If you want to experience the most bustling city in China, it’s definitely Shanghai.
Shanghai is China’s economic hub and a major international financial center. It also boasts the largest expat population in China. The city has the most beautiful night cityscape in China and a vibrant nightlife.
Shanghai’s tourist spots cover everything from history and culture to modern city life, like The Bund, Lujiazui, Nanjing Road, Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Disneyland, Zhujiajiao Water Town, and Jing’an Temple. The Bund is a must-see for anyone visiting Shanghai. Not only can you explore the historic colonial-era buildings, but you can also enjoy the most beautiful night view in China, looking across the Huangpu River at Lujiazui. Lujiazui is Shanghai’s financial district, filled with skyscrapers—it’s the face of modern China. If you head up the Oriental Pearl Tower, you can get a panoramic view of the entire city. Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is China’s most famous shopping street, where you can also sample some local Shanghai delicacies. Then there’s Zhujiajiao Water Town, an ancient town where you can take a boat ride along the canals and enjoy the traditional Chinese architecture. Yuyuan Garden is a classic example of Chinese garden design, and it’s a great spot to experience the old Shanghai vibe.
Shanghai cuisine is one of China’s Eight Culinary Traditions, so you definitely don’t want to miss the food here. Some must-try dishes include Shengjianbao (pan-fried buns), Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), shrimp with sea cucumber, Eight Treasure Duck, Crystal Shrimp, and White Cut Chicken.
Scenic Photos of Shanghai
Almost every night, this place is packed with people, all here to see the most breathtaking city nightscape in China.
Shanghai skyline is not only famous in China but also wows people all over the world. The most iconic landmark is the Oriental Pearl Tower, made up of three different-sized spheres, standing at a total height of 468 meters (1,535 feet). When night falls, the tower is lit up with colorful lights that constantly change, creating mesmerizing patterns.
Besides the Oriental Pearl Tower, the skyline also features the famous “Three Treasures of Shanghai.” These include the Shanghai World Financial Center (492 meters / 1,614 feet, which looks like a bottle opener), the Jin Mao Tower (420.5 meters / 1,380 feet, which resembles a syringe), and the Shanghai Tower (632 meters / 2,073 feet, the tallest building in China, shaped like a giant egg beater).
Spring in Shanghai starts in March and lasts until May, with temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F). The city’s parks, like Century Park and Jing’an Park, are perfect for flower watching. You’ll see cherry blossoms, peach blossoms, azaleas, and all sorts of flowers in full bloom. The air is fresh, making it the best time for outdoor activities and day trips.
Summer in Shanghai usually kicks off in June and lasts until September, but the real heat hits in July and August. During these two months, average temperatures are around 28°C (82°F), with highs often topping 35°C (95°F). Besides the heat, summer is also when the city gets the most rain, especially during the plum rain season from mid-June to early July. Expect heavy downpours and high humidity, with indoor humidity sometimes reaching over 90%.
Fall in Shanghai begins in October and lasts through November, with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 28°C (82°F). These two months are the best time to visit the city (really, fall is the best time to visit China in general). While Shanghai doesn’t have vast fields or forests, the city’s greenery and parks still offer plenty of fall beauty. For example, the Shanghai Botanical Garden, Yu Garden, and the ginkgo tree-lined Fuxing Road are great spots to see autumn leaves and ginkgo trees.
Winter usually starts in mid-November and lasts until early March, with temperatures ranging from 4°C (39°F) to 12°C (54°F). Winter in Shanghai has a very festive feel, especially around Christmas and New Year’s. The whole city lights up like a fairy tale. During Christmas, department store windows are decorated with dazzling lights, snowflakes, and Santa figures. On New Year’s Eve, thousands of locals and tourists gather at the Bund, waiting for the countdown. As fireworks light up the night sky and the skyline of Lujiazui shines, everyone cheers, hugs, and welcomes the new year.
Four Seasons in Shanghai
Click here to check the current time in Shanghai: Time in Shanghai
Shanghai is in eastern China, at the mouth of the Yangtze River. It’s surrounded by Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. Jiangsu is China’s 2nd richest province, and Zhejiang is the 4th.
Shanghai is a direct-controlled municipality, not part of any province. It’s directly governed by the central government.
Yes, Shanghai is very safe. It’s China’s economic powerhouse, and it also has top-tier security. There are lots of foreigners living and visiting here, and they feel safe.
Yes, Shanghai has high-speed train stations in the city center, mainly Shanghai Railway Station and Shanghai South Railway Station.
