Best Five Star Hotels in Shanghai

Shanghai, or “Hu” as the locals call it, is perched right at the mouth of the Yangtze River. Sure, it’s famous for its fast-paced business vibe and skyline, but honestly, there’s so much more to discover here beyond the glitz and glass towers.

Take a leisurely stroll along The Bund, where grand European-style buildings line the riverbank, with gorgeous views of the sleek skyscrapers in Lujiazui just across the water. Lose yourself in the charm of quiet streets lined with shikumen houses—traditional stone homes that have stood for over a century. Step back in time at Yu Garden, a peaceful oasis that feels like a slice of ancient China, or feel the buzz of Nanjing Road with its shops and street food.

Most travelers spend about 3–4 days exploring Shanghai, but if you’ve got extra time, consider adding a couple of days to visit nearby cities like Suzhou, Hangzhou. Shanghai is full of surprises—modern and traditional, fast and slow. So pack your bags and come see Shanghai for yourself!

Getting to and Around Shanghai

Alright, so you’re all set to explore Shanghai! Let’s talk about how to get there and get around. No matter if you’re flying, taking a train, or even arriving by bus, getting to Shanghai is as easy as it gets.

If you’re flying, Shanghai’s got two main airports: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). Honestly, both airports are super convenient—it just depends on where you’re flying in from or heading to next.

• Pudong Airport is about 45 kilometers from downtown and handles most international flights. You can get to the city by metro, an airport bus, or if you’re feeling fancy, the Maglev Train—it’s fast and kinda cool!
• On the other hand, Hongqiao is just 15 kilometers from the city center and mostly deals with domestic flights. You’ve got metro lines 2 and 10 to zip you straight to the action.

If you’re looking to keep it simple, consider staying at one of the hotels near the PVG airports that offer shuttle services. It’s a lifesaver, especially when you’re tired from traveling or catching a red eye flights. Less stress, more time for fun—what’s not to love?

Click to find more hotels near the Pudong international airport.

Once in the city, getting around is quite easy. The city’s metro is one of the best ways to get around—it’s fast, affordable, and connects to almost everywhere. Taxis and buses are also readily available, though traffic can get a bit busy at times.

• Metro: Shanghai metro fares are based on distance. The first 6 km costs CNY 3, and each additional 10 km adds CNY 1. It’s quite affordable. Note that you’ll need to pass through security at both metro and train stations, so allow extra time for bag checks.
• Buses (公交): Shanghai’s buses, or 公交, cover many routes but may be tricky for tourists. Fares start at CNY 2, and all buses are air-conditioned. For short trips, buses can be cheaper than the metro.
• Taxis (出租车): Taxis are available, but it’s easier to book through an app than to hail one on the street. Fares start at CNY 14, and ride-sharing apps like Didi Chuxing can offer cheaper options (around 60-70% of regular taxi fares).

Shanghai Disneyland

Best Districts to Stay in Shanghai

If you’re not sure where to stay, areas like Nanjing Road, or Jing’an District are great options.

Look, if you're visiting Shanghai for the first time, do yourself a favor and stay near Nanjing Road. I've had countless friends visit, and this area never disappoints! You'll be right next to The Bund, surrounded by amazing food spots, and the subway can zip you anywhere in the city.

Sure, Jing'an is lovely with its temples and fancy malls, Changning District is also really chill with beautiful parks like Shanghai Zoo and the beautiful Zhongshan Park.

Top Things to Do in Shanghai

Here are several top attractions for first-time visitors to explore!

• Shanghai Disneyland: Shanghai Disneyland, opened in 2016, is Disney’s first park in mainland China. It's the only Disney park in the world to have a Zootopia-themed land, where you can join Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde on an exciting ride called “Zootopia: Hot Pursuit.” Plan your visit on a weekday if possible to avoid long queues.
• The Bund: The Bund, stretching 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) along the Huangpu River, is the most symbolic spot of the city. Running from Waibaidu Bridge to Nanpu Bridge, it’s known for its gorgeous collection of 52 historic buildings in styles like Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Classicism, and Renaissance. Despite being designed and built at different times, these buildings blend together beautifully.
• Nanjing Road: Nanjing Road is Shanghai’s busiest shopping street and a favorite for both locals and visitors. You’ll find everything from high-end brands to traditional shops, along with plenty of places to grab a bite. It’s a great place to soak up the city’s energy, and it conveniently leads straight to The Bund.
• Oriental Pearl Tower: In Pudong, the Shanghai Tower soars to 632 meters (2,074 feet), making it the tallest building in China and the second tallest in the world. The building is spirally upward, like the shape of Chinese dragon. From the 118th-floor observation deck, you can enjoy a close view of the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and the Shanghai World Financial Center, while also taking in sweeping views of the entire city. You can head up to observation decks for panoramic views of the city or even enjoy a meal in the revolving restaurant.
• Yu Garden: For a glimpse of Shanghai’s traditional side, Yu Garden is the place to be. This 400-year-old garden is filled with elegant pavilions, koi ponds, and rockeries that create a peaceful escape from the city’s buzz. Just outside, the bustling bazaar offers everything from souvenirs to local snacks. It’s the perfect mix of serenity and energy, and a must-visit for anyone exploring Shanghai’s cultural heritage.

The Bund

Best Time to Visit Shanghai

Shanghai has a subtropical climate with distinct seasons and plenty of rainfall. The average annual temperature is around 16°C, with hot, humid summers and cold, windy winters.

• Summer (June to September): Hot and humid, with average temperatures of 26–32°C.
• Winter (December to March): Cold and windy, with average temperatures of 1–7°C.

Peak travel times include Chinese public holidays such as Lunar New Year, Labor Day, summer holidays, and Golden Week in October. For a more comfortable visit, avoid these busy periods. September is ideal for outdoor activities, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Know Before You Go to Shanghai

Before planing the trip to Shanghai, it's essential to keep a few things in mind.

• Cash vs. Digital Payment: While cash is accepted, most transactions in Shanghai are done through digital payment platforms like Alipay and WeChat Pay. It's a good idea to set up a digital wallet before you go.
• Language: Mandarin is the primary language in Shanghai, though some locals also speak Shanghainese.
• Currency: The local currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY or RMB), often displayed as ¥.
• Tipping: Tipping is uncommon in Shanghai. Regular restaurants don’t charge extra, but high-end venues may include a service fee.
• Emergency Hotlines: For help, dial 110 for police, 119 for fire, or 120 for an ambulance.

Time in Shanghai

Shanghai follows China Standard Time (GMT+8) and does not observe daylight saving time.

• New York: 13 hours behind | Los Angeles: 16 hours behind
• London: 8 hours behind
• Sydney: 2 hours ahead (during daylight saving)
• Singapore: Same time
• Bangkok: 1 hour behind

Top Shanghai Cuisine

Shanghai cuisine, also known as Hu cuisine (沪菜), is a popular style of Chinese cooking that originates from Shanghai, a city with a rich culinary tradition that has absorbed influences from neighboring provinces such as Jiangsu and Zhejiang. Here are some popular dishes from Shanghai cuisine:

• Shengjianbao (生煎包): Pan-fried buns filled with pork and gelatin that melts into soup when cooked, similar to xiaolongbao but with a thicker dough and a crispy bottom.
• Sweet and sour spare ribs (糖醋排骨): Pork ribs cooked with a sauce that perfectly balances sweetness with a tangy vinegar kick.
• Crab Roe Noodles (蟹黄捞面): Fresh noodles topped with creamy crab roe, offering a rich umami flavor.

Shanghai Cuisine