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Picture of Shanghai, China

Travel Guide for
Shanghai

China

Humid subtropical, four seasons

Introduction

Shanghai, perched along China’s eastern coast, is a vibrant hub where historic temples meet futuristic skyscrapers. Once a small fishing village, it blossomed into a global metropolis famous for its cosmopolitan flair and dynamic history.

During July, expect hot, humid weather and the occasional summer rain shower—perfect for ducking into lively cafés or co-working spaces. Digital nomads on a budget will love the city’s affordable street food, easy public transport, and abundant Wi-Fi, making Shanghai ideal for work and exploration.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleDigital nomad

Dates11-18 July 2025

BudgetAverage budget

AccommodationHotel

Interests and Activities:

arts and culturenightlife and entertainmentoutdoor adventuressightseeing and toursfestivals and eventsgastronomy

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Picture of Shanghai, China

Key Facts

Location

Eastern China, Yangtze Delta

Currency

Renminbi (Yuan) (CNY)

Religion

Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity

Population

24,870,895

Language

Mandarin Chinese, Shanghainese

Electricity

220V, 50Hz, Type I/A/C plugs

Time zone

UTCChina Standard Time (UTC+8)

Country code

+86

Internet access

Widespread, fast broadband, affordable

Climate

Humid subtropical, four seasons

See More China Facts

Language:

Mandarin Chinese

  • hello

    你好 (nee how)

  • goodbye

    再见 (dzai jyen)

  • yes

    是的 (shr duh)

  • no

    不是 (boo shr)

  • how much

    多少钱 (dwor shao chyen)

  • please

    (cheeng)

  • thank you

    谢谢 (shyeah shyeah)

  • excuse me

    劳驾 (lao jyah)

Map

Logistics

Shanghai is easily accessible by air, with two major international airports: Pudong (PVG) and Hongqiao (SHA). Most international visitors arrive via Pudong, while Hongqiao handles domestic and some regional flights. High-speed trains connect Shanghai to cities like Beijing, Hangzhou, and Suzhou, making rail a convenient option.

For digital nomads on a budget, booking early and using discount travel platforms can yield good deals on flights and trains. Intercity buses are also an option but tend to be slower. July in Shanghai is hot and humid, with occasional rainstorms, which may cause flight or train delays, so build in extra time for your travel plans.

Weather

Shanghai has a humid subtropical climate, with four distinct seasons. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are mild and pleasant, while winters are chilly and damp. Summers, especially from June to August, are hot, humid, and rainy, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F).

From July 11 to July 18, expect high humidity, frequent rain showers, and daytime highs around 33°C (91°F). This time falls within the East Asian monsoon season, so heavy downpours and occasional thunderstorms are possible. Typhoons sometimes occur in July, so stay updated on local weather alerts during your visit.

Food & Drink

Shanghai’s cuisine features dishes like xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), shengjianbao (pan-fried buns), and savory braised pork (hong shao rou). Streets in the French Concession and Yuyuan Garden offer tasty street food and local snacks. Try a traditional Shanghai breakfast at stalls or bustling canteens where locals dine.

For digital nomads on an average budget, hip cafes like Manner Coffee and Egg offer reliable Wi-Fi and relaxed atmospheres, while Lost Heaven and Hai Di Lao give excellent value for local and Yunnan cuisine. Rooftop bars like Bar Rouge provide stunning Bund views for an evening drink. Tipping isn’t customary; service charges may already be included.

Allergy and vegetarian options are available at modern eateries, though classic spots may have limited choices. English menus are common in international neighborhoods, and food delivery apps make it easy to try local flavors from co-working spaces or your accommodation.

A picture of Peking Duck

Peking Duck

Peking Duck is a famous Chinese dish featuring crispy duck skin, tender duck meat, and thin pancakes, all...

A picture of Xiaolongbao

Xiaolongbao

Xiaolongbao is a type of steamed bun (baozi) originating from Jiangsu province. Filled with hot soup and a...

A picture of Mapo Tofu

Mapo Tofu

Mapo Tofu is a spicy Sichuan dish made with soft tofu, minced meat, and fermented black beans, all...

A picture of Hot Pot

Hot Pot

Hot Pot is a communal dining experience involving a simmering pot of flavorful broth into which various raw...

A picture of Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken is a classic Sichuan dish featuring tender chunks of chicken stir-fried with peanuts, vegetables, and...

Accommodation

For a digital nomad on an average budget, central neighborhoods like Jing’an, the Former French Concession, or Xintiandi offer great hotel options, excellent cafés, co-working spaces, and easy metro access. Reputable mid-range hotels include The Middle House, Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World, and URBN Boutique Shanghai. Hostels like Mingtown Etour or the Rock & Wood International are friendly and budget-conscious.

Booking.com and Agoda are the most reliable sites for deals on Shanghai hotels. July is a busy travel month, so book early to secure the best rates and availability. Consider accommodations with strong Wi-Fi, comfortable workspaces, and proximity to subway lines for convenient city exploration during your stay.

Itinerary

Settle into Shanghai’s vibrant urban landscape by soaking in its skyline, navigating bustling neighborhoods, and experiencing the city’s dynamic energy for the first time.

Stroll Along the Bund

Begin your Shanghai experience with a walk along the historic Bund. Enjoy panoramic views of the iconic skyline and get your first taste of the city’s unique blend of old and new architecture. Try visiting just before sunset for great photo opportunities!

Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai City Private Day Tour

Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai City Private Day Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Discover Shanghai’s most incredible city attractions and beautiful Zhujiajiao Water Town during this wonderful private day tour. Accompanied by a professional guide, stroll around the old lanes with antiquated architecture, wander along the canal with old bridges and take the boat on tranquil canals in Zhujiajiao for a half day. Followed by another half day tour to see the Shanghai city top attractions, such as Yu Garden, the spectacular skyline on the Bund as well as the panoramic view from the top of Shanghai Tower. An authentic Chinese lunch in the water town, boat ride ticket, entrance fee to Shanghai Tower, private guide and driver service are all inclusive.

5.0 (885 reviews)

From $229 USD

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Attractions

5.0 (190 reviews)
Full-Day Private Guided Tour of Shanghai

Full-Day Private Guided Tour of Shanghai

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Delve beneath Shanghai's glitzy modern surface to discover the city's heritage and culture on this 8-hour private tour. Traveling either by public transport or private vehicle, you'll see People's Park, a classic Chinese market, the Jade Buddha Temple, Confucius Temple, The Bund, Riverside Promenade (Binjiang Da Dao) and Nanjing Lu (East Nanjing Road).

From $99 USD

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5.0 (16 reviews)
Red Route Tour- Chinese Communist Party

Red Route Tour- Chinese Communist Party

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL
Free Cancellation

Shanghai is the birthplace of Chinese Communist Party. This tour will allow you to travel along the roller coaster developing route of Communist Party from 1921 First Congress, through Long March; Civil War; Korean War; Great Leap Forward; Culture Revolution; Ping Pang Diplomacy; Birth Control to 1986 end of "Coupon Age‘’ and social stability. The tour reveal some unrecorded history. If you are history lover, if you are curious about Mao Ze Dong, don't miss it out!

From $85 USD

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5.0 (57 reviews)
3-Hour Private Tour to Jewish Ghetto and Shanghai Bund

3-Hour Private Tour to Jewish Ghetto and Shanghai Bund

MANUAL
Free Cancellation

Explore the historical heart of Shanghai's ancient Jewish quarter in a private tour to Hongkou District, known as the little “Vienna”. Pay a visit to the historic Jewish Refugees Museum (Ohel Moishe Synagogue) and learn the captivating Jewish history and footprints in Shanghai. Moreover, take a stroll along the century old Huoshan Park, old Jewish community and backstreet lanes to catch a fascinating insight into local daily life and culture. In addition, enjoy the splendid view along the famous Shanghai Bund area and stop over the Peace hotel, built by Sassoon's family and appreciate the beautiful art-deco architecture.

From $90 USD

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5.0 (2 reviews)
3-Hour Shanghai Art Deco Walking Tour With City Master

3-Hour Shanghai Art Deco Walking Tour With City Master

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Shanghai has one of the biggest collections of Art Deco buildings in the world. Join in and experience the vibrant culture of the past and present of Shanghai on this guided, 2.5-hour, small-group city walking tour. Led by a passionate and knowledgeable local city master, discover Art Deco buildings from the 1930s. Learn about the history and architecture of hidden museums inside Art Deco luxury hotels, as well as the former foreign concession area.

From $75 USD

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5.0 (2 reviews)
4-Hour Private Tour of Pudong with China Art Palace Museum and Shanghai Tower

4-Hour Private Tour of Pudong with China Art Palace Museum and Shanghai Tower

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

To see, to believe and to witness the splendor of Pudong in Shanghai. No matter you are an art lover, architecture fan. This private tour will take you to visit the two amazing sites in the area: China Art Palace Museum and Shanghai Tower. Appreciate the striking design of “Oriental Crown” of the Palace museum and delve into the unique and masterpieces of art exhibitions, take in the fantastic bird-eye of mega Shanghai on 118 Floor observation deck of 2nd tallest building in the world. Tour around with your expert guide and have great overview of the city.

From $103 USD

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4.4 (11 reviews)
Private Colonial Walking Tour: Shanghai French Concession

Private Colonial Walking Tour: Shanghai French Concession

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Journey back in time to French colonial China on this interesting private walking tour through the Shanghai French Concession. Learn from your expert local guide how this area was once owned by the French and served as the center of Catholicism in Shanghai. See sites like where the First Conference of the Communist Party took place and stroll through narrow alleys, passing quaint apartments, villas, parks and hidden spots that still hold much of their unique French character. This is a private tour just for you and your party.

From $123 USD

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5.0 (4 reviews)
Private Qibao Ancient Town Walking Tour with Tea Tasting and Calligraphy Experience

Private Qibao Ancient Town Walking Tour with Tea Tasting and Calligraphy Experience

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Visit the 1000-year-old ancient water town Qibao and get yourself a meditation retreat by local tea tasting and calligraphy experience, explore the colorful local streets in the old alley lanes and enjoy the beautiful township scenery, travel with your own personal guide ensure a more exclusive experience.

From $100 USD

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5.0 (6 reviews)
4-Hour Private Shanghai Art and History Tour

4-Hour Private Shanghai Art and History Tour

MANUAL
Free Cancellation

Discovery the hidden arts and history of Shanghai from M50, the old factory park to Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre, the private museum located in the former French concession. Be surrounded by the artistic atmosphere in the neighboring streets of Tianzifang and Shikumen area to explore the combination of creative productions and trendy designs. It's a great way to appreciate the art technique at personal level plus to learn the remarkable modern art history of China.

From $85 USD

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5.0 (2 reviews)
Strolling along SH Former French Corner

Strolling along SH Former French Corner

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Walk along a national historical street defined by the state administration of the Cultural Heritage. The area was planned as a high-end residential zone to accommodate the city's growing wealthy population. Some building right here was destined to become a symbol of Shanghai. It's one of most popular destinations in Shanghai where is fancy land for live streaming by online celebrities.

From $58 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
Xiqiao Mountain and Martial Arts Culture Privat Day Tour from Guangzhou

Xiqiao Mountain and Martial Arts Culture Privat Day Tour from Guangzhou

MANUAL
Free Cancellation

Enjoy a nice gateway to Foshan from Guangzhou on this exclusive private day tour. Visit famous National forest Park Xiqiao Mountain, rated as the National 5A attractions and one of the four top mountains in Guangdong. Originated from an extinct ancient volcano that created its natural masterpieces include spectacular waterfalls, lakes, hollows, cliffs. Admire the Grand Statue of Gunyin from Chinese Buddhism while appreciate the picturesque view of the area. In addition, pay a visit to Martia Arts museum of Hung Fei Hong and enjoy a fun and live Lion Dragon dance and Kongfu show known to the area. Travel with your own local expert guide get a great overview of the custom, culture and history.

From $167 USD

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4.9 (318 reviews)
Private Full-Day Tour: Incredible Shanghai Highlights

Private Full-Day Tour: Incredible Shanghai Highlights

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

If you have very limited time in Shanghai, and want to go home with a great understanding of Shanghai, its people, history and culture, then this private day tour is perfect for you! You will visit both the east and west sides of Shanghai and also discover Shanghai's fascinating mix of modern and classic character. The major attractions in this tour includes: Shanghai Tower, The Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, The Bund, Riverside Promenade (Binjiang Da Dao), Yu Yuan Garden, French Concession area and much more! Note that observation decks in Lujiazui area are optional so you can choose based on conditions.

From $109 USD

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3.6 (107 reviews)
Shanghai Half Day Morning or Afternoon Sightseeing Tour

Shanghai Half Day Morning or Afternoon Sightseeing Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Got only half a day to explore Shanghai? Discover the 'must-see' sights such as Jade Buddha Temple, Fresh Water Pearl Gallery and Shanghai Museum on the morning tour or The Bund, Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Old Street, a silk mill and Shanghai's entertainment district on the afternoon tour. A guided sightseeing tour of Shanghai is a must for anyone visiting China's most modern city.

From $53 USD

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4.9 (128 reviews)
Private Evening Tour: VIP Huangpu River Cruise and Shanghai Lights

Private Evening Tour: VIP Huangpu River Cruise and Shanghai Lights

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

In this private evening tour, you will have the chance to enjoy the amazing night lights of Shanghai City.  Besides visiting Old Shanghai Town, Xin Tian Di, Lujiazui commercial area and some 100 years old buildings in the city, you will also take the evening VIP Class cruise on the Hungpu River.

From $128 USD

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3.8 (115 reviews)
Huangpu River Cruise and Bund City Lights Evening Tour of Shanghai

Huangpu River Cruise and Bund City Lights Evening Tour of Shanghai

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

The Bund is the cultural section of Shanghai that best represents the blending of ancient and modern influences. This renowned waterfront district is the city’s most famous landmark. You’ll experience the definition literally with a feeling of space and openness that you won’t find anywhere else in Shanghai. The tour starts with an evening cruise on the Huangpu River, which divides the Bund into two sections, Pu Dong and Pu Xi, which mean “east of river” and “west of river”. Local people honor the Huangpu as Mother River, and as you view the lights and spectacle from the deck of your evening cruise, you will understand it. After the cruise, we will enjoy a walk along the Bund on our way to the historically famous Peace Hotel, which served as the center of Shanghai’s nightlife in the 1920’s and 30’s. Then we will take a trolley tour to enjoy the magnificent night view of Nanjing Road.

From $79 USD

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5.0 (7 reviews)
Old Shanghai City Walking Tour

Old Shanghai City Walking Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

You will get an inside perspective of the changing scenes of Shanghai on this 4-hour walking tour that explores old city districts where local residents can be seen playing cards on street corners and walking the alleys in their pajamas! You will witness the great changes and the developments of recent 30 years in Shanghai. The tour includes Bund, Yu Garden, an ancient Chinese Tea house, local insects market, and the trendy French Concession.

From $65 USD

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5.0 (10 reviews)
Private Shanghai Ultimate Flexible Shopping Tour: 4 or 8-hour Options

Private Shanghai Ultimate Flexible Shopping Tour: 4 or 8-hour Options

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This flexible shopping tour with our expert shopping guide will help you find whatever you are looking for whether its custom clothes, souvenirs, pearls, bags or any of the 1000's of items and brands that can be found in the many Shanghai shopping areas. There is no set itinerary since you'll discuss your goals and desires with our guide and be off to shop! Your desired pick-up/drop-off services ensure a stress-free enjoyable and entertaining day.

From $75 USD

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3.0 (1 reviews)
Modern Shanghai Half Day Private Walking Tour

Modern Shanghai Half Day Private Walking Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

• Half day private excursion of Shanghai  • Visit the Bund, Nanjing Road, Huaihai Road and Xintiandi. • Enjoy commentary by your friendly and knowledgeable guide  • Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel  • Choice of morning or afternoon departure • All entrance fees included • Available for Shanghai airport/railway station/port pick-up and drop-off • Tips are not included, these are at your discretion.

From $70 USD

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