Guide to Shanghai, China

Shanghai is China’s most Westernised and largest city, combining modern trendy bars, tall skyscrapers and luxury goods shops with traditional housing and community life.

Consistently one of the most populous, largest and influential cities in the word and a major destination for tourism and business. According to Forbes, Shanghai is the 14th most visited city in the world.

Top reasons to visit Shanghai

The colonial buildings in the Bund hint at Shanghai’s modernisation and political upheaval

Explore the scenic water towns and canals with their traditional bridges and buildings

Book a hotel today in Shanghai, China - find your hotel deals here, as we specialise in cheap hotels in Shanghai, China.

Main areas of Shanghai

Shanghai is split in two by Huangpu river into Puxi west of the river, and Pudong east of the river.

Downtown Shanghai/Puxi

Downtown Shanghai is also called Puxi, or the city centre, and contains the area of the International Settlement and the old Chinese city.

Still the core of the city, and consists of eight official districts:-

Changning

largely residential area, with Shanghai Zoo, Zhongshan Park and Hongqiao International Airport

Hongkou

home of Lu Xun Park

Huangpu

traditional centre and the old walled city of Shanghai - sights include the Bund, People’s Square, and the east Nanjing road mall

Putuo

mainly residential area, with some youth hostels near the metro

Xuhui

central district of the French Concession, with a fine cathedral and major shopping district

Zhabei

older district with Shanghai Railway Station and Shanghai Circus

Inner Suburbs

Pudong

across the river from Downton, a major centre of redevelopment and financial centre dominated by skyscrapers

Minhang

south of downtown, includes the water town of Qibao

Baoshan

north of downtown

Jiading

northwest of downtown

Outer suburbs

Fengxian

on the southern edge of Shanghai municipality

Qingpu

on the western edge of the municipality, with the water town Zhujiajiao on it’s western edge

Jinshan

on the southwest corner of the municipality, and includes the water town Fengjing

Nanhui

Songjiang

When to go to Shanghai

Spring can be quite cloudy and rainy, whilst Autumn is generally mild with sunny and warm weather. Summer temperatures can rise above 35 degrees C and be very humid, with risks of thunderstorms and occasionally typhoons between July and September. Winter temperatures often fall below 0 degrees C, and snow can cause transport disruption.

Top Attractions in Shanghai

• Shanghai Zoo
• Water towns - Fengjing, Zhujiajiao, Qibao
• Parks - Lu Xun Park, Zhongshan Park, People’s Park
• People’s Square
• Shanghai old city
• Temples - Jingan , Longhua, Wen Miao, Temple of the Town God, Jade Buddha
• Yuyuan Gardens
• The International Settlement
• drink at a tea house
• take a boat on the river

Shopping in Shanghai

China’s premier shopping street is Nanjing Road, find crafts and jewellery at the Yuyuan Bazaar, or look around the malls such as the East Najing Road mall and the massive Wujiaochang mall.

Eating in Shanghai

No visit to Shanghai is complete without trying the local delicacies, such as:-

• xiaolongbao - steamed dumplings
• sheng jian mantou - raw fried buns
• xiefen shiztou - crab pork meatballs

Recommended restaurants are Favela, Danieli’s, Nanziang Steamed Bun Restaurant, Johnny Moo, Glamour Bar, Shanghai Uncle, Red Square, City Bull Shanghai, Shook, East West and Blue Frog.

Nightlife and Entertainment in Shanghai

Keep up to date on nightlife options by checking the listings magazines That’s Shanghai, City Weekend or Time Out.

• Musems - Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Urban Planning Museum, Chinese Martial Arts Museum
• Bars - Captain’s Bar, Bar Rouge, CHAR Bar and Grill, Koala Bar, Stormy Cafe Bar, Red Bar, KTV
• Drinking tours - Pub Crawl Shanghai, Brewery Tour Shanghai
• Clubs and Lounges - M1NT Shanghai, First Class Lounge 77, First Class Lounge 69

Book a hotel today in Shanghai, China - find your hotel deals here, as we specialise in cheap hotels in Shanghai, China.