Overview
Shanghai is mainland China's largest city by population and its undisputed commercial center. It sits at the mouth of the Yangtze River on China's eastern coast, giving it a history shaped by both imperial China and a century of international trade and treaty-port influence.
The city is defined by its contrasts: the neoclassical and art deco buildings lining the Bund face the hyper-modern towers of Pudong across the Huangpu River. Narrow lilongs (lane neighborhoods) survive within walking distance of luxury shopping malls. This layering of eras makes Shanghai particularly compelling for travelers interested in architecture, food, and urban culture.
Note regarding the guide title: South Korea is a separate sovereign country in Northeast Asia and is not a state or administrative division associated with Shanghai, China. This guide covers Shanghai, China only. If you need a guide to South Korea or a specific South Korean city, please request that separately.
Before You Go
Visas
Entry requirements for China vary significantly by nationality and can change with little notice. Do not rely on secondhand information. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official website of the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country before booking. China has introduced various transit visa-exemption policies for certain nationalities arriving at Shanghai's international airports — verify current eligibility on the official source before travel.
Health
No routine vaccinations are specifically required for Shanghai beyond standard travel recommendations. Consult a travel medicine clinic or your GP at least four to six weeks before departure. Air quality in Shanghai can vary; travelers sensitive to pollution may wish to monitor local AQI readings and pack accordingly.
Connectivity
China operates an internet filtering system that blocks many services commonly used outside the country, including major Western social media platforms, Google services, and certain news sites. If you rely on these services, research your options — such as a VPN — before arrival, as downloading and configuring tools after you land may be difficult. A local SIM card or an international roaming plan are the main options for mobile data.
Money
Mobile payments (via apps such as Alipay and WeChat Pay) dominate daily transactions in Shanghai, and some smaller vendors accept little else. International travelers have faced friction using these apps historically, though policies have evolved — verify current options before travel. ATMs accepting international cards are available at major banks and airports. Carry some cash as a backup.
Getting There
By Air
Shanghai is served by two major international airports. Pudong International Airport (PVG) is the primary hub for long-haul international flights and is located roughly 30–40 kilometers east of the city center. Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) handles predominantly domestic routes and some short-haul regional flights, and is closer to the city center on the western side.
From Pudong, a Maglev train connects the airport to Longyang Road metro station in approximately eight minutes, from which travelers can transfer to the metro network. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also widely available from both airports. Verify current Maglev schedules and fares on the official operator's site before travel.
By Rail
Shanghai is extremely well connected to the rest of China by high-speed rail (HSR). Hongqiao Railway Station is the main hub for HSR services to Beijing, Hangzhou, Nanjing, and many other cities. Shanghai Railway Station and Shanghai South Station also handle rail traffic. Tickets can be booked via the official China Railway website or ticketing apps — international passport holders need their passport details to purchase.
Getting Around
Shanghai has one of the world's most extensive metro systems, with numerous lines covering the city center and many outer districts. It is generally the fastest, most affordable, and most reliable way to move around the city. Signs, maps, and announcements are provided in both Chinese and English, making it relatively accessible to non-Chinese speakers. Tickets can be purchased at machines in stations; transit cards are also available.
Taxis are widely available and metered. Ride-hailing via local apps is popular among residents but may require a Chinese phone number or payment method to use fully — verify before travel. Didi is the dominant ride-hailing platform in China.
Cycling infrastructure has improved in recent years, and bike-share schemes operate across the city. Walking is practical within compact neighborhoods like the French Concession, Xintiandi, and along the Bund. Traffic congestion makes private car travel slow during peak hours, and foreigners cannot drive in China on foreign licenses without additional steps.
Things to See & Do
The Bund and Huangpu Riverfront
The Bund (Waitan) is Shanghai's most iconic stretch, a waterfront promenade lined with grand early-20th-century buildings in neoclassical, art deco, and Beaux-Arts styles. It is best seen at multiple times of day: early morning for calm and detail, and after dark when the Pudong skyline and building facades are illuminated. The promenade is free to walk and open at all hours.
Pudong
Across the river, Pudong showcases modern Shanghai. The Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and Shanghai Tower — one of the world's tallest buildings — cluster in the Lujiazui financial district. Several offer observation decks; verify current admission fees and hours directly with each attraction.
The French Concession
The former French Concession (Frenchtown) is a residential and commercial neighborhood characterized by tree-lined streets, art deco villas, independent cafes, boutiques, and restaurants. Xintiandi, a pedestrianized development of restored shikumen (stone-gate) houses, is located here. The area is pleasant to explore on foot.
Yu Garden and the Old City
Yu Garden (Yuyuan) is a classical Ming-dynasty garden in the heart of the old city bazaar district. The surrounding bazaar area is busy with vendors and teahouses. The garden itself charges an admission fee — verify the current price on-site or via official sources.
Museums
The Shanghai Museum on People's Square holds an internationally respected collection of ancient Chinese art, including bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, and painting. The Power Station of Art is a converted industrial building hosting contemporary art exhibitions. Verify current opening hours and any timed-entry requirements before visiting.
Food & Drink
Shanghainese Cuisine
Local Shanghainese food (本帮菜, benbangcai) tends toward rich, slightly sweet, soy-braised preparations. Signature dishes include hongshao rou (red-braised pork belly), drunken chicken, and various freshwater fish and crab preparations. Hairy crab (dazhaxie), available in autumn, is considered a seasonal delicacy and draws significant attention each year.
Xiaolongbao and Street Food
Shanghai is particularly associated with xiaolongbao — steamed soup dumplings filled with pork and gelatinized broth. They are found throughout the city, from long-established restaurants to casual storefronts. Shengjianbao (pan-fried buns) are another local staple. Street food stalls near markets and in older neighborhoods offer a wide range of snacks including scallion pancakes (congyoubing).
Broader Dining Scene
As one of Asia's major cosmopolitan cities, Shanghai has a dense and diverse restaurant landscape covering regional Chinese cuisines, Japanese, Korean, Southeast Asian, and a wide range of Western options. The French Concession and Jing'an neighborhoods in particular have high concentrations of independent restaurants and cafes. Reservations are advisable at well-regarded restaurants, particularly on weekends.
Drinking
Shanghai has an active bar scene, particularly in the French Concession, Bund-area rooftop bars, and along Yongkang Road. Chinese baijiu (grain liquor) is widely available if you want to try the national spirit. Local craft beer has grown in presence in recent years.
Shopping
Shanghai offers a wide spectrum of retail, from luxury international brands at malls like Plaza 66 and IFC Mall, to traditional markets and independent boutiques. The Nanjing Road pedestrian zone is the city's best-known commercial strip and can be extremely crowded, particularly on weekends and public holidays.
For fabric and tailoring, the South Bund Fabric Market (Nanwai Tan Qingqing Fabric Market) is well known among travelers seeking custom-made garments. Quality and pricing vary between stalls; bargaining is standard practice, and allow adequate time for fittings if ordering bespoke pieces.
Antique and curio markets such as those in the Dongtai Road area have declined in recent years; verify current status locally before making a special trip. The French Concession hosts numerous independent design and lifestyle shops if you prefer browsing smaller, owner-operated retail.
Be aware that counterfeit goods are sold openly in some markets. Purchasing counterfeit branded goods may create legal difficulties when returning to your home country, depending on its customs rules.
Practical Information
Emergency Numbers
Verify current local emergency numbers before travel. In China, widely known numbers include 110 (police), 120 (ambulance/medical), and 119 (fire). Confirm these are applicable in Shanghai at time of travel.
Healthcare
Shanghai has well-equipped hospitals and several facilities accustomed to treating international patients. Travel health insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended. Keep copies of your insurance documents accessible.
Electricity
China uses 220V/50Hz power. The most common socket types are the flat two-pin (Type A) and the angled three-pin (Type I, Australian-style). Many hotels provide universal adapters or sockets; bring an adapter if your devices use a different plug type.
Tipping
Tipping is not a cultural expectation in China and is not standard practice in restaurants, taxis, or most services in Shanghai. High-end international hotels may have different norms; use your judgment.
Official Tourism Information
Verify practical details — opening hours, admission fees, transport fares — through official Shanghai tourism channels or directly with venues, as information changes frequently.
Safety
Shanghai is generally considered a safe city for travelers by major international standards. Violent crime against tourists is uncommon. Petty theft, including pickpocketing in crowded areas such as the Bund, busy metro stations, and tourist markets, is the most common concern and can be mitigated by standard precautions: keeping bags closed and in front of you, using inside pockets, and being alert in dense crowds.
Traffic requires attention, particularly at intersections. Vehicles — including electric scooters and bicycles, which move quietly and quickly — do not always yield to pedestrians even on crossings. Cross with care and watch for scooters on pavement areas near markets.
Travelers should be aware of common tourist-oriented scams, including people approaching in tourist areas and offering to take you to an 'art exhibition' or a tea ceremony — these typically end with pressure to make expensive purchases. Decline politely and firmly.
Register your travel with your country's official travel advisory service before departure. Check your government's current travel advisory for China for any specific guidance relevant to your nationality.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Shanghai has a distinct local identity shaped by its history as a treaty port, its Jiangnan cultural roots, and its self-image as a cosmopolitan, forward-looking city. Shanghainese people are often noted for local pride and a particular affinity for commerce and style.
Basic courtesies apply as they do broadly in China: speaking quietly in restaurants and public spaces is appreciated, removing shoes when entering some homes or certain traditional spaces, and using both hands when giving or receiving business cards or formal gifts. Pointing with a single finger is considered impolite; an open hand gesture is preferable.
Religious and memorial sites, including temples and cemeteries, warrant respectful behavior and appropriate dress. Photography at some religious sites may be restricted — look for signs or ask before shooting.
Shanghai observes Chinese public holidays, including Chinese New Year (Spring Festival), National Day Golden Week (early October), and others. These periods bring very high domestic travel volumes; transport and accommodation book up far in advance, and many popular sites become crowded. Plan and book accordingly if you intend to visit during these periods.
