Should You Visit Shanghai?

Is Shanghai worth visiting?

Shanghai is worth visiting for two to five days so that you can explore everything that the port city has to offer. We first visited in the summer of 2013 and have returned several times. During our time here, we fell in love with touring the street food scene and wandering down the Bund. Shanghai is a financial and economic hub in China that brings international tourists, business workers, and backpackers. At the heart of its tourist scene is the Bund, which is a waterfront promenade that has colonial and modern buildings. Shanghai is a foodie destination that has great street food as well as high end restaurants.

Shanghai, China

Reasons to Visit Shanghai

Museums
The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

Food
The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

Shopping
The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

Nightlife
A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Shanghai might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Shanghai here or see if Shanghai is expensive here.

Is Shanghai worth visiting in the Summer?

The weather in Shanghai is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 28°C (83°F). But it can get as warm as 32°C (89°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.

The peak season for travel is summer in Shanghai, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect crowds to be large, and prices to be a bit higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.

The activities of the city are numerous, and this is a great time of year to explore all of them. From family-friendly attractions to romantic getaways, as well as budget-friendly things to do, there's something for everyone. Famous landmarks, museums, tours, and more are all available. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable port city, especially in the nice weather. This is a great time of year to wander through the museums, enjoy the city's energy, and take advantage of the local nightlife.

Is Shanghai worth visiting in the Autumn?

Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Shanghai. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 19°C (65°F).

Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to admire the wonderful scenery, browse through museums, and discover the big city activities.

Is Shanghai worth visiting in the Winter?

This is the low season for travel in Shanghai. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.

The weather in Shanghai can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 4°C (39°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums, the cuisine, and the nightlife scene. Also, you'll be able to soak up the big city atmosphere.

Is Shanghai worth visiting in the Spring?

Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during spring, and temperatures hover around 15°C (58°F).

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Shanghai, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.

The city this time of year is absolutely beautiful. Admire the gardens, parks, and fantastic architecture, too. This is a great time of year to browse the shops, browse the museums, and admire the wonderful scenery. Also, you can experience the nightlife.

Related

What is Shanghai most famous for?

Shanghai is most famous for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. The port city is very popular for its museums, food, and shopping. And many travelers come for the nightlife, as well. It is often described as cosmopolitan, professional, diverse, bustling, trendy, and modern.

What is the most famous sight in Shanghai?

The most popular sight in Shanghai is The Bund. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Shanghai on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Bund and other attractions here.

How touristy is Shanghai? Is it a popular port city to visit?

Shanghai is a popular port city for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• Full-Day Private Guided Tour of Shanghai: $99
• Shanghai Breakfast Walking Tour of Former French Concession: $77
• 4-Hour Shanghai City Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $91
• 3-Hour Private Tour to Jewish Ghetto and Shanghai Bund: $90
• Private Shanghai Airport Layover Tour with Flexible Highlights: $150
• Flexible Half Day Tour to Zhujiajiao Water Town with Boat Ride from Shanghai: $143
• Afternoon Tea and Dessert Tour on the Huaihai Road in Shanghai: $82
• All-inclusive Customized Shanghai Layover Tour: $210

How long should I spend in Shanghai?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Shanghai is two to five days. Since Shanghai has a variety of activities such as museums, dining, and shopping, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Shanghai?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Shanghai?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Shanghai?.