The Bund at blue hour
Walk the waterfront as the lights come on, then see the skyline from the river on an evening cruise.
上海 · Destination
Shanghai
Art-deco waterfront, plane-tree lanes and the best soup dumplings of your life. China’s most international city is also the easiest place to begin.
How long3–4 days
Best timeMarch–May, October–November
From ShanghaiYour arrival city
Nearest airportPudong (PVG) & Hongqiao (SHA)
Shanghai is where most East China journeys begin, and for good reason. Two international airports, the country’s busiest high-speed rail hub and hotels for every budget make it the natural base — and the city itself easily fills three or four days.
The classic picture is the Bund: a mile of 1920s banks and trading houses facing the towers of Lujiazui across the Huangpu River. But the Shanghai we love is at street level — the shikumen lane houses of the old city, the tree-lined streets of the former French Concession, and breakfast stalls that sell out by nine.
With a private guide you can see the landmarks early, before the crowds, and spend the rest of the day in neighbourhoods that most visitors never find. From here, Suzhou is half an hour away by train and the water town of Zhujiajiao about an hour by car.
Don’t miss
The best of Shanghai
Lane houses & the old French Concession
Shikumen alleys, art-deco apartments and plane-tree avenues — best explored on foot or by bicycle.
A Shanghai breakfast crawl
Scallion pancakes, pan-fried buns and fresh soy milk at the local stalls, with a guide who knows which queue is worth it.
Local tips
What we tell our own guests
- Visit Yu Garden and the Bund before 9 am — by late morning both are packed, especially at weekends.
- The Maglev from Pudong Airport is fun, but with luggage a pre-booked car is usually faster door to door.
- Most museums close on Mondays. Plan the Shanghai Museum or art galleries for another day.
FAQ
Shanghai: your questions
How many days do I need in Shanghai?
Three full days covers the Bund, the old city, the former French Concession and a water town such as Zhujiajiao. Add a fourth day if you love food, museums or shopping.
Is Shanghai easy for first-time visitors?
Yes — it is the most international city in mainland China, with English signs on the metro and many hotels. Set up mobile payments before you arrive; cash is still accepted but rarely used.
What is the best area to stay in Shanghai?
For first visits we suggest staying near People’s Square, the Bund or the former French Concession: central, walkable and well connected by metro.
Tours
Tours that include Shanghai
7 daysHu Shang Jiangnan: Shanghai & the Water Towns
Shanghai · Suzhou · Wuxi · Wuzhen · Puyuan · Hangzhou
fromUS$299
7 daysClassic Jiangnan: Shanghai, Hangzhou, Wuzhen & Suzhou
Shanghai · Zhujiajiao · Hangzhou · Wuzhen · Suzhou
fromUS$399
6 daysShanghai, Hangzhou & Suzhou Essentials
Shanghai · Hangzhou · Suzhou · Zhujiajiao
fromUS$299
Travel Guide
Read before you go
Planning
Best Time to Visit Shanghai, Suzhou & Hangzhou (Month by Month)
Blossoms, plum rains, golden autumn and quiet winters — choosing your month for East China.
Muslim-Friendly
Halal Food & Mosques in Shanghai and Hangzhou: A Muslim Traveller's Guide
Halal restaurants, how to spot them and the historic mosques of Shanghai and Hangzhou.
Itineraries
The Perfect Shanghai, Suzhou & Hangzhou Itinerary (5–7 Days)
Days per city, the best order and where a water town fits — the route our Shanghai planners recommend.
Let’s sketch your route.
Share your dates and a few things you love. A planner in Shanghai sends a free draft itinerary within 24 hours.