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 3 of 7
All destinations
chinaChina Contemporary Art Guide: 798 Beijing, West Bund Shanghai & The New Scene
Navigate China's contemporary art scene — Beijing's 798 Art District and Caochangdi, Shanghai's West Bund cultural corridor and M50, Chengdu's A4 and Blue Roof, the key Chinese artists whose work defines the post-1989 generation, gallery districts, art fairs, and how to experience one of the world's most dynamic art markets as a traveller.
Updated May 2026
Read →
itinerary5 Days in Shanghai, Suzhou & Hangzhou: The Perfect East China Itinerary (2026)
The best 5-day itinerary covering Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou — how to combine the Bund, classical gardens, West Lake, and Jiangnan water towns in a single trip, with day-by-day schedules, train times, and where to eat.
Updated May 2026
Read →
foodChina Food Guide: 30 Dishes You Must Try and Where to Find Them
The essential China food guide for travellers: 30 must-try dishes organised by region, how to find the best versions, how to order without Chinese, food safety tips, and a guide to the regional cuisines that make Chinese food endlessly varied.
Updated May 2026
Read →beginners
2 Weeks in China: The Ultimate Independent Itinerary for First-Timers
The definitive 14-day China itinerary covering Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, and Shanghai — with exact train connections, daily budgets, booking tips, and honest advice for independent travellers doing it without a tour group.
Updated May 2026
Read →
shanghaiThe Bund Shanghai: Night Views, Best Vantage Points & Complete Area Guide
The definitive guide to Shanghai's iconic Bund waterfront — best viewpoints for day and night, the ¥2 ferry trick, nearby food and shopping, and how to experience this extraordinary architectural showcase.
Updated May 2026
Read →
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 May 2026
Read →