City Guide

Shanghai Travel Guide

China

24.2M
Population
$117
Daily Budget
85
Walkability
HIGH
Safety

Interactive Map

All POIs
Top Picks
Free Entry
Family-Friendly

Plan your arrival in Shanghai

Arriving

  • Shanghai Pudong International Airport · 30 kmTrain, Taxi and Bus
  • Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport · 13 kmTrain, Taxi and Bus
  • Main stationsShanghai Railway Station and Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station

Staying connected

  • Coverage4G/5G · excellent
  • NetworksChina Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom
  • Wi-Fiwidespread
  • Suggested dataabout 1.5 GB a day
  • Weak signalSome underground areas and basements
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Useful apps

  • TransportMetro Shanghai and Didi
  • Food deliveryMeituan and Ele.me
  • AttractionsTripAdvisor and Ctrip

Top Attractions

1
The Bund
Iconic waterfront area showcasing historical colonial architecture.
1h Free
2
Yu Garden
Classical Chinese garden with beautiful landscaping and traditional architecture.
2h $10

Best Areas to Stay

Pudong
Modern area with skyscrapers, close to major attractions.
TouristsBusiness
French Concession
Charming area with tree-lined streets and cafes.
TouristsFamilies

Typical Costs (USD)

$100
Hotel/Night
$15
Meal
$3
Transport
$4
Coffee
Estimated Daily Budget (USD)
Backpacker: $52 Tourist: $117 Family: $364

* Estimated from typical costs

Local Tips

Peak Hours:7-9am, 5-7pm
Best Day:Weekdays
Custom:Tipping is not customary but appreciated.
Common Mistakes
  • Not carrying cash for small purchases
  • Ignoring local traffic rules

Food & Drink

Must Try:Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), Shengjianbao (pan-fried buns), Peking Duck
Vegetarian:Medium
Tap Water:Unsafe
Yuyuan BazaarDin Tai Fung

Getting Around

Public Transport:Excellent
Rideshare:Didi
Walkability:85/100
MetroBusTram

Climate & Weather

Best time to visit: March, April, October

Warmest monthJul32°C average high
Coolest monthJan2°C average low
Wettest monthAug210 mm of rain
Driest monthDec49 mm of rain
Average daily high and low (°C) Rain
Monthly figures
MonthHigh °CLow °CRain mmRainy days
Jan8.22.2708
Feb10.13.6647
Mar14.36.98710
Apr20.112.0778
May25.117.5908
Jun27.821.719710
Jul32.425.91479
Aug31.925.921010
Sep27.922.21177
Oct22.916.7715
Nov17.510.7587
Dec11.04.4496

Averages for 1991–2020, not a forecast. Source: WMO climate normals (Shanghai Baoshan, 22 km from Shanghai).

Shanghai travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Shanghai?

March, April and October are usually the best months to visit Shanghai. Average daytime highs range from about 8°C in January to 32°C in July.

How much does a day in Shanghai cost?

Plan from about US$52 a day on a backpacker budget to around US$117 for a typical visitor, covering accommodation, meals and local transport. These are estimates and vary by season.

How do I get around Shanghai?

Public transport includes metro, bus and tram and is rated excellent. Ride-hailing is available through Didi. Walkability scores 85/100.

Which airport serves Shanghai?

The nearest airport is Shanghai Pudong International Airport, about 30 km away. Transfer options include train, taxi and bus.

Is Shanghai safe for tourists?

Overall safety is rated high. Watch for fake taxi scams and overcharging in tourist areas. Areas generally considered safe include Pudong and French Concession. Check official travel advice before you go.

How do I stay connected in Shanghai?

4G/5G coverage is provided by China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom, rated excellent. Plan for about 1.5 GB a day for maps, messaging and social media. A China travel eSIM lets you get online on arrival without buying a local SIM.

Is tap water safe to drink in Shanghai?

Tap water is generally considered unsafe. If in doubt, follow local advice or choose bottled water.

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Disclaimer

The information in this guide is intended for general travel planning purposes only and may change without notice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Graba SIM does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the content. Travellers should verify entry requirements, local laws, health advice and services with official sources before and during their trip. Graba SIM is not responsible for any loss, injury, or inconvenience arising from reliance on the information provided. Always check with relevant government and health authorities for the most up-to-date travel requirements.

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