TripMatches
Find companions with the same dates and interests. Free.
About Shanghai - Culture, History & Character
Plan your perfect trip with our personalized recommendations and local insights.
Plan my tripYour experience
Tell us if you want to go — or if you have already been.
Adds you to the Match Finder map and opens the planner with this destination.
I've been there!Explora el fascinante pasado de Shanghai y descubre cómo se ha desarrollado a lo largo de los siglos.
Originally a small fishing and farming village, Shanghai began to gain importance during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) as a cotton trading port. In 1553, during the Ming Dynasty, a wall was built to protect the city from Japanese pirates, delimiting what is now known as the Old City.
Its great transformation occurred after the First Opium War with the Treaty of Nanjing in 1842, which opened it to international trade. Foreign concessions (British, French and international) turned it into a leading financial and commercial center in Asia, known as the "Paris of the East", with Western architecture that still defines the Bund area.
After the founding of the People's Republic in 1949, the city experienced a period of less influence. However, since the economic reforms of the 1990s, Shanghai has undergone a spectacular renaissance, reasserting itself as a global economic powerhouse, symbolized by the development of the Pudong financial district.
La cronología histórica muestra los momentos clave que han definido el desarrollo de Shanghai a lo largo de los siglos.
Discover what makes this city special with our comprehensive scoring system
Extremely safe in terms of violent crimes. The main risk is scams and scams aimed at tourists.
Certain areas like the French Concession, the Bund, or Tianzifang are great to explore on foot, but the massive scale of the city makes the subway indispensable for moving between neighborhoods.
The metro system is possibly the best in the world: extensive, modern, clean, efficient and very cheap. It is the best way to get around the city.
Offers options for all budgets. Street food and public transport are very cheap, but Western luxury and leisure can be expensive.
Some of the best nightlife in Asia, from speakeasies and jazz clubs on the French Concession to mega clubs and bars with spectacular views on the Bund.
A booming cultural center with world-class museums and vibrant art districts, although less dense in ancient history than Beijing.
A gastronomic paradise, famous for its 'xiao long bao' (soup dumplings) and delicate, slightly sweet local cuisine. It offers everything from street stalls to fine dining.
A shopping paradise that ranges from exclusive luxury on Nanjing West Road to bargain hunting in knock-off markets.
Climate of extremes, with very hot and humid summers and cold and unpleasant winters. Spring and fall are almost perfect.
Well prepared for tourism, with good signage in English on the metro and main attractions. The language barrier is the biggest challenge.
Very safe and with top-notch attractions for children, such as Disneyland and science museums, although the crowds can be a challenge.
Although China is socially conservative, Shanghai is the most open city with the most visible LGTBQ+ scene in the country, although discreet compared to Western standards.
Shanghainese may seem rushed and direct, but they are generally polite. The language barrier is the main obstacle to deep interaction.
Its beauty is predominantly architectural and urban. Nature is found in the well-kept parks and excursions to nearby water towns.
A unique juxtaposition of styles: from the Art Deco buildings of the Bund and 'Shikumen' houses to the ultra-modern skyscrapers of Pudong.
His story is the story of modern China: the clash of East and West, the rise of trade, and the birth of Chinese communism.
Despite being a concrete jungle, it offers oases of tranquility in the form of well-designed parks and traditional gardens.
Surprisingly clean for its size. The main areas and the metro are very well maintained, although air quality can be an issue.
A major technology and startup center in China, competing with Beijing and Shenzhen, with a strong focus on fintech, AI and e-commerce.
Vibrant city with good infrastructure, but the internet 'Great Firewall' and cost of living are major challenges.
Comprehensive assessment of this destination
A fascinating metropolis and a must-see in Asia. Its energy, its mix of cultures and its futuristic dynamism overcome the challenges of the language barrier and crowds.
Discover the best times to visit this city and what to expect throughout the year.
Climate of extremes, with very hot and humid summers and cold and unpleasant winters. Spring and fall are almost perfect.
Pleasant temperatures and flowering. One of the best times to visit.
Hot and very humid, with possible typhoons and heavy rain. High tourism season.
Comfortable temperatures and less rain. Considered the best time to visit the city.
Cold and damp, often gray. Fewer tourists but warm clothing is needed.
Autumn offers clear skies and ideal temperatures.
Spring is vibrant with the city in bloom.
The four seasons are clearly defined.
Summer is sweltering and prone to torrential rains and typhoons.
Winter is wet and cold, with often gray skies.
Air quality can be a problem in any season.
The climate has four distinct seasons.
Summer can be oppressive due to the combination of heat and humidity. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the most recommended seasons.
Plan your expenses and discover the best shopping areas
Daily spending per person
More expensive than other Chinese cities, but affordable compared to Western metropolises. Accommodation and dinners in exclusive areas are the main expenses.
per day
per day
per day
Best areas for shopping
3 areas • Recommended Areas
Click for details
Click for details
Click for details
3 areas • Recommended Areas
Click for details
Click for details
Click for details
3 areas • Recommended Areas
Click for details
Click for details
Click for details
2 areas • Recommended Areas
Click for details
Click for details
2 areas • Recommended Areas
Click for details
Click for details
Explore the most fascinating places this city has to offer
Monumental promenade on the banks of the Huangpu River with a collection of historic buildings from the colonial era. It offers the most iconic view of the Pudong skyline.
The financial district and the futuristic face of China. It is home to skyscrapers such as the Shanghai Tower, the SWFC (the 'bottle opener') and the Oriental Pearl Tower.
An exquisite classical Ming Dynasty garden in the heart of the Old City, with pavilions, ponds and rockeries.
A charming neighborhood with tree-lined avenues, European-style villas, boutiques, cafes and art galleries. Ideal for walking.
China's tallest skyscraper, with an observatory on the 118th floor offering 360-degree views of the city.
An active Buddhist temple famous for housing two Buddha statues carved from white jade brought from Burma.
A labyrinth of narrow alleys in traditional 'shikumen' houses, converted into a lively neighborhood of boutiques, bars, crafts and restaurants.
Shanghai's main shopping street and one of the busiest in the world, full of shops, shopping centers and restaurants.
Considered one of the best museums in China, it houses a vast collection of bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy and other ancient Chinese artifacts.
A luxury leisure area combining restored 'shikumen' houses with modern architecture, housing high-end restaurants, bars and shops.
The iconic television building with its pink spheres. It has several observatories, including one with a glass floor.
A stunning golden-roofed Buddhist temple in the middle of the bustling shopping area of Nanjing West Road.
The world's first commercial maglev train. It connects Pudong airport with the city, reaching speeds of 431 km/h.
The historic heart of Shanghai, a labyrinth of narrow streets, traditional markets and where the Yuyuan Garden is located.
A former industrial complex converted into Shanghai's main contemporary art center, with dozens of galleries and artist studios.
The largest and oldest temple in Shanghai, known for its seven-story pagoda dating back to the Song Dynasty.
Nicknamed 'the bottle opener' for its design, this skyscraper has one of the highest observation platforms in the world.
The geographical and cultural center of Shanghai. A large green space surrounded by the Shanghai Museum, the Grand Theater and the City Hall.
It houses a gigantic and detailed scale model of the entire city, showing the incredible urban development of Shanghai.
A fascinating and unique private collection of Mao-era propaganda posters, hidden in the basement of an apartment building.
An iconic postmodern style skyscraper inspired by a pagoda. Its interior atrium is spectacular and has an observatory.
A boat ride on the river that separates Puxi and Pudong. It offers the best views on both sides, especially at night when everything is lit up.
The first Disney park in mainland China, combining classic Disney attractions with Chinese cultural elements.
Haz clic en "Tours" para encontrar las mejores actividades y entradas, o usa "Planificar" para crear tu itinerario personalizado.
dayTrips.dayTripsDescription
Known as the 'Venice of the East', it is famous for its exquisite classical gardens (a World Heritage Site) and its picturesque canals.
Gardens, Culture, romance
Famous for its idyllic West Lake, surrounded by hills, temples and pagodas. One of the most beautiful cities in China.
Nature, Landscapes, relaxation
A well-preserved ancient water village on the outskirts of Shanghai, with stone bridges, canals and traditional houses. You can get there by metro.
Charming towns, Photography, easy getaway
A city of great historical importance, former capital of China, with places such as the Mausoleum of Sun Yat-sen and the Ming-era City Wall.
History, Culture, politics
Another charming water town, often considered less touristy than Zhujiajiao or Suzhou, with a more authentic and relaxed atmosphere.
Authenticity, tranquility, Photography
Haz clic en "Tours" para encontrar excursiones organizadas, o usa "Plan" para crear tu itinerario personalizado.
Discover the unique character and charm of each city district.
Grand and monumental, the tourist and historical center with spectacular views and the bustling Nanjing Road.
Chic and bohemian, with tree-lined streets, charming boutiques, relaxed cafes and vibrant nightlife.
Modern and cosmopolitan, a mix of historic temples, luxury shopping centers and trendy restaurants.
Futuristic and corporate, the financial district with the tallest skyscrapers, luxury hotels and massive shopping malls.
Traditional and bustling, a labyrinth of markets, temples and the classic beauty of Yuyuan Garden.
Artistic and touristy, where art, craft shopping and food meet in narrow alleys.
Discover the best experiences and activities for each time of year
The city is decorated with red lanterns. The Lantern Festival at Yuyuan Garden is especially magical, although extremely crowded. It is a time of family celebrations and many small businesses close.
Although there are no big boat races in the city center, it is the time when everyone eats 'zongzi' (glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves), available everywhere.
Celebrated with family gatherings and the tasting of 'moon cakes'. It is a good time to see the full moon over the Pudong skyline.
Discover the most important events and festivals celebrated throughout the year
The most important festival in China. It is celebrated with decorations, family banquets, and the spectacular Lantern Festival at Yuyuan Garden.
One of the largest film festivals in Asia, attracting international stars and directors and screening hundreds of films.
A series of events celebrating diversity and the LGTBQ+ community, with parties, talks and film screenings. It is the oldest and largest festival of its kind in China.
It is celebrated with a week-long holiday ('Golden Week'), which involves massive crowds at all the tourist attractions. The Bund is illuminated in a special way.
Essential advice and local insights to make your trip memorable and safe
Choose a category above to see relevant tips and advice
