Shanghai Travel Guide
Welcome to the Eventurus Shanghai travel guide, your friendly introduction to one of China’s most exciting cities. Whether you’re into food, history, art, shopping, or skyline views, Shanghai has something for you. In this guide, we’ll cover how to get around, where to stay, what to see, what to eat – and where to explore some amazing museums and galleries. Let’s get started!
Getting Around Shanghai
Shanghai is easy to explore thanks to its excellent transport system. The metro is fast, clean, and very affordable. Signs and announcements are in English, and the system covers most of the city. Use a rechargeable metro card or mobile payment apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay to get around.
Taxis are everywhere, but most drivers don’t speak English, so it helps to show your destination in Chinese. Apps like DiDi (China’s version of Uber) are also useful.
Want to go green? Rent a public bike or electric scooter through apps like Meituan or HelloBike.
Check out more useful apps for China here.
Best Areas to Stay
There are many great neighborhoods in Shanghai, and each offers a different vibe. Here are our top picks:
French Concession – A beautiful, tree-lined area with cafés, boutique shops, and charming architecture. Great for couples and creatives.
The Bund / People’s Square – Central and historic, close to top sights and transport links. Ideal for first-time visitors.
Jing’an – Stylish and modern, with shopping malls, bars, and international restaurants. Perfect for young travelers and families.
Pudong – Home to futuristic skyscrapers and five-star hotels. Best for business trips and luxury stays.
Famous Wukang Building in the French Concession
Top Things to Do and See
No Shanghai travel guide would be complete without a list of the city’s must-see sights:
The Bund – Walk along the Huangpu River and admire the contrast between old colonial buildings and the futuristic skyline.
Yu Garden – A peaceful, classical Chinese garden surrounded by lively markets and tea houses.
Shanghai Tower – Ride the world’s fastest elevator to the top of China’s tallest building for an unbeatable view.
Tianzifang – A maze of tiny alleyways packed with quirky shops, bars, and local art.
Xintiandi – A trendy area full of restaurants and restored Shikumen (stone gate) houses.
Yu Garden
Museums and Art Galleries to Explore
Shanghai is a dream for art lovers and museum fans. Here are some fantastic places to visit:
Shanghai Museum – Located in People’s Square, this world-class museum offers ancient Chinese art, ceramics, calligraphy, and jade. Best of all, it’s free!
Power Station of Art – A cool, modern gallery housed in a former power plant. Great for lovers of contemporary Chinese and international art.
Long Museum (West Bund) – One of China’s largest private art museums, featuring both classical and contemporary works.
Shanghai History Museum – Located near the Oriental Pearl Tower, this museum gives a fascinating look at the city’s rich past.
China Art Museum – Housed in the iconic red China Pavilion from Expo 2010, this huge museum celebrates modern Chinese art.
Power Station of Art
What to Eat in Shanghai
Food is a big part of the Shanghai experience. Here are some dishes you must try:
Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings) – Thin dumpling wrappers filled with hot broth and meat. Bite carefully!
Shengjianbao – Crispy-bottomed dumplings that are pan-fried and juicy inside.
Red Braised Pork (Hong Shao Rou) – Sweet, sticky pork belly that melts in your mouth.
Scallion Oil Noodles – A simple but delicious noodle dish topped with fragrant green onions.
Street Food – Try grilled skewers, fried rice cakes, and local snacks from night markets and food stalls.
International food is also easy to find, especially in areas like Jing’an and the French Concession.
Xiao Long Bao, or soup dumplings in Shanghai
Hidden Gems & Unique Experiences
Looking for something a bit different? Here are some unique sights to add to your itinerary:
M50 Creative Park – A cool, converted warehouse district filled with contemporary art galleries, street art, and artist studios. It’s a great place to see modern Chinese creativity and pick up some local art.
West Bund Riverside Park – This relaxed riverside area is perfect for a walk, bike ride, or picnic. You’ll find public art, wide-open green spaces, skate parks, and even a few quiet coffee spots. It’s less touristy than the Bund and has amazing views of the river.
People’s Park Marriage Market – Every weekend, parents gather in People’s Park with handwritten posters to advertise their unmarried adult children in hopes of finding them a match. It’s a truly unique cultural experience, and a fascinating window into modern Chinese family life.
Propaganda Poster Art Centre – Tucked away in a basement, this small museum has a rare collection of Mao-era propaganda posters that give insight into 20th-century Chinese history and design.
Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum – An often-overlooked gem that tells the story of Jewish refugees who found shelter in Shanghai during World War II.
People’s Park Marriage Market
Final Tips for Visiting Shanghai
When to Visit: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the best times – not too hot, not too cold.
Language: Not everyone speaks English, so download a translation app like Pleco or Google Translate.
Money: Mobile payments are everywhere. If you're visiting from abroad, ask us for help setting up Alipay for tourists.
We hope this Shanghai travel guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to China’s most dynamic city.
If you’re dreaming of a tailor-made holiday, guided tours, or just need help with bookings, reach out to us – we know Shanghai inside out and are happy to help!
Email: hello@eventuruschina.com
WhatsApp: 07940126138
