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 4 of 7
All destinations
shanghaiShanghai Food Guide: Xiaolongbao, Shengjianbao, Hairy Crab & Where to Find the Real Thing
A neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood food guide to Shanghai — from the perfect xiaolongbao to century eggs with tofu, hairy crab season, French Concession brunch spots, and the wet markets where locals shop.
Updated May 2026
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shanghaiTianzifang & French Concession Shanghai: The Ultimate Neighbourhood Guide
How to explore Shanghai's French Concession — Tianzifang laneways, shikumen architecture, the best café streets, and where to eat, drink, and shop without tourist traps.
Updated May 2026
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shanghaiYuyuan Garden Shanghai: Classical Gardens, Dumplings & the Old City Bazaar
How to visit Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai's Old City — the garden itself, the surrounding bazaar, where to eat the best xiaolongbao, and how to avoid the worst of the crowds.
Updated May 2026
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shanghaiZhujiajiao Water Town: Shanghai's Best Day Trip to Ancient Canals
A complete guide to Zhujiajiao — Shanghai's best-preserved ancient water town, an hour from the city. How to get there, what to see, where to eat, and how to avoid the crowds.
Updated May 2026
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transportChina's Classic 10-Day Golden Triangle: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai by High-Speed Train
The most popular China itinerary for first-time visitors — Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai by high-speed rail. A day-by-day guide with realistic timings, transport details, accommodation recommendations, and tips for making the most of each city.
Updated May 2026
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China East Coast 7-Day Itinerary: Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou & Water Towns
The perfect 7-day loop through China's most beautiful and accessible eastern cities — Shanghai's skyline, Hangzhou's West Lake, Suzhou's classical gardens, and ancient water towns.
Updated May 2026
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