**What First-Time Visitors Should Know About Shanghai:**A Must-Read Before You Go
Shanghai has long been a city shaped by international influences. As one of the first Chinese ports to open to the world, it quickly evolved into a bustling hub known as the "Paris of the East." Today, this blend of East and West is still vividly on display: historic European-style buildings on the Bund stand proudly across the river from Pudong’s futuristic skyline. In the city’s older neighborhoods, locals—affectionately called yéshū and āyì (爷叔阿姨, uncles and aunties)—go about their daily routines while world-class cuisine, fine wines, and high fashion set the tone just a few blocks away. It’s a fascinating mix where tradition and modernity, Chinese and international cultures, all coexist beautifully.
Best Time to Visit Shanghai
As a global metropolis, Shanghai is a year-round destination with something to offer in every season. That said, spring is especially charming, when wintersweet, cherry blossoms, and magnolias bloom one after another, bringing bursts of color to the city. Autumn, on the other hand, is the best time to indulge in the seasonal delicacy— hairy crabs (dàzhàxiè , 大闸蟹). A local saying goes, “When the autumn wind blows, the crabs start to itch,” meaning they’re at their prime—rich in golden roe, creamy fat, and tender meat. Truly irresistible.
Keep in mind that July and August can be hot and humid, making outdoor activities less pleasant. January and February are the coldest months, so bundle up if you visit then. June to July marks the plum rain season (méiyǔ jì , 梅雨季), with frequent showers—don’t forget to pack an umbrella.
How to Get to Shanghai
By Air
Shanghai is one of China’s busiest transportation hubs, with over a thousand flights taking off and landing daily. It has two major airports—Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) —which not only handle domestic flights but also serve as key international gateways. Both airports are home bases for China Eastern Airlines.
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Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Located in western Shanghai (Puxi), Hongqiao is closer to the city center and primarily handles domestic flights, with limited international routes to Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.- Getting to the city : The most convenient way is by Metro Line 10 or Line 2. Note that Line 2 stops only at Terminal 2, while Line 10 serves both Terminal 1 and 2.
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Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Situated about 30 km east of downtown in Pudong, this airport handles most international flights, connecting to 73 international and 62 domestic cities.- Overnight Tips : In Terminal 2, Gates C75–77 have lounge-style reclining chairs and power outlets. A transit hotel is available between Terminals 1 and 2, and Terminal 1 has quiet seating areas with charging ports on the third floor.
Transfers between airports
If you’re transferring between Hongqiao and Pudong airports, allow at least two hours:
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Airport Shuttle Bus : Direct route, usually about an hour, but delays can occur during traffic.
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Metro Line 2 : Connects both airports but takes up to 1 hour 40 minutes. At Guanglan Road station, you must transfer to another train going in the opposite direction.
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Maglev + Metro : Take the Maglev train from Pudong Airport to Longyang Road (8 minutes), then transfer to Metro Line 2. It’s a time-saving option for traveling between airports.
By Train
Shanghai has four major train stations: Shanghai Railway Station , Shanghai South Railway Station , Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station , and Shanghai West Railway Station.
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Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station
This station serves most of China’s high-speed trains, including routes from Beijing, Guangzhou, Nanjing, and Hangzhou. It is directly connected to Hongqiao Airport, making transfers seamless. -
Shanghai Railway Station (also known locally as Xīn Kèzhàn , 新客站)
The city’s main long-distance station, offering over 70 train pairs daily to major cities like Beijing (with sleeper high-speed trains), Tianjin, and even Hong Kong. -
Shanghai South Railway Station
Mainly serves long-distance trains to southern China and short routes to nearby Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. -
Shanghai West Railway Station
A smaller station catering to intercity high-speed trains between Shanghai, Suzhou, Nanjing, and Wuxi.
By Long-Distance Bus
There are over 40 long-distance bus stations in Shanghai. The three main ones are:
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Shanghai Long-Distance General Bus Station
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Shanghai South Long-Distance Bus Station
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Hengfeng Road Bus Station
These terminals offer frequent departures to cities across East China, especially Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. The buses are usually comfortable and air-conditioned. For short trips to nearby attractions, head to the Shanghai Tourist Distribution Center.
By Ferry or Cruise
Shanghai is a key port for both domestic ferries and international cruise ships. It has two main cruise terminals:
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Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal : Offers sailings to Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and even Europe. It also connects to domestic ports like Dalian, Ningbo, and Hankou.
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Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal : Serves routes along the Yangtze River and coastal China, including destinations like Zhoushan, Putuoshan, Nantong, and Daishan. Ferries also travel to the Three Islands (Chongming, Changxing, and Hengsha).
Getting Around Shanghai
Common Transportation Options
Getting around Shanghai is incredibly convenient. Ride-hailing apps and taxis are widely available and reliable. The city also boasts a well-developed public transportation network, including 14 metro lines and an extensive bus system. Shared bikes are everywhere, making short trips easy and eco-friendly. Visitors can use Alipay’s transit QR code to ride both buses and subways with ease.
Spring Tour Sightseeing Buses
One of the most popular ways to explore Shanghai is by hopping on the Spring Tour sightseeing buses —double-decker, open-top red buses. They offer four sightseeing lines (Lines 1, 2, 3, and 5) and two special tourist routes, linking many of the city's top landmarks. It's a great way to enjoy the city's architecture from a different angle.
BUS TOUR Lines
Another well-known option is the Shanghai BUS TOUR , featuring three routes: Red , Green , and Blue. Buses depart every 30 minutes.
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Red Line
⏰ 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (includes night tour)
📍 Stops: Nanjing Road (New World City), People’s Square, People’s Park, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, Shiliupu Pier, the Bund (Tunnel), the Bund (Union Building), Yu Garden, Xintiandi, and back to Nanjing Road. -
Blue Line
⏰ 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
📍 Stops: Bund (Tunnel), Bund (Union Building), Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, Shiliupu Pier, and more. -
Green Line
⏰ 9:15 AM – 4:45 PM
📍 Stops: Nanjing Road, Shanghai Museum, Huaihai Road, Jing’an Temple, Shanghai Exhibition Center, Taikoo Hui, Nanjing West Road, People’s Park, and more.
💰 Prices : ¥100 for a 1-day pass (valid for 24 hours), ¥180 for a 2-day pass (48 hours, unlimited hop-on/hop-off access).
Shencheng Sightseeing Bus
The Shencheng Sightseeing Buses cover the city’s major attractions via two interconnecting routes.
🎫 Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver when boarding.
📢 Buses are equipped with onboard narration (in Chinese), and more info is available via the “申城观光” WeChat account.
Donbar Tour Bus
“Donbar” (formerly the Lujiazui Tourist Ring Line) offers a premium sightseeing experience in vintage British-style double-decker buses. The fixed route allows unlimited hop-on/hop-off access , and each bus includes:
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Professional tour guide narration
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Free coffee
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Onboard WiFi and charging ports
📍 Route: Dongchang Road Ferry Pier – Jin Mao Tower / Shanghai Tower / SWFC – Oriental Pearl Tower – Aquarium – Dongchang Road Ferry
⏰ 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Ferry Services
Though ferries are no longer a primary mode of transport, Shanghai still operates 17 ferry routes crossing the Huangpu River—perfect for a scenic ride. You can use the Shanghai Public Transport Card or pay directly.
💰 Fares:
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Pedestrians: ¥2
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Bikes/Electric scooters: ¥2.8
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Motorcycles: ¥4
📱 For routes and updates, check the WeChat account “上海轮渡”.
Huangpu River Cruises
Cruising the Huangpu River is a classic way to admire Shanghai’s skyline from the water. The Shanghai Huangpu River Cruise Center offers regular sightseeing boat tours.
🛳 Departure Pier: No. 89 Waima Road (Gate 3, Shiliupu Tourist Center)
📍 Address: No. 171 Zhongshan South Road
🚇 How to get there: Take bus 33, 55, or 307 to Shiliupu Pier
💰 Cruise Fare: ¥100
📱 Booking available via the “上海浦江游览” WeChat account.