Precautions for first-time Shanghai tourism
Shanghai, China's global financial hub and cultural melting pot, harmoniously merges colonial heritage with cutting-edge innovation. As the birthplace of modern Chinese industry and a crossroads of East-West exchange, it showcases iconic landmarks like the Bund's European architecture, Lujiazui's futuristic skyline, and Yu Garden's Ming-era elegance. The city's soul thrives in labyrinthine Shikumen (stone gate) alleyways, art deco heritage buildings, and bustling markets where traditional street food meets avant-garde culinary trends. With a 1,000-year trading history and a population over 26 million, Shanghai pulsates as Asia's most dynamic metropolis, blending historic charm with boundless creativity.
IntoTravelChina's Shanghai guide unlocks the city's essence through curated insights: must-see attractions, hidden gem neighborhoods, immersive cultural experiences, seasonal highlights, and seamless navigation tips. Thoughtfully crafted itineraries balance colonial grandeur, contemporary art scenes, and authentic local life—from strolling French Concession tree-lined streets to marveling at digital art installations in West Bund. Practical advice on metro systems, river cruises, and nightlife hotspots ensures travelers capture Shanghai's dual identity as both a timeless port city and tomorrow's global capital.
Precautions for traveling to Shanghai
Planning a trip to Shanghai? Familiarize yourself with its fast-paced urban rhythm and seasonal weather patterns—summer can be hot and rainy, while winters are damp and chilly. Navigate the city efficiently using its extensive metro system, but be prepared for crowds during peak hours and holidays.
The Four Most Tourist Attractions in Shanghai
Unlock Shanghai Food Map in 2 Days
Travel Notes of a Foreigner in Shanghai
The Best Time to Visit Shanghai: Seasonal, Monthly Weather and Climate Guide
Shanghai to Beijing high-speed railway: Bullet Trains
Night Tour of Shanghai: Unveiling the Charm of the City
How to Plan a Trip to Shanghai: 6 Practical Steps
Family Adventures in Shanghai: Where Fun Meets Learning
The most popular attractions in Shanghai
Shanghai, a global metropolis where East meets West, showcases iconic landmarks like the Bund’s colonial-era architecture and the futuristic skyline of Pudong. From the serene Yuyuan Garden to the bustling Nanjing Road, its attractions blend historical charm with modern innovation.
The Bund, a 1.5-kilometer stretch along Shanghai’s Huangpu River, is the city’s iconic promenade and a UNESCO-recognized “Heritage Corridor.” Built between 1845 and 1937, this former colonial concession blends Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical architecture with modern skyscrapers, earning it the nickname “the Museum of World Architecture.” Once a hub for foreign trade and banking, it now symbolizes Shanghai’s rise as a global metropolis, offering panoramic vistas of the Pudong skyline and historical landmarks like the Customs House Clock Tower and Peace Hotel.
Top 10 travel guides in Shanghai
Explore Shanghai’s dynamic essence through our top 10 guides, highlighting iconic experiences like Bund sunset views, Shanghai Tower’s observation decks, and hidden gems like Tianzifang’s art galleries. Discover local cuisine, from steaming xiaolongbao to street-side scallion pancakes.
-
Top 10 Food Streets in Shanghai Top 10 Food Streets in Shanghai -
Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Shanghai Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Shanghai
-
Top 10 Cultural Experiences in Shanghai Top 10 Cultural Experiences in Shanghai
-
Top 10 Famous Temples in Shanghai Top 10 Famous Temples in Shanghai
-
Shanghai’s Top 10 Most-Asked Photo Spots Revealed! Shanghai’s Top 10 Most-Asked Photo Spots Revealed!
-
Shanghai’s Top 10 Trendiest Streets – NO.1 Will Surprise You Shanghai’s Top 10 Trendiest Streets – NO.1 Will Surprise You
Best Things to Do in Shanghai
Immerse yourself in Shanghai’s vibrant energy by savoring Michelin-starred dim sum, strolling through French Concession’s tree-lined streets, or cruising the Huangpu River at night. Dive into its creative pulse at M50 Art District or catch a traditional Peking Opera performance.
Specific guide for visiting Shanghai
Shanghai, a city of contrasts, offers everything from ancient temples to cutting-edge tech hubs. Plan visits around its humid summers and mild winters, and embrace the local obsession with efficiency—use metro apps for navigation and book popular attractions like Disneyland in advance.
Shanghai Travel Itineraries
Craft your Shanghai journey with themed itineraries: a historic blend of the Bund, Yuyuan Garden, and Jing’an Temple; a modern adventure through Lujiazui’s skyscrapers and Shanghai Disneyland; or a cultural exploration of art districts and hidden local markets. Each route captures Shanghai’s unique fusion of tradition and futurism.
What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
