Things to do in Shanghai

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All about Shanghai

When to visit

Fall hits the sweet spot in Shanghai for good weather, smaller crowds, and cheaper prices—plus it’s hairy crab season. Spring is another good option, with cherry blossoms, though holidays and festivals make it hectic. Summer crowds can be especially unpleasant with the typically hot and muggy weather. Winter is a good choice if you don’t mind cold weather. As with most of China, avoid Shanghai around Chinese New Year and the week-long national holidays in May and October.

Getting around

Shanghai has an excellent public transport network. The metro is the easiest and most efficient way to get around. Buses are the cheapest option but tougher for visitors to figure out, with the exception of the sightseeing buses. Taxis are plentiful and rideshare apps like DiDi are available. Ferries are a good option for crossing the Huangpu River. While biking is an option, Shanghai’s congested roads make it more suitable for experienced (and brave) riders.

Traveler tips

Shanghai may be best known for the glamorous Bund and futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong, but it’s also home to excellent museums. Head to People’s Square and People’s Park for a day of culture at the Shanghai Museum, Shanghai History Museum, Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, and Museum of Contemporary Art Shanghai—all free. On weekends, get a taste of local culture at Shanghai Marriage Market, where parents and grandparents try to find matches for unmarried offspring.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Shanghai famous for anything?

Vibrant, cosmopolitan Shanghai is famous for being China’s commercial capital: during the 1930s, it was called “The Paris of the East”. Today, it boasts one of the world’s most recognizable skylines as well as The Bund, a historic waterfront strip. Foodies seek out Shanghai hairy crabs in season and dumplings all year round.

What is the most visited place in Shanghai?

The Huangpu River waterfront is probably the most visited place in Shanghai. On the west side of the river is The Bund, a charming cocktail of heritage architecture; on the east side lies Lujiazui, where iconic skyline sights include the twisting Shanghai Tower and the rocket-shaped Oriental Pearl Tower.

Is Shanghai worth visiting?

As a major world city, Shanghai is absolutely worth visiting. Besides the cultural and culinary delights you’d expect in a city with three times the population of New York, heritage areas include the The Bund, Yuyuan Garden, a classical Chinese garden, and Jing’An Temple, with a history dating back to the 13th century.

What are the do’s and don’ts in Shanghai?

Do keep your phone and wallet in a zipping pocket and watch your bags: pickpockets are common in Shanghai, as in other big cities. Don’t dabble in drugs: China has extremely harsh penalties and has tested foreigners at random and prosecuted them. Never join a stranger for tea: the tea scam is a Shanghai signature.

What is there to do in Shanghai at night?

Shanghai has all the nightlife you’d expect in an international city this size—and it’s well worth exploring. For a more distinctively local experience, take a Huangpu River night cruise, inhale skyline views from the 1,844-foot (562-meter) Shanghai Tower Observation Deck, or experience an acrobatics show or Shanghai opera.

Is Shanghai expensive to visit?

Yes, by Chinese standards Shanghai is expensive: it’s the nation’s most expensive city. But by international standards prices are reasonable. Some luxury hotels can run to four figures, but budget-conscious travelers can find hostel dorm beds for around US$15, while public transport costs pennies and street food is very affordable.

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