Life of Travel
Shanghai
China's Global Metropolis
Futuristic skyline, Art Deco heritage, world-class dining, and endless energy
Welcome to Shanghai
Shanghai is China at its most dynamic, a city where 1920s Art Deco glamourmeets 21st-century innovation. Walk The Bund's colonial architecture while gazing at Pudong's space-age towers. Explore the French Concession'stree-lined lanes, shop on Nanjing Road, and eat everything from street dumplings to Michelin-starred cuisine. Shanghai never sleeps.
Shanghai In Photos
The Bund
Yu Garden
French Concession
Xiaolongbao
Best Time to Visit
Autumn
October to November
Best time. Clear skies, comfortable temperatures, beautiful fall colors in French Concession.
Spring
April to May
Pleasant weather, flowers blooming. Occasional rain. Avoid Labor Day holiday week.
Neighborhoods
Tap each card to learn more
The Bund & Pudong
Iconic waterfront with colonial and futuristic architecture
Best for: Skyline Views • History • Observation Decks • Photography
French Concession
Charming tree-lined streets with boutiques and cafes
Best for: Cafes • Shopping • Walking • Family Strolls
Old Town & Yu Garden
Traditional Shanghai with gardens, temples, and bazaars
Best for: Yu Garden • Xiaolongbao • Traditional • Shopping
Jing'an
Modern district with ancient temple and luxury shopping
Best for: Jing'an Temple • High End Shopping • Modern Shanghai
Top Things to Do
- 🌆Walk The Bund at night for incredible Pudong skyline views
- 🏙️Go up Shanghai Tower for the world's highest observation deck
- 🥟Eat xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at Din Tai Fung or local spots
- 🌳Wander the French Concession's leafy streets and hidden bars
- 🎭Watch acrobats at Shanghai Circus World or ERA show
- 🚇Ride the Maglev train from the airport at 430 km/h
Shanghai Tower
Nanjing Road
Acrobat Show
Shanghai Food & Drink
Xiaolongbao: Delicate soup dumplings. Bite, sip the soup, then eat. Don't burn yourself!
Hairy Crab: Autumn specialty (Sep to Nov). Sweet meat, rich roe. Worth the effort.
Red Braised Pork: Hong Shao Rou. Sweet, sticky, melt in mouth. Shanghai comfort food
Family Entertainment: ERA acrobat show is incredible for all ages, combining technology with Chinese tradition
Coffee Culture: Shanghai rivals Melbourne for specialty coffee. Try % Arabica or Manner
Frequently Asked Questions
3 to 4 days covers the highlights. Add more for day trips to Suzhou, Hangzhou, or Zhujiajiao water town.
Metro is excellent and cheap. Didi (Chinese Uber) for taxis. Walking best in French Concession. Maglev from airport is fun but metro is more practical.
Excellent for families. Children love the futuristic skyline views, Disney Resort is nearby, and the acrobat shows are perfect for all ages. Many quality hotels offer family rooms and connecting suites. The city is clean, safe, and efficient with great public transport.
Better than most Chinese cities but still limited. Hotels, major attractions, and upscale restaurants usually have English speakers. Translation apps essential elsewhere.
Ready for Your Shanghai Adventure?
Let us take the stress out of planning your perfect family holiday. We'll arrange quality hotels, private guides, and experiences the whole family will love, from skyline views to acrobat shows.
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