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.
Not visiting these attractions in Shanghai is equivalent to traveling for nothing
A 5-hour guide compiled by a local from Shanghai
Record real experiences at various attractions in Shanghai
The best time guide to visit Shanghai, covering seasonal climate and recommended monthly activities. From strolling along the Bund in spring to enjoying hot spring cuisine in winter, plan a perfect Shanghai city tour and don't miss out on the must do things in Shanghai.
The Beijing Shanghai high-speed railway provides convenient daily travel with over 45 bullet trains, connecting the culture and scenery of the two major cities. Whether planning a Beijing city tour or exploring Shanghai tourism, high-speed rail is an ideal choice to make your Beijing Shanghai trip more relaxed and enjoyable.
Night tour of Shanghai, the four major attractions of the Bund, Nanjing Road, Lujiazui, and Tianzifang are dazzling. Follow a professional Shanghai tour guide, deeply appreciate the charm of the city that never sleeps. Shanghai's scenic spots are dazzling, and Shanghai's tourism is unforgettable. Shanghai at night is waiting for you to explore.
Planning a trip to Shanghai requires determining the time and budget, selecting Shanghai attractions, booking tour guide services, planning city sightseeing routes, considering holiday packages, and preparing essential items. Follow these steps to deeply experience the charm of Shanghai tourism, enjoy the fun of Shanghai.
The Shanghai Parent Child Travel Guide is here! Explore attractions such as science museums, Disney, and nature museums, where fun and knowledge coexist. Follow the Shanghai tour guide and embark on an unforgettable parent-child journey. Come to Shanghai and enjoy the perfect fusion of family fun and knowledge exploration!
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.
The Huangpu River Cruise, departing from Shiliupu Pier, offers a quintessential journey through Shanghai’s past and present. Stretching 113 kilometers, the Huangpu River divides the city into Puxi (west bank) and Pudong (east bank), showcasing colonial-era architecture, futuristic skyscrapers, and bustling waterfronts. Since the 19th century, it has served as Shanghai’s economic lifeline and cultural artery. Today, the cruise is a must-do for visitors seeking panoramic views of iconic landmarks like the Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, and Shanghai Tower.
Yu Garden, also known as the "Garden of Happiness," is a quintessential classical Chinese garden located in the heart of Shanghai’s Old City. Built between 1559 and 1577 during the Ming Dynasty by Pan Yunduan, a high-ranking official, it served as a private retreat for his parents. Covering 20,000 square meters, the garden is renowned for its exquisite pavilions, rockeries, ponds, and winding corridors, embodying the pinnacle of traditional Chinese landscape design. Designated a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit in 1961 and a UNESCO-recognized "Historic Centre of Shanghai" site, it now attracts millions of visitors seeking a tranquil escape from the bustling metropolis.
Shanghai Disney Resort, the first Disney park in mainland China and the sixth globally, opened in June 2016. Blending Disney magic with Chinese cultural elements, it spans 3.9 square kilometers, featuring a theme park, two hotels, Disneytown (a shopping/dining district), and Wishing Star Park. Designed to immerse guests in "authentic storytelling with a local touch," the resort has become a must-visit destination for families and Disney enthusiasts, hosting over 18 million visitors annually.
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, known as "China’s First Commercial Street," is Shanghai’s iconic shopping and cultural hub. Spanning 1.2 kilometers from People’s Square to the Bund, it was established in 1851 as the city’s first modern commercial thoroughfare. Today, it blends historic architecture with contemporary retail, hosting over 600 shops, global luxury brands, traditional Chinese stores, and bustling food alleys. The street’s Art Deco facades, neon lights, and century-old department stores (like No. 1 Department Store) reflect Shanghai’s evolution from a treaty port to a global metropolis. Designated a "National Scenic Street" in 1999, it attracts over 1.6 million visitors daily, offering a sensory journey through China’s economic and cultural transformation.
Wukang Road, a 1.2-kilometer-long historic boulevard in Shanghai’s former French Concession, is renowned for its European-style architecture, literary heritage, and bohemian atmosphere. Built in 1907 during the Qing Dynasty, it was originally named “Route Ferguson” after a British consul. Today, it stands as a living museum of Shanghai’s colonial past and modern creative energy, lined with over 30 protected heritage buildings, trendy boutiques, and art galleries. Designated a “National Historic and Cultural Street” in 2011, it attracts visitors seeking a blend of nostalgia, culture, and urban leisure.
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, located 48 kilometers west of Shanghai’s city center, is a 4A-rated cultural-ecological destination renowned as the "Venice of the East." Founded during the Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE), it spans 1.5 square kilometers with 49 preserved Ming-Qing (1368–1912) residences, 36 stone bridges, and 6 kilometers of canals. Designated a national historical and cultural town in 2007, it offers a living museum of Jiangnan (Yangtze Delta) water town culture, featuring arched bridges, waterfront courtyards, and traditional boat tours.
Tianzifang, located in the Xuhui District of Shanghai, is a 4A-rated cultural and tourism area renowned for its preservation of 1930s shikumen (stone-gate) residential architecture. Covering 10,000 square meters across 10 lanes, it transforms a once-dilapidated neighborhood into a bohemian enclave featuring over 150 art studios, boutiques, and cafés. Designated a national cultural industry demonstration base in 2010, it offers a unique fusion of historical charm and contemporary creativity, attracting over 5 million visitors annually.
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.
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Top 10 Food Streets in Shanghai Unlock the culinary code for a Shanghai city tour, visit the top ten food streets, and taste authentic Shanghai cuisine. Whether it's traditional snacks or modern creative cuisine, there is everything you need here, which is one of the must do things in Shanghai and not to be missed. -
Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Shanghai Shanghai offers a mix of history, culture, and modern attractions. Must-see spots include the Bund, Pearl of the Orient, Shanghai Disneyland, Nanjing Road, Tianzifang, Shanghai Museum, and Yu Garden. For a peaceful retreat, visit Jing'an Temple, making Shanghai perfect for all types of travelers.
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Top 10 Cultural Experiences in Shanghai The top 10 distinctive cultural experiences in Shanghai include the Bund, Yu Garden, Tianzifang and other Shanghai attractions. In combination with Shanghai tourism and Shanghai city sightseeing bus, deeply explore the integration of history and modernity in Shanghai, and feel the unique charm of Oriental Paris.
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Top 10 Famous Temples in Shanghai The top ten famous temples in Shanghai, such as Jing'an Temple and Jade Buddha Temple, are cultural treasures among Shanghai's attractions and are suitable for tourism exploration in Shanghai. Hire a Shanghai tour guide in Shanghai to deeply experience the history and culture of the temple, and feel the tranquility and harmony of the soul.
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Shanghai’s Top 10 Most-Asked Photo Spots Revealed! Discover Shanghai’s top photo spots: the Bund’s skyline, Yu Garden’s teahouse, Zhujiajiao’s canals, and quirky Marriage Market. Perfect for those who visit Shanghai, these Shanghai attractions blend history, art, and urban energy.
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Shanghai’s Top 10 Trendiest Streets – NO.1 Will Surprise You Explore Shanghai’s trendiest streets, from luxury shopping on Nanjing Road to the artistic flair of M50. Discover unique gems like the charming Sinan Mansions and vintage treasures on Dongtai Road. These top spots blend Shanghai’s rich history with modern style, offering something for every traveler’s Shanghai itinerary.
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.
Join our one-day Shanghai trip to savor the blend of traditional culture and modern fashion, from classical gardens to bustling urban prosperity, for a memorable experience.
Embark on a 2-Day Shanghai Cultural & Modern Discovery Tour, exploring Ming Dynasty Yu Garden, bustling Nanjing Road, colonial Bund, Huangpu River cruise, iconic Oriental Pearl Tower, quaint Qibao Water Town, serene Jade Buddha Temple, artsy Tianzifang, and relaxing Fuxing Park, for a perfect blend of tradition and modernity in China's most vibrant city.
This tour offers an in-depth experience of Shanghai's classical and modern charm, including iconic sites, cultural spots, and nearby ancient water towns.
This four-day trip spans from the vibrant urbanity of Shanghai to the breathtaking natural beauty of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
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
