About Shanghai
Shanghai is a provincial-level direct-administered municipality in China. It has a population of 30,050,000 in the urban area as of 2026, thus making it China's most populous city and the fifth-largest city in the world by population. The city is located on the southern estuary of the Yangtze River, with the Huangpu River bisecting the city.
Places to visit in Shanghai
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The Bund
LandmarkA riverside promenade lined with grand colonial-era banks and hotels, facing the futuristic skyline of Pudong across the Huangpu River. Walk it after dark, when both sides of the river are brightly lit.
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Yu Garden
ParkA classical Chinese garden from the Ming dynasty with rockeries, ponds, and pavilions in the old city. Arrive at opening time to enjoy it before the crowds, then browse the busy bazaar outside.
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Oriental Pearl Tower
Viewpoint · 2 mi from centreA pink-spheres TV tower that became a symbol of modern Shanghai, with observation levels and a glass-floored walkway. Weekday visits mean shorter lines, especially outside Chinese public holidays.
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Shanghai Museum
MuseumA major museum of ancient Chinese art with outstanding bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, and paintings. Reserve a free entry slot online ahead of time, since daily visitor numbers are capped.
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Nanjing Road
NeighborhoodChina's best-known shopping street, with a long pedestrian section running from People's Square toward the Bund. Come in the evening for the neon lights, and ignore anyone offering to take you to a tea house.
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Jade Buddha Temple
Religious · 2 mi from centreAn active Buddhist temple housing two Buddha statues carved from Burmese jade. Dress modestly, and note that photography is not allowed in the hall with the seated jade Buddha.
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Shanghai Tower
Viewpoint · 2 mi from centreChina's tallest skyscraper, twisting upward in Pudong, with one of the highest observation decks in the world. Check air quality before going, since haze often limits the view.
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Zhujiajiao
Historic · 26 mi from centreA canal town west of the city with stone bridges, old houses, and waterside teahouses. Take a short boat ride along the canals, and visit on a weekday to avoid the heaviest crowds.
Top experiences in Shanghai
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 63 available.
Shanghai Disneyland - 1-Day Ticket with Optional Private Transfer
From $136 per adult
Jin Mao Tower - Ticket
From $18 per adult
Shanghai Tower - Ticket
From $36 per adult
Oriental Pearl Tower - Two-sphere Observation Deck Ticket
From $42 per adult
The Huangpu River Cruise - Ticket
From $27 per adult
Dragon Boat Huangpu River Cruise with Dinner
From $60 per adult
Yuyuan Garden Ticket
From $10 per adult
Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park - Ticket
From $69 per adult
Modern Shanghai Half Day Walking Tour - Private
From $95 per adult
Zhujiajiao Water Town, Night Cruise Tour with Dinner - Private
From $264 per adult
Shanghai Foodie Private Walking Tour
From $104 per adult
Experience Magnificent Shanghai - Full-Day Private Tour
From $210 per adult
Where to stay in Shanghai
Popular hotels in Shanghai, out of 2,247 properties you can book.
Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai
From $151 per night
Riverdale Residence Xintiandi Shanghai
From $124 per night
Green Court Res City Center People Square Shanghai
From $95 per night
Oriental Riverside Hotel Shanghai
From $202 per night
Dorsett Shanghai
From $69 per night
Green Court Res Jinqiao Diamond Shanghai
From $89 per night
Nostalgia S Hotel(Shanghai Wujiaochang)
From $46 per night
Boyue Hotel Shanghai Air China Hongqiao Airport
From $67 per night
Jin Jiang Tower
From $93 per night
Jin Jiang Hotel
From $106 per night
Grand Central Hotel Shanghai
From $195 per night
The Peninsula Shanghai
From $542 per night
Best time to visit Shanghai
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Shanghai is April to May and October, when average daytime highs are around 73–78°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Shanghai weather forecast
- Wed 11 Nov 62° 43° 0%
- Thu 12 Nov 70° 54° 48%
- Fri 13 Nov 66° 57° 64%
- Sat 14 Nov 69° 59° 83%
- Sun 15 Nov 67° 56° 30%
- Mon 16 Nov 65° 52° 6%
- Tue 17 Nov 66° 51° 75%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Chinese yuan (CNY)1 US dollar ≈ ¥6.69
- Language
- Chinese
- Calling code
- +86
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Asia/ShanghaiUTC+8
- Capital
- Beijing
Upcoming public holidays in China
- New Year's Day元旦
- Chinese New Year (Spring Festival)春节
- Labour Day劳动节
- Dragon Boat Festival端午节
- Mid-Autumn Festival中秋节
- National Day国庆节
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Shanghai
These are the airports closest to central Shanghai. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- SHA Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport8 mi (13 km) from the city centre
- PVG Shanghai Pudong International Airport21 mi (34 km) from the city centre
Getting around Shanghai
Shanghai has an excellent public transport network with the one of the world's most extensive metro (subway and elevated train) systems as its backbone and buses that go more-or-less everywhere else. Taxis are plentiful, and cheap by international standards, and getting around on foot is often practical. Metro, taxi and walking will be the main means of transport for most travellers. The city is huge (24 million), though, and all transport methods sometimes have problems with congestion.
Metro cards
International credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, JCB) including mobile payment apps can now be used to "tap to pay" on all Shanghai metro lines. They are not accepted by buses or most taxis.
Shanghai Jiaotong Card
If you intend to stay in Shanghai for more than a few days, a metro card — also called a Shanghai Jiaotong Card (上海公共交通卡) or Shanghai Public Transportation Card — is a must. You can get these cards at any metro station, as well as some convenience stores like Alldays and KeDi Marts.
China T-union
As of 2024, you can now use your China T-union card. China T-union covers all bus, metro and ferry lines in Shanghai, as well as taxis. Like the Jiaotong Card, you save the hassle of buying tickets (sometimes with long queues) and keeping change for buses and taxis. Also, the card allows you to change lines at some stations where without the card you would need to get another ticket, and gives a discount for each bus↔bus or metro↔bus transfer.
Shanghai travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Shanghai?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Shanghai is April to May and October, when average daytime highs are around 73–78°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.
What is the weather like in Shanghai?
August is usually the warmest month in Shanghai, with average highs of 96°F (36°C). February is the coolest, with average lows of 37°F (3°C). The wettest month is typically June, with about 324 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Shanghai?
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is the closest airport, about 8 miles (13 km) from the centre of Shanghai. Other nearby airports include Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG, 21 mi).
What currency is used in Shanghai?
Shanghai uses the Chinese yuan (CNY). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ ¥6.69.
What time zone is Shanghai in?
Shanghai uses the Asia/Shanghai time zone (currently UTC+8). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Shanghai?
Shanghai has an excellent public transport network with the one of the world's most extensive metro (subway and elevated train) systems as its backbone and buses that go more-or-less everywhere else. Taxis are plentiful, and cheap by international standards, and getting around on foot is often practical.
What are the best places to visit in Shanghai?
Top sights in Shanghai include The Bund, Yu Garden, Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Museum. A riverside promenade lined with grand colonial-era banks and hotels, facing the futuristic skyline of Pudong across the Huangpu River. Walk it after dark, when both sides of the river are brightly lit.
What are the top things to do in Shanghai?
Popular experiences you can book in Shanghai include Shanghai Disneyland - 1-Day Ticket with Optional Private Transfer, Jin Mao Tower - Ticket and Shanghai Tower - Ticket. Destina Holidays offers 63 tours and activities here.
Where should I stay in Shanghai?
Popular areas for hotels in Shanghai include Pudong, Huangpu and Yangpu. Well-reviewed options include Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai and Riverdale Residence Xintiandi Shanghai.
How many hotels can I book in Shanghai?
Destina Holidays currently lists 2,247 properties in and around Shanghai, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
