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Shanghai travel guide

Updated 9 November 2026

Shanghai Pudong skyline at night — Photo: King of Hearts · CC BY-SA 4.0

China's most international city: art deco along the Bund, plane-tree streets in the old French Concession, and the skyscrapers of Pudong across the river. A great first stop — and a 240-hour transit hub.

Time needed2–3 days

Best timeMarch–May, October–November

Chinese name上海

240-hour transitYes — approved port

Visa-free entry to Shanghai

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) — one of the 65 ports for 240-hour visa-free transit. Transit travellers entering here may stay in: Shanghai.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) — one of the 65 ports for 240-hour visa-free transit. Transit travellers entering here may stay in: Shanghai.

Check your passport for Shanghai →

Top things to do

The Bund. Riverside promenade of 1920s banks facing the Pudong skyline. Go at dusk when the lights come on.
Former French Concession. Leafy streets, cafés and boutiques around Wukang Road and Anfu Road.
Yu Garden and the Old Town. Classical Ming-era garden and busy bazaar; try xiaolongbao nearby.
Shanghai Tower observation deck. One of the highest observation decks in the world, in Lujiazui.
Shanghai Museum. Outstanding bronzes, ceramics and calligraphy.
Zhujiajiao or Zhouzhuang water towns. Canals and stone bridges, about an hour away.

Getting around

Metro covers almost everything, with English signs — use the Alipay Transport code. The Maglev runs from Pudong Airport to Longyang Road in about 8 minutes; Line 2 also reaches the airport. Hongqiao Airport sits next to Hongqiao railway station.

Where to stay

The Bund / People's Square — Classic views, central metro hub
Jing'an — Walkable, temples, malls and restaurants
Former French Concession — Boutique hotels and the best café streets

Hotels in Shanghai that accept foreigners Affiliate link

Day trips

Hangzhou (under 1 hour by train)
Suzhou gardens (30 min by train)
Water towns: Zhujiajiao, Zhouzhuang, Wuzhen

What to eat

Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings)
Shengjian bao (pan-fried buns)
Hairy crab (autumn)
Scallion oil noodles