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Shanghai Travel Guide

Shanghai Travel Guide

The Bund, Pudong's skyline and the leafy Former French Concession.

Photo: xiquinhosilva, CC BY 2.0
  • CountryChina
  • Best forSkyline, food, shopping
  • Best timeApril to May and September to October
  • CurrencyRenminbi
Shanghai is a provincial-level direct-administered municipality in China. It has a population of 30,050,000 in the urban area as of 2026, thus making it China's most populous city and more broadly the fifth-largest city in the world by population. The city is located on the southern estuary of the Yangtze River, with the Huangpu River bisecting the city.Source: Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Where to stay in Shanghai: hotel tips

Choosing the right neighbourhood matters more than the hotel itself. These are the best areas to base yourself in Shanghai:

1

The Bund / People's Square

Historic and central

2

Former French Concession

Plane trees, cafés and boutiques

3

Pudong / Lujiazui

Skyscraper views

Hotel booking tips

  • Book central stays near public transport to save time and taxi fares.
  • Choose free-cancellation rates during April to May and September to October, the busiest season.
  • Check recent reviews for noise, air conditioning and Wi-Fi.

Top landmarks in Shanghai

Map of Shanghai and around

LandmarkCityClick a pin for details

Getting around

Combine walking, public transport and ride-hailing apps for city sightseeing. For day trips and onward travel, compare trains, buses and ferries, or hire a car where roads are quiet.

Nearby landmarks