Shanghai
A city of art-deco skylines, former French Concession leafy boulevards, and relentless forward momentum
Top Highlights
- 1 The Bund
- 2 Yu Garden
- 3 Tianzifang
- 4 Pudong Skyline
- 5 French Concession
Visa & Entry
144-hr & 15-day visa-free
Citizens of many countries can enter China visa-free for up to 15 days, or use the 144-hour transit visa-free scheme for shorter visits.
Full visa guideBest Time to Visit
Mar–May & Sep–Nov
Suggested stay: 3–5 days. Avoid the Golden Week holiday (1–7 October) and Spring Festival (Jan/Feb) — crowds are enormous and prices peak.
Seasonal travel guide42 articles — page 1 of 7
All destinations
suzhouJiangnan Water Towns Complete Guide: Wuzhen, Xitang, Tongli, Zhouzhuang and Nanxun
A complete guide to the ancient canal towns of Jiangnan — comparing Wuzhen, Xitang, Tongli, Zhouzhuang, and Nanxun. Which to visit, how to avoid crowds, where to stay overnight, and what makes each town distinct.
Updated Jul 2026
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shanghai3 Days in Shanghai: The Perfect First-Timer's Itinerary
A 3-day Shanghai itinerary covering the Bund and Pudong skyline, the French Concession and Tianzifang, and a day trip to the water town Zhujiajiao — with metro directions, restaurant picks, and honest timing advice.
Updated Jul 2026
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shanghaiDay Trips from Shanghai 2026: Suzhou, Hangzhou, Zhujiajiao & More
All the best day trips from Shanghai — Suzhou (25 mins by HSR), Hangzhou (1 hour), Zhujiajiao water town (45 mins by bus), Tongli (1.5 hours), and Wuzhen (2 hours for overnight). Which is worth a full day, which can be done in half a day, and which requires an overnight.
Updated Jul 2026
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shanghaiZhujiajiao Water Town: Shanghai's Best Day Trip to Ancient Canals
Zhujiajiao water town guide: how to get there from Shanghai, tickets, the best canals, local food, and tips to beat the crowds in this ancient water village.
Updated Jul 2026
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beginnersChina Honeymoons 2026: Best Destinations, Hotels & Itineraries
Planning a China honeymoon in 2026? Romantic destinations from Guilin to Yunnan, luxury hotels, costs, and ready-made itineraries for honeymoons in China.
Updated Jul 2026
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accommodationNew Hotels in China 2026: Hottest Openings from Shanghai to Dali
The best new hotels in China 2026 — from the Dali EDITION on Erhai Lake to Shanghai's new forest Kimpton, plus Beihai, Xiamen and Qiandao Lake openings.
Updated Jul 2026
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