Shanghai holidays

Against the backdrop of the Huangpu River, one of the world’s most populated cities is often referred to as the Paris of the East. Holidays to Shanghai offer the charm of European-inspired neighbourhoods among modern skylines that light up with spectacular colours at night. Ride one of the world’s fastest trains from the airport to get to more shopping, dining and cultural attractions than you could fit into a lifetime.

Shanghai holiday highlights

Shanghai
Shanghai
Copyright 2019, Sven Hansche, licensed via EyeEm Mobile GmbH

A legendary promenade

Strolling along the Bund is a must on vacations to Shanghai. The symbolic promenade, which is over 200 years old, winds along the Huangpu River lined with magnificent Gothic and Baroque buildings. Watch unforgettable sunsets and get that postcard shot across the water of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower dominating the skyline. 

Shanghai food specialties

No matter where you go on cheap holidays to Shanghai, you can rely on the tasty pork meatballs known as soup dumplings for budget-friendly snacks. Try steamed crab served in bamboo containers or spicy Shanghai smoked fish. If you’re an adventurous foodie, you’ll find plenty of exotic bites such as ‘shansi leng mian’ (cold noodles with hot eel in a sweet, gingery sauce).

City traditions

Walk between ornate temples and noodle houses in the busy laneways of Shanghai’s Old City, which predates the 1850s. You’ll see ‘shikumen’ (traditional houses) in Xintiandi, with vaulted stone door frames and Chinese carvings. These days, many host upscale shops and chic restaurants. Delve further into history with period furniture and historic photos at the Shikumen Open House Museum.

Shanghai: Know before you go

Language

Mandarin Chinese

Currency

Chinese yuan (¥)

Time zone

UTC+8 (CST (China))

High season

July – August

Low season

February

Find the best time to go to Shanghai

Weather in Shanghai

April – May: Mild spring temperatures call for light layers. This is the perfect time to see the city’s parks in bloom and celebrate the Peach Blossom Festival.

June – September: Shanghai’s summers are hot and muggy, with daytime temperatures reaching about 31°C. It’s also the city’s rainiest season, so pack an umbrella.

October – November: Autumn sees fewer tourists and less humidity than the summer months. Bring a light jacket for comfortable daytime temperatures and chillier evenings.

December – March: You’ll want to bundle up for Shanghai’s cold winters. Temperatures hover just above freezing. If you don’t mind the cold, it’s a great time to visit for Chinese New Year.

Events in Shanghai

Chinese New Year (January or February): Join the crowds celebrating China’s biggest holiday with fireworks, dragon dances and traditional music. Don’t miss the Chinese zodiac–themed lantern displays in Yu Garden as part of the festivities.

Peach Blossom Festival (March to April): The city’s blooming peach blossom trees take centre stage during this spring festival. Along with seeing the blossoms in parks like Gongqing Forest Park and Century Park, soak up cultural offerings like organised walks, art exhibitions and craft workshops.

Longhua Temple Fair (March or April): Held at the Longhua Temple since the Ming dynasty,this festival boasts dragon and lion dances, and market stalls selling everything from traditional crafts to local snacks.

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The best neighbourhoods in Shanghai

Pudong

Pudong is where to stay in Shanghai if you want to be close to the city’s landmarks. Book online tickets in advance to skip queues and visit the observation decks of Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest building. There’s plenty to do at the globe-shaped Oriental Pearl TV Tower, with viewing decks, a 5D cinema and an indoor roller coaster.

Good for: Landmarks, tourist attractions, restaurants

Huangpu

Home to the Bund, the Huangpu district is a tourist centre with pedestrian areas that offer welcome relief from the rush of cars and scooters. Neon-lit by night, Nanjing Road is the most famous street. The popular shopping district features designer stores next to tea shops and traditional noodle bars. See the City of God Temple, then relax among ponds and rockeries at the Ming Dynasty-era Yu Garden.

Good for: Shopping, pedestrian streets, history

Xuhui

The best neighbourhoods to stay in Shanghai to indulge in luxury are in the upscale Xuhui district. This area is home to the Former French Concession, which still looks the part, with grand buildings and leafy boulevards lined with patisseries, boutiques and fashionable bars. Unwind among beautiful floral displays at the Shanghai Botanical Gardens, best seen during the month-long Shanghai International Flower Show each spring.

Good for: Designer shops, nightlife, gardens

Things to do in Shanghai

Shanghai
Shanghai

Family friendly things to do

Planning on visiting lots of tourist attractions? Book tickets online in advance to skip queues and save with discounts on bundles. One of the top things to do with family is visit the incredible underwater tunnels at the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium. Set aside a day for Shanghai Disneyland® or board a Huangpu River cruise at sunset to see the city’s landmarks light up. 

Shopping

Put aside a little extra in the travel budget for designer fashion at hundreds of stores along popular Huaihai Road. For bargain hunters, shopping in Shanghai means the AP Plaza’s Xinyang Fashion Market for clothes and accessories. Head to South Bund Fabric Market for custom-made outfits and explore Tianzifang’s alleyways for art galleries, traditional Chinese souvenirs and unique jewellery. 

Take in the culture

It’s hard to know where to start with so many great museums in Shanghai. As a transport hub, People’s Square is an easy stepping-off point. It’s home to the Shanghai Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art in neighbouring People’s Park. One for the whole family is the Shanghai Natural History Museum in Jing’an Sculpture Park, with dinosaur skeletons and a 4D cinema.

Nightlife

Choose between superclubs, riverside cocktail bars and trendy speakeasy venues for nightlife in Shanghai. Clubs along the Bund are pricey but worth it for glamorous nights out with views of the skyline. Find live jazz music in elegant venues in the Former French Concession or bar hop between British pubs and American-style bars on Hengshan Road.  

Places to eat

Restaurants in Shanghai suit all budgets, even when it comes to Michelin-starred food at the renowned Canton 8 for gourmet dim sum. Take your taste buds to 1933, a former slaughterhouse converted into a trendy restaurant and shopping complex. But for dining with temple views, choose a traditional restaurant along Chenghuangmiao Old Street. 

Free things to do

Walking around is the best free thing to do in Shanghai, with endless sights to stop and stare at. Enter the China Art Palace for free to admire paintings and sculptures. Take the metro to Qibao Ancient Town to photograph stone arch bridges over canals lined with traditional architecture. 

Plan your holiday to Shanghai

Budget

Planning a cheap holiday in Shanghai can be tricky, but the city’s free parks and museums help to keep sightseeing costs down. Expect to pay less than 40 Chinese yuan (¥) for a simple meal in a restaurant. Though loading up on street food is even cheaper. Need to hail a taxi? A short ride is usually less than ¥15.

Day trips from Shanghai

See why Hangzhou’s dreamy West Lake has inspired poets, artists and emperors since the ninth century. It’s about an hour away from Shanghai by high-speed train. The train can also get you to Nanjing in under an hour. The former capital of China is best known for its scenic Purple Mountain and Ming Xiaoling Tomb.

Getting around Shanghai

The metro is the fastest and easiest way to get around, with English announcements and extensive coverage. Grab a Shanghai Public Transport Pass at metro stations for convenient travel. From the airport, the high-speed maglev train gets you downtown in minutes. Buses are also available but harder to navigate.

FAQs about Shanghai holidays

January is the coolest time of year to visit. Take your Shanghai holiday then and you can expect lows of -1ºC (30ºF).
August is the hottest month in Shanghai, with temperatures reaching a maximum of 34ºC (93ºF).
You'll be using the Chinese yuan (CNY) for payments while on your trip to Shanghai. Pay with your card when you can, but keep some cash with you for places that don't accept cards.
It’s possible to see the main tourist attractions in three or four days during vacations to Shanghai. We recommend staying for a week to explore ancient water towns, discover the culture of local neighbourhoods and eat ‘just one more’ bowl of soup dumplings.
The airline you travel with, where you depart from, and when you go all impact the cost of a city break in Shanghai. Prices for Shanghai flights and hotels can vary greatly, but planning in advance and having flexible travel dates can help you land savings.
With an average rainfall of 27 cm, June is the wettest month to go on a Shanghai holiday. When the drizzle sets in, head indoors and enjoy the city's art exhibits, cafes, shopping centres and more.
You'll hear Mandarin Chinese spoken most often around here. Master some common local phrases during your city break in Shanghai and you'll easily fit in.
You'll never be far from exciting things to do in Shanghai. From The Bund Sightseeing Avenue to Yu Garden and more, this city is as holiday-worthy as it gets.
Shanghai has a low crime rate and a good safety profile. Tourist areas, such as the Bund and Nanjing Road, are well lit and busy until late. Stay aware of your surroundings regarding pickpockets and keep an eye on your belongings during vacations to Shanghai.
For the most pleasant temperatures and colourful gardens, visit Shanghai in spring or autumn. The high tourist season of summer is hot and humid, with frequent refreshing showers. If you prefer fewer crowds, a cheaper holiday, and milder temperatures, travel during winter.