Amazing Atlas
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This Shanghai City Guide features the Pudong Skyline, The Bund, and Former French Concession. Tour Zhujiajiao Water Town canals and cruise the Huangpu River.
Shanghai City Guide
City snapshot
Shanghai is a high-energy metropolis where futuristic skyscrapers look across the Huangpu River to historic European-style architecture. Staying near The Bund or People's Square offers the best home base for exploring both the glitzy Pudong skyline and the charming alleys of the Old Town. For an essential experience, enjoy a night river cruise or take a short journey to the peaceful canals of Zhujiajiao Water Town.
Quick facts
- The Bund offers a stunning visual contrast between historic colonial buildings and the ultra-modern Lujiazui skyline.
- Zhujiajiao is an ancient water town with centuries-old bridges and traditional canal-side architecture.
- Shanghai is home to the world's longest metro network, covering more than 800 kilometers.
- The city is a global hub for world-class acrobatics, best experienced at Shanghai Circus World.
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Top attractions & tours
Shanghai’s skyline is a masterclass in contrast. A stroll along the historic Bund offers a glimpse into the city's colonial past, while across the Huangpu River, the futuristic towers of Lujiazui pierce the clouds. A river cruise at night is the best way to soak in this neon-lit spectacle, providing front-row seats to the architectural evolution of China's most cosmopolitan hub.
Beyond the skyscrapers, the charm of Old Shanghai remains vibrant. Wander through the intricate pavilions of Yu Garden or navigate the bustling bazaars surrounding it. For a deeper dive into traditional aesthetics, a short trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town reveals ancient stone bridges and narrow canals. Cap off the day with a world-class performance at Shanghai Circus World, where the ERA acrobatics show blends history with modern stagecraft.
To experience the city like a local, explore the tree-lined streets of the French Concession or browse the luxury boutiques along Nanjing Road. Whether sampling authentic street food or shopping for global brands, Shanghai offers a seamless blend of heritage and contemporary flair that makes it one of the world's most captivating destinations.
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Suggested Tours
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Nearby cities and attractions
Suzhou is a timeless destination known for its UNESCO-listed classical gardens and tranquil canal networks. A high-speed train from Shanghai reaches this "Venice of the East" in just 30 minutes.
Famous for the serene West Lake, Hangzhou offers a lush escape into China’s historical tea culture and scenic landscapes. It is easily accessible via a 45-minute high-speed rail journey from the city center.
Zhujiajiao is a well-preserved ancient water town featuring charming stone bridges and traditional architecture lining its narrow waterways. Visitors can reach the village in approximately 60 minutes by taking Metro Line 17 or a private car.
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Local picks
While the historic Bund draws the crowds, locals head to the West Bund for a contemporary take on waterfront life. This sprawling stretch along the Huangpu River is a hub for the city's creative set, featuring modern museums and lush green spaces. It is the perfect place to watch the sunset or join local joggers for a rare sense of open space.
For a spiritual experience removed from the neon lights, visit Longhua Temple. As the oldest and largest temple in Shanghai, it remains a vibrant center of worship rather than just a tourist site. Witness locals offering incense beneath the stunning seven-story pagoda, a quiet sentinel of the city's ancient roots.
Architecture enthusiasts should seek out 1933 Old Millfun. This former Art Deco slaughterhouse, designed with a labyrinth of concrete air bridges and spiral staircases, has been repurposed into a creative hub. Its hauntingly beautiful industrial aesthetic offers a stark, fascinating contrast to the glass towers of Pudong.
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Weather and climate
Shanghai experiences a humid subtropical climate characterized by four distinct seasons. The city’s weather is largely influenced by the East Asian monsoon, bringing significant variations in temperature and precipitation throughout the year.
Summers, stretching from June to August, are typically hot and oppressive. Humidity levels soar, and daytime temperatures frequently climb above 35°C (95°F). This season begins with the "Plum Rain" period, a month of frequent drizzle and overcast skies, followed by a late-summer peak in potential typhoon activity.
Winters, from December to February, are cold and damp. While snow is rare, the biting wind and high humidity can make the average lows of 1°C to 3°C (34°F to 37°F) feel much colder. Heating is essential, as the dampness tends to seep indoors.
Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times to visit. Spring (March to May) offers mild temperatures and blooming flora, though the weather can be unpredictable. Autumn (September to November) is often considered the "golden season," featuring clear skies, crisp air, and comfortable highs around 20°C (68°F), making it ideal for exploring the city on foot.
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Safety considerations
Shanghai is widely regarded as one of the safest global metropolises, offering a secure environment for residents and visitors alike. Violent crime is exceptionally rare, and the city maintains a high level of public order through a visible police presence and modern infrastructure. Whether exploring the neon-lit streets of Pudong or the quiet lanes of the Former French Concession, travelers can generally feel comfortable walking at any time of day or night.
To ensure a seamless experience, remain mindful of common urban nuisances such as pickpocketing in crowded transit hubs and minor tourist scams. Be wary of unsolicited invitations to tea ceremonies or art shows in high-traffic areas like the Bund, as these may result in unexpectedly high costs. Additionally, exercise caution when crossing busy intersections; Shanghai’s quiet electric scooters are ubiquitous and can appear suddenly, so staying alert to your surroundings is the best way to navigate the city safely.
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Getting around
Shanghai boasts one of the world's most extensive and efficient metro systems, making it the preferred way to navigate this sprawling metropolis. With clear English signage and frequent service, the subway connects virtually every major district and tourist landmark. For those arriving at Pudong International Airport (PVG), the high-speed Maglev train offers a thrilling ride to Longyang Road Station in just eight minutes, while the metro provides a more direct, albeit slower, connection to the city center.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are ubiquitous and relatively inexpensive. While Uber does not operate independently in China, the Didi app provides a seamless English-language interface for booking private cars or standard taxis. For shorter distances, Shanghai is surprisingly walkable, particularly within the charming lanes of the Former French Concession or along the iconic Bund. Shared bicycles are also available on nearly every corner, offering a convenient way to bridge the gap between metro stations and final destinations.
Transportation costs are quite affordable for a global hub. A metro trip within the city center typically ranges from 3 to 6 RMB. From Pudong Airport to People's Square, a metro ride costs approximately 7 RMB, while the Maglev is 50 RMB. A taxi from Pudong Airport to the city center generally costs between 180 and 250 RMB depending on traffic. Within the downtown core, a short taxi ride usually averages between 16 and 30 RMB.
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Getting In and Out
Shanghai is a global transport hub anchored by two major airports: Pudong International (PVG) and Hongqiao International (SHA). Pudong serves as the primary international gateway, while Hongqiao focuses on domestic and short-haul regional flights. Reaching the city center is remarkably easy; travelers can choose the lightning-fast Maglev train from Pudong or use the extensive metro system connected to both airports. Major airlines like China Eastern, Air China, and Spring Airlines frequently serve the city with direct routes to major world capitals.
For those traveling by rail, Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station is a marvel of connectivity, offering high-speed links to Beijing, Hangzhou, and Suzhou. The more central Shanghai Railway Station also provides frequent service across the country. Both stations are directly linked to the local metro network, ensuring a smooth transition to any neighborhood in this sprawling metropolis.
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Shopping
Shanghai is a retail powerhouse where ultra-modern luxury meets centuries-old tradition. For high-end fashion and international brands, head to the glitzy malls along West Nanjing Road or explore the sophisticated boutiques tucked away in the leafy streets of the French Concession. The city’s energy is most palpable on Nanjing Road, one of the world's premier shopping thoroughfares, stretching from the historic Bund to the modern skyscrapers of Jing’an.
For those seeking authentic local treasures, the Yuyuan Bazaar is a must-visit for silk scarves, fine tea, and traditional calligraphy sets. Bargain hunters and those looking for bespoke attire should prioritize the South Bund Soft Spinning Material Market, where expert tailors can craft custom suits and elegant qipaos from a vast selection of fabrics. These markets offer a glimpse into the city's industrious spirit and provide high-quality goods at accessible price points.
Beyond the major commercial hubs, look for iconic local brands like Feiyue sneakers or the nostalgic White Rabbit candy. Whether browsing the high-tech electronics of Xujiahui or hunting for vintage jewelry in the hidden alleyways of Tianzifang, shopping in Shanghai is as much about the discovery of unique items as it is about experiencing the city's dynamic evolution.
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Currency and tipping
Tipping is not a traditional practice in Shanghai and is generally not expected in most daily interactions. In local eateries or when taking taxis, simply paying the exact amount on the bill or meter is standard procedure. In high-end international hotels or upscale restaurants, a service charge of 10% to 15% is often already included, making additional gratuities unnecessary. For specialized services like private tour guides or hotel porters, a small tip is a kind gesture but remains entirely optional.
Transactions are made in Chinese Yuan (CNY), also known as the Renminbi (RMB). The exchange rate fluctuates, but a rough estimate is approximately 7.2 CNY to 1 US Dollar. While cash is accepted, Shanghai is a digital-first city where mobile payments are the norm; however, a simple and sincere "Xiexie" remains the best way to express your appreciation for excellent service.
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When to Visit
The best periods to visit Shanghai are during the temperate windows of spring from March to May and autumn from October to November. Spring brings mild temperatures and the city parks burst into color with cherry blossoms and magnolias, while autumn offers crisp, clear skies ideal for walking along the Bund. These seasons provide the most comfortable climate for exploration, though they also attract more tourists, leading to moderate price increases for accommodations.
Travelers should exercise caution during major national holidays, particularly the first weeks of October and February, when massive crowds and peak pricing can make navigating the city difficult. For those seeking budget-friendly options, the winter months offer significantly lower hotel rates, though the damp, piercing cold requires heavy layers. Summer is notoriously hot and humid with occasional typhoons, making air-conditioned indoor attractions essential for any itinerary.
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Useful Phrases
Language: Mandarin Chinese
- 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) — Hello
- 早上好 (Zǎoshang hǎo) — Good Morning
- 晚上好 (Wǎnshàng hǎo) — Good Evening
- 再见 (Zàijiàn) — Goodbye
- 谢谢 (Xièxiè) — Thank You
- ______ 在哪里? (______ zài nǎlǐ?) — Where is ______?
- 请 (Qǐng) — Please
- 洗手间在哪里? (Xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ?) — Where is the bathroom?
- 小心小笼包烫舌头! (Xiǎoxīn xiǎolóngbāo tàng shétóu!) — Watch out, the soup dumplings will burn your tongue!