Travel to Shanghai
Shanghai is a coastal megacity where East meets West. As China's global financial hub, it blends colonial-era architecture along the Bund with the sci-fi skyline of Lujiazui. Traditional lilong alleys wind behind trendy cafés, while art deco landmarks sit beside sleek skyscrapers. From street food bites to Michelin-starred dining, Shanghai is bold, stylish, and always on the move.
Book Flight to Shanghai✈️Grab latest Trip.com Travel Promos!
Enjoy savings on your next adventure with Trip.com by taking advantage of promotional codes, coupons, flight offers, and hotel discounts.
Latest Trip.com Promo CodesShanghai Travel Promotions & Recommendations!
Shanghai Travel Guide
Explore top attractions, activities, and experiences in Shanghai.
-
Weather & TemperatureExperience Shanghai’s shifting seasons—from crisp winters to humid summers—so you’ll know just how to pack, plan, and enjoy every moment.
-
Staying ConnectedGet the best China eSIM plan for hassle-free travel with high-speed 4G/5G data, compatible with iPhone, Samsung, and more. 30-day visa-free China eSIM plans are also available. -
Public HolidayPlan your China trip with China Public Holiday 2025 guide. Get the complete list of dates, significance, and travel tips for spending your holidays. -
Visa RequirementsDiscover the latest China visa-free policies and China visa requirements for Malaysian. Find out when you need a visa, how to apply, and travel tips to China! -
Things to DoExplore the best things to do in Shanghai. Discover top activities, hidden gems, and local experiences to make your trip unforgettable. -
What to EatDiscover must-try local dishes like xiaolongbao, scallion oil noodles, and Shanghai-style braised pork—Shanghai food at its finest, served at beloved local eateries and time-honoured restaurants. -
Where to GoDiscover the top places to visit in Shanghai—from the storied Bund and tranquil Yu Garden to hidden lilong cafés—for an unforgettable trip with skyline views, street eats, and local culture. -
What to BuyExplore top shopping spots and unique souvenirs. Shop local, discover style—Shanghai’s streets are full of surprises. -
Best Time to VisitFind out the best time to visit Shanghai, including Shanghai weather, seasons, tips and more. -
Airport to City CentreDiscover the best ways to get from Shanghai Airport to city centre. Whether you're taking the maglev train, metro, taxi, or airport shuttle, find the most convenient way for your trip! -
Getting AroundDiscover how to get around Shanghai easily, including metro tips, buses, ferries, cruises, ride-hailing, and more for tourists. -
Where to StayExplore top areas with the best hotels, unique experiences, and top attractions in Shanghai. -
PlugsFind everything you need to know about China power plug, voltage, adapters, and travel tips. Stay charged with China power plug! -
Day ToursPlan your perfect Shanghai guided day tour and experiences. Discover top attractions, the best things to do and helpful travel tips for a memorable trip. -
ItineraryPlan your ultimate Shanghai itinerary! Explore top things to do, food, shopping and more. -
Travel TipsPractical tips to help you navigate your travels and make the most of every experience in Shanghai, where history, modern cities, and unique culture await!
Plan Your Trip
Find cheapest flight and a great place to stay in Shanghai!
Flights to Shanghai
Whether you're looking for one-way or round-trip options, compare airfares to discover the best flights and deals to Shanghai.
Hotels in Shanghai
Save big on the best Shanghai hotels with good rates, real reviews, and premium customer service!
Book China Train
Planning to take high speed trains in China? Use Trip.com to book your train tickets across any cities in China!
Hotels Near The Bund
Recommended hotels near The Bund for the most covenient trip.
Hotels Near Shanghai Disneyland
Top family-friendly hotels located close to Shanghai Disneyland.
Hotels Near Shanghai Railway Station
Stay near the railway station for easy access to transportation.
👑 Best of Shanghai
Explore top attractions, hotels and restaurants in Shanghai.
-
Top Family Attractions
A ranked list of must-see sights and experiences.
-
Top Hotels
Top-rated hotels selected for comfort, location, and quality.
-
Top Restaurants
Discover highly recommended dining spots and local favourites.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Shanghai
What’s the best way to get around Shanghai?
If you're visiting Shanghai, public transport is by far the best way to get around. The metro is cheap, efficient, and well-connected, covering almost every major attraction. I highly recommend getting a Shanghai Public Transport Card (SPTC)—it works for the metro, buses, and even ferries. 🚕 Taxis & Ride-Hailing: Taxis are affordable, but many drivers don’t speak English—use Didi (China’s Uber) for a smoother experience. 🚶♂️ Walking: If you’re exploring areas like The Bund or the French Concession, walking is the best way to soak in the city’s vibe.How much should I budget per day in Shanghai?
💰 Budget Traveler: ¥250-400 (RM200-300) per day 💎 Mid-Range Traveler: ¥600-1000 (RM400-600) per day 🥂 Luxury Traveler: ¥1500+ (RM1000+) per dayIs Shanghai safe for tourists?
Yes! Shanghai is one of the safest cities in China, even for solo travelers. However, here are a few safety tips: ✅ Watch out for scams—Avoid tea house scams or overly friendly strangers inviting you to an overpriced café. ✅ Beware of traffic—Scooters and bikes don’t always follow the rules, so look both ways before crossing streets. ✅ Pickpockets are rare, but always stay cautious in crowded places like Nanjing Road and metro stations.What’s the best neighborhood to stay in?
🏙️ For First-Time Visitors: Stay near People’s Square or The Bund—you’ll be close to top attractions and metro lines. 🎉 For Nightlife & Trendy Vibes: Jing’an and Xintiandi are packed with stylish bars, cocktail lounges, and high-end restaurants. 🎭 For Culture & Local Life: The French Concession is perfect for charming streets, boutique hotels, and historic vibes. 💰 For Budget Travelers: Zhabei or Pudong offer cheaper accommodations but still have good metro access.What’s the best local food to try in Shanghai?
🥟 Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings) – Juicy, flavorful, and a must-try at Jia Jia Tang Bao or Din Tai Fung. 🍜 Scallion Oil Noodles (葱油拌面) – A simple but iconic dish; try it at A Niang Mian Guan. 🦆 Shanghai-style Braised Pork (红烧肉) – Rich, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth good. 🥢 Sheng Jian Bao (Pan-fried Soup Dumplings) – A crispier, pan-fried version of xiaolongbao—try Yang’s Dumplings! 🐟 Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish (松鼠桂鱼) – A local specialty often found in high-end restaurants.What’s a common tourist mistake in Shanghai?
🚇 Avoid rush hour on the metro (8-10 AM & 5-7 PM)—it gets packed! 🛍️ Haggling in malls? Nope. Unlike other cities, Shanghai’s shopping malls have fixed prices—save your bargaining skills for fake markets. 🚫 Forgetting to bring VPN access—If you rely on Google, Facebook, or Instagram, download a VPN before arriving!What’s the best time to visit Shanghai for good weather & fewer crowds?
If you want pleasant weather and fewer crowds, March-May and September-November are ideal. 🌸 Spring (March-May): Mild temps, blooming cherry blossoms, and outdoor festivals. 🍂 Autumn (Sept-Nov): Comfortable temperatures and golden foliage in parks. 🚫 Avoid: Chinese New Year (January/February) and Golden Week (October 1-7)—Shanghai gets super crowded, and prices skyrocket!Do I need cash, or can I use a credit card everywhere?
Shanghai is cashless-first, meaning most places prefer mobile payments like Alipay & WeChat Pay. However, if you’re a tourist without a Chinese bank account: ✅ Most hotels, malls, and high-end restaurants accept credit cards (Visa/MasterCard). ❌ Street food stalls, small shops, and taxis may only accept mobile payments or cash. 💰 Tip: Always carry at least ¥200 ($30) in cash for emergencies.Is tipping expected in Shanghai?
Nope! Tipping isn’t common in China, and most restaurants and services don’t expect it. 🚕 Taxis & Ride-hailing: No tipping needed. 🍽️ Restaurants: No tipping, unless you're in a high-end Western-style restaurant. 🏨 Hotels: Bellboys at luxury hotels might accept a small tip (~¥10-20), but it’s not required.What are the best free things to do in Shanghai?
Good news—you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy Shanghai! Here are my top free experiences: 🌆 Walk along The Bund – Stunning skyline views, especially at night! 🌳 Explore Fuxing Park & Century Park – Great for people-watching and picnics. 🎭 Visit Jing’an Temple (courtyard is free!) – While the inside requires a small fee, the outer courtyard is beautiful and free to visit. 🛍️ Window-shop in Tianzifang & Xintiandi – These trendy districts are perfect for photography. 🎨 Check out M50 Art District – A hidden gem full of free galleries showcasing contemporary Chinese art.