年代hanghai is a splendid metropolis blending the West and the East, the modern and the ancient. No matter which aspect of Shanghai you are interested in, it will not disappoint you.
If you are planning a tour of Shanghai, read on to get the best from your time, andsome tips on planning the itinerary.
The Best Things to Do in Shanghai
The main attractions of Shanghai are its skyline views, historical sites, and nearby water towns. Some of the activities that we would recommend include:
年代troll down the Bund promenade or board a cruise boat to enjoy Shanghai's classic skyline views.
![The Bund](http://www.l-line.net/data/grey.gif)
Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from one of the world’s tallest buildings. The Shanghai Tower is more recommmended as it's the tallest building in Shanghai and the second tallest building in the world.
![The panoramic view of Shanghai from Shanghai Tower](http://www.l-line.net/data/grey.gif)
Immerse yourself in Yuyuan Garden, which is the only surviving Ming Dynasty garden and famous for its exquisite layout, beautiful landscaping, and the artistic style of the garden architecture.
![Yuyuan Garden](http://www.l-line.net/data/grey.gif)
Take a leisurely stroll or boat ridein one of the water towns around Shanghaiwith fascinating canals, bridges, and architecture.
![Zhujiajiao](http://www.l-line.net/data/grey.gif)
Experience the old Shanghai at Xintiandi, a place full of the historical and cultural atmosphere of Shanghai.
![Xintiandi in Shanghai](http://www.l-line.net/data/grey.gif)
Take a ride on the world's fastest train — the Maglev on your way to or from the airport, to feel super-modern Shanghai.
Night activities: Take a Huangpu River night cruise; watch some cultural performances like an acrobatic show and Shanghai’s Peking Opera.
98.8%Positive Customer reviews among 10,000+
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Wonderful tour in Hangzhou
We had a wonderful time in Hangzhou thanks to China Highlights and especially to our guide Derek! He has done a great job making us confortable! He is very professional and friendly and he taught us a lot of stories and traditions about China!! We highly recommend him for your future visit in Hangzhou more
Aug 2023, Giulia F
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Der Partner für eine individuelle China Reise
Die Agency (in unserem Fall vertreten durch Tutu Sun) hat für uns eine perfekte Reise organisiert. Sehr gute Kommunikation im Vorfeld der Reise und vor Ort. Zu 100% verl?sslich, immer pünktlich und an jedem Ort sehr freundliche und engagierte Guides. Wir k?nnen eine Buchung bei diesem Unternehmen absolut und uneingeschr?nkt empfehlen. In Beijing hatten wir mit Herrn Chen 3 interessante Tage inklusive einer sehr spannenden individuellen Wanderung auf der grossen Mauer. more
Aug 2023, Jeanne K
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中国Highlights & Roger Li great service
公司和罗杰·李在特定very responsive to customizing our China trip. They provided us clear instructions, full information and helpful links to facilitate the planning of the trip. more
Aug 2023, Linda Folsom
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Fantastic private tour
We had an excellent trip; we did the 3 day (4 nights) tour and our guide Wendy made it an exceptional experience. She was so informative and planned our itinerary so well - even though the attractions are very busy in the summer season, Wendy made sure that we did our best to avoid the crowds. The sights are beautiful and it is absolutely worth travelling from the bigger cities. Tianmen mountain was the highlight of the trip! We are so glad we booked a private tour. Hotel was also excellent. more
Aug 2023, Ailin C
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Beijing Tour
Bruce was an amazing guide and very knowledgeable. He got me past ALOT of long lines fast and knew all the best places to go to take pictures! Also provided good recommendations for additional activities! If you get Bruce you’re in good hands! more
Aug 2023, Anthony L
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Excellent service- heart warming experience
我们联系了中国强调私人旅游188金宝搏官方下载trip to Yunnan , China. Since this is our first time to Yunnan, we also contacted a few other travel agencies. Not all replied but Amber Zhao from China Highlights was one of them. She replied ( on Whatsapp/emails) within a few hours after I sent my inquiry. After a few correspondences, she proposed a very detailed itinerary- thoroughly professional. However, after reviewing all the proposed itineraries/costs from those who replied, we decided to go with a Yunnan-based agency. We informed Amber of our decision, expecting that she will be upset but to our surprise, her reply was very professional & supportive. Part of her reply: “Thank you for getting back to me. I completely understand your decision to proceed with a local Yunnan travel agency for your upcoming trip. Yunnan is a beautiful province with a rich cultural heritage, and having a local guide can greatly enrich your experience there..... I hope you have a wonderful time in Yunnan. Wishing you and your family a safe, pleasant, and meaningful trip filled with lasting memories. May you have fair weather, smooth travels, and find warm hospitality everywhere you go” We will definitely contact Amber/ China Highlights for our next China trip on another province. Thanks so much, Amber. more
Aug 2023, EL N
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Another excellent trip with China Highlights
Another wonderful four-day section of our tailor-made three week China Highlights trip, this time in the region around Guilin, Yangshuo and in the Longji rice terraces with our friendly guide Chase. The 4-hour Li river cruise on a 4-star boat, the bamboo rafting - which our guide kindly got us by queueing from 4am onwards - hike to Moon Hill, bicycle river trip and Liu San Jie light show were all excellent, so was the Yangshuo Mountain Retreat hotel. The hike in the Longji rice terraces from Ping’an to another village, bamboo rice cooking experience and Baike Boutique Hotel with its great views were also all wonderful. We wished we could have stayed longer! more
Aug 2023, Axel R
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One day trip to Shanghai with Martin
I liked beautiful riverfront with skyscrapers, especially in the evening. The garden is very nice, lots of walkways makes it feel really big. Thanks to the guide the schedule was very flexible. Instead of waiting in a huge queue for the tv tower we went to nearby skyscraper, we also were able to meet with our friends who also visited Shanghai on the same day. more
Aug 2023, Dmitry
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Jasmine B
Quelle expérience inoubliable avons-nous vécue à Xian accompagné admirablement par Fanny ! Par la visite du quartier musulman, armée des soldats en terre cuite, la ville et ses remparts, un spectacle grandiose, etc., Fanny à toujours su nous emmener aux endroits parfaits pour notre famille. Avant d’arriver, j’avais peur que cette ville soit sans intérêt pour mon plus jeune enfant, mais Fanny et China Highlights ont proposé des activités variées pour toute la famille et Fanny savait comment naviguer dans les foules avec notre poussette et fut d’une aide précieuse avec les enfants ! Elle nous a aussi beaucoup aidé à mieux comprendre la ville et son histoire. C'était toujours intéressant de l'écouter. Le logement à Somerset Xindicheng était parfait aussi ! Merci pour tout ! Nous en garderons un mémorable souvenir. more
Aug 2023, Jasmine B
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Ms Yeliz Wong acted as a very…
Ms Yeliz Wong acted as a very professional agent. All my questions were answered in short time. I am very fond of her more
Aug 2023, Konorti Derazon
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Bucket list item achieved
In case you didn't know, ALL foreigners MUST be on an organized tour to visit Tibet. However, what was great about this China Highlights tour was that we were givenq the choice of what kind of hotel to stay in (3 or 4 stars), and though the days were planned, our tour guide gave us a lot of flexibility (on day seven he let us decide as group if we wanted to see another monastery... we had had our full by then!) and the evevings were always free. The culture, the scenery and the people of Tibet are almost indescribable, and I was moved so many times and in multiple places. That said, what really made my time traveling aacoss Tibet so fulfiling was our tour guide, E. Ten Zin. He dealt with seven different personalities with professional ease, communicated clearly what was happening at all times (there are multiple check points, so he needed to take our passports frequently), had an answer for every question and topic, and quickly learned what each of us liked and gave us more of that... I was quietly fascinated by some farmland, and E. Ten Zin took me aside, took my camera and said "you need a photo here". And when we arrived at Everest and she was hiding behind some clouds, he sat down, patted the ground beside him for us to join him and told us "just wait. You will see"... half an hour later, he was right, and Everest was spectacular. This was not my first time with China Highlights, and it won't be my last. Highly highly recommended. more
Aug 2023, Simon Shikongo
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We had an amazing trip with China Highlights!
克里斯是一个优秀的导游在上海和flexible with our travel plans. Mervyn has impressive knowledge of history and culture in Xi'an and did a stellar job navigating the crowds of tourists seeing the Terra-cotta Army. Cactus brings a depth of historical knowledge to the tours that is super interesting, and she has great enthusiasm that makes the tour enjoyable. All our drivers were very good and helped ensure that we got from one destination to the next as safely and quickly as possible. The air conditioning in the comfortable cars during the exceptionally hot summer was appreciated, as well. Our itinerary included Shanghai, Xi'an, and Beijing, plus a few days trips such as a small water town outside Shanghai and the Terra-cotta Army outside Xi'an. We took high speed trains between all our destinations, and the China Highlights team did everything they could remotely to pre-arrange those logistics and also escorted us as far as they were able to at each train station. We traveled first class whenever the tickets were still available, and we stayed in quality hotels that were clean and centrally-located for most tourist activities in each city. It was maybe the greatest culinary trip of our lives. :) more
Aug 2023, Brett N
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Wonderful Yunnan
The representative (Ms Maggie Jiang) assigned was responsive and customer service oriented. Our trip was well organised with quality tour guides and drivers. My family and I had a wonderful Yunnan experience. more
Aug 2023, Molly
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We worked with Kimmi Huang at China…
All the drivers and guides in each city were excellent and really enhanced our experience.we had Jennifer in .Beijing, Mervyn in Xi’an, Chase in Guilin and Kris in Shanghai. If we travel in this region again, will definitely use China Highlights, thanks for an unforgettable trip! more
Aug 2023, Rita Arment
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Wonderful two weeks in China
My mom and I visited China for two weeks using China Highlights and had Jennifer (Beijing), Mervyn (Xi'an), Chase (Guilin / Yangshou County), and Kris (Shanghai) as our guides. Our guides were knowledgeable about their local regions and very friendly. Each guide went above and beyond to make our experience memorable and special! Thank you, China Highlights! more
Aug 2023, Annie
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Great two weeks in China with China Highlights
The trip included Shanghai where Kris was our amazing guide, Guilin and Yangshuo with Gary who did an amazing job at adjusting the schedule to meet our needs given the incredible heat, Chengdu with Helen who shared her passion for the Pandas with us, had fun in the peoples park with us and introduced us to the local opera which was fascinating and ensured we were able to taste amazing Sizhuan food without burning up! We then moved on to Xian with Jenny who ensured we got to the Terracotta army early enough to get an amazing view, took us to try our hand at making our own warriors, was very knowledgable about the history of Xian which was very interesting and lastly allowed us to try making dumplings which we all loved. Our final stop was Beijing. Ethan was our tour guide and he again did an amazing job ensuring we got to the Great Wall of China early enough to see the amazing wall without too many people and whilst it was still relatively cool, share his great knowledge of the Forbidden City and Summer Palace with us, introduced us to the Beijing Hot Pot and importantly ensured we were able to celebrate our sons 18th birthday in style and with his favourite Chinese food!! Thank you again for making our 2 weeks so special and we will for sure be back very soon. more
Aug 2023, Sandra
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Kris from China Highlights in Shanghai was wonderful
We toured Shanghai with Kris from China Highlights as our guide, he was friendly, helpful and made the trip a lot of fun! He also went above and beyond when we traveled to my daughter’s birthplace helping to get information and connect with people from the orphanage where my daughter was adopted from.Highly recommend!! more
Aug 2023, Rita A
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Personalized and very memorable!
Kris with China Highlights was friendly and personable during our trip. He told us the history of Shanghai in an interesting way, and gave us great recommendations to avoid crowds but still see the highlights of Shanghai. He also traveled with us to the city I was born and was very helpful in helping us communicate with locals. He made sure we had a memorable and very special experience. more
Aug 2023, Annie A
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Another great China Highlights trip
Another wonderful four-day section of our tailor-made three week China Highlights trip, this time in the region around Guilin, Yangshuo and in the Longji rice terraces with our friendly guide Chase. The 4-hour Li river cruise on a 4-star boat, the bamboo rafting - which our guide kindly got us by queueing from 4am onwards - hike to Moon Hill, bicycle river trip and Liu San Jie light show were all excellent, so was the Yangshuo Mountain Retreat hotel. The hike in the Longji rice terraces from Ping’an to another village, bamboo rice cooking experience and Baike Boutique Hotel with its great views were also all wonderful. We wished we could have stayed longer! more
Aug 2023, Axel Rudolph
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年代uperb tailored tour in exquisite place!
We were treated to the most amazing, full, tailor-made, unique & personalised tour of Guilin & Yangshuo over 4 days.. Our excellent guide Vincent went the extra mile to give us the best experience and included local, personalised activities & adventures, hidden gems off the beaten track! We had the best time, using every minute tfor both 'wow" & 'local' experiences and with helpful advice always. His helper Karpo was also amazing & helped us a lot, as did our driver Mr Tan. It all flowed effortlessly for us, while they were working hard behind the scenes! ..and also to meet our every need. We are so grateful. Thank you for showing us the best of Guilin & Yangshuo, & for looking after us so well, while also avoiding the crowds in high season. more
Aug 2023, teresamk8
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How Long to Stay in Shanghai — 2–4 Days
Most travelers spend 2–4 days to visit the main highlights in Shanghai.The longer you stay, the deeper you will understand this city.
- 2-Day Shanghai's Old and New Collision
- 2-Day A Journey to the Future
- 4-Day Shanghai Family Disneyland Tour
- 查看更多年代hanghai tours.
If time permits, taking an extension tour to Suzhou or Hangzhou is highly recommended. Check5-Day Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou Bullet Train Tour
For more itinerary ideas for your Shanghai trip, you can checkUltimate Shanghai Itineraries: How Long to Spend in Shanghai
The Best Time to Visit Shanghai
The best times to visit Shanghai areMarch–May and September–November when you can enjoy the Bund, visit the water towns, and see the scenery during clear and comfortable weather.
Mid June to early July is the rainiest period in Shanghai. The hottest time in Shanghai is from July to August.
The coldest period is from late January until early February when it is windy and chilly.
Read more about年代hanghai weather.
我们侦察mmend that you book well in advance, and are prepared for huge crowds if you plan to visit during these Chinese holidays:
- 中国's summer holiday season (July and August)
- Labor Day (May 1–3) and National Day (October 1–7)
- 年代pring Festival (late January or early to mid February)
How to Get to Shanghai?
年代hanghai has two international airports: Pudong (PVG) and Hongqiao (SHA). It is easy to get to Shanghai with international flights. There are direct flights to Shanghai from most major world cities.
If you are already in China, you can reach Shanghai by plane conveniently, and bullet trains are increasingly becoming a viable, quick option.
Where to Stay in Shanghai?
There are numerous accommodation options in Shanghai, ranging from 5 star hotels to youth hostels. The price is generally higher than elsewhere in mainland China.
There are several popular areas that offer different experiences. Here are a few neighborhoods to consider:
- The Bund: This waterfront area on the Huangpu River offers stunning views of Shanghai's skyline and is home to many luxurious hotels. It's a great choice if you look for convenience, iconic landmarks, and a vibrant nightlife.
- Nanjing Road: Located in the heart of Shanghai, Nanjing Road is one of the world's busiest shopping streets. Staying in this area gives you easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment options, as well as proximity to attractions like People's Square and Shanghai Museum.
- French Concession: This historic area is known for its tree-lined streets, art deco buildings, and charming atmosphere. It offers a mix of boutique hotels, quaint cafes, trendy bars, and distinctive boutiques. The French Concession is ideal for you if you want a more relaxed and culturally rich experience.
- Pudong: Situated across the river from the Bund, Pudong is Shanghai's modern financial district. Here you'll find towering skyscrapers, including the famous Oriental Pearl Tower. Pudong is a popular choice if you prefer a more contemporary and futuristic atmosphere.
- Xintiandi: This revitalized neighborhood combines traditional Shikumen-style houses with modern architecture. It's known for its stylish restaurants, cafes, shops, and vibrant nightlife scene.
The best area to stay in Shanghai depends on your preferences and the purpose of your visit.联系我们to recommend the best suitable choice based on your requirements.
Famous Local Food to Try in Shanghai
![年代hanghai local food](http://www.l-line.net/data/grey.gif)
年代hanghai has a wide range of restaurants, which not only serve local cuisine, but also dishes from all over China and all over the world. So you can easily find a restaurant in Shanghai to fit your tastes.
If you want to try some local food, here are some recommendations:
- Iconic dishes: steamed crab, crayfish, red-braised pork,
- Famous snacks: Xiaolongbao (steamed buns), Soup Buns, Fried Mantou
Do I Need Visa to Visit Shanghai?
Usually foreigners need to apply for a visa before travel to China. If you meet the relevant qualifying criteria of the144-hour visa-free transit policy, you won't need to obtain a visa in advance. SeeHow to Make the Most of Your 144-Hour Visa-Free Stay in Shanghai.
Read onhow to apply for a China visa.
Discover Shanghai with Us
If you want no hassles, we recommend you to travel with a professional local guide, who will show you the real Shanghai and lead you to experience the lives of local people.
Here are some sample itineraries. Treat them simply as inspiration, because your trip will becreated individuallyby one of our specialists to match your tastes and budget.
- 2-Day Charming Shanghai and Watertown Tour:You will visit the must-see attractions in Shanghai.
- 5-Day Shanghai, Hangzhou and Watertown Tour:年代ee the most famous sights in Shanghai and Hangzhou, like the Bund and West Lake.