Discover Shanghai

A destination with a stimulating pulse

Shanghai: The Magic City of China

Shanghai is a city where the future and history live side by side. It’s China’s most high-octane destination, with space-age towers that stand opposite the historic architecture. You can explore ancient temples and traditional stone-gate houses tucked between some of the tallest skyscrapers on Earth. As it undergoes a rapid economic expansion, you can discover world-class dining and prestigious arts centres sitting above the world’s longest subway system. Travel to Shanghai and see a landscape shaped by deep history and a stimulating pulse that draws you into the excitement.

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Shanghai is best for

Culture enthusiasts, architecture fans, and urban explorers

Highlights of Shanghai

Located on China's central coast at the mouth of the Yangtze River, Shanghai is home to prestigious urban scenes and cultural landmarks. These best places to explore in the city offer experiences that define Shanghai’s energy.

Architectural marvels
Cultural spots
Urban experiences
Must-try food

Shanghai is famous for its dramatic skyline and some of the world’s tallest buildings. Find the must-see attractions in the city among its futuristic structures.

The Bund

Stroll along this famous 1.5km waterfront area in Shanghai to see over 50 heritage buildings. This district's Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque styles create a bold contrast with the neon forest across the city’s waters.

Oriental Pearl TV Tower

Visit this famous tower and walk across its 360-degree transparent observatory for views of the city and Huangpu River. You can also explore the Shanghai History Museum here to see artefacts showing its culture and progress.

The Big Three (Pudong)

See the top spots that offer the best views above the clouds and show the vibrant energy of the Lujiazui district. These include the Shanghai Tower, the "Bottle Opener" (Shanghai World Financial Center), and the Jin Mao Tower.

As China’s Magic City, Shanghai is home to landmarks that connect you with its rich history. Experience travelling through the past at these best places to visit in Shanghai.

Yuyuan Garden

Visit this 400-year-old classical garden in Shanghai, where you can see the Nine-Turn Bridge and Ming-style pavilions. Explore a maze of rockeries, dragon walls, and lakes for a peaceful escape from the city’s busy streets.

Day trip to Zhujiajiao

Take a day trip to this ancient water town in the Qingpu District, dating back thousands of years. This town is known for its ancient architecture and beautiful waterways. Make sure to ride wooden boats and cross stone bridges.

Jing’an Temple

Head to this gleaming gold Buddhist temple right in the middle of a major shopping district in Shanghai. Discover a moment of Zen among modern shops, vibrant streets, and peaceful courtyards while you admire its historic soul.

Shanghai's modern character shines through many of its top attractions. From high-speed trains to premier streets, the city's got the best things to do that highlight its urban pulse.

Nanjing Road

Witness the hustle of the most premier shopping street in Shanghai. Spanning over five kilometres long, it serves as a central social hub that features over 600 shops, historic businesses, and international restaurants.

The Maglev

Experience the world’s first and fastest commercial magnetic levitation train in Shanghai. This electric marvel, travelling at speeds up to 431km/hr, can take you from the airport to the city centre in just eight minutes.

Leisure spots and theme parks

Shanghai offers amazing leisure experiences, from theme parks to artistic streets. You can cruise the Huangpu River, visit Shanghai Disney Resort, stroll along the Former French Concession’s artsy lanes, or shop at Xintiandi.

Shanghai's vibrant culinary scene offers a mix of history and world-class flavour. Savour the city’s must-try dishes and get a glimpse of its rich cuisine.

Xiaolongbao

Devour these iconic soup dumplings. It has delicate pockets of hot broth, soy, and pork. Nibble the thin skins before dipping them into aged vinegar. This famous dish offers a glimpse of Shanghai’s delicious food fare.

Cong you ban mian

Slurp this noodle dish in Shanghai. A part of Chinese cuisine for generations, this soup is coated in the savoury mix of caramelised scallions, dark soy sauce, and sugar – offering a fragrant meal that lasts on the palate.

Shengjianbao

Bite into Shengjianbao – a crispy pan-fried pork bun that features a fluffy top, crunchy bottom, and juicy pork. It’s usually seasoned with sesame seeds and chopped scallions, and is definitely one of Shanghai’s must-try food.

Quick fact

Shanghai has one of the most impressive collections of Art Deco buildings in the world.

Plan your trip to Shanghai

Organise your five-day trip to the Magic City of China with a clear itinerary to make the most of your time. A smart plan helps you not miss out on the best things to do in Shanghai.

Day 1

Land at Shanghai Pudong International Airport in the morning. Ride the Maglev to reach the city centre in less than 10 minutes. After you’ve checked in, head to the Bund to stroll along the promenade. End the day seeing the neon glow of Nanjing Road.

Day 2

Explore Shanghai’s futuristic side. Ride the world’s fastest lift at Shanghai Tower for views above the clouds. Then, stop by the "Bottle Opener", the Jin Mao Tower, and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. In the afternoon, go on a Huangpu River cruise to see the skyline from the water.

Day 3

Take a day trip to the ancient water town of Zhujiajiao to see stone bridges or spend your day at the Shanghai Disney Resort. In the evening, explore the restored stone-gate houses and boutiques in Xintiandi where you can shop for souvenirs.

Day 4

Spend your morning at Yuyuan Garden to see Ming-style pavilions and the Nine-Turn Bridge. Then head to the gleaming gold Jing’an Temple next for a relaxing break from the Shanghai buzz. In the afternoon, wander through the Former French Concession to see Art Deco buildings.

Day 5

Your journey in Shanghai ends today. Head to the airport for your flight home or to explore other parts of China. Take your favourite highlights with you as you leave the Magic City.

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Important travel information

Before you travel to Shanghai, it’s good to be familiar with the essentials. Know the entry rules, the best times to visit, how to get around, and other insights to stay prepared for your trip.

Shanghai’s subtropical monsoon climate has four distinct seasons. You’ll experience a warm spring from March to May, a hot summer from June to August, a pleasant autumn from September to November, and a cold winter from December to February. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Shanghai because of its mild and pleasant weather.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport, with IATA airport code PVG, is one of China’s busiest hubs, handling over 80 million guests every year. Located in the Pudong district, the airport’s a monument to modern aviation with its massive scale, rapid development, and advanced infrastructure. It’s also a vital link between the East and the West. We’ll operate daily flights to Shanghai via this airport from 1 October 2026.

Make sure you prepare your documents early, so your trip stays on track. Entry and visa rules vary by passport, so check official updates and guidelines before you book flights to Shanghai.

Tourist visa validity: Chinese tourist visas stay valid for anywhere between 90 days and 10 years. You’ll typically have up to 90 days to stay in the country after you arrive.
General requirements: The general requirements include (but are not limited to) a valid passport, recent photo, previous Chinese visa (if applicable), flight and hotel bookings, proof of funds, No Objection Certificate or invitation letter from sponsor, and itinerary, among others.

Currency: China’s currency is the Chinese yuan (CNY). In Shanghai, you can get cash from ATMs and exchange points. Luxury hotels and large shops take international credit cards, but it’s best to set up Alipay or WeChat Pay, as they’re the standard apps to pay for almost everything in the city.
Language: Mandarin is the official language for business and education, but locals often use the Shanghainese dialect for daily life. Few people speak English, mainly in business districts, tourist spots, and among the younger generation. It’s advisable to learn some local phrases or use translation apps to help you navigate the city with ease.

Shanghai’s massive size is simple to navigate because its transport network is so efficient. You can visit the best places in the city through the world’s biggest metro, local taxis, river ferries, and others.

The Metro: Ride the world’s largest subway network to travel across 20 different lines. You'll reach famous attractions and various districts in Shanghai quickly.

Taxis: Hail a metered cab or book via an app for a direct journey across Shanghai. It’s the smartest way to reach your destination when you’re carrying shopping bags or travelling at night.

Buses: Board a public bus to travel to every corner of Shanghai, including the less-trafficked areas. It’s also a budget-friendly way for you to see the local neighbourhoods.

Ferries and cruises: Cruise across the Huangpu River to see the best views of the Shanghai skyline. You’ll see the historic Bund, futuristic Pudong towers, and riverfront architecture.

Maglev Train: Ride the world’s first commercial levitation train for a high-speed journey into Shanghai.

Bicycles: Hire a bicycle to explore quieter areas in Shanghai like Xintiandi and Tianzifang, at your own pace. It’s the perfect way for you to uncover local spots that larger vehicles can’t reach.

Walking: Explore Shanghai on foot to catch the energy of neon-lit East Nanjing Road, the Bund, and local markets. Most neighbourhoods are easy for you to navigate this way, using the metro to connect between different districts.

Did you know?

Shanghai’s home to the world’s longest metro network and the first high-speed maglev train, which uses magnets instead of wheels for a faster, smoother ride.

Fly to Shanghai with Etihad

Book flights to Shanghai with us and experience a smooth journey from takeoff to landing. We’ll fly to Shanghai daily from 1 October 2026, offering a direct route to China’s most glamorous destination.

When you fly to Shanghai with us, you’ll experience a relaxing time on board our modern fleet and comfortable cabins. Enjoy our award-winning hospitality, amenities, and personal service that help you settle in smoothly. As the world's safest airline for 2026, we’ll help you reach Shanghai without any inconvenience.

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Frequently asked questions

We’ll operate daily flights to Shanghai from 1 October 2026, with morning arrival times.

Yuyuan Garden’s the best spot for traditional architecture with its Ming-style pavilions and the Nine-Turn Bridge. You can also visit the gold Jing’an Temple, or travel to Zhujiajiao to see ancient stone bridges and canals.

The Shanghai Tower has the most dramatic views from its deck, but the "Bottle Opener", Jin Mao Tower, and Oriental Pearl TV Tower also offer incredible vistas. You’ll see the clouds, the Huangpu River, and the city’s futuristic skyline from these spots.