Your Ultimate China Tour Guide for Things to Do in Shanghai

Shanghai, a captivating international metropolis, draws countless visitors with its unique cityscapes and rich cultural sights. As one of China’s most cosmopolitan cities, Shanghai perfectly blends historical depth with modern fashion, making it a key destination for any China tour. You’ll find the bustling scenes of the old “Shi Li Yang Chang” (十里洋场) alongside quiet, elegant historical districts. This guide will take you deep into Shanghai’s most worthwhile attractions, helping you plan an amazing trip and discover the best things to do in Shanghai.

The Bund (外滩): Shanghai’s Dazzling Night Pearl and Iconic Landmark

The Bund (外滩) is one of Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks, and its collection of buildings, hailed as an “Exhibition of International Architecture,” is a must-see for anyone exploring Shanghai attractions. Located on the banks of the Huangpu River (黄浦江) in the Huangpu District, it stretches from Waibaidu Bridge (外白渡桥) in the north to Yan’an East Road in the south, about 1.5 kilometers long. The real stars here are the 52 diverse buildings on the west side, showcasing Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, and a mix of Chinese and Western styles, creating a breathtaking architectural landscape that contributes to the famous Shanghai skyline.

While stunning by day, the Bund’s nighttime light show is truly unforgettable. At night, the Bund Shanghai is adorned with neon lights, creating a fairyland scene. With the river breeze on your face and the bright lights all around, a stroll along the Bund lets you feel Shanghai’s prosperity and charm. Key sights include the former HSBC Building, the Customs House, the Bund Bull (Shanghai Bull), and the Gutzlaff Signal Tower.

The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel is another can’t-miss attraction. You can walk through the tunnel to Pudong (浦东) on the other side and get an up-close look at the modern skyscrapers of Lujiazui (陆家嘴). Plus, the Bund has many unique restaurants and cafes, perfect for photos and relaxing, adding to the list of things to do in Shanghai.

The Bund’s history dates back to 1844 when this area was designated as the British concession, becoming a true reflection of Shanghai’s “Shi Li Yang Chang” (十里洋场) and a microcosm of the old Shanghai concession era. Today, the Bund symbolizes the fusion of Shanghai’s modernity and history, serving as an important window into the city’s past and culture, a true highlight for Shanghai sightseeing.

Yu Garden (豫园): A Treasure of Classical Garden Art and Serenity

Yu Garden (豫园), also known as Yuyuan Garden, is a classic Jiangnan (江南) garden located in the northeastern part of Shanghai’s Old City, near Fuyou Road, Anren Street, and the Old City God Temple (老城隍庙). Built during the Ming Dynasty’s Jiajing and Wanli eras by Pan Yunduan, a Ming official, the name “Yu Garden” signifies “peace” and “tranquility,” expressing Pan’s wish for his parents to enjoy their later years in the garden. It’s a prime example of a Chinese garden.

Covering over 30 mu (about 2 hectares), the garden features more than 40 scenic spots, including Sansui Hall (三穗堂), the Great Rockery (大假山), Iron Lions (铁狮子), Kuai Tower (快楼), Deyue Tower (得月楼), Yulinglong (玉玲珑) (a famous porous rock), Jiyu Water Corridor (积玉水廊), Tingtao Pavilion (听涛阁), Hanbi Tower (涵碧楼), the Inner Garden’s Jingguan Hall (内园静观大厅), and an ancient opera stage. The layout is well-balanced, showcasing the exquisite elegance of Jiangnan gardens, making it one of the top Shanghai tourist attractions.

Yu Garden’s charm lies in its intricate design and rich cultural heritage. Elements like rockeries, ponds, pavilions, and towers are cleverly combined to create a garden art where “a world of its own exists within a small space.” Yulinglong (玉玲珑) is the most famous Taihu rock in the garden, known for its unique shape and beautiful texture. The Nine-Bend Bridge (九曲桥) and the Mid-Lake Pavilion (湖心亭) are prime spots for photos and enjoying the garden views.

Every spring, the Peony Garden in Yu Garden hosts a peony exhibition, attracting many visitors. The ancient opera stage also features regular traditional opera performances, offering a rich cultural experience. The Yu Garden Shanghai Bazaar, a commercial area within the garden, is filled with specialty shops and snack stalls, making it a great place to buy souvenirs and try local delicacies.

Shanghai Disney Resort (上海迪士尼度假区): A Fairytale Come to Life for All Ages

Shanghai Disney Resort is mainland China’s first Disney theme park, located in Chuansha New Town, Pudong New Area. It officially opened on June 16, 2016. It’s Asia’s third and the world’s sixth Disney theme park, and the first in mainland China. A visit here is often on the list of things to do in Shanghai for families.

Shanghai Disneyland boasts seven themed lands: Mickey Avenue, Gardens of Imagination, Adventure Isle, Treasure Cove, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, and Toy Story Land. Each land has its unique character, offering a wide array of rides and entertainment. You can easily find a Shanghai Disneyland map to navigate the park.

Popular rides include “Soaring Over the Horizon,” “Roaring Rapids,” “Seven Dwarfs Mine Train,” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure.” Soaring Over the Horizon, located in Adventure Isle, is one of Disney’s hottest attractions, where you can soar over world-famous landmarks.

Shanghai Disneyland isn’t just for kids; it’s great for adults and families too. The park offers a variety of shows and entertainment, including parades and fireworks. Plus, there are numerous restaurants and shops offering all sorts of food and souvenirs.

Oriental Pearl Tower (东方明珠): A Bright Pearl by the Huangpu River, Dominating the Shanghai Skyline

The Oriental Pearl Tower (东方明珠), an unmissable part of the Shanghai skyline, is located in the heart of Lujiazui, Pudong New Area, and is one of Shanghai’s most recognizable landmarks. Standing at about 468 meters, it’s currently the fourth tallest tower in Asia and the sixth tallest in the world. The Oriental Pearl Tower and the Bund’s international architectural cluster across the river complement each other, showcasing the spectacular scenery of this global metropolis.

Construction began on July 30, 1991, and it was completed on October 1, 1994. In February 1994, then-President Jiang Zemin inscribed the tower’s name. The tower’s structure, with its three diagonal braces, three vertical columns, plaza, lower sphere, five smaller spheres, upper sphere, space capsule, and antenna mast, creates a unique design resembling “large and small pearls dropping onto a jade plate.” The Pearl Tower is a key Shanghai attraction.

The Oriental Pearl Tower offers a variety of services, including sightseeing, dining, shopping, entertainment, Huangpu River cruises, conferences, exhibitions, and historical displays. You can take a high-speed elevator to the observation deck in the upper sphere for a panoramic view of Shanghai. From the tower, you get clear views of the Bund’s architectural cluster and Pudong’s modern buildings, experiencing Shanghai’s vibrancy and charm.

Since its completion in 1994, the Oriental Pearl Tower has welcomed over 100 million visitors and 676 heads of state, becoming a key landmark and tourist destination in Shanghai.

Lujiazui Area (陆家嘴地区): The Dazzling Jewel of a Modern Metropolis, Home to the Shanghai Tower

Lujiazui, in Pudong New Area, is the epitome of Shanghai’s modernization, often called “China’s Wall Street.” It’s home to numerous skyscrapers, including the Shanghai Tower, the Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower, and the Shanghai World Financial Center, making it one of Shanghai’s most modern areas and a must-see for those interested in contemporary Shanghai attractions.

The core of Lujiazui includes the Lujiazui Financial District and the Small Lujiazui Core Area. The Small Lujiazui Core Area is the most bustling part, packed with financial institutions and multinational company headquarters. You’ll also find many high-end shopping malls and hotels here, like Shanghai IFC Mall and Super Brand Mall, perfect for shopping and leisure.

Lujiazui isn’t just about modern buildings; it also has parks and green spaces like Lujiazui Central Green Space and the Pudong Museum of Art, offering a peaceful escape from the city buzz.

Additionally, Lujiazui features attractions like the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium and the Shanghai History Museum, providing rich cultural experiences. At night, Lujiazui’s light show is a must-see, especially when viewed from the Bund across the river – the night view is simply breathtaking, a highlight for any Shanghai night.

Shanghai Museum (上海博物馆): A Treasure Trove of Art and History

Shanghai Museum is a large museum of ancient Chinese art, located on People’s Avenue in the city center. It has 20 exhibition halls and interactive spaces, with eight permanent galleries—Bronze, Calligraphy, Painting, Seals, Ceramics, Coins, Sculpture, and Jade—that are like eight “textbooks on ancient Chinese art history.” This is a key cultural stop when considering what to do in Shanghai.

Shanghai Museum houses 120,000 precious artifacts, with outstanding collections of bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, and paintings. The richness and quality of its collection are renowned both domestically and internationally. The building itself is designed with a round top and a square base, symbolizing the traditional Chinese concept of “heaven is round, and earth is square.”

The museum’s architecture uniquely combines traditional Chinese elements with modern building techniques. Its galleries, including the Ancient Chinese Bronze Gallery, Ancient Chinese Sculpture Gallery, Chinese Calligraphy Gallery, Chinese Painting Gallery, Maritime Painting and Calligraphy Gallery, Chinese Seal and Seal Cutting Gallery, Ancient Chinese Jade Gallery, and Ancient Chinese Ceramics Gallery, comprehensively display the essence of ancient Chinese art.

Shanghai Museum is closed all day on Mondays. It’s open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday, and during Chinese national holidays. Daily admission is limited to 8,000 people. Evening visits to the exhibition halls are limited to 2,000 people per night, with timed reservations required.

The museum’s exhibits are regularly rotated, offering a rich cultural experience. It also hosts various temporary exhibitions and cultural events, attracting many visitors from home and abroad.

Huangpu River Cruise (黄浦江游览): Seeing Shanghai from the Water, a Classic Shanghai Experience

The Huangpu River is Shanghai’s mother river, and taking a cruise is another great way to get to know the city and its stunning Shanghai skyline. The Huangpu River Cruise Center has dozens of tourist boats of various sizes and prime dock locations on the Bund and near Pudong’s Binjiang Avenue, along with spacious waiting halls.

There are several cruise routes to choose from, with the “Double Dragons Playing with a Pearl” (双龙戏珠) route (Nanpu Bridge – Yangpu Bridge) being one of the most popular. As the boat sails along the Huangpu River, you can enjoy stunning night views of both banks. You’ll see the towering skyscrapers of Lujiazui, the European-style buildings of the Bund, and historic sites like Yu Garden and the City God Temple.

A night cruise on the Huangpu River is one of the best ways to experience Shanghai’s nightscape. The Shanghai Huangpu River night tour usually takes 3-4 hours, with two different routes offering unique perspectives. One takes you deep into Shanghai’s historical charm, while the other lets you marvel at the modern, dazzling night views of Pudong, a perfect Shanghai night activity.

Along the Huangpu River, there are also many pedestrian paths and bike lanes, so you can walk or cycle along the river to experience Shanghai’s waterfront charm. The scenery along the riverbanks changes with the seasons: budding willows in spring, blooming lotuses in summer, golden ginkgo leaves in autumn, and fragrant wintersweet in winter, each offering its own beauty. Exploring the riverfront is one of the many Shanghai things to do.

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (南京路步行街): A Paradise for Shopping and Leisure in the Heart of Shanghai

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, in Shanghai’s Huangpu District, is one of the city’s most famous commercial areas, hailed as the “No. 1 Commercial Street in China.” The pedestrian zone stretches for about 1,200 meters on Nanjing East Road, from Xizang Middle Road (east of People’s Square) to Henan Middle Road. This is a must-visit for those looking for Shanghai shopping experiences.

Shops line both sides of Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. At a glance, modern buildings are interspersed with old European-style structures, and the vertical shop signs stretch endlessly. It’s especially charming at night when the neon lights twinkle. You can find many time-honored shops here, making it a comprehensive commercial street for shopping, leisure, and sightseeing.

Nanjing Road includes Nanjing East Road and Nanjing West Road. Nanjing West Road is China’s most expensive commercial street in terms of shop rent and Shanghai’s most luxurious fashion district. It’s home to many international brands and high-end malls like Plaza 66 and CITIC Square, a haven for shopping enthusiasts.

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is not just for shopping; it’s also a great place for leisure and sightseeing. There are many specialty restaurants and cafes where you can try various foods. The street also regularly hosts cultural events and festival celebrations, offering a rich cultural experience.

French Concession (法租界): A Perfect Blend of History and Fashion, Explore Xintiandi and Wukang Road

Shanghai’s French Concession is one of the city’s most culturally rich historical districts, boasting unique French architectural styles and a strong historical atmosphere. Key attractions in the French Concession include Sinan Mansions (思南公馆), the French Cultural Street, Fuxing Park (复兴公园), Moller Villa (马勒别墅), old French Concession villas, and the trendy areas of Xintiandi and Wukang Road.

Sinan Mansions is one of the most famous spots in the French Concession. It preserves many old villas with French architectural styles, which have been renovated into a trendy landmark integrating culture, art, and dining. The French Cultural Street showcases French cultural influence in Shanghai, with French restaurants, cafes, and art exhibitions. Xintiandi Shanghai is particularly known for its vibrant nightlife and upscale boutiques.

Fuxing Park is Shanghai’s only French-style park, designed in a French classical style. Main attractions include sunken flowerbeds, a rose garden, camellia and azalea beds, and a Marx and Engels statue plaza. The park has a beautiful environment, perfect for leisurely walks and photos.

Moller Villa is one of the most famous buildings in the French Concession, designed by the renowned French architect Moller. It’s a building with a Neoclassical style. The villa’s interior is lavishly decorated, showcasing exquisite French architectural craftsmanship.

The old villas in the French Concession are representative of Shanghai’s historical architecture. These buildings blend Chinese and Western architectural elements, forming a unique Shanghai architectural style. Strolling through the streets of the French Concession, you can admire various architectural styles and feel Shanghai’s history and culture.

Zhujiajiao Ancient Town (朱家角古镇): Historical Memories of a Water Town Pearl, a Popular Day Trip from Shanghai

Zhujiajiao Ancient Town (朱家角古镇), often referred to as Zhujiajiao Water Town, located in the south-central part of Shanghai’s Qingpu District, close to Dianshan Lake Scenic Area, is one of Shanghai’s famous water towns and a popular choice for day trips from Shanghai. Zhujiajiao is strategically located at the transport hub of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai. It’s east of Hongqiao International Airport, north of Kunshan, south of Jiaxing, and west of Pingwang. The Caogang River (漕港河), a golden waterway downstream of Dianshan Lake, flows through the town.

Zhujiajiao is crisscrossed by rivers and canals. Nine long streets stretch along the rivers, and thousands of Ming and Qing dynasty buildings are scattered in an orderly fashion, creating a unique water town landscape. The town has 36 ancient bridges, simple and elegant, and nine long streets built along the water, with houses lining the rivers, forming a typical Jiangnan water town layout.

Zhujiajiao Ancient Town has a wealth of attractions, including Kezhi Garden (课植园), North Street (北大街), South Xiatang (南下塘), Fangsheng Bridge (放生桥), and Luoxing Island (罗星洲). Kezhi Garden is Zhujiajiao’s most famous garden, featuring traditional garden elements like pavilions, rockeries, and ponds, making it an ideal place for photos and relaxation. North Street is the town’s commercial street, with various specialty shops and snack stalls, perfect for shopping and trying local food.

Fangsheng Bridge in Zhujiajiao is one of the oldest bridges in town, built during the Ming Dynasty, and is a landmark of Zhujiajiao. Luoxing Island is a small island in Dianshan Lake, with many historical buildings and natural landscapes, a great place to enjoy the lake views.

Zhujiajiao Ancient Town not only has a rich historical and cultural heritage but also beautiful natural scenery. Rapeseed flowers in spring, lotuses in summer, chrysanthemums in autumn, and wintersweet in winter each add their unique charm to the ancient town. Additionally, the town offers many specialty foods like Qingtuan (青团) (sweet green rice balls), Eight Treasure Rice (八宝饭), and Xiaolongbao (小笼包) (soup dumplings), making it a great place to taste traditional Shanghai food.

Thames Town (泰晤士小镇): Exotic British Charm, A Unique Shanghai Attraction

Thames Town, located in Shanghai’s Songjiang District, is an English-style community designed for tourism and leisure. It covers a total area of 100 hectares with a building area of 500,000 square meters. It’s a comprehensive residential community integrating living, commerce, tourism, and leisure, offering a unique experience among Shanghai attractions.

Thames Town is at the terminus of Metro Line 9, quite far from the city center, but it has a beautiful environment, fewer crowds, and is very suitable for a relaxing getaway. The town’s architecture is predominantly British, with cobblestone streets and a peaceful, leisurely atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re in a European town.

The town features Gothic churches, Victorian terraces, castles, fountains, squares, and many cafes, galleries, and American-style restaurants. The whole town has a very British feel. Walking the streets, the warm autumn sun and air mingle in this golden ocean, creating a warm and tranquil atmosphere.

Thames Town has high vegetation coverage. Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, trees provide shade in summer, ginkgo leaves turn yellow in autumn, and wintersweet blossoms in winter, each season offering its unique beauty. The town also has several lakes and green spaces, perfect for leisurely walks and photos.

Thames Town is not just for sightseeing; it’s also an ideal place for a relaxing holiday. Its hotels, restaurants, and cafes offer a wide range of services and facilities to meet visitors’ needs. The town’s beautiful environment and fresh air make it a great place to escape the city bustle and enjoy some quiet time.

Tianzifang (田子坊): A Hub of Creativity and Art, a Labyrinth of Shops and Cafes

Tianzifang (田子坊) is a trendy landmark and creative industry hub transformed from Shanghai’s unique Shikumen (石库门) architectural clusters. It’s also the creative base for many artists, often called the second “Xintiandi” (新天地). However, unlike the commercialized Xintiandi, Tianzifang retains more of its artistic atmosphere and creative vibe, making it a must-visit for those seeking unique Shanghai experiences.

Tianzifang is located at Lane 210, Taikang Road, Shanghai. Before 1998, it was just a street market. The famous painter Huang Yongyu named this little lane “Tianzifang,” and since then, it has become one of Shanghai’s famous attractions.

Tianzifang is one of Shanghai’s historical districts that best preserves the character of a “lifang” (里坊) (traditional lane) community. Its urban form largely took shape in the 1930s, combining a French Concession administrative area, a Shikumen lane area, and a lane factory area. Its urban form reflects the historical changes from modern Jiangnan to Shanghai.

Tianzifang boasts diverse architectural styles, including Shikumen buildings, new-style lanes, and garden villas, creating a unique architectural landscape. The shops here are mostly artists’ studios and creative stores, selling various artworks, handicrafts, and creative products. You can admire various artworks, participate in art creation, and soak in the strong artistic atmosphere.

Tianzifang is not only great for sightseeing but also for taking photos and experiencing artistic life. Its beautiful environment and unique architectural styles make it a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Additionally, Tianzifang regularly hosts various art exhibitions and cultural events, offering rich cultural experiences.

Wukang Road (武康路): A Quiet Journey Through a Historic Cultural Street, Lined with Beautiful Architecture

Wukang Road (武康路), in Shanghai’s Xuhui District, is a north-south road connecting Huashan Road and Huaihai Middle Road. It’s also one of China’s historical and cultural streets. Wukang Road was built in 1907 (the 33rd year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty) and was originally named Ferguson Road, after the American missionary John Ferguson. This street is a gem for those interested in Shanghai’s history and architecture.

Wukang Road is a street steeped in history, with a total of 14 outstanding historical buildings and 37 preserved historical buildings along its length. In the past, Wukang Road was a famous high-end residential area in Shanghai, home to foreigners, dignitaries, celebrities, and merchants.

Wukang Road is like an architectural museum, featuring many historical buildings of various styles designed by renowned Chinese and foreign architects. As you wander through, you’ll encounter buildings in French, British, Spanish, Italian, and other styles.

The architectural styles on Wukang Road are diverse, including Neoclassical, Eclectic, and Modernist, creating a unique architectural landscape. The buildings here are well-preserved and serve as an important window into Shanghai’s modern architectural history. The Wukang Road Visitor Center is an excellent place to learn about the history and culture of Wukang Road, offering detailed introductions and tour services.

Wukang Road is not just for sightseeing; it’s also a great place for leisurely walks and photos. Its beautiful environment and unique architectural styles make it a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Additionally, Wukang Road has several specialty restaurants and cafes where you can try various foods and soak in the rich cultural atmosphere.

Shanghai Tower (上海中心): The Pinnacle of Skyscraper Architecture, Offering Breathtaking Views

Shanghai Tower (上海中心) is a skyscraper integrating office, commercial, hotel, and sightseeing functions, located in the core area of Lujiazui, Shanghai. It is China’s tallest building (to date) and the world’s second-tallest (second only to Dubai’s Burj Khalifa), a true marvel of modern engineering and a key part of the Shanghai skyline.

Shanghai Tower stands at a total height of 632 meters, with 5 underground floors and 127 above-ground floors, and a total construction area of about 578,000 square meters. Its main uses are office, hotel, commercial, and sightseeing public facilities, making it one of Shanghai’s landmark buildings. The Shanghai Tower observation deck offers unparalleled views.

The Shanghai Tower has a unique shape, with a spiraling upward curve design symbolizing a “rising dragon.” The building’s facade uses a double-layer glass curtain wall, which is not only beautiful but also effectively saves energy. The observation deck is on the 118th floor. You can take the world’s fastest elevator, reaching speeds of 65 km/h, to ascend to the 546-meter-high observation deck for a 360-degree view of Shanghai’s cityscape, spotting numerous famous buildings.

Shanghai Tower is not just a skyscraper but also a cultural landmark. Its design integrates traditional Chinese cultural elements with modern architectural technology, reflecting Shanghai’s internationalization and modernization. The tower has multiple observation decks and exhibition halls, offering rich cultural experiences.

The completion of Shanghai Tower not only enhanced Shanghai’s skyline but also added a new cultural landmark to the city. The construction process utilized several innovative technologies and environmental protection measures, making it a model of green architecture. Shanghai Tower is not just a building; it’s an important symbol of Shanghai’s modernization and internationalization, and a top Shanghai attraction.

People’s Square and People’s Park (人民广场和人民公园): Cultural Space in the City’s Green Lungs

People’s Square, located in the heart of Shanghai, is a garden-style square integrating finance, administration, culture, transportation, and commerce. The Shanghai Municipal People’s Government building is on the north side of the square, the Shanghai Grand Theatre is on the northwest side, the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center is on the northeast side, and the Shanghai Museum is on the south side. This area is central to many Shanghai tours.

People’s Square is known as the “city’s green lungs” and is an important urban public space in Shanghai. The square covers about 140,000 square meters, with green areas accounting for more than 60%, making it a green oasis in the city. The square is surrounded by many important cultural facilities and commercial venues, such as the Shanghai Grand Theatre, Shanghai Museum, and Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, making it a hub for cultural activities and leisure entertainment.

People’s Park is a large park adjacent to People’s Square, covering an area of about 137,000 square meters, and is one of Shanghai’s important public green spaces. The park has a beautiful environment with lush trees and blooming flowers, making it a great place for leisurely walks and fitness activities. The park also has multiple activity venues and facilities, such as a music square, fitness area, and children’s playground, catering to the needs of visitors of all ages.

People’s Square and People’s Park are not just places for leisure and entertainment but also important windows into Shanghai’s history and culture. The historical buildings and cultural facilities around the square showcase Shanghai’s modernization process and cultural heritage. This is an important starting point for visitors to understand Shanghai and a vital part of city life.

Shanghai Travel Tips – Essential China Tips for Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit Shanghai: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) are the best time to visit Shanghai. The Shanghai weather is pleasant, and the scenery is beautiful. Summer (June-August) is hot and humid, while winter (December-February) can be cold and damp. Consider the weather in Shanghai for your packing. Shanghai weather in May, Shanghai weather June, and Shanghai weather December can vary significantly.
• Transportation: Shanghai has a very convenient public transportation system, including subways, buses, and taxis. The Shanghai metro is the most efficient way to get around the city; a Shanghai metro map or Shanghai subway map will be very useful. You can also use ride-hailing apps. The main airports are Pudong Airport (PVG) (also known as Shanghai Pudong Airport or Shanghai Pudong International Airport) and Hongqiao Airport (SHA). The Shanghai airport code for Pudong is PVG.
• Accommodation: Shanghai offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Consider where to stay in Shanghai based on your itinerary and budget. Booking hotels in Shanghai in advance is advisable, especially during peak tourist seasons.
• Food: Shanghai cuisine (沪菜 or 本帮菜) is famous for its sweet and savory flavors. Don’t miss trying local specialties like Xiaolongbao (小笼包) (soup dumplings), Shengjianbao (生煎包) (pan-fried pork buns), Hongshao Rou (红烧肉) (braised pork belly), and Cong You Ban Mian (葱油拌面) (scallion oil noodles). Exploring Shanghai food is a highlight of any visit.
• Shopping: Nanjing Road, Huaihai Road (淮海路), and Xujiahui (徐家汇) are popular shopping areas. You can find everything from international brands to local souvenirs. Things to buy in China can often be found here.
• Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language. While English is spoken in tourist areas and major hotels, learning a few basic Mandarin phrases can be helpful. These are good China tips for any traveler.
• Safety: Shanghai is generally a very safe city. However, like in any big city, be aware of your surroundings and take care of your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and public areas. You can also purchase a local SIM card for mobile data. Using a China power plug adapter might be necessary.

Hope this guide helps you better understand Shanghai and plan an unforgettable trip to China and this amazing city! Exploring Shanghai attractions is a fantastic experience.

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