Shanghai 上海
Historic riverfronts, neighborhood walks, and a global skyline.
Why visit
Shanghai is an easy arrival or departure city where Art Deco streets, traditional lanes, museums, and futuristic towers sit close together.
How to plan your time
Group the Bund, Yu Garden area, and a river view together. Use another day for the former French Concession, a museum, or a neighborhood food walk.
Good route pairings
Add Suzhou or Hangzhou by high-speed rail, continue to Huangshan, or use Shanghai as the modern finish to Beijing and Xi’an.
How to Get There
Pudong Airport serves most international flights, while Hongqiao is integrated with the domestic airport and high-speed rail hub.
Don't Miss
- The Bund
- Yu Garden area
- Former French Concession
Must-See Attractions
The Bund
Historic waterfront facing the Pudong skyline.
Tip: Visit near sunset and stay for the lights.
Yu Garden area
Classical garden, old-city lanes, and snacks.
Tip: Arrive early to avoid peak crowds.
Former French Concession
Leafy streets, villas, cafes, and boutiques.
Tip: Best explored on foot in a compact loop.
Where to Eat
Xiaolongbao
Soup dumplings served steaming hot.
Shengjian
Pan-fried buns with a crisp base.
Where to Stay
People’s Square
Central metro access and museums.
Former French Concession
Walkable dining and historic streets.
Tips & Practical Information
Getting around
Use metro or rail inside major cities and a private car for outlying heritage or nature sites. Keep station names and addresses saved in Chinese.
Book ahead
Reserve headline attractions and intercity trains early, especially for weekends, school holidays, and the May and October holiday periods.
Avoid the traps
Avoid overloading arrival and departure days. Allow time for security checks, station transfers, weather changes, and the walking level of your group.
What to pack
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a portable battery, a light rain layer, and clothing suited to the season and local elevation.