- The Bund is the iconic waterfront promenade with colonial buildings—best view of the skyline.
- Lujiazui skyline (Shanghai Tower, Pearl Tower) is sci-fi come to life—go up one for views.
- Yu Garden is a classic Chinese garden in the heart of the Old City.
- The French Concession is perfect for walking under plane trees and finding cafes.
- Nanjing Road is one of the world's busiest shopping streets—neon lights galore.
If you want, you can open the search in a new tab via Aviasales. Реклама. Go Travel Un Limited. ИНН 9909520797
When to go: Spring or Autumn
October-November is best. Cool and dry. Spring is also nice.
Summer is hot and humid. Winter is cold and damp.
- Best: Oct-Nov.
- Summer: Humid.
- Holiday: Avoid Golden Week.
Getting there: Maglev
Pudong (PVG) is the main airport. Take the Maglev train—it goes 430km/h! (8 mins to Longyang Rd).
Hongqiao (SHA) is closer to downtown.
- Maglev: Super fast.
- Metro: Line 2.
- Taxi: Regulated.
Where to stay: Bund or French Concession
The Bund area is touristy but scenic. French Concession is charming and walkable.
Jing'an is central and upscale.
- Bund: Views.
- French Concession: Charm.
- Jing'an: Shopping.
What to see: Skyline and Garden
Walk The Bund. Ferry across to Lujiazui. Go up Shanghai Tower (highest observation deck).
Visit Yu Garden and the zigzag bridge.
- Bund: Promenade.
- Lujiazui: Skyscrapers.
- Yu Garden: Classic.
- Museum: Shanghai Museum.
Food: Xiao Long Bao
Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) are life. Try them at Jia Jia Tang Bao.
Sheng Jian Bao (pan-fried buns) are also amazing. Hairy Crab is a seasonal delicacy (Autumn).
- Xiao Long Bao: Soup dumplings.
- Sheng Jian Bao: Fried buns.
- Hairy Crab: Autumn.
- Red Braised Pork: Sweet.
Getting around: Metro
The Metro is massive and cheap. Apps like Alipay work for payment.
DiDi is the Chinese Uber. Walking is great in Puxi.
- Metro: Huge network.
- DiDi: Taxi app.
- Ferry: Cheap crossing.
Budget: Expensive
Shanghai is China's most expensive city. Hotels and western food are pricey.
Local food and metro are cheap.
- Hotels: High.
- Food: Mixed.
- Transport: Cheap.
2 Days in Shanghai
Day 1: Puxi. The Bund. Nanjing Road. Yu Garden and Old City. Dinner in French Concession.
Day 2: Pudong. Ferry across river. Shanghai Tower. Riverside promenade. Disney (optional).
- Day 1: History.
- Day 2: Future.
- Evening: Bund lights.
FAQ
Do I need a visa?
Most likely. Check the 144-hour transit visa exemption if you are just stopping over.
Internet?
Google/Insta/FB are blocked. Get a VPN or an eSIM before you go.
Cash?
Almost nobody uses cash. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with your foreign card.