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 5 of 7
All destinations
metroShanghai Metro Guide 2025: All Lines, Fares, Airport Connections & Tourist Stops
A complete guide to Shanghai's metro system — 20 lines, the Maglev, how to pay, which lines serve every major attraction, and practical tips for using the metro efficiently as a first-time visitor.
Updated May 2026
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ShanghaiShanghai Bund Architecture Guide: 52 Buildings on the Waterfront
Detailed architectural guide to the Bund's 52 historic buildings — the stories behind the HSBC building, Customs House clock tower, Sassoon House, and others. Best viewpoints, when to visit, and the Bund's history as Asia's greatest collection of 20th-century architecture.
Updated May 2026
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ShanghaiShanghai Jing'an District Guide: Temples, Malls & Hidden Cafes
Explore Shanghai's Jing'an district — from the historic Jing'an Temple and Nanjing West Road luxury shopping to hidden specialty coffee shops and art spaces in Jing'an. A complete neighborhood guide for 2026.
Updated May 2026
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hangzhouHangzhou Day Trip from Shanghai 2026: West Lake, Longjing Tea & What to See in One Day
The Hangzhou day trip from Shanghai — HSR times and tickets, an efficient West Lake circuit (by boat or on foot), the Longjing tea village 20 minutes from the lake, the Leifeng Pagoda at sunset, and how to make the most of a single day in China's most beautiful city.
Updated May 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 May 2026
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shanghaiWhere to Stay in Shanghai 2026: French Concession, Bund & Best Neighbourhoods by Budget
Shanghai accommodation by neighbourhood — the French Concession for boutique hotels and independent restaurants, the Bund area for the skyline view (and premium prices), Jing'an for central balance, Pudong for business travel. Specific hotel picks at budget (¥250-500/night), mid-range (¥700-1500/night), and luxury (¥2000+/night).
Updated May 2026
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