World by City

China China

Shanghai

Shanghai is a city on the lower Yangtze River, with the Huangpu River running through its downtown. As China's largest economic and financial hub, it offers a vibrant urban landscape.

Updated August 15, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Shanghai
Gateway airport
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Best season
Mar–May, Oct–Nov
Time zone
Asia/Shanghai
Sights covered
45 places

Sights worth seeing

See all 45 →
Shanghai World Financial Center

Views & landmarks

Shanghai World Financial Center

A 494-meter skyscraper in Shanghai's Pudong New Area, a landmark that defines the city's skyline. Its observation deck offers a sweeping view of the entire city.

Shanghai Tower

Views & landmarks

Shanghai Tower

A towering skyscraper in Shanghai's Pudong New Area, standing 632 meters tall with 128 floors. From this world-class high-rise, visitors can look down over Shanghai's skyline.

Jin Mao Tower

Views & landmarks

Jin Mao Tower

Jin Mao Tower is a skyscraper in Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai, standing 421 meters tall with 88 floors. Completed in 1998, it offers sweeping views over the city center.

Shanghai Museum

Museums & galleries

Shanghai Museum

The Shanghai Museum, near People's Square, is the city's leading museum and easy to reach from downtown. It's a great place to see Shanghai's premier collection.

Shimao International Plaza

Views & landmarks

Shimao International Plaza

A 333-meter skyscraper in Shanghai's Huangpu District, known as a landmark for its two distinctive spires. The lower floors house a large shopping mall, while the upper floors form a five-star hotel with 770 rooms.

Yu Garden

Parks & gardens

Yu Garden

A garden in the Ming and Qing dynasty style, located in the heart of Shanghai's old town. It's regarded as one of China's finest gardens for its delicate, beautiful landscaping.

People's Square

Parks & gardens

People's Square

A large public square in Shanghai's Huangpu district, home to the city government building and a reference point for the city's main streets. It lets visitors feel the very center of Shanghai.

Shanghai Grand Theatre

Culture & venues

Shanghai Grand Theatre

A performance venue near People's Square in central Shanghai, close to the Shanghai Municipal Government building. It's one of the city's leading cultural spaces, hosting a wide range of performances.

How many days do you need?

Routes grouped by travel distance so each day stays comfortable.

Average temperature by month

5-year average

Jan
Feb
11° Mar
16° Apr
21° May
25° Jun
28° Jul
29° Aug
25° Sep
19° Oct
14° Nov
Dec

Getting there

Check flights to Shanghai first

Pick a departure airport and date to jump straight to results for Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).

Check fares and seat availability on the flight search site.

Getting around the city

Book transport

Fares and timetables change often, so we don't list them here. Check the operator or the booking site for current prices and schedules.

Shanghai Tours & Experiences Booking

Book local tours, tickets, and experiences in advance to enjoy without waiting. Check available products and prices now.

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

Local data

Get an eSIM for China before you go

Activate mobile data with a QR code instead of swapping SIM cards. Buy it before departure and switch it on the moment you land.

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

Where to stay

See all stays →

Pick your dates — we'll search Shanghai hotels for you

Choose dates and guests, and the buttons below will open search results with your criteria. Prices differ between sites, so compare before you book.

Hotel membership

Staying at Accor hotels often? ALL Accor+ Explorer

A paid annual membership. It includes two free nights a year across Asia-Pacific, 30% off dining and 15% off drinks, and 15% off stays at more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.

Explore the membership

Visit stories: Shanghai

See all →

Have you been to this city?

Share your visit story with photos you took yourself. Once checked, it goes into the Magazine.

Share your visit story

Guides by theme