Shanghai is China’s financial hub and one of the world’s largest metropolises, blending futuristic skylines with traditional charm, offering a diverse range of restaurants, shops, and attractions for travelers to explore.
Shanghai is located on the central coast of China, at the mouth of the Yangtze River. The city is served by two main airports: Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). Shanghai is famous for its fashion and shopping, with popular districts like Nanjing Road and Huaihai Road, as well as the luxury flagship stores gathered in Xintiandi.
Lujiazui is a bustling commercial district where gleaming skyscrapers meet the historic waterfront. The Bund, located in the heart of Shanghai, features classic European architecture. Shanghai is a food lover’s paradise, offering everything from exquisite Michelin-starred restaurants to hundreds of affordable and delicious local eateries serving authentic Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).
Weather in Shanghai
Spring in Shanghai is warm and pleasant, while summer is hot, humid, and occasionally experiences typhoons. Autumn is cool and comfortable, making it one of the best times to visit. Winter is cold and damp. Snow is rare, but temperatures can drop near freezing in the early months of the year. The Shanghai one-week weather forecast is highly accurate and useful for reference.
Transportation
Shanghai has two international airports: Pudong (PVG) and Hongqiao (SHA). You can take standard or luxury airport buses to the city center, or ride the Maglev train (from Pudong Airport) or the Metro. The Shanghai Metro is one of the most extensive subway systems in the world, connecting the airports and major train stations seamlessly to the rest of the city.
Don’t Miss
- Explore Shanghai’s diverse culinary scene, ranging from themed cafes to high-end dining experiences.
- Stroll along The Bund to admire the historical architecture and enjoy the spectacular view of the Lujiazui skyline across the river.
- Visit Yu Garden and the surrounding City God Temple area to experience traditional Chinese architecture and vibrant local culture.
- Take a cruise on the Huangpu River to understand the city’s development and see the striking contrast between old and new Shanghai.
Explore Shanghai by Area
The Bund & People’s Square
Lujiazui & Pudong
Nanjing Road & Jing’an
Xintiandi & Huaihai Road
Yu Garden & Old City
French Concession
Xujiahui & Hengshan Road
Tianzifang & Dapuqiao
West Bund (Art District)
North Bund & Hongkou
Hongqiao & Gubei
Century Park & Expo Area
Shanghai Disney Resort
Songjiang & Thames Town
Zhujiajiao Water Town
Greater Shanghai Area
Popular Attractions in Shanghai
Local Specialties
Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)
Famous for their delicate, translucent skin and savory, piping-hot pork broth inside. A must-try delicacy originating from the Nanxiang suburb of Shanghai, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.
Shengjianbao (Pan-fried Buns)
A beloved local breakfast staple for over a century. These buns feature a signature crispy, pan-fried bottom, a fluffy dough top, and a juicy, rich pork filling sprinkled with sesame and scallions.
Shanghai Hairy Crab
A highly prized seasonal delicacy available in autumn. Known for its incredibly rich, sweet roe and tender meat, it is traditionally steamed and paired with warm Shaoxing yellow wine and ginger tea.
Custom Qipao (Cheongsam)
Shanghai is the birthplace of the modern, form-fitting Qipao. The city’s master tailors are renowned worldwide for their exquisite craftsmanship, elegant silk fabrics, and traditional hand-sewn details.
Gu Embroidery (Gu Xiu)
Originating in the Ming Dynasty from the Gu family in Shanghai, this luxurious embroidery style is famous for its painting-like precision, using incredibly fine silk threads to recreate classical Chinese paintings.
White Rabbit Creamy Candy
A nostalgic, iconic milk candy born in Shanghai in the 1940s. It is famous globally for its rich, chewy milky texture and the unique, edible rice paper wrapping inside the iconic wrapper.
Scallion Oil Noodles
The ultimate Shanghai comfort food. Fresh, chewy noodles are simply tossed in a fragrant, dark soy sauce reduction infused with deeply caramelized, slow-fried scallions. Simple yet unforgettable.
Shanghai Smoked Fish (Xun Yu)
Despite its name, this classic appetizer is not actually smoked. Fresh fish chunks are deep-fried until crispy, then immediately soaked in a sweet, spiced soy marinade. Served cold as a delightful starter.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring
Spring brings a gentle warmth and colorful blossoms to the city. Admire the blooming white magnolias (the city flower) and cherry blossoms at Gucun Park. It’s the perfect time for a comfortable stroll through the former French Concession, enjoying a coffee under the canopy of green plane trees.
Summer
Summer in Shanghai is vibrant and energetic, though quite humid. Escape the afternoon heat by exploring world-class indoor museums, and enjoy the lively night breezes along the Huangpu River. Don’t miss the beautiful lotus flowers blooming in traditional gardens.
Autumn
Autumn is arguably the best season to visit. The weather is crisp and cool. The city’s streets are covered in golden ginkgo leaves, creating a romantic atmosphere. It is also the highly anticipated season for enjoying the famous Shanghai hairy crabs, a culinary highlight of the year.
Winter
Winter is chilly and damp, but the city warms up with festive cheer. Experience the dazzling holiday lights in Xintiandi, and later, the spectacular lantern displays at Yu Garden during the Spring Festival. Warm up with a steaming bowl of traditional savory hot pot.