Shanghai Travel Guide for Foreigners

Why Visit Shanghai?

Shanghai is unlike any other city in China. Its colonial-era Bund promenade faces one of the world's most dramatic skylines; its French Concession serves craft cocktails in century-old villas; its wet markets and xiaolongbao shops sit minutes from Michelin-starred restaurants. For first-time visitors to China, Shanghai is often the gentlest entry point — more English is spoken here than anywhere else in the country, and the city has a cosmopolitan energy that makes foreigners feel at ease.

Top Attractions

1. The Bund (外滩)

Shanghai's iconic waterfront promenade stretches 1.5km along the Huangpu River, flanked by 52 buildings in a range of neoclassical, Art Deco, and Beaux-Arts styles. The best views are at night when Pudong's skyscrapers light up across the water. Walk the length at dusk, then cross to Pudong via the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel or a river ferry for the reverse perspective.

2. Yu Garden & Old City (豫园)

This classical Ming-dynasty garden occupies only 2 hectares but packs in dragon-topped walls, koi ponds, pavilions, and rockeries. The surrounding bazaar area is touristy but fun for street food and souvenirs. Arrive when it opens at 8:30am to avoid crowds.

3. French Concession (法租界)

The tree-lined streets of the former French settlement are Shanghai's most atmospheric neighborhood for wandering. Wander Xintiandi's shikumen (stone-gate houses turned into boutiques and cafes), explore the leafy lanes around Wukang Road, and discover independent coffee shops and wine bars that could be in Paris.

4. Shanghai Tower Observation Deck

At 632 meters, the Shanghai Tower is the world's second-tallest building. Its observation deck on the 118th floor offers 360-degree views across the city. Buy tickets online to skip queues. On a clear day you can see all the way to distant mountains.

5. Zhujiajiao Water Town (朱家角)

This ancient canal town 50km from downtown is reachable by bus or taxi in about an hour. Stone bridges, whitewashed walls, and waterways lined with willow trees make it a popular day trip. Early morning visits are best before tour groups arrive.

6. Tianzifang (田子坊)

A labyrinthine arts-and-crafts district built within a converted 1930s residential neighborhood in the French Concession. Better for browsing and snacking than buying — but the narrow alleys are delightful to explore regardless.

Best Neighborhoods to Stay

• People's Square / Huangpu: Central and convenient; good for first-timers who want walkability.
• French Concession: The most charming area — perfect for independent travelers who enjoy cafes and boutiques.
• Jing'an: Upscale district near the Jing'an Temple; excellent dining and shopping, well-connected by metro.
• Pudong: Convenient if you fly into PVG and don't need to cross the river often; more modern and less atmospheric.

Food: What to Eat in Shanghai

• Xiaolongbao (小笼包): Shanghai's most famous dish — delicate soup dumplings filled with pork and hot broth. Din Tai Fung is tourist-friendly; local chains like Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant at Yu Garden are more authentic.
• Shengjianbao (生煎包): Pan-fried pork dumplings with a crispy bottom and juicy interior. Yang's Fry-Dumpling chain is the local institution — expect queues.
• Hairy Crab (大闸蟹): Seasonal October–November delicacy from Yangcheng Lake. The roe is extraordinary but eating them is a messy, hands-on affair.
• Hong Shao Rou (红烧肉): Melt-in-your-mouth braised pork belly in sweet soy sauce — Shanghai's signature home cooking.
• Wonton Noodle Soup: Available at every hole-in-the-wall shop; a perfect ¥15 breakfast.
• Scallion Oil Noodles (葱油拌面): Deceptively simple and addictive — wheat noodles tossed in caramelized scallion oil and soy sauce.

Getting Around Shanghai

Shanghai has one of the world's best metro systems — clean, fast, punctual, and cheap (¥3–9 per journey). Get a Shanghai Public Transportation Card at any metro station window. The network covers all major tourist sites.

• Maglev Train: From Pudong Airport to Longyang Road station in 8 minutes at 431km/h — buy tickets at the airport before collecting luggage.
• Metro: 20 lines covering the entire city. Line 2 connects both airports to downtown.
• DiDi: Works well in Shanghai and accepts international credit cards. Ride-hailing is often faster than taxis during rush hour.
• River Ferry: Cheap (¥2) 10-minute crossing between the Bund and Pudong — better than any tunnel for views.

Practical Tips for Foreigners

• Payment: Both WeChat Pay and Alipay now support international cards for tourists — set up before you go. Shanghai is very cashless; some smaller vendors only accept mobile payment.
• English signage: Metro stations and major tourist sites all have English. Street-level navigation is easier here than in most Chinese cities.
• VPN: Essential for Google Maps, Gmail, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Download before arriving.
• Sim cards: Available at Pudong Airport (Terminal 2, Arrivals). China Unicom sells tourist SIMs with data.
• Weather: Shanghai is humid year-round. Summers are hot and sticky (35°C+); typhoon season runs June–September.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) are ideal — comfortable temperatures, lower humidity, and beautiful foliage. The famous cherry blossoms in Gucun Park peak in mid-March. Summer is hot, humid, and typhoon-prone. Winter is mild but grey and occasionally damp. Avoid Golden Week (October 1–7) when tourist sites are packed.