Shanghai

The economic capital of China, a global city that fuses futuristic skyscrapers with historical elegance and exquisite cuisine.

ChinaShanghái
4 days

About Shanghai

About Shanghai - Culture, History & Character

City Description

Shanghai, China's dazzling metropolis and financial center, is a city of spectacular contrasts. From the futuristic Pudong skyline, dominated by iconic skyscrapers, to the historic charm of the Bund and the alleyways of the Old City, Shanghai offers a vibrant mix of modernity and tradition, where non-stop energy and opportunities seem endless.
Country
China
Region
Shanghái
Highlights
23+ Attractions

Population

Approximately 24.8 million (city), more than 30 million (metropolitan area).

Languages

Chino MandarínChino Wu (Shanghainés)

El idioma oficial es el chino mandarín. El dialecto local, el shanghainés, es comúnmente hablado por los residentes. El inglés es frecuente en zonas turísticas, hoteles y restaurantes de alto nivel, pero es muy útil llevar las direcciones escritas en chino o usar una app de traducción.

History of Shanghai

Explore the fascinating past of Shanghai and discover how it has developed over the centuries.

Historical Journey

Ancient Period

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.

Development Period

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.

Modern Period

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.

Historical Timeline

The historical timeline shows the key moments that have defined the development of Shanghai through the centuries.

City Scores

City Scores

Discover what makes this city special with our comprehensive scoring system

Safety

Excellent
90100

Extremely safe in terms of violent crimes. The main risk is scams and scams aimed at tourists.

Click to view analysis
About:

Extremely safe in terms of violent crimes. The main risk is scams and scams aimed at tourists.

Advantages:
  • Violent crime is practically non-existent. It is safe to walk at night almost anywhere.
  • Visible police presence in tourist areas.
  • Lost items are often returned.
Challenges:
  • The 'tea shop scam', where tourists are invited to drink tea at exorbitant prices, is common.
  • Pickpockets in busy areas such as Nanjing Road or in the subway.
  • Scams with taximeters or unofficial taxis.

Walkability

Excellent
80100

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.

Click to view analysis
About:

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.

Advantages:
  • Walking through the French Concession is a delight.
  • Exploring the alleys of Tianzifang or the Old City on foot is the best way to discover them.
  • The Bund is an iconic pedestrian promenade.
Challenges:
  • The distances between the main neighborhoods are enormous.
  • Large avenues and heavy traffic can make walking less pleasant in some areas.
  • The city is very flat, but its size is exhausting.

Public Transport

Excellent
100100

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.

Click to view analysis
About:

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.

Advantages:
  • Massive metro network that covers practically the entire city.
  • Extremely punctual, clean and with high frequency.
  • The Maglev train from Pudong Airport is a feat of engineering.
Challenges:
  • It can be incredibly crowded at peak times.
  • The network closes relatively early compared to other global metropolises (around 11:00 p.m.).
  • Buying tickets from machines can be confusing the first time if you don't use a payment app.

Affordability

Good
70100

Mid-range prices: plan lodging and meals carefully in tourist areas.

Click to view analysis
About:

Mid-range prices: plan lodging and meals carefully in tourist areas.

Advantages:
  • Very efficient and economical public transportation.
  • Wide range of street food and affordable local restaurants.
  • Many free attractions such as walking around the Bund or parks.
Challenges:
  • Accommodation in central areas has high prices.
  • Rooftop bars and luxury restaurants are very expensive.
  • Purchasing international brands is more expensive than in Europe or the US

Nightlife

Excellent
95100

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.

Click to view analysis
About:

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.

Advantages:
  • Rooftop bars with stunning views of the skyline.
  • World class cocktail scene.
  • Neighborhoods with different atmospheres, from the alternative in Jing'an to the sophisticated in the Bund.
Challenges:
  • Drinks, especially in trendy areas, are very expensive.
  • Some clubs have selective and expensive admission policies.
  • 'Tea room' or 'art bar' scams are a risk for unsuspecting tourists.

Art & Culture

Excellent
85100

A booming cultural center with world-class museums and vibrant art districts, although less dense in ancient history than Beijing.

Click to view analysis
About:

A booming cultural center with world-class museums and vibrant art districts, although less dense in ancient history than Beijing.

Advantages:
  • Shanghai Museum, with one of the best collections of ancient Chinese art.
  • M50 arts district, a hotbed of contemporary art galleries.
  • Live performing arts scene, from Chinese acrobatics to Western opera.
Challenges:
  • Fewer historical sites of imperial importance compared to other Chinese capitals.
  • Censorship can affect certain artistic expressions.

Food Scene

Excellent
98100

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.

Click to view analysis
About:

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.

Advantages:
  • Cradle of the 'xiao long bao' and the 'sheng jian bao'.
  • An incredibly diverse culinary scene, with representation from all Chinese and world cuisines.
  • Street food is delicious, cheap and an experience in itself.
Challenges:
  • Some local dishes may be too sweet or oily for unaccustomed palates.
  • Language barriers can make it difficult to order at local restaurants without an English menu.

Shopping

Excellent
95100

A shopping paradise that ranges from exclusive luxury on Nanjing West Road to bargain hunting in knock-off markets.

Click to view analysis
About:

A shopping paradise that ranges from exclusive luxury on Nanjing West Road to bargain hunting in knock-off markets.

Advantages:
  • Nanjing Road is one of the busiest shopping streets in the world.
  • Markets like AP Plaza are famous for electronics and knockoffs (haggling required).
  • Areas like Tianzifang or the French Concession offer local designer boutiques.
Challenges:
  • The prices of luxury brands are higher than in Europe.
  • Haggling in the markets can be exhausting and intimidating for the uninitiated.
  • The quality of products in imitation markets is highly variable.

Weather

Good
70100

Climate of extremes, with very hot and humid summers and cold and unpleasant winters. Spring and fall are almost perfect.

Click to view analysis
About:

Climate of extremes, with very hot and humid summers and cold and unpleasant winters. Spring and fall are almost perfect.

Advantages:
  • Autumn offers clear skies and ideal temperatures.
  • Spring is vibrant with the city in bloom.
  • The four seasons are clearly defined.
Challenges:
  • 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.

Tourist Friendly

Excellent
85100

Well prepared for tourism, with good signage in English on the metro and main attractions. The language barrier is the biggest challenge.

Click to view analysis
About:

Well prepared for tourism, with good signage in English on the metro and main attractions. The language barrier is the biggest challenge.

Advantages:
  • The subway system has signage and announcements in English.
  • World-class attractions and a highly developed hotel infrastructure.
  • Mobile payment (Alipay/WeChat Pay) is ubiquitous and efficient (if you can set yourself up as a tourist).
Challenges:
  • Outside of the tourist areas, English is scarce.
  • The need for a VPN for common apps and websites is an inconvenience.
  • Setting up mobile payment methods can be complicated for short-term visitors.

Family Friendly

Excellent
85100

Very safe and with top-notch attractions for children, such as Disneyland and science museums, although the crowds can be a challenge.

Click to view analysis
About:

Very safe and with top-notch attractions for children, such as Disneyland and science museums, although the crowds can be a challenge.

Advantages:
  • Shanghai Disneyland Park is a world-class attraction.
  • The Science and Technology Museum is very interactive and entertaining for children.
  • Extremely safe city with low crime rate.
Challenges:
  • Crowds can be overwhelming for young children.
  • The scale of the city can mean long subway rides.
  • Access with strollers can be difficult in some older metro stations.

LGBTQ+ Friendly

Good
70100

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.

Click to view analysis
About:

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.

Advantages:
  • There are a handful of LGTBQ+ friendly bars and venues, mainly in the former French Concession.
  • The annual ShanghaiPRIDE is an important event for the community, although it faces pressures.
  • Generally safe and free of direct confrontations.
Challenges:
  • There is no legal recognition for same-sex couples.
  • Public displays of affection are rare in general, and even more so for same-sex couples.
  • The scene is small and can be difficult for visitors to find.

Local Friendly

Good
70100

Shanghainese may seem rushed and direct, but they are generally polite. The language barrier is the main obstacle to deep interaction.

Click to view analysis
About:

Shanghainese may seem rushed and direct, but they are generally polite. The language barrier is the main obstacle to deep interaction.

Advantages:
  • Young people usually have basic knowledge of English and are willing to help.
  • The use of translation apps greatly facilitates communication.
  • Outside of the tourist traps, people are generally honest and helpful.
Challenges:
  • Communication can be difficult with the elderly population.
  • The pace of life is fast and people can seem distant.
  • Cultural differences in personal space and courtesy can be jarring.

Natural Beauty

Good
60100

Its beauty is predominantly architectural and urban. Nature is found in the well-kept parks and excursions to nearby water towns.

Click to view analysis
About:

Its beauty is predominantly architectural and urban. Nature is found in the well-kept parks and excursions to nearby water towns.

Advantages:
  • The night skyline of Pudong reflected in the Huangpu River is a sight of iconic modern beauty.
  • Nearby water towns such as Zhujiajiao or Suzhou offer traditional and natural beauty.
  • The city's parks are meticulously landscaped.
Challenges:
  • It is a concrete and steel metropolis with very little wilderness.
  • Air pollution often obscures the sky.
  • The Huangpu River is industrial and has no natural beauty.

Architecture

Excellent
100100

A unique juxtaposition of styles: from the Art Deco buildings of the Bund and 'Shikumen' houses to the ultra-modern skyscrapers of Pudong.

Click to view analysis
About:

A unique juxtaposition of styles: from the Art Deco buildings of the Bund and 'Shikumen' houses to the ultra-modern skyscrapers of Pudong.

Advantages:
  • The Pudong skyline is one of the most impressive in the world.
  • The Bund is a spectacular collection of colonial architecture from the early 20th century.
  • The French Concession offers a European atmosphere with its plane trees and villas.
Challenges:
  • Rapid modernization has led to the demolition of some historic neighborhoods.
  • The massive scale of new developments can be overwhelming.

Historical Significance

Excellent
90100

His story is the story of modern China: the clash of East and West, the rise of trade, and the birth of Chinese communism.

Click to view analysis
About:

His story is the story of modern China: the clash of East and West, the rise of trade, and the birth of Chinese communism.

Advantages:
  • The Bund symbolizes the colonial period and China's opening to the world.
  • Headquarters of the First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party.
  • The French Concession preserves the atmosphere of a unique era.
Challenges:
  • Few monuments from the imperial era compared to cities like Beijing or Xi'an.
  • Much of recent history has been overshadowed by modern development.

Green Spaces

Excellent
80100

Despite being a concrete jungle, it offers oases of tranquility in the form of well-designed parks and traditional gardens.

Click to view analysis
About:

Despite being a concrete jungle, it offers oases of tranquility in the form of well-designed parks and traditional gardens.

Advantages:
  • Yuyuan Garden is a masterpiece of Chinese garden design.
  • Century Park is a huge green lung in the middle of Pudong.
  • Many smaller parks offer a glimpse into local life (tai chi, dancing).
Challenges:
  • The density of the city limits the amount of green spaces per inhabitant.
  • The parks can be very crowded, especially on weekends.

Cleanliness

Excellent
80100

Surprisingly clean for its size. The main areas and the metro are very well maintained, although air quality can be an issue.

Click to view analysis
About:

Surprisingly clean for its size. The main areas and the metro are very well maintained, although air quality can be an issue.

Advantages:
  • The streets in the tourist and financial areas are impeccable.
  • The metro system is modern and very clean.
  • The public parks and gardens are well maintained.
Challenges:
  • Air quality (smog) can be poor, especially in winter.
  • In some markets or older neighborhoods, cleaning may be less.
  • The Huangpu River is not suitable for swimming and has an earthy color.

Startup Scene

Excellent
90100

A major technology and startup center in China, competing with Beijing and Shenzhen, with a strong focus on fintech, AI and e-commerce.

Click to view analysis
About:

A major technology and startup center in China, competing with Beijing and Shenzhen, with a strong focus on fintech, AI and e-commerce.

Advantages:
  • Great access to venture capital and a huge domestic market.
  • Strong government support for technological innovation.
  • Large community of expats and international talent.
Challenges:
  • The competition is fierce.
  • Internet restrictions (VPN required) can complicate operations.
  • The bureaucracy can be complex for foreigners.

Digital Nomad Friendly

Good
75100

Vibrant city with good infrastructure, but the internet 'Great Firewall' and cost of living are major challenges.

Click to view analysis
About:

Vibrant city with good infrastructure, but the internet 'Great Firewall' and cost of living are major challenges.

Advantages:
  • Excellent metro network to get around.
  • Many cafes with Wi-Fi and coworking spaces.
  • Large and active expat community.
Challenges:
  • Access to Google, Facebook, Instagram, etc. requires a VPN, which can be unstable.
  • The cost of medium-term rental is high.
  • The language barrier can be a challenge in daily life outside of expat areas.

Overall City Score

Comprehensive assessment of this destination

90/ 100

Weather & Climate

Descubre las mejores épocas para visitar Shanghai y qué esperar durante todo el año.

Monthly Temperatures

January

Max8°
Min2°

February

Max10°
Min3°

March

Max14°
Min7°

April

Max20°
Min12°

May

Max25°
Min17°

June

Max28°
Min22°

July

Max32°
Min26°

August

Max31°
Min26°

September

Max27°
Min22°

October

Max23°
Min16°

November

Max17°
Min10°

December

Max11°
Min4°

Legend

Best Months
Hot Months
Cold Months
Rainy Periods

Weather Summary

Climate of extremes, with very hot and humid summers and cold and unpleasant winters. Spring and fall are almost perfect.

Weather Tips

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.

Overview

Spring

Pleasant temperatures and flowering. One of the best times to visit.

More Information

Summer

Hot and very humid, with possible typhoons and heavy rain. High tourism season.

More Information

Autumn

Comfortable temperatures and less rain. Considered the best time to visit the city.

More Information

Winter

Cold and damp, often gray. Fewer tourists but warm clothing is needed.

More Information

Presupuesto y Compras

Plan your expenses and discover the best shopping areas

Budget Planning

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.

Budget Travel

300-450¥

per day

Mid-Range Travel

600-1200¥

per day

Luxury Travel

2000¥+

per day

Guía de Compras

Best Areas

Luxury brands

3 areas

Nanjing West Road

Clic para ver detalles

Huaihai Road

Clic para ver detalles

IFC Mall in Pudong

Clic para ver detalles

Department Stores & Malls

3 areas

Nanjing East Road Pedestrian Street

Clic para ver detalles

People's Square

Clic para ver detalles

Super Brand Mall in Pudong

Clic para ver detalles

Boutique & local design

3 areas

Former French Concession

Clic para ver detalles

Tianzifang

Clic para ver detalles

Xintiandi

Clic para ver detalles

Flea Market & Fakes

2 areas

AP Plaza (Science & Technology Museum Market)

Clic para ver detalles

Taobao City Market

Clic para ver detalles

Food & Tea

2 areas

Old City Markets

Clic para ver detalles

Tianshan Tea City

Clic para ver detalles

Points of Interest

Explore the most fascinating places this city has to offer

The Bund (Wai Tan)

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.

Landmark

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.

Landmark

Yuyuan Garden

An exquisite classical Ming Dynasty garden in the heart of the Old City, with pavilions, ponds and rockeries.

Park

Former French Concession

A charming neighborhood with tree-lined avenues, European-style villas, boutiques, cafes and art galleries. Ideal for walking.

Landmark

Shanghai Tower

China's tallest skyscraper, with an observatory on the 118th floor offering 360-degree views of the city.

Landmark

Jade Buddha Temple

An active Buddhist temple famous for housing two Buddha statues carved from white jade brought from Burma.

Architecture

Tianzifang

A labyrinth of narrow alleys in traditional 'shikumen' houses, converted into a lively neighborhood of boutiques, bars, crafts and restaurants.

Landmark

Nanjing Street

Shanghai's main shopping street and one of the busiest in the world, full of shops, shopping centers and restaurants.

Landmark

Shanghai Museum

Considered one of the best museums in China, it houses a vast collection of bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy and other ancient Chinese artifacts.

Museum

Xintiandi

A luxury leisure area combining restored 'shikumen' houses with modern architecture, housing high-end restaurants, bars and shops.

Landmark

Eastern Pearl Tower

The iconic television building with its pink spheres. It has several observatories, including one with a glass floor.

Landmark

Jing'an Temple

A stunning golden-roofed Buddhist temple in the middle of the bustling shopping area of ​​Nanjing West Road.

Architecture

Maglev Train

The world's first commercial maglev train. It connects Pudong airport with the city, reaching speeds of 431 km/h.

Landmark

Old Town (Nanshi)

The historic heart of Shanghai, a labyrinth of narrow streets, traditional markets and where the Yuyuan Garden is located.

Landmark

M50 Creative Park

A former industrial complex converted into Shanghai's main contemporary art center, with dozens of galleries and artist studios.

Museum

Longhua Temple and Pagoda

The largest and oldest temple in Shanghai, known for its seven-story pagoda dating back to the Song Dynasty.

Architecture

Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC)

Nicknamed 'the bottle opener' for its design, this skyscraper has one of the highest observation platforms in the world.

Landmark

People's Square

The geographical and cultural center of Shanghai. A large green space surrounded by the Shanghai Museum, the Grand Theater and the City Hall.

Landmark

Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center

It houses a gigantic and detailed scale model of the entire city, showing the incredible urban development of Shanghai.

Museum

Museum of Propaganda Posters

A fascinating and unique private collection of Mao-era propaganda posters, hidden in the basement of an apartment building.

Museum

Jin Mao Tower

An iconic postmodern style skyscraper inspired by a pagoda. Its interior atrium is spectacular and has an observatory.

Architecture

Huangpu River Cruise

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.

Activity

Shanghai Disneyland Park

The first Disney park in mainland China, combining classic Disney attractions with Chinese cultural elements.

Theme Park

Discover every corner of Shanghai!

Sponsored links by GetYourGuide for your convenience

Day Trips

Discover fascinating destinations near Shanghai perfect for day getaways

Approx. 30 minutes by high-speed train.

Suzhou

Gardens, culture, romance.

Known as the 'Venice of the East', it is famous for its exquisite classical gardens (a World Heritage Site) and its picturesque canals.

Approx. 1 hour by high-speed train.

Hangzhou

Nature, landscapes, relaxation.

Famous for its idyllic West Lake, surrounded by hills, temples and pagodas. One of the most beautiful cities in China.

Approx. 1-1.5 hours by metro or bus.

Zhujiajiao

Charming towns, photography, easy getaway.

A well-preserved ancient water village on the outskirts of Shanghai, with stone bridges, canals and traditional houses. You can get there by metro.

Approx. 1.5 hours by high-speed train.

Nanjing (Nanjing)

History, culture, politics.

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.

Approx. 2 hours by bus.

Tongli

Authenticity, tranquility, photography.

Another charming water town, often considered less touristy than Zhujiajiao or Suzhou, with a more authentic and relaxed atmosphere.

Explore Neighborhoods

Discover the unique character and charm of each city district.

The Bund and Huangpu

Grand and monumental, the tourist and historical center with spectacular views and the bustling Nanjing Road.

Former French Concession (Xuhui)

Chic and bohemian, with tree-lined streets, charming boutiques, relaxed cafes and vibrant nightlife.

Jing'an

Modern and cosmopolitan, a mix of historic temples, luxury shopping centers and trendy restaurants.

Pudong

Futuristic and corporate, the financial district with the tallest skyscrapers, luxury hotels and massive shopping malls.

Old Town (Nanshi)

Traditional and bustling, a labyrinth of markets, temples and the classic beauty of Yuyuan Garden.

Tianzifang and Dapuqiao

Artistic and touristy, where art, craft shopping and food meet in narrow alleys.

Seasonal Experiences

Discover the best experiences and activities for each time of year

Chinese New Year (Spring Festival)

End of January - Mid-February (variable)

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.

Dragon Boat Festival

Fifth day of the fifth lunar month (usually in June)

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.

Mid-Autumn Festival

Fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month (usually in September)

Celebrated with family gatherings and the tasting of 'moon cakes'. It is a good time to see the full moon over the Pudong skyline.

Festivals & Local Celebrations

Experience the vibrant culture and traditions of this city through its unique festivals

Variable (January/February)

Chinese New Year (Spring Festival)

The most important festival in China. It is celebrated with decorations, family banquets, and the spectacular Lantern Festival at Yuyuan Garden.

June

Shanghai International Film Festival

One of the largest film festivals in Asia, attracting international stars and directors and screening hundreds of films.

June (Note: has faced disruptions)

ShanghaiPRIDE

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.

October 1

Chinese National Day

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.

Traveler Tips

Essential advice and local insights to make your trip memorable and safe

Safety Tips

  1. The 'Tea Room' Scam

    Friendly-looking young people (often 'art students') invite you to a tea ceremony or to a gallery to practice English. You will end up with an astronomical bill. Politely decline any invitation from strangers.

  2. Fake Taxis and 'Fast' Taximeters

    Always use official taxis and make sure they have a meter. At the airport, ignore those who approach you and go to the official line. It is better to use apps like DiDi (Chinese version of Uber).

  3. Bargaining in the Markets

    In imitation markets, the first price they give you is between 5 and 10 times the real value. Start by offering 10% and negotiate from there. Stay calm and in good spirits. If the price doesn't convince you, stay away; They will often call you with a better offer.

Before you go

Quick answers to plan your trip with confidence

About 4 days covers the essentials. Add 1–2 days for neighborhoods or day trips.
Mid-range is around 600-1200¥ per person per day (stay, food, local transport). See the budget section for ranges.
A solid starting area is The Bund and Huangpu. Compare neighborhoods and hotels on this page.
It is the easiest, fastest and cheapest way to get around. Download a Shanghai metro app on your mobile. Station names are in pinyin and announcements are bilingual.
Family-friendliness rated 85/100. It usually works well for family trips.
Safety rated 90/100. Friendly-looking young people (often 'art students') invite you to a tea ceremony or to a gallery to practice English. You will end up with an astronomical bill. Politely decline any invitation from strangers.

Ready to visit Shanghai?

Plan your perfect trip with our personalized recommendations and local insights.

Plan my trip