Looking for things to do in Shanghai? Walk the Bund facing the towers of Pudong, go up to the top of the Shanghai Tower, visit Yuyuan Garden and the old town, wander the former French Concession and Tianzifang, see the Jade Buddha Temple, then take a day trip to the water towns of Zhujiajiao or the gardens of Suzhou. To visit Shanghai, allow 3 to 4 days. The best times are April-May and late September to November.
China’s leading economic city, Shanghai grew in the 19th century as a port open to foreign trade, which explains its Art Deco façades and the villas of the former French Concession. Across the Huangpu River, Pudong lines up some of the tallest skyscrapers in the world. The city is milder than Beijing in winter, but noticeably more humid and rainy all year round.
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Shanghai at a glance
- Airports Shanghai Pudong(international flights, linked to the centre by metro and the Maglev train) and Shanghai Hongqiao (mainly domestic and regional flights, next to the main railway station)
- Ideal length 3 to 4 days, plus a day tripSuzhou, Hangzhou or a water town
- Best times April-May and late September to November, outside Golden Week1-7 October
- Time zone UTC+8 all year: 8 hours ahead of London in winter, 7 in summer; 13 hours ahead of New York in winter, 12 in summer · detailsLocal time now: –:–
- Entry US: visa required (visa-free transit exceptions); UK: visa-free up to 30 days until 31 December 2026 · US: travel.state.gov · UK: GOV.UK
- Currency yuan (renminbi, CNY); mobile payment almost universal · currencies
- Electricity check plug types and voltage before you travel · plugs
- Budget see our budget section
Things to do in Shanghai: the highlights
The Bund
The Bund (Waitan) is the promenade along the west bank of the Huangpu. Its banks, shipping company offices and hotels, built mostly between the late 19th century and the 1930s, recall the city’s past as an international port. Come by day for the façades, then at nightfall for the view of Pudong lit up. The promenade is very busy on weekend evenings and Chinese public holidays. Boats run river cruises in the evening.
Pudong and the Lujiazui skyscrapers
Across the river, the Lujiazui financial district brings together the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the Jin Mao Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center and the Shanghai Tower, the tallest in China, whose observation deck looks out over the whole city on a clear day. Pick a clear day: with haze or low cloud, common in winter and during the rainy season, visibility can be very poor. Reach Pudong by metro, by ferry from the Bund or through the sightseeing tunnel.
Yuyuan Garden and the old town
Yuyuan Garden, created in the Ming period, is a classical garden of rockeries, ponds, pavilions and galleries inside the old Chinese city. Around it, the bazaar and its buildings with upturned roofs are very touristy, but the teahouse on the water and the nearby lanes are worth a look. Come at opening time to avoid the crowds. The City God Temple (Chenghuangmiao) is right next door.
The former French Concession and Tianzifang
West of the centre, the former French Concession is the nicest area to explore on foot: plane-tree-lined streets, villas, Art Deco buildings, cafés and shops, especially around Wukang Road and Anfu Road. Tianzifang, a maze of shikumen lanes (stone-gate houses typical of Shanghai) turned into shops and cafés, and Xintiandi, a renovated, more upmarket version, show off this architecture unique to the city.
The Jade Buddha Temple and Jing’an Temple
The Jade Buddha Temple houses two jade Buddha statues brought from Burma in the late 19th century, a seated Buddha and a reclining Buddha. Jing’an Temple, with its golden roofs among the towers of the district of the same name, offers a striking contrast. Dress modestly and be discreet: these are active places of worship.
Nanjing Road and People’s Square
Nanjing Road, partly pedestrianised, links People’s Square with the Bund: it is the historic shopping street, very lively in the evening. People’s Square has several cultural buildings, including the Shanghai Museum, known for its collections of Chinese bronzes, ceramics and paintings; part of the collections is now shown in a new building in Pudong, so check on the museum’s official website which branch has what you want to see.
Water towns, Suzhou and Hangzhou
Zhujiajiao, within the metropolitan area, and Qibao, reachable by metro, are old towns crossed by canals and stone bridges; Zhouzhuang and Wuzhen, further away, are larger. Suzhou, famous for its classical gardens listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Hangzhou, around West Lake, are reached by high-speed train for a day or a night.
Itinerary: Shanghai in 3 to 4 days
- Day 1: People’s Square and the Shanghai Museum, Nanjing Road, the Bund at nightfall
- Day 2: Yuyuan Garden at opening time and the old town, then Pudong, the Shanghai Tower and a riverside walk
- Day 3: the Jade Buddha Temple, Jing’an Temple, the former French Concession, Tianzifang and Xintiandi
- Day 4: a trip to Zhujiajiao, or a train to Suzhou or Hangzhou
Shanghai is often the last stop on a Beijing – Xi’an – Shanghai tour: see our China travel guide to build the full itinerary. High-speed trains leave from Hongqiao station, next to the airport of the same name.
Where to stay in Shanghai
- Around the Bund and Nanjing Road (Huangpu): the most central, ideal for a first stay, historic and international hotels
- Former French Concession and Jing’an: pleasant on foot, restaurants and cafés, boutique hotels
- Pudong (Lujiazui): large hotels in the towers with views, handy for Pudong airport, quieter in the evening
- Near Hongqiao station: only for one night before a train or a domestic flight
As in Beijing, stay close to a metro station: the city is huge. Your hotel handles the police registration required within 24 hours of arrival (U.S. State Department, UK FCDO).
Getting around Shanghai
- Metro: one of the largest networks in the world, signposted in Chinese and English, with bag checks at the entrance.
- From Pudong airport: metro (line 2) or the Maglev, a magnetic levitation train that links the airport with Longyang Road station in a few minutes, then change to the metro; official taxis.
- Ferry: the ferries crossing the Huangpu between the Bund and Pudong are a simple, cheap way to enjoy the view.
- Taxis and ride-hailing: affordable; have your address written in Chinese characters.
- Train: high-speed trains to Suzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing and Beijing from Hongqiao and Shanghai stations; tickets are in your name, bought with your passport.
When to go to Shanghai: the climate month by month
The best times to visit Shanghai are April-May and late September to November, with 18 to 26 °C (64 to 79 °F) in the afternoon. The climate is humid subtropical: cool, grey winters, the « plum rains » season (meiyu) in June-July, very hot and muggy summers, and dry, bright autumns. October has the fewest rain days; December is the driest in millimetres. The table uses the 1991-2020 normals of the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), Shanghai-Xujiahui station.
| Month | Max | Min | Rainfall | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8.7 °C (48 °F) | 2.9 °C (37 °F) | 72.2 mm (2.8 in) | Low | Low | ⚠️ Cool and damp, often grey skies |
| February | 10.7 °C (51 °F) | 4.1 °C (39 °F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | Variable (Lunar New Year) | Variable | ⚠️ Cool; Lunar New Year in some years |
| March | 14.9 °C (59 °F) | 7.6 °C (46 °F) | 97.3 mm (3.8 in) | Medium | Medium | ⚠️ Mild, but frequent rain |
| April | 20.9 °C (70 °F) | 12.6 °C (55 °F) | 84.2 mm (3.3 in) | High | Medium → high | ✅ Mild, gardens in bloom |
| May | 25.8 °C (78 °F) | 17.9 °C (64 °F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | High | High | ✅ Very pleasant; crowds around 1 May |
| June | 28.6 °C (83 °F) | 22.0 °C (72 °F) | 224.9 mm (8.9 in) | Medium | Medium | ❌ Rainy season (meiyu), very humid |
| July | 33.2 °C (92 °F) | 26.2 °C (79 °F) | 163.2 mm (6.4 in) | High (holidays) | High | ❌ Very hot and muggy (33 °C, 92 °F) |
| August | 32.6 °C (91 °F) | 26.2 °C (79 °F) | 225.9 mm (8.9 in) | High (holidays) | High | ❌ Wettest month, typhoons possible |
| September | 28.7 °C (84 °F) | 22.5 °C (72 °F) | 131.5 mm (5.2 in) | Medium | Medium | ⚠️ Still hot, typhoons possible |
| October | 23.5 °C (74 °F) | 17.1 °C (63 °F) | 69.6 mm (2.7 in) | Very high in early October | High | ✅ Ideal outside Golden Week (1-7 October) |
| November | 17.8 °C (64 °F) | 11.4 °C (53 °F) | 61.4 mm (2.4 in) | Medium | Medium | ✅ Mild, dry, autumn colours |
| December | 11.3 °C (52 °F) | 5.3 °C (42 °F) | 50.4 mm (2.0 in) | Medium (high at Christmas) | Medium | ⚠️ Cool, few tourists |
Spring (March to May)
Spring is mild (14.9 °C (59 °F) in March, 20.9 °C (70 °F) in April, 25.8 °C (78 °F) in May), but it rains often, in small amounts: about 11 to 13 days with precipitation a month according to the CMA. April and May are the most pleasant months for walking in the French Concession and visiting the gardens of Suzhou. Avoid the week around 1 May if you can.
Summer (June to August): plum rains, heat and typhoons
In June, the meiyu rainy season brings 225 mm (8.9 in) of rain and very high humidity. July and August are the hottest months (average highs of 33 °C, or 91 °F, and 26 °C, or 79 °F, at night); August is also the wettest (226 mm (8.9 in)), with storms and a risk of typhoons. According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 27 August 2026), the typhoon season normally runs from May to November and affects China’s southern and eastern coastal regions, and air travel and other transport can be disrupted. Follow the bulletins of the China Meteorological Administration and the Japan Meteorological Agency during your stay.
Autumn (September to November)
September stays hot (28.7 °C (84 °F)) and can see typhoon episodes. October (23.5 °C (74 °F), 70 mm (2.8 in), 7.5 rain days) is often the best month, outside Golden Week from 1 to 7 October. November is mild (17.8 °C (64 °F)) and fairly dry: autumn colours in the gardens and a good time for lower prices.
Winter (December to February)
Winter is cool and damp rather than freezing: 9 to 11 °C (48 to 52 °F) in the afternoon, 3 to 5 °C (37 to 41 °F) at night, rarely below zero, but with often grey skies (about 115 to 127 hours of sunshine a month). Many older buildings are poorly heated: bring warm layers. Lunar New Year (January or February) brings closures and mass travel: see our page on Chinese New Year.
Shanghai or Beijing? The figures compared
Most travellers combine the two cities. We cross-checked the official CMA normals for Shanghai (Xujiahui) and Beijing (Haidian) to see where the weather is better month by month.
| Month | Max (Shanghai / Beijing) | Difference in max | Min (Shanghai / Beijing) | Rainfall (Shanghai / Beijing) | Rain days in 7 days in Shanghai |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8.7 / 2.7 °C (48 / 37 °F) | +6.0 °C (+11 °F) | 2.9 / −7.1 °C (37 / 19 °F) | 72.2 / 2.1 mm (2.8 / 0.1 in) | 2.4 |
| February | 10.7 / 6.5 °C (51 / 44 °F) | +4.2 °C (+8 °F) | 4.1 / −4.3 °C (39 / 24 °F) | 65 / 5.6 mm (2.6 / 0.2 in) | 2.6 |
| March | 14.9 / 13.4 °C (59 / 56 °F) | +1.5 °C (+3 °F) | 7.6 / 1.8 °C (46 / 35 °F) | 97.3 / 9.6 mm (3.8 / 0.4 in) | 2.9 |
| April | 20.9 / 21.3 °C (70 / 70 °F) | −0.4 °C (−1 °F) | 12.6 / 8.8 °C (55 / 48 °F) | 84.2 / 21.6 mm (3.3 / 0.9 in) | 2.6 |
| May | 25.8 / 27.6 °C (78 / 82 °F) | −1.8 °C (−3 °F) | 17.9 / 14.8 °C (64 / 59 °F) | 91 / 34.7 mm (3.6 / 1.4 in) | 2.5 |
| June | 28.6 / 31.0 °C (83 / 88 °F) | −2.4 °C (−4 °F) | 22.0 / 19.7 °C (72 / 67 °F) | 224.9 / 84.8 mm (8.9 / 3.3 in) | 3.3 |
| July | 33.2 / 32.0 °C (92 / 90 °F) | +1.2 °C (+2 °F) | 26.2 / 22.6 °C (79 / 73 °F) | 163.2 / 209.5 mm (6.4 / 8.2 in) | 2.8 |
| August | 32.6 / 31.2 °C (91 / 88 °F) | +1.4 °C (+3 °F) | 26.2 / 21.6 °C (79 / 71 °F) | 225.9 / 119.7 mm (8.9 / 4.7 in) | 2.9 |
| September | 28.7 / 26.8 °C (84 / 80 °F) | +1.9 °C (+3 °F) | 22.5 / 15.9 °C (72 / 61 °F) | 131.5 / 53.3 mm (5.2 / 2.1 in) | 2.4 |
| October | 23.5 / 19.5 °C (74 / 67 °F) | +4.0 °C (+7 °F) | 17.1 / 8.3 °C (63 / 47 °F) | 69.6 / 27.8 mm (2.7 / 1.1 in) | 1.7 |
| November | 17.8 / 10.6 °C (64 / 51 °F) | +7.2 °C (+13 °F) | 11.4 / 0.3 °C (53 / 33 °F) | 61.4 / 15.1 mm (2.4 / 0.6 in) | 2.1 |
| December | 11.3 / 4.0 °C (52 / 39 °F) | +7.3 °C (+13 °F) | 5.3 / −5.2 °C (42 / 23 °F) | 50.4 / 2.5 mm (2.0 / 0.1 in) | 1.9 |
- In winter, Shanghai is much milder: in January, 6.0 °C (11 °F) warmer in the afternoon and 10.0 °C (18 °F) warmer at night than Beijing.
- In spring and early summer, the gap reverses: in May and June, Beijing is warmer in the afternoon (by 1.8 °C, or 3 °F, in May); in July-August, Shanghai pulls ahead again (by 1.2 °C, or 2 °F, in July), with nights around 26 °C (79 °F).
- Rain: Shanghai gets about 1,337 mm (52.6 in) a year against 586 mm (23.1 in) in Beijing, 2.3 times as much, and it rains all year, whereas the Beijing winter is almost dry.
- Our take: in April-May and October, both cities are pleasant; in November, Shanghai (17.8 °C (64 °F)) is more comfortable than Beijing (10.6 °C (51 °F)); in winter, Shanghai is less cold but greyer.
| Month | Sunrise (15th) | Sunset | Day length |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 06:53 | 17:13 | 10h 21m |
| February | 06:35 | 17:41 | 11h 06m |
| March | 06:04 | 18:01 | 11h 58m |
| April | 05:25 | 18:22 | 12h 56m |
| May | 04:58 | 18:42 | 13h 45m |
| June | 04:49 | 18:59 | 14h 10m |
| July | 05:00 | 18:59 | 13h 59m |
| August | 05:19 | 18:37 | 13h 17m |
| September | 05:38 | 18:00 | 12h 22m |
| October | 05:57 | 17:22 | 11h 26m |
| November | 06:21 | 16:55 | 10h 34m |
| December | 06:45 | 16:53 | 10h 08m |
Example: on 15 October, the sun sets at 17:22; get to the Bund half an hour earlier to watch the Pudong towers light up. In December, it sets as early as 16:53.
When to go to Shanghai by type of trip
| Trip | Best time | Where? |
|---|---|---|
| First city stay | April-May, October-November | The Bund, Pudong, the old town, the French Concession |
| Clear views from the towers | October-November (dry, clear days) | Shanghai Tower, the Bund |
| Classical gardens | April, November | Yuyuan, Suzhou |
| Combined with Beijing | April-May, September-October (outside 1-7 October) | Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai |
| Tight budget | November, early December, March | Everywhere |
| Combined with Hong Kong | November to March | Shanghai and Hong Kong |
Budget for a trip to Shanghai
| Item | Budget | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per person, sharing a double room) | about CNY 190 to 340 | about CNY 600 to 1,190 |
| Meals | about CNY 110 to 220 | about CNY 340 to 600 |
| Getting around the city | about CNY 20 to 60 | about CNY 75 to 150 |
| Sights and activities | about CNY 75 to 190 | about CNY 220 to 450 |
| Total per day | roughly CNY 520 to 820 per person per day | roughly CNY 1,200 to 2,100 per person per day |
Shanghai is generally a little more expensive than Beijing for accommodation. To keep costs down, eat in small dumpling shops (xiaolongbao, shengjian) and noodle bars, use the metro and ferries, and make the most of the free sights (the Bund, the riverside promenades, the French Concession).
Entry requirements, health and safety
US citizens: according to the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated March 12, 2026), you must obtain a visa before arriving in mainland China, and your passport must have at least six months’ validity remaining. Exceptions exist: visa-free transit through certain airports, for set cities or regions and durations, with an onward ticket to a third country. Check the current rules with the Chinese Embassy in Washington. You must register your stay within 24 hours of arrival (hotels do this at check-in) and carry your passport at all times.
UK citizens: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 27 August 2026), until 31 December 2026 you can enter China visa-free for stays of up to 30 days for business, tourism, family or friend visits, or transit; for longer stays or other purposes you need a visa before you travel. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival and have 2 blank pages. Always carry your passport: police carry out random checks and do not accept printed copies. Entry requirements checked on 26 October 2026; see also our travel documents guide.
- Health: a yellow fever certificate is required only if you arrive from a country with a risk of transmission (UK FCDO); for recommended vaccines, see TravelHealthPro (UK) or the CDC (US). Public hospitals require payment before treating foreigners (U.S. State Department): take out insurance covering medical costs and evacuation. See our travel insurance guide and our advice on vaccinations.
- Typhoons: from May to November on the southern and eastern coasts (UK FCDO); follow alerts and the authorities’ instructions.
- Drugs: zero tolerance, including for cannabis, with heavy fines, long prison sentences or the death penalty; random testing is possible, including on entry (UK FCDO).
- Scams: the UK FCDO warns about scams in popular tourist areas, such as the « tea tasting » scam: friendly strangers invite you to a bar or teahouse, which then demands a large fee.
Practical tips for Shanghai
- Money: cashless payments through apps such as WeChat or Alipay are almost universal (UK FCDO), and fewer places now accept foreign credit cards (U.S. State Department). Keep a few yuan notes as a back-up; see our guide to changing money.
- Internet: Google, Facebook, YouTube and X are permanently blocked in China, and VPNs must be licensed by the government (UK FCDO); set up your apps before you leave. A travel eSIM saves hunting for a SIM card on arrival.
- Language: English is more widely spoken than elsewhere in China in hotels and central districts, but a translation app is still essential.
- Scams: on the Bund and Nanjing Road, be wary of strangers suggesting a « tea ceremony » or a drink: the bill can be exorbitant.
- Rain: a compact umbrella comes in handy almost all year.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Shanghai?
Three days are enough for the Bund, Pudong, Yuyuan Garden, the Jade Buddha Temple and the French Concession. Add a day for Zhujiajiao, Suzhou or Hangzhou.
What is the best month to visit Shanghai?
October (outside 1-7 October) is often the best: 23.5 °C (74 °F) in the afternoon and the fewest rain days of the year according to the CMA normals. April, May and November are also pleasant.
Shanghai or Beijing: which should you choose?
Beijing for imperial history and the Great Wall, Shanghai for the architecture of the Bund, the skyscrapers and the water towns. On a first trip to China, most travellers combine the two, linked by high-speed train.
Are there typhoons in Shanghai?
According to the UK FCDO, the typhoon season normally runs from May to November and affects China’s southern and eastern coastal regions. Shanghai mainly gets heavy rain and wind; follow the official bulletins during your stay.
Do you need a visa for Shanghai?
US citizens need a visa before arrival, apart from visa-free transit exceptions (travel.state.gov). UK citizens can enter visa-free for up to 30 days until 31 December 2026, with a passport valid for 6 months after arrival (GOV.UK). Check again before you leave, as the scheme is temporary.
Our sources
- Entry requirements, health and safety read on 26 October 2026: U.S. Department of State, China country information (travel.state.gov, last updated March 12, 2026) and UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for China (GOV.UK, updated 27 August 2026)
- Climate normals: 1991-2020 normals of the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), Shanghai-Xujiahui station (sunshine 1981-2010); Beijing-Haidian, CMA 1991-2020 normals
- European Central Bank: euro reference rates of 23 October 2026 (EUR/CNY), for the budget conversion
- Sunrise and sunset: Destination de Voyage calculation (NOAA solar algorithm)
- Our methodology
Updated October 2026.
To plan a wider tour, see our China travel guide and the best time to visit China. To continue in Asia, see our Hong Kong guide and the best time to visit Hong Kong, things to do in Seoul or Tokyo, or our ideas for where to go in November.
