How to Plan a Trip to Shanghai: Everything to Know

When mentioning Shanghai, you might think of it as a fashion capital and a shopping paradise, but undoubtedly, it is also a treasure trove of cultural tourism. You may have seen videos of Shanghai's night scenery. As the lights come on, the entire city is immersed in a colorful and dazzling sea of neon. If you want to plan a Shanghai tour and explore the beauty of this city in person, you can check out this complete guide to enjoy an extraordinary Shanghai trip.

Top Attractions & Best Things to Do in Shanghai

Discover the Iconic Landmarks

The Bund is a great place to appreciate the Shanghai skyline of Lujiazui across the Huangpu River. Visiting here in the evening, you can experience the dazzling light show and take a Huangpu River cruise for a boat trip in Shanghai to admire the stunning night views of this city. Also, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower is a must-visit. It features a 360-degree all-transparent observation deck that allows you to overlook the panoramic view of Shanghai during your Shanghai city tour.

Explore the History, Culture, and Art of Shanghai

Shanghai Museum is one of the best places for a historic Shanghai tour as you can learn about Shanghai’s history, art and culture. Yu Garden is also worth visiting when you plan a trip to Shanghai. Walking on the Zigzag Bridge, you will discover the beauty of the well-preserved architectural layout from the Ming Dynasty. If you enjoy the ambiance of the regions south of the Yangtze River, Zhujiajiao Ancient Town should not be missed. By the way, hiring a tour guide in Shanghai to explain the city's historical culture to you will provide a deeper understanding.

>> Recommended 4-Day Shanghai Discovery Tour Package with Zhujiajiao

Take a Stroll along the Ancient Streets of Shanghai

If you want to discover the hidden gems of Shanghai like a local, you can embark on a walking tour of Shanghai. As you stroll down Wukang Road, you will encounter numerous historic buildings, including the former residences of Song Qingling and Ba Jin. Tianzifang is a good place to admire contemporary art and handmade crafts, and discover traditional Shanghai Shikumen dwellings. Unlike these two, Nanjing Road, known as China's First Commercial Street, is a shopping paradise with time-honored brands and internet-famous spots that are not to be missed.

Have Fun in Shanghai’s Theme Parks

Only at Shanghai Disneyland can you experience the Tron Lightcycle Power Run, which races at an astonishing speed of 100 kilometers per hour. Don't miss the fireworks show at 9 PM. Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park is a great option for a half-day tour in Shanghai. Here, you can enjoy close-up views of orca performances, Antarctic penguins, and thrilling attractions like volcano rafting. If you're traveling to Shanghai with kids, never miss Shanghai LEGOLAND, China's first LEGO theme park, where over 75 interactive rides, shows, and attractions await your exploration.

>> Recommended 5-Day Shanghai Family Tour

Best Time to Visit Shanghai

Shanghai has four distinct seasons, while spring and autumn are the best times to travel with a pleasant climate. There is neither the sweltering heat of summer nor the chilly dampness of winter, making it ideal for strolling through the streets, admiring the urban scenery, and participating in various outdoor activities during your Shanghai tours. In spring, you can visit Gongqing Forest Park to admire the cherry blossoms, while in autumn, you can appreciate the beauty of falling ginkgo leaves at Guyi Garden.

>> Read more about Shanghai Weather & Climate

How to Get to Shanghai

Shanghai has two airports: Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. They offer direct flights to over 100 international hubs, including Tokyo, Los Angeles, Singapore, London, Paris, Hong Kong, and more. Hence, you can travel to Shanghai by direct flight. Generally, the flight duration from major cities of other countries to Shanghai is no more than 16 hours.

If you are already in China, you can start a trip to Shanghai by plane or high-speed train. For instance, the flight duration for your Beijing to Shanghai tour is approximately 2 hours, and high-speed train travel takes 4.5 to 6 hours. Also, the ticket price may surge during peak seasons, so remember to book a flight ticket in advance. If you find yourself in Suzhou, Hangzhou, or Huangshan, then a high-speed train should be your first option.

Shanghai Food: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Shanghai cuisine is one of China's eight major cuisines that blends the delicacy of the regions south of the Yangtze River with the innovation of Western cuisine, forming a unique Shanghai-style food culture. From traditional snacks hidden in the deep alleys to the exquisite dishes served in restaurants, Shanghai cuisine attracts foodies from all over the world with its unique flavors and diverse fusion.

More specifically, traditional snacks like Xiao Long Bao and Sheng Jian Bao are mouth-watering delicacies. Classic Shanghai dishes such as crab roe tofu and braised pork in brown sauce are equally enticing. During your tour of Shanghai, be sure to give them a try.

>> Read more about Shanghai Food and Restaurants

Where to Stay in Shanghai

Shanghai boasts a wide array of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly youth hostels priced at just a few dozen yuan to luxurious hotels costing several thousand. There is certainly a place that suits your needs. With the exception of Disneyland, most of Shanghai's attractions are clustered in the downtown area, providing great convenience for exploration. Hence, when selecting a hotel, consider staying at the following locations, whether it’s a layover tour in Shanghai or a longer stay in this city.

Nanjing Road: Transportation in this area is highly convenient with dense subway stations. Also, the Bund is just a short walk away. If you are a shopaholic, this street is ideal for you.

People's Square: This stands out as one of the prime accommodations. With Subway lines 1, 2, and 8 located nearby, staying in this area provides easy access to various attractions. If you want to experience the vintage allure of Shanghai, the historic buildings and charming homestays are great options. 

The Bund: Hotels here are within walking distance of Nanjing Road and with direct access via subway lines 2 and 10. Staying here, you can also appreciate the night view of the Bund and the historic architecture, which makes it a perfect place for your Shanghai architecture tour.

>> Recommended 17-Day China Ancient Architecture Tour with Shanghai

Lujiazui: A stay here provides an unparalleled night view experience, affording a spectacular sight of skyscrapers like the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center. Nevertheless, accommodation in this area comes at a premium, making it ideal for a luxury tour of Shanghai.

>> Recommended 11-Day Best of China Luxury Discovery Tour with Shanghai

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Shanghai?

Shanghai has adopted visa-free entry policies since January 2023, which include a 240-hour transit visa exemption and 30-day visa-free entry for many countries in Europe, America, and Oceania.

240-hour visa-free entry: Nationals of 54 countries, such as the United States, Canada, Russia, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea, and Singapore, can enjoy a 240-hour (10-day) visa-free entry policy when traveling to Shanghai. If you want to stay longer, a visa is required.

30-day visa-free entry: Citizens of 38 countries, including France, Germany, and Italy, can enjoy a 30-day visa exemption when visiting Shanghai. During your trip to Shanghai, China, you can engage in activities such as tourism, business, and family visits. 

How Long to Stay in Shanghai & Best Itinerary for 1-5 Days

Generally, it requires at least 3 days to explore the beauty of Shanghai. But for travelers with brief layovers, you can even have a Shanghai airport tour to shortly experience the unique charm of this city. For those who have more time, you can extend your Shanghai trip to surrounding cities such as Suzhou, Hangzhou, Huangshan, and others.

Shanghai 1-Day Itinerary

For a one-day tour in Shanghai, you can visit the city’s landmarks like the Yu Garden, admire modern architecture like the Oriental Pearl Tower, and wander along the Bund to appreciate the bustling nightlife of Shanghai.

16-Day Luxury China Signature Tour

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