the perfect place to bag some unique souvenirs from your trip to Shanghai! Plenty of tourists have managed to get well-priced pieces of art here. For this alone, you should have it on your Shanghai itinerary!

Insider Tip: There isn’t a metro station within walking distance of the art district and using the bus to get here is rather complicated. In any case, it’s best to save your energy for the myriad of shops, so take a taxi!

The Phoenix

The warm welcome you get as you check-in at The Phoenix is just the start of great things to come!

• 24 Hour Reception
• Airport Transfers

Propaganda Poster Art Center | Soong Qing-Ling’s Former Residence | Chongming Island | Qibao | Power Station of Art

Today’s plan is all about the hidden gems that not all tourists get around to. Luckily, though, 3 days in Shanghai means that you’ve got more than enough time to enjoy these unique attractions!

Propaganda Poster Art Center

• ‘Quirky’ and ‘vibrant’ are key words to describe this one-of-a-kind museum that documents the history of propaganda in Maoist China!
• This fascinating insight into how the state functioned during that era is a mind-blowing experience !
• The $4 USD that you spend on admission is absolutely worth it!

As you walk along Hushuan Street, you’ll come to a seemingly ordinary residential complex. This unassuming entrance, however, is how you enter the Propaganda Poster Art Center ! It’s located in the basement of the building which just adds to the intensity of the experience!

The museum has an extraordinary collection of around 5,000 posters, many of which were collected from rubbish dumps by the dedicated founder. Together they span three decades of Chinese political life, from the late 1940s to the late 1970s!

These posters are works of art that demonstrate the political outlook at the time, as well as give us clues about how ordinary Chinese felt. You can track the change in styles over time, from European-style cartoons to socialist-realist images to the Red art-style of the Cultural Revolution. The artists truly managed to capture in images the resilience of the human spirit!

This is hands-down one of the best places to visit in Shanghai during your 3 days! You can even purchase some of these amazing historic artifacts at the center! It’s open daily, with the exception of Monday. Don’t miss it!

Soong Qing-Ling’s Former Residence

• Soong Qing-Ling is a hero to multitudes of Chinese people. The locals honor her!
• The Shanghai-born Soong Qing-Ling married Dr Sun Yat-sen, the founder of the Chinese Republic, and later played a prominent role in the communist government.
• She lived in this two-story house for 15 years in the mid-20th century!

Soong Qing-Ling is the kind of historical figure that seizes the imagination when you first learn of her! In addition to her role as the wife of Sun Yat-sen, the much beloved Chinese woman would later become Vice President of China under the communist government and often served as head of state. Her home remains much as it would have been when she lived here in the 1950s, making it a treat for anyone touring Shanghai!

The first floor of the house was the living and dining area, while upstairs you’ll find her office, her bedroom, and the bedroom of her beloved maid. A small annex to the house has an absorbing display of memorabilia. It’s a fascinating collection of letters from the likes of Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, family photographs, and her college degree!

In the garage, be sure to admire the two black limousines, one of which was given to her as a present by Stalin in 1952! The garden is often considered the highlight of the house. The well-kept lawn is bordered by magnolias and camphor trees and is where Soong entertained guests!

Chongming Island

• Find peace and quiet from downtown Shanghai on this nature-filled island in the Yangtze River!
• As the third-largest island in China, there’s a huge variety of fauna and flora to ogle on Chongming!
• Try some tasty hairy crab while you’re there! Chongming alcohol, a herbal brew, is also good to taste!

Chongming Island is about an hour outside of the city center, so it’s a good option to save for the third day of your itinerary! Once you’re there and surrounded by the chirping birds and swaying trees, you’ll probably feel like you’re on the other side of the world.

In the center of Chongming Island, you’ll enter Dongping National Forest Park, which is the largest man-made plain forest in east China. The forest is dense and the sweet scent of flowers fill the air. It has good facilities for birdwatching, as well as offering rock climbing and ziplining, amongst other activities!

On the far east of the island is Dongtan Wetland Park. Reeds grow in marshes as far as the eye can see, while thousands of birds soar towards the horizon. Try to show up for sunrise. The view is one of the most breathtaking things to see in Shanghai!

Come sunset, secure your spot in Xisha Wetland Park, on the western end of the island. Unlike Dongtan, it’s free to visit!

To see how traditional Chinese gardeners have tamed nature, visit Danyuan Garden, the only man-made garden on the island. It’s designed in the Suzhou style with halls, pavilions, small pools, and bridges scattered around the park. Have your camera on hand as you pose amongst the red lanterns and porcelain chairs!

• Shanghai is surrounded by the aptly-named water towns which are admired for their canals, stone bridges, and charming whitewashed houses!
• It’s the perfect place to experience a more traditional lifestyle as locals still use the waterways for transport, fishing, and washing clothes.
• Qibao is the nearest water town to Shanghai (just 30 minutes by metro from the city center) so it’s an ideal attraction to put on your 3-day itinerary!

If you start to wonder what to do in Shanghai on day 3, then make a beeline for Qibao! This tiny town was established during the Northern Song Dynasty which ruled from 960 to 1126. The little settlement grew into a prominent commercial center over the centuries. In fact, ‘Qibao’ means ‘seven treasures’ in Chinese which locals attribute to the wealth the town gathered!

Qibao Temple is the perfect place to start your adventure in Qibao! The temple is a much-revered site for locals as a famed monk, Jing, studied here. It’s the perfect place to observe both Han and Tang-era architectural styles!

One of the most unique experiences has to be this: cricket fighting! That’s right, this age-old Chinese pastime is still practiced in Qibao. In fact, it’s so popular that locals have established a small museum to it where visitors can learn more about the activity and witness live fights! Unlike bullfighting, cricket fighting very rarely causes injury to the animals.

Power Station of Art

• This state-run contemporary art gallery is the heart of urban culture in Shanghai!
• It’s hosted some of the biggest art shows in China, such as the Biennale and an Andy Warhol retrospective!
• The awesome architecture and history of the location is also a highlight of our Shanghai itinerary!

Housed in a former power station, which was established in 1897 and along the Huangpu River, Power Station of Art screams innovation! It hosts an array of exhibitions that feature both Chinese and international artists.

From jewelry to toys to architecture, the museum takes a broad definition of art and changes the way visitors look at objects that may seem to have only a utilitarian use! It tends to collaborate with some big names, like jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels, so what you see is certainly world-class!

Pick up some creative souvenirs for friends and family at A Power Store, branches of which are positioned throughout the museum! There’s also a cafe and a swanky restaurant upstairs to chat about your new discoveries!

When you go outside, crane your neck upwards to spot the temperature. The 165m high chimney serves as a thermometer to tell locals what the temperature in Shanghai is!

Insider Tip: Save money on the admission fee by visiting on a Tuesday, which is always free!

Those who travel to China generally find the country quite safe. However, there are a few general things to keep in mind safety-wise.

• Chinese men have a poor reputation when it comes to drinking! Visitors have found that it’s very easy to get into a fight with locals in bars which is definitely not advised!
• The major concern when you travel to Shanghai, though, is pickpocketing. As in all cities, this tends to happen in crowded areas like transportation hubs and landmarks.
• Try to pay in exact change if you pay cash as China does suffer from counterfeit currency problems.
• Pollution is also a concern so if you’re planning a trip to Shanghai, you may want to put a filtration face mask on your packing list. It’s a common thing for locals to wear, so you won’t look one bit out of place!
• Shanghai has hectic traffic, so exercise supreme caution! A good tip is to avoid making eye contact with motorists when you want to cross the road; otherwise, they’ll think you’re letting them go!
• For peace of mind while on vacation in Shanghai, get yourself a reputable travel insurance that offers you comprehensive cover in case of emergency. There are plenty of choices but we love World Nomads! It’s easy to purchase, provides comprehensive cover and customizes your policy based on your destination.

Get more AWESOME advice on our post about travel safety tips !

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Shanghai

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We know it seems crazy to leave this dazzling city, but these epic day trips from Shanghai will change your mind! Whether it’s a lake or a palace, there’s somewhere exciting to explore outside the city every day!

Nanjing Private Tour from Shanghai

One of the best Shanghai day trips has to be this epic 8 hour trip to Nanjing! Nanjing was once China’s capital, and it remains an important city in modern China!

Your first visit will be to Chaotian Gong, a 19th-century palace complex. Next up is the iconic Zhonghua Gate which is the biggest castle-style city gate in China and a part of the most complicated castle in the world!

After a visit to the 1,000-year-old Confucius Temple and a stroll along the city’s Qinhuai River, your tour will take you to the mausoleum of Dr Sun Yat-sen, the founder of the Republic of China. Even though it’s in Nanjing, the proximity to Shanghai means the mausoleum is an absolute must-see!

Private Day Tour to Wuxi Lingshan Grand Buddha and Tai Lake

This immersive 10-hour tour is one of the most extraordinary day trips from Shanghai!

The star attraction of this day trip is the Lingshan Grand Buddha, which towers above you at 88m! It’s actually the tallest bronze Buddha in the world!

At the Five Mudra Mandala, you’ll have the chance to touch the largest Buddha’s hand in the world. It’s meant to bring good fortune and longevity!

Following a vegetarian lunch in the temple, it’s time to explore the northern bank of Tai Lake, the third largest freshwater lake in China . Then, it’s back to Shanghai with some amazing memories!

Private Day Tour to Suzhou From Shanghai By Fast Train

Most tourists consider this one of the best day trips from Shanghai due to the UNESCO World Heritage Site at the heart of Suzhou!

Suzhou is nicknamed “the Venice of the East” because of the large network of canals. Around the canals are some gorgeous Chinese gardens! One of those you’ll visit is the Humble Administrator’s Garden which also has a pretty residential quarter.

A tour of Shantang Street will teach you more about China’s water towns. You’ll visit the Opera Stage and the Boat Museum.

To cap off this excellent day trip, there’s a boat cruise on the Grand Canal and a visit to the Suzhou Silk Museum. Don’t miss out!

Hangzhou West Lake, Dragon Well Tea Village & Linyin Temple

As you tour through he city, you’ll often hear talk of day trips to Hangzhou and wonder where is Shanghai in relation to Hangzhou! Well, all your questions about this lush and vibrant city will be answered by the end of the day!

At the picturesque Dragon Well village, you’ll be introduced to Chinese tea farming and one of the best tea brands! Later on, there’s boat cruise on the West Lake and a visit to one of the lovely islands.

The Linyin Temple is the final stop on this trip. Built in 328, it’s now one of the largest Buddhist temples in China!

Shanghai: Zhujiajiao UNESCO Water Town Afternoon Tour

You may have visited Qibao already, but Zhujiajiao is the absolute winner of all the water towns surrounding Shanghai! It’s also one of the furthest, making it a perfect day trip from the city!

This ancient water town is over 400 years old and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Make sure to keep your camera close by as you cruise along the stunning canals and admire Dian Shan Lake!

Your local guide will point out all the best places to eat and shop, as well as show you the most atmospheric parts of the town! Trust us, it’s sublime!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

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Find out what people want to know when planning their Shanghai itinerary.

How many days should you stay in Shanghai?

Shanghai is massive. However, thanks to its vast public transport system, 4-5 days are enough to really explore the area.

What should you include on a 3 day Shanghai itinerary?

Don’t miss out on these awesome hotspots! – Jade Buddha Temple – Old City – People’s Square – The Bund

Where is the best place to stay in Shanghai if you have a full itinerary?

Xujiahui is the place to be if you’re looking to stay close to everything. Its central location and transport connections make it an ideal base for exploring Shanghai.

What are the coolest things to see in Shanghai?

If you’ve got time to spare, we recommend checking out Qibao, the Power Station of Art, and the Observation Deck.

Foreigners tend to see Shanghai as a glitzy modern metropolis but with this Shanghai itinerary ,  you’ll find that there’s so much more to this riverside city! Look beyond the imposing cityscape of Pudong and explore the ground-level landmarks for a truly rich vacation!

From a temple with carved jade Buddhas to a converted powerhouse art gallery, Shanghai is bursting with creativity! Up-and-coming local artists mingle with long-gone Chinese masters, not just in galleries, but in the renovated stone houses of Old City. Whether it’s noodles and dumplings or using the river to get around, some things don’t change and that’s only enhanced the beauty of contemporary city!

A trip to Shanghai is an eye-opening, mind-boggling, and spine-tingling experience that is offset by tranquil oases of art and nature in the city center. Find the perfect balance between now and then, as well as the ideal combination of the man-made and the natural! Pick your favorite hostel or hotel to book and start packing for China!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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Free walking tour near Shanghai

Others cities to visit after shanghai, where are you traveling to.

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Shanghai Sightseeing Bus

The Shanghai sightseeing bus is a strong recommendation for travelers who desire a one-day or two-day city tour. Passengers who have a few hours layover in the city can also take the  sightseeing bus  hop-on hop-off Shanghai to enjoy a short visit. There are mainly two types of sightseeing double-deckers: City Sightseeing Bus with four loop lines and two special lines operated by Spring Tour Bus Company, and Shanghai Bus Tours with three lines. Besides, two Shencheng sightseeing bus lines also connects the most popular sites of the city.

Shanghai City Sightseeing Bus 

City sightseeing line 1.

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25 quick and helpful Shanghai travel tips (2024)

Posted by Gayle Aggiss | Updated October 1, 2023 | China blog , Travel

Shanghai is hands down one of the most buzzing cities in the world and it’s one of my personal favorites.

You probably hear this a lot, but Shanghai really does have everything.

It’s got amazing food, shopping, culture, architecture, history… the list goes on.

But despite all of these amazing features, it’s still different to western countries and can be confusing for first timers and experienced travelers alike.

So, to make your trip smoother, here are the top Shanghai travel tips that I’ve put together after numerous trips to this incredible city.

1. Eat your way around the world

Eat Chinese food or international cuisine in Shanghai – take your pick. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

The food in Shanghai is so damn good, and has always satisfied my hungry stomach. (I’m not ashamed to say that I travel for the food as much as the sights.)

I ate Mongolian food for the first time while I was in Shanghai. Previously, I hadn’t even known that Mongolian food was a thing.

I still think about the cheesy, meaty goodness at that restaurant!

But if you want to sink your teeth into something local, my favorite kinds of Shanghai dumplings are:

• Xiao long bao (小笼包), delicate little things that have a soup broth inside
• Sheng jian (生煎) which are fried pork dumplings with a crispy base.

They’re both so delicious that I wrote an entire article about how good the dumplings in China are  (you can check it out later).

My advice while you’re in Shanghai is to get out of your comfort zone and try everything. Watch where the locals go and what they eat.

2. See if visa-free travel applies to you

You’ll need an L tourist visa if you’re ineligible for Visa Free Transit. Image by i viewfinder on Shutterstock.

To be able to sink your teeth into a Shanghai dumpling, you’ll need to make sure you get here in the first place!

Like most travelers to Shanghai, you’ll probably have to get a visa before you visit.

And depending on where you live, the visa process can be difficult or time-consuming, so I recommend getting started early. Not the week before you leave!

However, if you’re on a short trip (on the way to another country), then it’s worth knowing that Shanghai has a 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit policy.

Passport holders from a bunch of countries can enjoy 144 hours in Shanghai without having to get a visa.

So, if you’re on your way to somewhere else, you could spend up to 6 days in Shanghai without going through any extra paperwork trouble.

Some of the countries included under this rule are:

• Germany and many European countries
• New Zealand

Interestingly, some large countries like India and Malaysia do not enjoy this privilege, and you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa regardless of the length of your stay.

You can check your eligibility for Visa Free Transit by tapping here.

Note that this opens up in a new window (it’s an official Chinese government site).

3. Get a VPN

Access banned websites and apps in Shanghai with a VPN. Image by Privecstasy on Unsplash.

If you’re like most people, then you enjoy sharing images and updates about your trip as you explore. But you’ll have a lot more trouble doing that while you’re in Shanghai.

China’s firewall is real, and it will leave you unable to access sites like YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Google.

Basically, the sites that you’re most likely to use to stay connected, share your holiday snaps, and find out the answers to questions (like ‘best dumpling restaurants in Shanghai’), will be completely off limits.

That’s why you’ll need a virtual private network (VPN) during your stay. And you’ll need to download it before arriving in China, otherwise you won’t be able to download it at all.

You can read a review of which VPN is best for Shanghai here or tap on the button below to get the one which The Helpful Panda recommends.

If you’re already in China and your VPN is playing up (that’s normal in China), there’s a troubleshooting guide here .

4. Don’t tip

People generally don’t tip in Shanghai. Image by AndreyCherkasov on Shutterstock.

If you’re from the United States, you’ll be used to tipping. But please don’t tip in China.

Not only do the locals not tip, service staff may feel awkward if you try and slip them a note.

There are a few little exceptions to the ‘no tipping’ rule, so I suggest you read this article that Mike wrote .

5. Beware the traffic

Shanghai traffic on a good day! Image by Robert Biesewig on Pixabay.

OK, this applies all over China, but I need to put it in this list of Shanghai travel tips.

Don’t expect everyone to obey traffic laws. Red lights, cross walks, they’re more suggestions than hard and fast laws in Shanghai.

So, don’t just step out when the walk sign flashes and expect to be safe.

This applies to walking on the sidewalk too. Back home, I always think of the sidewalk as car-free and much safer to walk on.

But in Shanghai, you’ll find e-scooters and e-bikes driving like maniacs on the sidewalk, and it isn’t unusual for cars to park on the sidewalk. Keep your eyes and ears open!

6. Use a navigation app

Using a map app will definitely help you. Image by Brett Jordan on Pexels.

Now, I’ll be the first one to tell you that Shanghai is easy to navigate.

The tourist areas are generally well-signposted and, if you get lost, the locals can speak some English.

But why rely on the locals, or even your intuition, when you can use a navigation app?

The best China map app , in my opinion, is MAPS.ME but others swear by Google using a VPN.

It’s ultimately up to you, but if you plan on using MAPS.ME just remember to download your Shanghai map before you arrive in China so you can use it offline (and not use expensive roaming data) while you’re there. Awesome.

If you use one of the Chinese map apps, like Gaode, you’ll need to be able to read Mandarin!

7. Prepare for squat toilets

Yep, this is me photographing a squat toilet. Image supplied by Gayle Aggiss.

Shanghai gets a lot of foreign visitors, so it has facilities to match.

But if you go need to use public toilets, like at a local mall, you’ll probably be confronted with the dreaded Chinese squat toilet (boy, was it fun writing that article).

These toilets can be a bigger challenge than you might expect, especially for women. Here’s a few tips to help you survive them:

• Carry toilet paper with you, as the toilets usually don’t have them
• Don’t put the toilet paper down the toilet, it goes in the bin
• Try not to look at the bin as it’s usually quite foul and overflowing
• Bring sanitizer with you as there’s usually no soap.

If you struggle to squat, then plan your daily trips around places you know have western toilets. Or, if you can, do your business in your hotel!

8. Explore the side streets

Get off the main streets for better, cheaper food. Image by Paralaxis on Shutterstock.

In any big Chinese city, and especially Shanghai, the food is often better (and always cheaper) if you venture off the main street.

I can’t tell you how many amazing meals I’ve had in China down side streets.

9. Pack your adapter

This is something you shouldn’t forget to pack in your bag. Image by Edward Eyer on Pexels.

Shanghai’s power points aren’t uniform, and you’ll find A, C, and I plug sockets apparently at random.

So, make sure that you pack an adapter to match. It’s one of the best things to buy for your trip.

Side note: Check out Mike’s incredible packing list for China , which covers a lot more than power adapters!

Depending on where you’re from, you might also need a voltage converter just to make sure your electronics don’t get blown out.

10. Bring your passport on day trips

It may sound obvious, but if you forget your passport then you can’t get into the tourist sites. Image by Gustavo Fring on Pexels.

Got a day trip planned for Suzhou or one of the lovely water towns?

If you’re taking the high-speed train, you’ll need to bring your passport to be able to board the train.

The locals use their national ID card to go through the electronic gates, while foreigners like you and me annoyingly have to go to the manual gate and present our passport.

Also, most tourist attractions in China require ID to get in, so even if you stay in central Shanghai, you will need your passport to get into places.

11. Use the Metro or Didi

This is the symbol to look out for to take the subway. Image by TK Kurikawa on Shutterstock.

While we’re on the topic of trains, let’s talk about how good the Shanghai subway is.

It’s prompt, clean, and will take you all over the city (of course). And there’s a whopping 16 lines.

The Metro also connects up with Maglev train, which is the ‘magnetic levitation’ train that you can get to and from the Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

If you’d rather travel in a car while you’re in the city, then download Didi, which is China’s version of Uber.

You can literally get a ride within a few minutes from anywhere in the city.

I suggest you take a look at the other great travel apps to use in China .

12. Explore the shopping malls

There are shopping centers in and around Nanjing Road. Image by ThewayIsee on Shutterstock.

If you’re cashed up and love shopping, then you’ll love Shanghai.

Check out this website where you can filter for shopping centers and malls based on the Metro stations you’re near.

I’m not a big shopper myself, so wandering down East Nanjing Road is enough for me.

13. Stay near attractions

I recommend staying near The Bund as that’s where many of the main attractions are. Image by Adli Wahid on Unsplash.

Although Shanghai is China’s largest city, it’s remarkably walkable.

But this doesn’t mean that you’ll want to walk for miles every day while you’re there, especially if you’re only in Shanghai for a few days.

To avoid this, consider staying near the attractions you most want to see. This will cut down on your transport times and costs as well as shoe leather.

You can check out some great hotels in Shanghai by tapping on the button below.

Obviously if you’re on a packaged tour you don’t need to worry about this. But Shanghai is the easiest place in China to travel solo .

Oh, and fun fact: the population of Shanghai is about the same as the whole of Australia, where I’m from.

14. Use a translation app

A translation app is an indispensable tool for Shanghai. Image by Lars Poyansky on Shutterstock.

There’s more English in Shanghai than in any other city in China, but this doesn’t mean that everyone speaks English or that everyone will understand you.

Taxi drivers in particular often don’t speak English and this can make getting around difficult.

To overcome this issue, use a translation app on your phone. Pleco is a good one, but there are plenty of others.

I like using trusty Google Translate, but just remember you’ll need a VPN in Shanghai to use any of Google’s services.

If you’re a bit old school, or a bit old (sorry mum!), then at least make sure you have the hotel’s address on a business card or written down somewhere in Chinese characters.

That way, you can just hand it to a taxi driver and be on your merry way.

15. Get out of the city

Getting wet in Zhouzhuang Water Town! Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

One of the best Shanghai travel tips that I can give you is to get out of the city if you can.

This will give you a break from the noise and the lights and there are also some absolutely amazing places really close to Shanghai that are well worth seeing.

If you’re not part of a tour group, take advantage of the bullet trains and go!

Here’s where I recommend that you visit:

• Hangzhou, for lake cruises and tea (1 hour from Shanghai Hongqiao by train)
• Suzhou, for beautiful gardens (30 minutes by train)
• Nanjing , where you can experience China’s ancient capital (75 minutes by train).

There are also some picture-perfect ancient water towns within easy reach of the city:

• Zhujiajiao Water Town (40 minutes by Metro, then walk)
• Tongli Water Town (75 minutes by car, or take train to Suzhou)
• Zhouzhuang Water Town (90 minutes by car).

Just remember to bring your passport to board the bullet trains, as I mentioned in tip number 7.

16. Don’t drink the water

Only drink bottled water in China. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

This may seem like an obvious one, but the consequences of forgetting are pretty dire, so I’m including it.

Do not drink the tap water while you’re in Shanghai. Drink bottled water at all times and use it to brush your teeth as well.

You don’t want to spend all of your short time in Shanghai being sick, so don’t risk it.

17. Avoid Shanghai in summer

Everyone covers up in Shanghai in the summer. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

Autumn and spring are the best times to visit the city as the weather is mostly very pleasant.

But even winter is fairly mild and comfortable for most (there’s no snow in Shanghai).

In contrast, summers can be intense. Between June and August, you can expect temperatures around 86-95°F (30-35°C) or even as high as 104°F (40°C).

Combine these temperatures with all of the city’s glass and metal plus high humidity, and it can lead to a lot of hot, sticky days.

If you have choice over travel dates, I recommend booking your trip for the other seasons.

Check out the page on the best time to visit Shanghai and Beijing .

18. Reconsider that trip to Disneyland

Think twice if you want to use your time in Shanghai by visiting Disney Resort. Image by Woshinidayess on Pixabay.

Look, I need to be honest and tell you I haven’t been to Shanghai Disney Resort. I’m not really an amusement parks kind of girl.

But hearing from friends who have been there, all I’ll say is have a big hard think if you want to spend an entire day at Shanghai Disney.

It’s expensive, there are long queues, and in my opinion, plenty of other better places to visit!

Only go there if you’re a massive fan.

19. See the best tourist sights

The French Concession is a lovely area to explore. Image by Robert Mullan on Shutterstock.

Only in Shanghai for a few days?

Then here are the best places where everyone typically goes:

• The Bund, which is the huge, lovely waterfront and a true Shanghai landmark
• Pudong skyline, which you can see from the Bund or you can go up one of the towers (see below)
• Nanjing Road for large stores and malls
• Yuyuan Garden for traditional Chinese gardens (see below)
• Jing’an temple for a more peaceful experience in the city
• Former French Concession , where there are cafes and leafy trees
• Xintiandi and Huaihai Road for upmarket shopping and dining
• Puxi District if you’re into nightlife.

Note: Try to avoid public holidays and weekends if you can.

Also, the Chinese are night owls, so if you get somewhere when it opens, you’ll beat the hordes (well, at least for the first hour).

20. Go up a tower

There’s so much fog that you can only see the top of the Bottle Opener. Image by Jeremy Zhu on Pixabay.

I say ‘a’ tower as there are so many options!

But if you like observation decks like I do, then you could try a few:

• Shanghai Tower is China’s tallest building, and one of the world’s tallest buildings
• Shanghai World Financial Center, the second tallest building in the city which looks like a big bottle opener
• Jin Mao Tower, which is nestled between the two above
• Oriental Pearl TV Tower Observation Deck, one of the futuristic buildings on the banks of the Huangpu River.

They’re all in Pudong, so you could literally tower-hop your way through this district.

The Oriental Pearl Tower is the original tall structure in Pudong, but now looks a little dwarfed next to the other monstrosities.

Note: You’ll only get spectacular views on days where there’s no smog or clouds.

Otherwise, you’ll see absolutely nothing (well, except smog and clouds).

21. Beware of strangers at Yuyuan Garden

There’s a known scam that happens near the Yu Garden. Image by Laurette Chapuis on Pixabay.

Shanghai, like the rest of China, is very safe and especially for foreign tourists.

However, there’s a common scam near the busiest tourist attractions in China, that being the Yu Garden in Shanghai and the Forbidden City in Beijing.

Basically, someone (usually a woman) with excellent English will start talking to you, and once she’s built your trust, she’ll invite you to a teahouse.

The only thing is – the tea will cost an astronomical price per cup, and you’ll only find this out once you’ve downed half a dozen of them.

And, you’ll be locked inside the teahouse until you pay! So, never ever accompany a stranger to a teahouse in China.

22. Use mobile payments but carry cash

Everyone in Shanghai uses their phone to pay. Image by Humphery on Shutterstock.

Shanghai is mostly a cashless city, with most hotels, shops, and attractions relying on mobile payments.

Lots of shops may even refuse to take large bills because they can’t give you change. This means you should prepare other ways to pay other than cash.

Download WeChat Pay or Alipay and set it up with your card before you go.

Seriously, no one uses cash anymore in China!

23. Get your coffee fix (hopefully)

Some coffee shops don’t accept cash or even have customer service. Image by Sarunyu L on Shutterstock.

While I’m on the topic of payment apps, you’ll find that some of the coffee shops in Shanghai (I’m looking at you, Luckin Coffee) only take app orders.

The apps are only in Mandarin, and you’ll need a Master’s degree on how to order. And that’s assuming you’ve already set up your foreign card on WeChat Pay or Alipay.

You might need to ‘shop around’ for a coffee shop that will take your cash order, otherwise head to a Starbucks.

At least you won’t go thirsty in the country’s biggest city. Shanghai has the most coffee shops in the world (you can see more crazy facts about China here .)

24. Take a boat ride on the Huangpu

Find your feet in the city by doing a river cruise. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

I like being around water. I’m Australian.

So, if you’re anything like me and you need some respite from all the concreteness that is Shanghai, take a boat ride on the Huangpu River.

There are a few options leaving from The Bund area, and it’s nice to see the city from a different angle.

25. Go further

Take the high-speed to explore other parts of China. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

I’ll finish with this tip.

If you want to visit other Chinese cities, I recommend taking the high-speed train.

For relatively short distances, the train is always cheaper than flying, but even on longer distances it can be just as good.

For example, you can get from Shanghai to Beijing in under five hours on the bullet train. You cut out all the stress and extra time needed at the airport for security and whatnot.

And, domestic flights in China can be relatively expensive.

Psst! Last travel tip

I mentioned at the start how all the major foreign sites and apps are blocked in China.

So, I’m reminding you before you go off and have a cup of tea!

If you want to use the internet in China using hotel Wi-Fi, then you’ll need to get a VPN on your devices.

Check out this review or tap on the button below for the recommended one.

Just remember to download it before you arrive, as VPN sales are blocked in China.

You’ll have a great time in Shanghai

This huge, exciting city is perfect for giving you a quick taste of all that China has to offer. It’s remarkably safe as well, making it a great option for first timers to China.

Unfortunately, even with the best Shanghai travel tips in the world, you may still find yourself shocked and uncertain when you first visit the city (e.g. the public toilets may get you).

So, keep these travel tips in mind, but be open to the new and unfamiliar. Because they’ll definitely make the best stories when you get back home.

And finally, don’t forget to try the delicious soup dumplings. I’m so envious already!

Let me know if you have any questions in the comments area below. And be sure to get your VPN before you leave . Bon voyage and safe travels.

Where to from here?

You’ll like these little nuggets of Shanghai knowledge:

• Shanghai travel guide
• Best time to visit Shanghai
• What to wear in Shanghai
• What is Shanghai known for?

Or, if you want more travel tips, then check out these pages:

• Best China travel tips
• Best Beijing travel tips

Main image credit: Sean Sheng on Pixabay.

Want more helpful information about China?

Then hop on the monthly newsletter!

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Tips and faq about shanghai travel, what do i need to know before going to shanghai.

The most important things are to see if you’re eligible for Visa Free Transit and to get a VPN before you jet off. You should also set up WeChat Pay or Alipay because the city is almost cashless.

What is the best way to explore Shanghai?

Use the Metro which has a whopping 16 lines and numerous interchanges.

How many days is enough for Shanghai?

You could rush through it within a few days, but if you want to explore the water towns and nearby cities (like Suzhou, Hangzhou, etc), then a week would be ideal.

Is Shanghai an expensive city to visit?

Yes, compared to other Chinese cities. But a trip to Shanghai won’t totally break the bank, provided you eat local Chinese food, stay at three-star hotels, and don’t splurge too much at the shopping malls!

Commercial relationship disclosure: The Helpful Panda has commercial arrangements with organizations that may appear on this page, such as affiliate links. See our terms for more info.

Gayle Aggiss

Gayle loves learning and is intensely curious about the world. This curiosity has driven her to travel and work overseas, including China and Vietnam. Gayle is from Perth, Western Australia. You can follow her on LinkedIn .

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The ATP men''s tennis tour''s 2025 calendar includes expanded events in Canada and Cincinnati

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The Masters 1000 tournaments in Canada and Cincinnati will increase to 12 days each next season, and events in Dallas, Doha and Munich will be upgraded to the 500 level as part of changes announced Friday when the ATP Tour released its 2025 calendar for men's tennis.

The calendar reveal comes as tennis is at something of a crossroads, with proposals to alter the way the sport is organized being discussed by its leaders.

The London-based ATP will have 60 tournaments in 29 countries next year.

Other changes include moving the Hamburg Open from July to May, shifting the event in Los Cabos from February to July, and switching the Cordoba Open to Mallorca, Spain, as part of the lead-in to Wimbledon.

The Estoril tournament is no longer part of the calendar, but the tour said it will "try to find a solution for the highly regarded event to take place in 2025, and beyond." The National Bank Open in Canada and the Cincinnati Open follow the Masters 1000 tournaments in Rome, Madrid and Shanghai in stretching to 12 days. That other trio all expanded in 2023. It means that as of next season, seven of the nine ATP Masters events will last nearly two weeks instead of one.

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If you need a tour guide in Shanghai - China Forum

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3 replies to this topic

Are you Chinese or Caucasian and what languages you can speak? Thanks.

I think the first question is irrelevant. Second is valid. Perhaps it’s relevant too if Heidi is local or an expat (and she indicated she’s local) but how does it matter if she’s white?

It matters if you want to buy something at a place where you need to negotiate the price and (in many cases) it matters when it comes to choice of restaurants and dishes.

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ATP men's tennis tour's 2025 calendar includes expanded event in Cincinnati

by The Associated Press

LONDON (AP) - The Masters 1000 tournaments in Canada and Cincinnati will increase to 12 days each next season, and events in Dallas, Doha and Munich will be upgraded to the 500 level as part of changes announced Friday when the ATP Tour released its 2025 calendar for men’s tennis.

The calendar reveal comes as tennis is at something of a crossroads, with proposals to alter the way the sport is organized being discussed by its leaders.

The London-based ATP will have 60 tournaments in 29 countries next year.

Other changes include moving the Hamburg Open from July to May, shifting the event in Los Cabos from February to July, and switching the Cordoba Open to Mallorca, Spain, as part of the lead-in to Wimbledon.

The Estoril tournament is no longer part of the calendar, but the tour said it will “try to find a solution for the highly regarded event to take place in 2025, and beyond.”

The National Bank Open in Canada and the Cincinnati Open follow the Masters 1000 tournaments in Rome, Madrid and Shanghai in stretching to 12 days. That other trio all expanded in 2023. It means that as of next season, seven of the nine ATP Masters events will last nearly two weeks instead of one.