Shanghai

China

Shanghai is a vibrant metropolis offering a blend of futuristic skyscrapers, historical colonial architecture, and rich cultural experiences. It's a global hub for finance, fashion, and innovation, with world-class dining and entertainment options.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay4 days
Budget$50/day
Mid-range$100/day
Luxury$500/day

Known For

HuangpuPudongThe BundLujiazuiXintiandiFrench Concessionhuangshan

🇨🇳 Country Information: China

CapitalBeijing
CurrencyChinese yuan (¥)
LanguageMandarin Chinese , Cantonese, English (limited), other regional dialects
Phone Code+86
Electricity220V (Type A, C, I)
Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

  • Tipping is generally not customary and can sometimes be refused or even considered rude in many settings, though it is becoming more accepted in some tourist
  • oriented services (e
  • g
  • , tour guides, bellhops in international hotels)

Money & Payments

  • ATMs are widely available, especially in cities
  • Credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, less so in rural areas
  • Bringing some cash is advisable, especially for smaller vendors
  • No significant black market for cash

Cultural Norms

  • Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites
  • Public displays of affection are generally not common
  • Respect personal space, though crowded areas are unavoidable
  • When eating, avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice (resembles funerary rites)
  • Remove shoes when entering homes or certain establishments

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. LGBTQ+ rights are limited. While homosexuality is not illegal, there is no legal recognition for same-sex marriage or civil unions, and public discourse can be conservative.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

  • Legal drinking age is 18
  • Drug laws are extremely strict, with severe penalties for even minor offenses, including possession of marijuana

Special Laws

  • Carrying identification (passport) is often required
  • Certain websites and apps are blocked; a VPN is often needed for access to many international services
  • Respect local laws and customs, especially concerning public order and political expression

Common Phrases

NoBù (boo) 不
YesShì (sher) 是
HelloNǐ hǎo (nee how) 你好
Thank youXièxiè (shyeh-shyeh) 谢谢
Excuse me/SorryDuìbùqǐ (dway-boo-chee) 对不起

Climate

Shanghai is a coastal city with a humid subtropical climate.

Climate Zone: Humid Subtropical

Best Time to Visit

Getting There

Getting Around

Health & Vaccinations

Staying Connected

Local Cuisine

Jianbing street_food

A savory crepe-like street food originating from Tianjin but extremely popular in Shanghai. It is typically made from a wheat and grain batter, spread

Scallion Pancake (Cong You Bing) street_food

A popular, flaky, and savory Chinese flatbread. The dough is folded multiple times with oil and chopped scallions, creating distinct layers that are c

Spicy Hot Pot must_try

A communal dining experience where diners cook various raw ingredients in a simmering pot of broth, often spicy in nature. This dish is highly popular

Golden Age Rice Wine alcohol

A traditional Chinese alcoholic beverage brewed from fermented rice. This particular type of rice wine is associated with the region and often served

Beef Noodles with Eggs, Herbs, and Sprouts regional_speciality

A hearty noodle dish, featuring tender beef slices and a rich broth. The addition of fresh herbs, eggs, and sprouts adds texture and flavor to this sa

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

China High-Speed Train Tickets (e.g., to/from Shanghai) Transport
Book immediately when tickets open (15 days in advance)

High-speed train tickets often sell out quickly, especially during holidays and weekends, as they are a primary mode of intercity travel.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Shanghai Museum Reservation (People's Square) Attraction
Book 7 days in advance

Although general admission may not require a reservation at the People's Square location (as of snippets), the highly popular new Shanghai Museum East requires reservations, and special exhibitions/timed entry slots sell out.

ERA Intersection of Time Acrobatic Show tour_or_activity
Book 1–4 weeks in advance

This is one of Shanghai's most popular evening shows, and tickets for prime seating often sell out, especially on weekends.

Fine Dining Reservations (e.g., Michelin-starred restaurants) Dining
Book 2 weeks to 3 months in advance

Shanghai has a very competitive high-end dining scene, and reservations for popular and highly-rated restaurants (e.g., 50Best list members) are essential.

Fun Facts

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