Overview
Shanghai is a metropolis of over 24 million people on the eastern coast of China, where centuries of commerce and culture have converged to create one of the world's most dynamic urban centres. The city straddles two districts separated by a major river, each with distinct character: one represents the colonial past, the other the futuristic present. Visitors encounter towering modern architecture alongside traditional temples, high-speed transport networks, and neighbourhoods where daily life unfolds in alleys and markets.
As China's principal financial hub, Shanghai draws business travellers, tourists, and expats seeking everything from cutting-edge museums and restaurants to serene gardens and waterside walks. The sheer scale of the city can overwhelm, but it rewards careful exploration with moments of genuine discovery—whether in a local noodle shop, a centuries-old garden, or from the observation deck of a supertall building.
Key facts
| Country | China |
|---|---|
| Population | 24.87 million |
| Timezone | Asia/Shanghai |
| Nearest airport | Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), 12 km |
| Currency | CNY |
Getting There
Two major airports serve the city. Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport lies 12.1 kilometres west of the centre and handles numerous domestic and regional flights. Shanghai Pudong International Airport, situated 34.1 kilometres to the east, accommodates most long-haul international services. A third option, Jiaxing Nanhu Airport, operates 95.6 kilometres away for those flexible on departure points.
From either airport, various ground transport options connect to the city. High-speed rail, metro systems, coach services, and taxis are all available. The city's transport infrastructure is designed to move large volumes of people efficiently, though navigating it as a first-time visitor requires planning. Mobile apps and hotel staff can advise on the most direct route to your accommodation.
Flights from £354 to Shanghai →from London · arrives SHA (12.1 km away) · recently-found fare — price & availability change
Getting Around
Public transport is extensive and affordable. Metro, bus, and taxi networks cover the city comprehensively. A rechargeable card system works across most modes of transport, purchased at stations and convenience stores. Walking between attractions is often impractical given distances, but metro stations are generally well-signposted in English and Chinese characters.
Ride-hailing apps operate throughout the city and offer an alternative to taxis, particularly if you speak Chinese or have a translation app. Bicycles and e-scooters are available for hire in many areas, though traffic can be intense. Rush hours, typically early morning and late afternoon, see crowding on metro lines serving business districts.
Understanding the Layout
The city's geography is shaped by a major river running north-south. The western bank developed earlier as a trading port under foreign influence and retains architecture, street patterns, and commercial districts from that era. The eastern bank, developed more recently, showcases contemporary urban planning with modern towers, financial headquarters, and purpose-built commercial zones. Understanding this divide helps frame your itinerary.
Within the broader east-west split lie distinct quarters, each with particular appeal. Some areas concentrate galleries, bookshops, and creative venues. Others are primarily residential or industrial. Tourist-oriented zones tend to cluster around heritage temples and traditional gardens, whilst financial districts feel corporate and can seem sterile to leisure visitors. Local residents often recommend stepping beyond the obvious tourist routes to find street food, neighbourhood parks, and everyday urban life that guidebooks overlook.
Things to Do
The city offers a wide range of attractions spanning history, art, culture, and leisure. Museums cover Chinese history, contemporary art, and specialist subjects ranging from medicine to design. Many are free or inexpensive to enter. Religious buildings—temples and churches—remain active places of worship as well as architectural landmarks, with interiors often open to respectful visitors. Traditional gardens, designed according to classical principles of balance and natural beauty, offer quiet retreats from the urban pace.
For those interested in modern Shanghai, observation decks and tall buildings provide vantage points across the skyline. Shopping districts range from luxury malls to wet markets selling fresh produce, textiles, and everyday goods. Waterfront promenades along the river offer recreational walking routes and cafés. Parks provide green space and are particularly busy in early mornings when residents exercise and practise tai chi. Evening entertainment options include theatre, live music venues, and night markets where food vendors operate until late.
Experiences you can book in Shanghai
Private Shanghai Full Day City Tour with Old and New HighlightsFree cancellationInstant confirmationAbout this experience
This great 8-hour Shanghai city tour takes you to discover the must see sites in Shanghai from its old and modern perspectives, from its colonial Bund riverside to the modern skyscrapers Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai Tower, from the elegant Ming Dynasty Yu Garden and old…
from £86.52Book on Viator →
From Shanghai: Zhujiajiao Water Town Private Tour with Boat RideFree cancellationInstant confirmationAbout this experience
Enjoy a relaxing half day tour to the remarkable ancient water town Zhujiajiao with your local lovely guide. Experience the charming "Oriental Venice "and explore the ancient water alley streets ;appreciate the traditional Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture. Visit the classic…
from £103.98Book on Viator →
Shanghai: Southern Great Wall Day Trip by Bullet TrainFree cancellationInstant confirmationAbout this experience
Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Jiangnan Great Wall (Southern Great Wall) in Linhai, Zhejiang—a historic gem near Shanghai. Unlike the Ming walls in Beijing, this 1,600-year-old ancient city wall offers a unique, lush experience away from the crowds. Perfect for…
from £300.19Book on Viator →
Shanghai Private Tour: Zhujiajiao Water Town and Boat RideFree cancellationInstant confirmationAbout this experience
Enjoy short get away from Shanghai city to beautiful Zhujiajiao Water Town where you can explore the classic Chinese buildings and to take a relax boat ride along the water canals. This half-day private tour can be started either in the morning or afternoon, and all entrance…
from £111.35Book on Viator →
4-Hour Private Shanghai City Tour with Old and New HighlightsFree cancellationInstant confirmationAbout this experience
Discover the beauty of Shanghai from its history, culture, modern and ancient perspectives during this 4-hour ultimate private tour experience. The tour is 100% customized based on your schedule and interests, your local expert guide will lead you to the incredible Shanghai city…
from £69.97Book on Viator →
Authentic Local Food Tour in Central ShanghaiFree cancellationInstant confirmationAbout this experience
Taste a dozen traditional Shanghainese dishes in 3 hours during this culinary tour of Huangpi Road, the old border between the former French Concession and Shanghai residential areas. Sample soup dumplings with black vinegar, parched chicken, steamed buns, scallion oil noodles,…
from £59.44Book on Viator →
Experiences are sold and operated by Viator and its local suppliers. Head Your Way is an affiliate: we may earn a commission, but your booking, payment, cancellations, refunds and any insurance are handled entirely by Viator under their terms. Head Your Way is not the seller and is not a party to your booking. Prices and availability shown are from Viator and can change — confirm full details on Viator before booking.
Dining and Food
Regional Chinese cooking styles are well represented, from wheat-based noodle dishes to seafood preparations typical of coastal provinces. The local cuisine emphasises subtle flavours, preserved vegetables, and soy sauce-based sauces. Xiaolongbao—soup dumplings served in bamboo baskets—are a local speciality found in dim sum restaurants and casual eateries alike.
Dining options range from hole-in-the-wall noodle shops to formal restaurants with table service and printed menus. Food courts in shopping centres offer variety at moderate prices. Street food and breakfast vendors operate in residential areas and near transport hubs early each morning. International cuisines are available in central business areas and expat-friendly zones, though prices rise accordingly. Paying for meals via mobile payment apps is standard practice in most establishments, though some smaller vendors and traditional restaurants prefer cash. Rice, noodles, and soy sauce typically accompany main dishes; tea and beer are common beverages. Many restaurants display food in windows or on picture menus if the language barrier presents a challenge.
When to Visit
Shanghai's continental climate means weather varies significantly across the year, though specific temperature data is not available in current sources. The city experiences four distinct seasons. Certain months are generally more comfortable for outdoor exploration and sightseeing than others, though this varies year to year and travellers have different comfort thresholds.
Those planning walks through gardens, river promenades, and open-air markets should check seasonal weather forecasts closer to travel dates. Indoor attractions—museums, galleries, shopping centres, restaurants—are accessible year-round regardless of conditions. Book accommodation and transport well in advance during major national holidays, when domestic travellers crowd the city. Consider your personal preference for crowds versus weather when choosing dates; popular periods attract larger volumes of visitors to museums and transport hubs, whilst quieter times offer a more relaxed pace but may feature less predictable weather.
Nearby Destinations
Several cities within reasonable travelling distance make excellent day trips. Suzhou lies 82.5 kilometres away and is renowned for classical gardens and historic canal zones. Wuxi, at 117.5 kilometres, offers lakeside scenery and traditional crafts. Nantong, 105.5 kilometres north, features textile heritage and river landscapes. Kunshan, 50.9 kilometres away, provides a smaller-scale urban experience with cultural sites. Jiaxing, 85.4 kilometres distant, blends water-town charm with historical significance.
Closer options require less travel time. Songjiang, 30.6 kilometres south, combines suburban character with heritage temples and landscaped areas. Baoshan, just 20.9 kilometres north, and Xuhui, only 3.1 kilometres away, both offer localised attractions without the long commute. Transport between the main city and these destinations typically involves coach services, high-speed rail, or standard rail lines, all reasonably priced. Journeys of 30 to 50 kilometres usually take under an hour; longer distances may require 90 minutes to two hours. Guided group tours operate from central locations, or independent travel using public transport is straightforward for those comfortable navigating the system.
Practical Information
The local currency is CNY (Chinese yuan, also called renminbi). Exchange rates fluctuate; check current rates before travel. Most shops and restaurants accept mobile payment apps, whilst bank cards and cash also work depending on the establishment. ATMs are widespread in commercial areas and near transport hubs. Credit cards from outside China may not function reliably, so carrying backup cash is prudent.
Chinese is the primary language. English is spoken in hotels, major museums, and international business areas, but less common in residential neighbourhoods and small shops. Translation apps on smartphones prove useful for navigating menus, signage, and basic communication. Visas are required for most nationalities; consult your country's embassy or visa service well in advance. Mobile SIM cards are sold at airports and convenience stores; purchasing one allows data and calling at local rates. Travel insurance including medical coverage is recommended. Tap water is generally considered safe, though many visitors prefer bottled water. Electrical plugs follow the Chinese standard; adapters are available at airports and electronics shops.
Good to Know
The city runs on a 24-hour clock. Dinner service typically begins around 5pm and peaks between 6pm and 8pm. Breakfast is often available from 6am onwards. Shops in commercial areas open from 10am to 10pm or later; residential neighbourhood shops keep variable hours. Museums usually operate 9am to 5pm, with one day closed weekly.
Tipping is not customary in restaurants or for taxi drivers, though rounding up or small tokens of appreciation are occasionally given in upmarket establishments. Bargaining is not typical in shops, though it may occur in outdoor markets. Photography restrictions exist in some temples and museums; look for signage or ask staff. Crowds and congestion are normal features of the city; patience and planning around peak hours improves the experience. Respect for local customs—removing shoes before entering homes or certain temples, avoiding pointing—is appreciated. Weather can change rapidly; carrying a light rain jacket year-round is sensible.
Journeys through here
Where to stay in Shanghai
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Getting around Shanghai
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Common questions
- How far is the airport from the city centre?
- Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is 12.1 kilometres from the centre, whilst Shanghai Pudong International Airport is 34.1 kilometres away. Hongqiao handles most domestic flights; Pudong serves most international arrivals. Travel time from either airport to central accommodation typically ranges from 30 minutes to over an hour depending on traffic and your chosen transport method.
- Do I need to speak Chinese to get around?
- English is spoken in hotels, major attractions, and business districts, but less common in residential areas and small shops. Translation apps on smartphones are invaluable. Learning a few basic phrases in Chinese is courteous and occasionally helpful. Signage in metro stations and airports usually includes English transliteration alongside Chinese characters.
- What is the best way to pay for things?
- Mobile payment apps are ubiquitous and preferred by most vendors and restaurants. Bank cards work in many places but not everywhere. Chinese ATMs accept many international cards; check with your bank before travel. Carrying some cash as backup is sensible, particularly for small purchases in older neighbourhoods or markets.
- Can I take a day trip and return to the city in one day?
- Yes. Several destinations within 20 to 85 kilometres are easily reached via coach, rail, or ride-hailing services. Suzhou, Kunshan, and Songjiang are popular day-trip choices. Journeys typically take between 30 minutes and two hours each way, allowing several hours to explore before returning.
- What should I pack for a visit?
- Since specific climate data isn't available, check a detailed weather forecast for your travel dates. Generally, comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are essential. A lightweight rain jacket is useful year-round. Adapters for Chinese electrical plugs, a universal power bank for your mobile device, and translation app software prove practical.
- Is the public transport system easy to navigate for first-time visitors?
- Yes, with planning. Metro, bus, and taxi networks are extensive and affordable. Signs in stations often include English alongside Chinese. Purchasing a rechargeable card at any metro station simplifies payment across transport modes. Download a local map app that works offline for reference when signal is poor.
On the map
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Nearby places
More places in China
Similar destinations
Plan the wider trip
Sources & method
- GeoNames — population · retrieved 2026-08-14
- OurAirports (derived) — nearestAirports · retrieved 2026-08-14
- Imagery — commons
Data compiled 2026-08-14 · editorial checks: passed. See our methodology for how Head Your Way sources and reviews travel data.