Shanghai Travel Tips: Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Magic City

Planning a trip to Shanghai? Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning to this dynamic metropolis, these Shanghai travel tips will help you explore the city like a pro. From must-see attractions and local food to transportation and accommodation, this guide covers everything you need for a smooth and memorable experience.

📅 Essential Shanghai Travel Tips: Before You Go

Shanghai is one of China’s largest and most influential cities, blending rich cultural heritage with modern innovation. With a population of nearly 25 million, it offers endless things to see and do.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most pleasant weather for sightseeing.

🏙️ Must-Visit Attractions in Shanghai

1. The Bund

Google Maps Location: The Bund

Enjoy stunning views of colonial-era architecture and the Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River.

Tip: Visit between 7–9 PM when the buildings are beautifully lit. For fewer crowds and great photos, try the Pudong Riverside.

Cost: Free

2. Lujiazui “Three Piece Set”

Google Maps Location: Lujiazui, Pudong

This area includes the Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and Jin Mao Tower.

Photo Spot: The steps below the Shanghai Tower at the intersection of Dongtai Road and Huayuan Shiqiao Road.

Cost: Free (exterior views)

3. Oriental Pearl Tower

Google Maps Location: Oriental Pearl Tower

A Shanghai icon with a 360° transparent observation deck.

Tip: Go early in the morning or after 8 PM to avoid crowds.

Cost: Starts at 199 RMB (approx. $28 USD)

4. Yu Garden & City God Temple

Google Maps Location: Yu Garden

Explore classical Chinese gardens and old Shanghai streets.

Tip: Try the famous soup dumplings at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Shop.

Cost: Yu Garden: 40 RMB (approx. $6 USD) | City God Temple: Free

5. Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street

Google Maps Location: Nanjing Road

A bustling shopping street blending historic and modern architecture.

Food to Try: Shen Dacheng’s rice cakes and Zhen Lao Da Fang’s fresh meat mooncakes.

6. Shanghai Disney Resort

Google Maps Location: Shanghai Disneyland

China’s first Disney theme park, with thrilling rides and nightly fireworks.

Tip: Download the official app to check real-time wait times.

Cost: Starts at 599 RMB (approx. $84 USD)

7. Wukang Road

Google Maps Location: Wukang Road

A trendy, tree-lined street popular for its historic buildings and cafes.

Recommendation: Start at the Wukang Building and grab coffee at Sunflower Cafe.

8. Jing’an Temple

Google Maps Location: Jing’an Temple

A beautiful Tibetan-style Buddhist temple in the city center.

Cost: 50 RMB (approx. $7 USD)

9. Top Museums in Shanghai

Shanghai Museum: Free entry. Book in advance via their WeChat account.

Shanghai Natural History Museum: Great for families. Features fossils and specimens.

🗓️ Sample 3-Day Shanghai Itinerary

Day 1: Jing’an Temple → Shanghai Museum → Yu Garden → City God Temple

Day 2: Oriental Pearl Tower → Lujiazui → The Bund → Nanjing Road

Day 3: Shanghai Disneyland or Zhujiajiao Water Town

🥟 Local Food Guide

Must-Try Snacks:

Pan-Fried Buns: Try Da Hu Chun for crispy, juicy buns.

Nanxiang Steamed Buns: Known for thin skin and rich broth.

Pork Ribs with Rice Cake: Crispy, tender, and flavorful.

Breakfast “Four Kings”: Flatbread, fried dough sticks, rice balls, and soy milk.

Local Dishes:

Crab Roe Rice: Available at Renhe Restaurant.

Braised Pork Belly: Try it at Fu 1039.

Food Streets:

Visit Sijing Night Market or Zhoupu Night Market for authentic local snacks.

🚇 Transportation Guide

Getting to Shanghai:

By Train: Shanghai Station, Hongqiao Station, and South Station connect via high-speed rail.

By Air: Pudong International Airport (30 km from downtown) or Hongqiao Airport (13 km away).

Getting Around:

Metro: Download the “Metro Metropolis” app. Day passes offer great value.

Bus: Sightseeing Bus Lines 1 and 2 cover major attractions.

Ferry: Take the 2 RMB (approx. $0.30 USD) ferry from Dongchang Road to Jinling East Road for fantastic river views.

Taxi: Avoid peak hours due to traffic.

🏨 Where to Stay

Budget-Friendly: Stay in Pudong or a few subway stops from main attractions.

Convenient Areas:

Along Metro Line 2: Close to Hongqiao Airport, the Bund, and Nanjing Road.

Along Metro Line 4: Loop line with easy transfers.

By District:

Huangpu: Close to the Bund. Higher prices.

Pudong: Great skyline views and good value.

Xuhui: Near Wukang Road and restaurants.

✅ Useful Shanghai Travel Tips

Book Ahead: Reserve tickets online for popular spots like Shanghai Museum and Disneyland.

Helpful Apps:

“Suishenban” for public transport and attraction info.

Baidu Maps or Gaode Maps for navigation.

Weather: Shanghai’s weather changes quickly. Bring rain gear and sunscreen.

Avoid Tourist Traps:

Don’t buy souvenirs inside attractions—shop online instead.

Eat at local restaurants outside tourist areas for authentic food.

Note: Shanghai Wild Animal Park and Shanghai Zoo are different places.

Use these Shanghai travel tips to make the most of your visit. This magical city—where tradition meets modernity—is ready to amaze you!