Shanghai

Ancient wonders and soaring modern megacities

• Passport strength: ≈73 visa-free destinations
• Language: Mandarin Chinese · ~10% speak English
• Free-trade agreements: ≈15

Shanghai — Where old and futuristic China meet

✦Chat with AI about Shanghai

The Bund Historic waterfront

Riverside promenade of colonial façades facing the neon towers of Pudong.

Best time: Oct–Nov & Mar–May — Clear, mild months give the sharpest skyline views.

Things to do:

• Walk the colonial waterfront promenade
• Photograph the skyline at night
• Visit heritage architecture buildings
• Experience the busy river traffic

Yu Garden Classical garden

Intricate Ming-era garden of rockeries and pavilions in the old town.

Best time: Mar–May & Oct — Spring and autumn are loveliest for the classical garden.

Things to do:

• Explore the classical Chinese garden
• See the zigzag bridge and pond
• Visit the tea houses inside
• Admire traditional rockeries

Nanjing Road Shopping street

Dazzling pedestrian shopping boulevard running to the Bund.

Best time: Year-round — A lively street destination in any season.

Things to do:

• Browse department stores and shops
• Walk the famous shopping street
• Visit luxury brand boutiques
• Try local street food

Shanghai Tower Observation deck

China's tallest tower, twisting up to a giddy glass observation floor.

Best time: Oct–Nov — Clear autumn skies give the best long views over the city.

Things to do:

• Ride to the observation decks
• Enjoy 360-degree city views
• Dine at high-altitude restaurants
• Photograph the urban skyline

Jade Buddha Temple Temple

Buddhist temple housing jade Buddha statue carved from single block, serene atmosphere.

Best time: Oct–Apr — Important spiritual site with beautiful architecture and collection of Buddhist artifacts.

Things to do:

• View the precious white jade Buddha seated statue
• Observe monks performing daily prayers and chanting
• Explore the peaceful temple gardens and pavilions
• Purchase incense, candles, and Buddhist souvenirs

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit China?

It depends on where you go: every place has its own ideal season on this page. For example, Great Wall (Mutianyu/Badaling) is best around Sep–Oct & Apr–May. China has 8 featured cities and areas to plan around.

Is English spoken in China?

Roughly 10% of people speak English. The main language is Mandarin Chinese.

How strong is the China passport?

The China passport gives visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to about 73 destinations.

Is China expensive to travel in?

This page lists indicative traveller costs for China — medical, insurance, connectivity and education ranges — and the interactive travelogue holds the full breakdown.

What is there to do in China?

Great Wall (Mutianyu/Badaling), Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Ming Tombs, The Bund — each with the best time to visit, why it is worth it, and specific things to do.