Shanghai Travel & Vacation Guide

Visit the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel soon, before its quirky charm is potentially replaced by a standard commuter route. For now, it remains the most unconventional way to travel between the Bund and Pudong. The five-minute journey is a sensory spectacle of pumping music, psychedelic light shows, and abstract narration — an experience that is unapologetically flashy and genuinely entertaining. Access the tunnel from the Bund end on Nanjing Road East, or from the Pudong side near the Riverside Promenade.

Founded in 1882, this Buddhist temple is known for its large, ornate jade Buddha sculptures: a sitting Buddha, and a smaller reclining Buddha representing the Buddha's death. Today, there is plenty to see on the premises, including multiple beautiful Buddha statues.

It’s the view you’re going for: on a clear day, Jin Mao Tower offers incredible 360-degree panoramas across the city. It’s 88 storeys high and located at number 88 — have you guessed that eight is a lucky number for the Chinese? There are offices up to the 50th floor, then the Grand Hyatt hotel from floors 53 to 87. A public observation deck is located on the top floor. Otherwise, forget the lucky numbers and go for a drink at the Grand Hyatt’s Cloud 9 bar, just one storey below.

Nanjing Road is a busy, 5.5-kilometre pedestrian thoroughfare that serves as Shanghai's primary shopping destination. Stretching from the Bund to Jing'an Temple, its eastern section is a vibrant, all-weather pedestrian arcade. While historic stores remain, the street is now a dynamic mix of international brands, modern shopping malls, and specialty stores. The constant flow of shoppers, street performers, and the sheer energy of the area make a walk along Nanjing Road essential for feeling the metropolitan pulse of the city.

As one of the tallest towers in Asia, Oriental Pearl TV Tower is a distinct landmark of Shanghai. Located opposite The Bund, it is one of the hottest city attractions, as well as an entertainment venue containing dining and shopping spots. There is an observation deck at the 263-metre mark, which offers amazing views of Shanghai.

People's Square forms the beating heart of Shanghai, a sprawling public space that functions as the city's central crossroads. Flanked by major institutions like the Shanghai Museum, the Grand Theatre, and the Municipal Building, the area is a focal point for politics, culture, and commerce. Beyond its grand edifices, it also serves as a major shopping destination and a constant, pulsing hub of urban life.

Shanghai Circus World is a premier venue dedicated to the city's famed acrobatic arts. It offers a spectacular evening of entertainment, featuring highly skilled troupes performing breathtaking acts of contortion, balance, and strength. The shows are renowned for their elaborate choreography, vibrant costumes, and integration of live music, creating a visually stunning and immersive experience. A performance here is considered a quintessential Shanghai activity, showcasing a unique and celebrated aspect of Chinese cultural heritage.

Opened in 2016, Shanghai Disneyland is the 6th Disneyland in the world. In line with the company's promise, this Disneyland is 'authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese'. The park has seven themed areas: Mickey Avenue, Gardens of Imagination, Fantasyland, Treasure Cove, Adventure Isle, Tomorrowland, and Toy Story Land. This is also the only Disneyland where you can see all the Disneyland princesses introduced so far, including Mulan.

Barbarossa holds three floors of Arabic opulence beside the lake in People’s Park. With its delicious cocktails and serene atmosphere, it attracts a glamorous crowd and is one of the city's finest for a relaxed drink out.

Boxing Cat Brewery is an award-winning small brewery with several locations across Shanghai. Here you can enjoy every type of beer from malt to ale and many European favourites. They serve good pub grub, and the indoor screens are large enough to enjoy a sporting game fully.

The eponymous drinking hole of Cotton Ding has recently moved to a new home in a French Concession villa. The most intriguing element is its circular bed with white voile curtains. But anyone not needing a snooze can enjoy the torch-lit courtyard and the enticing sofas indoors.

Dr Wine offers a potent prescription for the evening, with a wine list that favours French vintages but spans the globe. The dimly lit, two-storey space bears no resemblance to a clinic, but its remedies, available by the glass or bottle, are highly effective. To complement the pours, a menu of well-composed platters and delectable bar bites draws a consistent crowd.

House of Blues and Jazz is a relaxed venue which often hosts international live acts. There is no cover charge, and the drink menu is extensive, although mixed drinks are best skipped in favour of beer or wine. Opens in the afternoon; some dining options are available.

This Art Deco dance hall was the place to be seen in 1930s Shanghai (Charlie Chaplin once danced here), and it has now reopened for the twenty-first-century crowd. The clientele is mostly older, and the dancing done is old-style. This place is a real throwback to the glamour of old Shanghai, so strap on your dancing shoes and take to the floor for a whirl.

The Glamour Bar positions itself as a 'bar for grown-ups,' a claim supported by its art deco interior of hand-painted screens and a sleek chrome bar. The main attraction, however, remains the stunning vista of the Bund and Huangpu River. Its cultural calendar is just as compelling, featuring live jazz, literary readings, and serving as the home for the prestigious Shanghai International Literary Festival each March.

The world's largest Disney store is crowned by a six-metre-tall replica castle, which comes to life with a brief spectacle every hour. Inside, dedicated zones celebrate Mickey Mouse, Disney Princesses, Pixar and Marvel. For a unique memento, the shop sells exclusive merchandise that blends classic Disney characters with Shanghai-themed designs, creating a truly memorable stop for enthusiasts.

With international brands and more than 40 Chinese brands selling fashion-forward outfits, digital gadgets, and a dazzling sky screen, this spacious place is one of the best places to shop in the area. Exhibitions are held occasionally in the lobby of the shopping mall.

The only M&M's World in Asia, and the fifth globally, welcomes candy lovers with much more than just delicious chocolates. This world-famous chocolate bean brand's store features the iconic M&M tube wall, alongside a variety of T-shirts, toys, and an array of souvenirs, making it a fun and vibrant destination for fans of all ages.

Shanghai Old Street offers a vivid recreation of a historic market, providing a glimpse into the city's commercial life a century ago. The area blends sightseeing, shopping, and cultural exhibits, all housed in architecture that showcases the distinctive 'Hai Pai' style — a graceful fusion of Eastern and Western influences. Its 225 shops are carefully curated, with many specialising in traditional handicrafts, antiques, calligraphy, and jewellery, making it a rewarding place to browse for a unique souvenir.

Three on the Bund, situated in a historic building on Shanghai's iconic Bund, is a premier lifestyle destination offering a blend of fine dining, luxury retail and cultural events. Home to renowned restaurants like Jean-Georges and Mercato, it provides gourmet cuisine with stunning views of the Huangpu River. The venue also features art galleries, fashion boutiques and wellness centres.

The ground level of Tianshan Tea City really is a tea lover's paradise: the variety of teas on offer is seriously impressive, and most shop owners will conduct free-of-charge tastings to help you decide on a variety to purchase. Floors two and three are given over to porcelain and tea-making paraphernalia.

Most of Shanghai's attractions are city sights, so the change of seasons has little impact. However, given the weather, it is recommended to visit in spring or autumn, for winter might get too cold and summer too hot for comfort. There is also the possibility of typhoons during summertime and even early autumn. Try to avoid Chinese public holidays, such as between October 1st and 7th, during which the city could be flooded by local tourists.

Another airport called Hongqiao Airport, which handles domestic flights, lies 15 km from downtown. Both Metro and buses run from this airport. A taxi from Hongquiao Airport will take 30-45 minutes. Make sure you have your destination written in Chinese. Hongqiao Airport has regular shuttle buses to many areas in the city. The major hotels have desks at the airport and will arrange the transfer.

Shanghai has two airports one of them is the international airport in Pudong, 35 km from the city centre. From the Pudong Airport, the most enthralling way to travel is on the Maglev (the high-speed magnetic-rail train) to Longyang Road in Pudong. There is an underground station and a taxi rank at Longyang Road for onward travel. Metro Line 2 is available when departing or arriving at Pudong International Airport. Operating Time 6 am 10 pm and leaves every 8.5 minutes. A taxi from Pudong Airport to the city centre takes up to an hour. Make sure you have your destination written in Chinese. The airport has regular shuttle buses to many areas in the city and the major hotels have desks at the airport and will arrange the transfer.

In Shanghai, finding a taxi is generally easy, especially in busy areas, commercial districts, and nearby hotels and tourist attractions. Ride-sharing apps like DiDi, the most popular in China, offer a convenient alternative to traditional taxis.

Buses in Shanghai are usually busy and the network can be complicated to negotiate for non-speakers of Chinese. The 911, which runs along Huaihai Road, can be useful. Keep some loose change when travelling by bus, coins need to be placed in the slot at the entrance.

You'll likely encounter Type A, Type I, and Type C outlets in mainland China. Type A outlets accept two flat parallel pins, Type I outlets take three flat pins in a triangular pattern, and Type C outlets — two round pins. It's always a good idea to have a universal travel adapter that can handle all three types, just in case. Make sure your device is compatible with 220V power supply.

Due to China's strict internet policies, access to many popular Western websites and apps—such as Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Google services (including Google Maps), Skype, and others—is restricted. These websites are blocked as part of the government's internet censorship efforts, commonly known as the 'Great Firewall'. To bypass these restrictions, many travellers use a VPN (Virtual Private Network), which can help access blocked sites. However, it’s important to note that VPN use in China is legally complicated. While some VPN services are still used, unauthorized VPNs may be subject to scrutiny, and there have been reports of foreigners experiencing disruptions to their mobile service or being asked to visit the local police station if the use of a VPN is detected. It’s critical to comply with local laws and regulations regarding VPN usage. If you choose to use a VPN, ensure it’s approved by the Chinese government and used for legitimate purposes. Since Google Maps is often unreliable in China due to restrictions on Google’s services, travellers should consider using local alternatives such as Baidu Maps and AutoNavi (Gaode Maps). These apps offer more accurate and comprehensive mapping and navigation within China. However, most of these services are primarily in Chinese, so it might be helpful to familiarize yourself with their basic functions or use translation tools. Baidu Maps, in particular, is widely used and provides detailed information about public transport, routes, and traffic.

If you fly into Shanghai’s International Airport in Pudong, be sure to take the Maglev into town rather than a taxi or regular metro. The Maglev is China’s futuristic magnetic levitation train and the fastest ride in its technological repertoire. The journey only lasts a few minutes, but during that time the train can reach a top speed of 430 kilometres per hour (although the average is closer to 300 km/h).