Shanghai

Travel Guide

Shanghai
Yuyuan Bazaar
Shanghai featuring heritage elements and a lake or waterhole as well as a large group of people
Shanghai
Shanghai

Visit this bustling eastern province to explore glitzy shopping malls, marvel at historic temples and climb to the top of towering skyscrapers.

The province of Shanghai is dominated by its eponymous metropolis, one of China’s major economic and cultural hubs. Here, modern skyscrapers sit near Buddhist temples and art deco buildings, while sleek museums stand alongside manicured gardens and cramped alleys. Shop for local crafts, slurp freshly made noodles, visit historic museums and enjoy a rare moment of peace in a tucked-away monastery.

Situated on the mouth of the Yangtze River, the city of Shanghai blends modern and historic elements, as well as drawing inspiration from both Eastern and Western cultures. At the Shanghai History Museum, find out more about the city’s origins as a small fishing and textiles town that transitioned into a popular destination for foreigners to establish homes and businesses.

To see the city from different perspectives, walk along the riverfront promenade known as the Bund. Marvel at the various architectural styles visible from the walkway. For a bird’s-eye view, head for the observation deck at the Shanghai Tower.

When the weather is nice, visitors and locals converge on the Yùyuán Gardens to stroll, sit in the shade and watch colorful fish swimming around in the pools. Soak up the sun with a boat trip in Zhujiajiao, a historic water town in the suburbs, known for its Ming- and Qing-era bridges. If it’s raining, consider taking shelter in Xīntiāndì, a shopping and entertainment complex packed with boutique shops and restaurants.

Explore the city’s religious past at the Buddhist Jìng’ān Temple. Smell the burning incense and inspect the ornate statues that decorate the halls. Other notable Buddhist sites include the Jade Buddha Temple, one of the only active monasteries remaining in Shanghai.

Book your vacation in the spring or fall for the best weather or visit in the first week of October during the National Day holiday when crowds flock to the city for celebrations. Fly into one of two international airports, Hongqiao or Pudong, to start your journey through the region.

Upscale shopping complexes, ancient temples and relaxing gardens make Shanghai a top destination for travelers looking to experience modern-day China.

Where to stay in Shanghai

Xintiandi which includes a city, a bar and street scenes

Downtown Shanghai

Known for its beautiful gardens and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Shanghai. Check out top attractions like The Bund and Three on the Bund, and jump on the metro at East Nanjing Road Station or Yuyuan Garden Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Shanghai
Oriental Pearl Tower showing modern architecture, a city and a skyscraper

Pudong

4/5(4 area reviews)

Shanghai Disneyland© and The Bund are top sights in Pudong, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Huinan Station or Safari Park Station to see more sights in the area.

Pudong
Shanghai Museum featuring modern architecture

Huangpu

3.5/5(4 area reviews)

Known for its beautiful gardens and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Huangpu. Check out top attractions like The Bund and Yuyuan Bazaar, and jump on the metro at Yuyuan Garden Station or East Nanjing Road Station to see more of the city.

Huangpu
Jing An Temple which includes religious aspects and a temple or place of worship

Jing'an

Spend some time visiting places like Daning Lingshi Park while getting to know Jing'an, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Yanchang Road Station or Circus World Station to see more of the area.

Jing'an
Default Image

Xuhui

4/5(1 area review)

Consider exploring the abundant dining options in Xuhui. If sightseeing is on the list, Shanghai Stadium is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Stadium Station or Xujiahui Station to see more of the area.

Xuhui
Lujiazui

Lujiazui

Travelers choose Lujiazui for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Shangcheng Road Station or Dongchang Road Station and check out top sights like Shanghai Tower.

Lujiazui
Grand Central Hotel Shanghai

Grand Central Hotel Shanghai

4.5 out of 5
505 Jiujiang Road, Shanghai, Shanghai
The price is P5,624 per night from Aug 12 to Aug 13
P5,624
P6,468 total
Aug 12 - Aug 13
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"the elevator is far away from the room. it is a bit hard for a person with suitcases."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Grand Central Hotel Shanghai
Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World

Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World

5 out of 5
88 Nanjing West Road, Shanghai, Shanghai
The price is P5,461 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P5,461
P6,367 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the overall value ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
Great stay as always
"This is THE hotel we book every time when our family visit Shanghai! We like the location, convenience, easy accessibility, friendly hotel staffs."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World
Grand Hyatt Shanghai

Grand Hyatt Shanghai

5 out of 5
88 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, Shanghai
The price is P7,541 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P7,541
P8,793 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Checked-in fasted and easy, room view spacious, bed amenities great for sleeping"

Reviewed on Jul 15, 2025

Grand Hyatt Shanghai
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Modena by Fraser Putuo Shanghai

Modena by Fraser Putuo Shanghai

4 out of 5
No. 1, Lane 58, Tongchuan Road, Putuo District, Shanghai, Shanghai
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (949 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Modena by Fraser Putuo Shanghai
Green Court Residence City Center Shanghai

Green Court Residence City Center Shanghai

4 out of 5
55 Beijing Xi Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, Shanghai
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,463 reviews)
"Great location. Close to everything. Our room had a washer dryer which was very convenient. Definitely will stay again"

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

Green Court Residence City Center Shanghai
IFC Residence

IFC Residence

5 out of 5
8 Century Avenue Pudong, Shanghai, PVG
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Shanghai. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (812 reviews)
"An apartment place and underneath it is a bunch of Luxury mall with famous brands, good place to go for big spenders."

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

IFC Residence
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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