Standard routes
Shanghai journeys
Our first standard route for Shanghai is being prepared.
Coming soon
Skyline · Historic lanes · Easy arrival
Shanghai
A confident first step into China, where modern skylines, historic streets, and easy day trips meet.
- Best days
- 4–5 daysA comfortable first stay with room for both landmarks and local neighborhoods.
- Best season
- Spring & autumnComfortable weather for long city walks
- Best for
- Design · Food · First arrivalsA confident first step into China, where modern skylines, historic streets, and easy day trips meet.
- Pairs with
- Hangzhou · SuzhouIdeal high-speed rail day trips
China's most international gateway
Shanghai, China's Global Gateway
On China’s eastern coast, Shanghai is where modern ambition meets old-world atmosphere. It is the country’s most outward-looking metropolis: polished and fast-moving, yet full of lane-house neighborhoods, local breakfast stalls, Art Deco facades, and quiet pockets of everyday life. Several eras sit side by side in one city.
With direct connections to major cities worldwide and an easy international rhythm, Shanghai is one of the most comfortable places to begin a first trip to China. It feels familiar enough to settle in quickly, while Yu Garden, historic neighborhoods, local food, and life along the Huangpu River make the arrival unmistakably Chinese.
Recommended time
How long to stay
4–5
Days
A comfortable first stay with room for both landmarks and local neighborhoods.
Start here
Highlights
01
The Bund
Historic waterfront and essential skyline views after dark.
02
Lujiazui
Skyscraper viewpoints from the heart of modern Shanghai.
03
Yu Garden
A classical Jiangnan garden beside the City God Temple.
04
Nanjing Road
An iconic pedestrian avenue linking city lights and history.
05
Wukang & Anfu Roads
Leafy streets, cafes, and former French Concession architecture.
06
Shanghai Disneyland
A full-day theme park experience beyond the city center.
Shanghai flavors
Taste Shanghai.
Plan at least one local meal into the route — these flavors are part of understanding Shanghai.
- XiaolongbaoThe essential soup dumpling
- ShengjianbaoPan-fried, crisp, and juicy
- Scallion oil noodlesSimple local comfort food
- Red-braised porkRich, savory, and slow-cooked
- Fresh meat mooncakeA flaky Shanghai specialty
Know before you go
Practical notes
- Getting there
- Two international airports and Hongqiao’s high-speed rail hub make Shanghai China’s easiest arrival city.
- Getting around
- Metro and ride-hailing cover the city well. Avoid crossing the city repeatedly in one day.
- Where to stay
- The former French Concession suits neighborhood travel; the Bund and People’s Square are more central for landmarks.
- Planning ahead
- Reserve popular restaurants, observation decks, and Disneyland in advance, especially on weekends.
Your Shanghai, made clearer
Make Shanghai part of your China trip.
Send us your dates and pace — we’ll fit Shanghai into a smooth, realistic China route.