Enter your dates for the latest hotel rates and availability.
Shanghai, or “Hu” as the locals call it, is perched right at the mouth of the Yangtze River. Sure, it’s famous for its fast-paced business vibe and skyline, but honestly, there’s so much more to discover here beyond the glitz and glass towers.
Take a leisurely stroll along The Bund, where grand European-style buildings line the riverbank, with gorgeous views of the sleek skyscrapers in Lujiazui just across the water. Lose yourself in the charm of quiet streets lined with shikumen houses—traditional stone homes that have stood for over a century. Step back in time at Yu Garden, a peaceful oasis that feels like a slice of ancient China, or feel the buzz of Nanjing Road with its shops and street food.
Most travelers spend about 3–4 days exploring Shanghai, but if you’ve got extra time, consider adding a couple of days to visit nearby cities like Suzhou, Hangzhou. Shanghai is full of surprises—modern and traditional, fast and slow. So pack your bags and come see Shanghai for yourself!
Alright, so you’re all set to explore Shanghai! Let’s talk about how to get there and get around. No matter if you’re flying, taking a train, or even arriving by bus, getting to Shanghai is as easy as it gets.
If you’re flying, Shanghai’s got two main airports: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). Honestly, both airports are super convenient—it just depends on where you’re flying in from or heading to next.
If you’re looking to keep it simple, consider staying at one of the hotels near the PVG airports that offer shuttle services. It’s a lifesaver, especially when you’re tired from traveling or catching a red eye flights. Less stress, more time for fun—what’s not to love?
Hotel Name | Location | Distance from Airport (PVG) | Shuttle Service Info |
Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Pudong Airport | 850 Pudong Avenue, Pudong New District, Shanghai | 1.9 miles | Airport shuttle drop-off , free Wi-Fi, breakfast included |
Heyitang Hotel Shanghai International Tourism Resort | No. 2879 Gongji Road, Huinan Town, Pudong New area, Shanghai, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China | 9.8 miles | Priority airport drop-off:[Mon - Sun] 00:00-23:59. Reservations Required: Contact the hotel at least 1 Day(s) in advance to make a reservation. Note: Ride may be shared with other guests. |
Click to find more hotels near the Pudong international airport.
Once in the city, getting around is quite easy. The city’s metro is one of the best ways to get around—it’s fast, affordable, and connects to almost everywhere. Taxis and buses are also readily available, though traffic can get a bit busy at times.
Shanghai Disneyland
If you’re not sure where to stay, areas like Nanjing Road, or Jing’an District are great options.
Look, if you're visiting Shanghai for the first time, do yourself a favor and stay near Nanjing Road. I've had countless friends visit, and this area never disappoints! You'll be right next to The Bund, surrounded by amazing food spots, and the subway can zip you anywhere in the city.
Sure, Jing'an is lovely with its temples and fancy malls, Changning District is also really chill with beautiful parks like Shanghai Zoo and the beautiful Zhongshan Park.
Here are several top attractions for first-time visitors to explore!
The Bund
Shanghai has a subtropical climate with distinct seasons and plenty of rainfall. The average annual temperature is around 16°C, with hot, humid summers and cold, windy winters.
Peak travel times include Chinese public holidays such as Lunar New Year, Labor Day, summer holidays, and Golden Week in October. For a more comfortable visit, avoid these busy periods. September is ideal for outdoor activities, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Before planing the trip to Shanghai, it's essential to keep a few things in mind.
Shanghai follows China Standard Time (GMT+8) and does not observe daylight saving time.
Shanghai cuisine, also known as Hu cuisine (沪菜), is a popular style of Chinese cooking that originates from Shanghai, a city with a rich culinary tradition that has absorbed influences from neighboring provinces such as Jiangsu and Zhejiang. Here are some popular dishes from Shanghai cuisine:
Shanghai Cuisine
Highest Price | US$1,069 |
---|---|
Lowest Price | US$8 |
Number of Reviews | 4,173,736 |
Number of hotels | 48,065 |
Average Price(Weekday Night) | US$90 |
Average Price(Weekend Night) | US$96 |