Best Time to Visit Shanghai

Shanghai welcomes visitors year-round, but the seasons offer distinctly different experiences.

Spring (March to May) is one of the best times to visit, with comfortable temperatures and the city’s parks and gardens blooming in full color.

Autumn (September to November) also brings mild weather, clear skies, and vibrant festivals.

Summers can be hot and humid, with occasional typhoons, while winters are cold but rarely freezing, offering quieter streets and festive holiday decorations.

Whatever the season, Shanghai has a rhythm and spirit that adapts and thrives, always offering something special.

How to Get to Shanghai

Booking your trip is simple with many international routes offering direct ways to Book Flights to Shanghai.
Pudong International Airport (PVG) handles most international flights, while Hongqiao Airport (SHA) serves mainly domestic and regional routes.

From Pudong, the futuristic Maglev Train can whisk you into the city center in just eight minutes, or you can take taxis, shuttles, and metro connections to your accommodation.

Shanghai’s transportation network is efficient, clean, and easy to navigate, making arrival stress-free.

Where to Stay in Shanghai

Shanghai’s neighborhoods each offer a different flavor of the city.

Stay in the Bund area for classic luxury and historic hotels overlooking the Huangpu River.

Choose the French Concession for leafy streets, boutique hotels, and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for strolls and café-hopping.

Pudong is ideal for business travelers or those wanting close access to futuristic skyscrapers and shopping malls.

Whether you prefer ultra-modern skyscrapers or charming restored villas, the selection of Hotels in Shanghai ensures you find the perfect match for your style.

Top Things to Do in Shanghai

Wander the Bund

The Bund’s historic promenade, lined with colonial-era buildings, faces the futuristic skyline of Lujiazui across the river.
Come at sunrise for peaceful strolls or after dark when the lights turn Shanghai into a dazzling dreamscape.

Visit Yu Garden and Old City

Step back in time as you explore the traditional pavilions, ponds, and rockeries of Yu Garden.
The surrounding Old City offers bustling markets, tea houses, and a taste of ancient Shanghai life.

Explore Lujiazui and the Skyscrapers

Ascend to the observation decks of the Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, or the World Financial Center to admire the city from the clouds.
The views stretch beyond imagination, especially at sunset or during clear evenings.

Stroll the French Concession

Tree-lined streets, art deco villas, boutique shops, and European cafés give this district a uniquely relaxed and creative atmosphere.
It is perfect for those who want to see a softer, more intimate side of Shanghai.

Hidden Gems Worth Discovering

Beyond the famous attractions, Shanghai hides many secret treasures.
Visit M50 Art District for edgy contemporary galleries, sip tea at Huxinting Tea House, and explore the colorful alleys of Tianzifang.

Take a morning walk along the Akasong River or catch a ferry across the Huangpu for local neighborhoods filled with life, history, and everyday magic.

What to Eat in Shanghai

Food is a vital part of Shanghai’s soul.

Start with xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) — tiny parcels of broth and pork perfection.
Savor hong shao rou (red-braised pork belly) or indulge in fresh river crab during autumn’s hairy crab season.

Street food lovers will enjoy jianbing (Chinese crepes), skewered lamb, and stinky tofu - Shanghai’s bold flavors shine brightest when you eat with an open mind and an adventurous heart.

International restaurants and avant-garde fusion spots are everywhere too, showing Shanghai’s evolving taste for global cuisine.

Getting Around the City

Shanghai’s Metro system is one of the largest and most user-friendly in the world, connecting almost every major attraction and neighborhood.

Taxis are inexpensive by international standards, and ride-hailing apps like DiDi make navigating even easier.

Biking is another great way to explore, especially in quieter areas like the French Concession.

Walking remains one of the most rewarding ways to discover Shanghai’s many layers - each street and alley reveals something new.

Shopping in Shanghai

Whether you are hunting for luxury brands or quirky street finds, Shanghai delivers.

Nanjing Road is a glittering parade of shopping malls and flagship stores. Huaihai Road offers high-end fashion, while Xintiandi blends boutiques with restaurants in beautifully restored stone gate houses.

For something unique, explore local markets for antiques, silk scarves, handmade crafts, and traditional teas.

Practical Tips for Visiting Shanghai

• Currency: The Chinese Yuan (RMB) is the local currency. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and stores, but cash or mobile payments (like Alipay or WeChat Pay) are king in smaller shops and markets.
• Language: Mandarin is the official language. While younger generations often speak some English, translation apps can be very helpful.
• Visas: Check visa requirements well in advance - many travelers need to apply before arrival.
• Internet Access: China’s internet is different - using a VPN will help you access familiar websites and apps.

Conclusion

Shanghai is a city that defies expectations and rewards curiosity.
It is ancient and futuristic, chaotic and serene, grand and intimate - all at once. Whether you come to explore its history, taste its endless flavors, admire its skyline, or simply lose yourself in its vibrant energy, Shanghai welcomes you with open arms. With simple ways to Book Flights to Shanghai and a wide range of incredible Hotels in Shanghai, planning your adventure is easy. In Shanghai, every day is a discovery, and every moment feels like the beginning of a new storry.

‍