Shanghai
Experience the dynamic blend of East and West in China's most cosmopolitan city. Explore historic Bund, modern Pudong, and vibrant food scenes.
Last reviewed October 23, 2026 · conditions change — confirm opening times and permits before you go
Why Shanghai
Shanghai is the easiest city in China to be a first-timer: compact, walkable, English-friendly. It will not give you ancient China — for that, go to Beijing or Xi’an — but it gives you the country at its most modern, most comfortable, and most fun to wander.
How to plan your days
Two full days is the honest minimum. Day one: the Bund in the morning light, then Yuyuan Garden, then the French Concession — tree-lined streets, old lane houses, better coffee than your hometown. Day two: Shanghai Museum (free, reserve ahead) and the view from Lujiazui or the Shanghai Tower. If you have a third day, take the day trip to Zhujiajiao water town.
Getting around
The metro is world-class and reaches everywhere; lines 1, 2, 10 cover most tourist routes. Bikes are everywhere — unlock with Alipay or WeChat. Walking between the Bund and the Concession is genuinely pleasant, which is rare in Chinese megacities.
Where to stay
Stay near Jing’an Temple or the French Concession for neighborhood life and good food within walking distance. The Bund is prettier at night but dead at street level. Hongqiao area makes sense only for airport convenience.
What to eat
Shanghai food is sweet-savory: shengjianbao (pan-fried pork buns), xiaolongbao, hongshao rou. Breakfast like a local at a century-old wonton shop. For dinner, the city has the best range of foreign food in China if you need a break from Chinese cuisine — especially in the former French Concession.
Practical notes
Shanghai is safe at any hour; solo travelers should worry least here. Summer is sticky-hot and typhoons occasionally delay flights in August–September. The Bund subway exit on weekends can take 20 minutes of shuffling — walk one stop instead.
Routes that include Shanghai
Shanghai 3-Day Experience
Three days in Shanghai covering the Bund, Yuyuan, the French Concession and Lujiazui — with realistic transfer times and what to book ahead.
View day-by-day →Beijing-Shanghai-Hangzhou 7 Days
A seven-day north-to-south route by high-speed train: Beijing’s imperial sights, Shanghai’s riverfront and a slow finish around Hangzhou’s West Lake.
View day-by-day →Panorama China 10 Days
Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin and Shanghai in ten days — with the internal flights, rail legs and booking order that make the route actually work.
View day-by-day →Other destinations
Beijing
China's capital, from the Great Wall and Forbidden City to hutongs and night markets: what to see, how many days you need and when to go.
Best time: April - May, September - October
Xi'an
Step back in time at the ancient capital with the Terracotta Army and City Wall. Taste amazing Muslim Quarter street food.
Best time: April - May, September - October
Chengdu
Home of giant pandas and Sichuan cuisine, a city that combines tradition and modernity. Enjoy hot pot, tea houses, and slow pace of life.
Best time: March - June, September - November
Questions about your trip?
If you want help with routes or want to ask me something directly, you can find me here.