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Why Travel to Shanghai ?

Located on the eastern coast of China, at the mouth of the Yangtze River Delta, Shanghai, Hu for short, is the "magic" city known by Chinese people for its fast economical development. In fact, it serves as the most influential financial, international trade, and cultural center in East China. Moreover, Shanghai has been an object of fascination for travelers for centuries.


As a renowned Chinese saying goes, you will see an ancient China of 3,000 years ago in Xi'an, a n allure China of 1,000 years ago in Beijing and a real century-old China in Shanghai. No matter you want to enjoy top landmarks to witness the prosperous metropolis, or discover its traditional culture and history, there are plenty of places to visit in Shanghai, including Shanghai Tower, Yu Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, Zhujiajiao water towns, Disneyland, etc. Most tourist attractions of Shanghai are located in the downtown area, except Shanghai Disney Resort in the southeast suburb and Zhujiajiao Water Town in the southwest outskirt.


We don't want to talk about Shanghai's mix of western and Chinese, old and new since Shanghai city bears out such clichés and is fiercely proud of having its own character. It's an intoxicating place, a multi-faceted city that's full of energy and allure — and genuinely unlike anywhere else in the world. You will have a deeper and real feeling only when you go to Shanghai.

Shanghai City Tours

Here are our well-selected Beijing private city tour packages as below.

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Shanghai Private Tours 2026 & 2027

Our crafted China itineraries will take you to explore the most popular highlights in each city while discovering the hidden treasures that only locals know. Take them as inspiration, and choose your preferred one to tailor-make it.

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Shanghai Travel FAQs

Best Time Overall: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). These seasons offer mild temperatures, low humidity, and fewer crowds, making them the ideal times for sightseeing and exploring Shanghai’s outdoor attractions.

 

Best for Festivals and Events: Summer (June to August), though it comes with high temperatures and crowds, offers the most events and festivals, especially if you enjoy vibrant city life.

 

Best for Budget Travelers and Fewer Crowds: Winter (December to February), especially if you’re comfortable with cold weather and prefer a quieter, more affordable experience.

Sure, most travelers to Shanghai will need a China visa. However, there are some exceptions:

 

Visa-Free Transit: If you're transiting through Shanghai for up to 144 hours (6 days), you may be eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit program if you're from a qualifying country and staying within Shanghai and its surrounding areas. Read our visa free policy for details.

 

Tourist Visa: If you're staying longer or planning to travel beyond the eligible area, you’ll need a Tourist Visa (L Visa). Ensure you apply in advance at a Chinese embassy or consulate.

Maglev Train: The fastest option, the Shanghai Maglev Train, takes you from Pudong Airport to Longyang Road metro station in 8 minutes. From there, you can transfer to the metro.

 

Taxi: A taxi from Pudong Airport to downtown Shanghai takes about 30–45 minutes , depending on traffic.

 

Airport Shuttle: Several shuttle bus routes connect the airport to different parts of the city. The buses are cheaper but slower than taxis or the Maglev.

 

Metro: You can also take the Line 2 metro directly from the airport, which is more affordable (around ¥5) but takes about 1 hour.

While English is increasingly understood in Shanghai, especially in tourist areas, restaurants, and high-end hotels, it is not universally spoken. Many signs and menus have English translations, but basic Chinese phrases or a translation app (e.g., Google Translate or Pleco) can be very helpful. In areas like the French Concession or People’s Square, you'll find more English speaker.

Shanghai is generally considered very safe for travelers. Crime rates are low, and it is clean and well-maintained. However, like in any major city, it's important to stay vigilant:

 

Watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas like Nanjing Road or Yuyuan Garden.

Be cautious in less populated areas at night.

Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps (like DiDi) to avoid potential scams.

The official currency is Renminbi (RMB), also known as the Yuan (¥). While credit cards are widely accepted in larger stores and restaurants, cash is still important for smaller shops, street food, or taxis.

 

Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are extremely popular and widely used, especially for locals. We recommend WeChat Pay more because it simplifies its register process in 2024. To link with WeChat Pay, visitors just need to provide your Visa or MasterCard number, along with the expiration date and security code. 

Yes! Shanghai is a very family-friendly destination with lots of attractions for children, including:

 

Shanghai Disneyland: A large amusement park with themed rides and parades.

Shanghai Ocean Aquarium: One of the largest aquariums in the world.

Shanghai Science and Technology Museum: Interactive exhibits for children to learn about science and technology.

Nanjing Road: A famous shopping street for international brands and luxury goods.

Xujiahui: A bustling district with large malls like Metro City and Grand Gateway.

Tianzifang and Xintiandi: For arts, crafts, and boutique shopping.

Shanghai South Bund Fabric Market: For custom-made clothes and fabrics.

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