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Picture of Shanghai, China

Travel Guide for
Shanghai

China

Humid subtropical, four seasons

Introduction

Shanghai, perched along China’s eastern coast, is a vibrant hub where historic temples meet futuristic skyscrapers. Once a small fishing village, it blossomed into a global metropolis famous for its cosmopolitan flair and dynamic history.

During July, expect hot, humid weather and the occasional summer rain shower—perfect for ducking into lively cafés or co-working spaces. Digital nomads on a budget will love the city’s affordable street food, easy public transport, and abundant Wi-Fi, making Shanghai ideal for work and exploration.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleDigital nomad

Dates11-18 July 2025

BudgetAverage budget

AccommodationHotel

Interests and Activities:

arts and culturenightlife and entertainmentoutdoor adventuressightseeing and toursfestivals and eventsgastronomy

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Picture of Shanghai, China

Key Facts

Location

Eastern China, Yangtze Delta

Currency

Renminbi (Yuan) (CNY)

Religion

Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity

Population

24,870,895

Language

Mandarin Chinese, Shanghainese

Electricity

220V, 50Hz, Type I/A/C plugs

Time zone

UTCChina Standard Time (UTC+8)

Country code

+86

Internet access

Widespread, fast broadband, affordable

Climate

Humid subtropical, four seasons

See More China Facts

Language:

Mandarin Chinese

  • hello

    你好 (nee how)

  • goodbye

    再见 (dzai jyen)

  • yes

    是的 (shr duh)

  • no

    不是 (boo shr)

  • how much

    多少钱 (dwor shao chyen)

  • please

    (cheeng)

  • thank you

    谢谢 (shyeah shyeah)

  • excuse me

    劳驾 (lao jyah)

Map

Logistics

Shanghai is easily accessible by air, with two major international airports: Pudong (PVG) and Hongqiao (SHA). Most international visitors arrive via Pudong, while Hongqiao handles domestic and some regional flights. High-speed trains connect Shanghai to cities like Beijing, Hangzhou, and Suzhou, making rail a convenient option.

For digital nomads on a budget, booking early and using discount travel platforms can yield good deals on flights and trains. Intercity buses are also an option but tend to be slower. July in Shanghai is hot and humid, with occasional rainstorms, which may cause flight or train delays, so build in extra time for your travel plans.

Weather

Shanghai has a humid subtropical climate, with four distinct seasons. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are mild and pleasant, while winters are chilly and damp. Summers, especially from June to August, are hot, humid, and rainy, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F).

From July 11 to July 18, expect high humidity, frequent rain showers, and daytime highs around 33°C (91°F). This time falls within the East Asian monsoon season, so heavy downpours and occasional thunderstorms are possible. Typhoons sometimes occur in July, so stay updated on local weather alerts during your visit.

Food & Drink

Shanghai’s cuisine features dishes like xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), shengjianbao (pan-fried buns), and savory braised pork (hong shao rou). Streets in the French Concession and Yuyuan Garden offer tasty street food and local snacks. Try a traditional Shanghai breakfast at stalls or bustling canteens where locals dine.

For digital nomads on an average budget, hip cafes like Manner Coffee and Egg offer reliable Wi-Fi and relaxed atmospheres, while Lost Heaven and Hai Di Lao give excellent value for local and Yunnan cuisine. Rooftop bars like Bar Rouge provide stunning Bund views for an evening drink. Tipping isn’t customary; service charges may already be included.

Allergy and vegetarian options are available at modern eateries, though classic spots may have limited choices. English menus are common in international neighborhoods, and food delivery apps make it easy to try local flavors from co-working spaces or your accommodation.

A picture of Peking Duck

Peking Duck

Peking Duck is a famous Chinese dish featuring crispy duck skin, tender duck meat, and thin pancakes, all...

A picture of Xiaolongbao

Xiaolongbao

Xiaolongbao is a type of steamed bun (baozi) originating from Jiangsu province. Filled with hot soup and a...

A picture of Mapo Tofu

Mapo Tofu

Mapo Tofu is a spicy Sichuan dish made with soft tofu, minced meat, and fermented black beans, all...

A picture of Hot Pot

Hot Pot

Hot Pot is a communal dining experience involving a simmering pot of flavorful broth into which various raw...

A picture of Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken is a classic Sichuan dish featuring tender chunks of chicken stir-fried with peanuts, vegetables, and...

Accommodation

For a digital nomad on an average budget, central neighborhoods like Jing’an, the Former French Concession, or Xintiandi offer great hotel options, excellent cafés, co-working spaces, and easy metro access. Reputable mid-range hotels include The Middle House, Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World, and URBN Boutique Shanghai. Hostels like Mingtown Etour or the Rock & Wood International are friendly and budget-conscious.

Booking.com and Agoda are the most reliable sites for deals on Shanghai hotels. July is a busy travel month, so book early to secure the best rates and availability. Consider accommodations with strong Wi-Fi, comfortable workspaces, and proximity to subway lines for convenient city exploration during your stay.

Itinerary

Settle into Shanghai’s vibrant urban landscape by soaking in its skyline, navigating bustling neighborhoods, and experiencing the city’s dynamic energy for the first time.

Stroll Along the Bund

Begin your Shanghai experience with a walk along the historic Bund. Enjoy panoramic views of the iconic skyline and get your first taste of the city’s unique blend of old and new architecture. Try visiting just before sunset for great photo opportunities!

Private Shanghai Day Tour in Your Way

Private Shanghai Day Tour in Your Way

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Enhance your sightseeing experience of Shanghai on an enriching full-day excursion around the city. Itinerary is open. You can follow the suggested itinerary to see the highlights of Shanghai. Such as the Bund, French Concession, Yu Garden, Old Town, Jing'an Temple, People Square, Shanghai Museum and Pudong Financial & Business Center. Or choose the places you would like to visit with your private tour expert. The starting time is also flexible. You can start at 9 am or later. All up to you!

5.0 (15 reviews)

From $130 USD

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Attractions

5.0 (15 reviews)
Private Shanghai Day Tour in Your Way

Private Shanghai Day Tour in Your Way

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Enhance your sightseeing experience of Shanghai on an enriching full-day excursion around the city. Itinerary is open. You can follow the suggested itinerary to see the highlights of Shanghai. Such as the Bund, French Concession, Yu Garden, Old Town, Jing'an Temple, People Square, Shanghai Museum and Pudong Financial & Business Center. Or choose the places you would like to visit with your private tour expert. The starting time is also flexible. You can start at 9 am or later. All up to you!

From $130 USD

View Details
5.0 (188 reviews)
Full-Day Private Guided Tour of Shanghai

Full-Day Private Guided Tour of Shanghai

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Delve beneath Shanghai's glitzy modern surface to discover the city's heritage and culture on this 8-hour private tour. Traveling either by public transport or private vehicle, you'll see People's Park, a classic Chinese market, the Jade Buddha Temple, Confucius Temple, The Bund, Riverside Promenade (Binjiang Da Dao) and Nanjing Lu (East Nanjing Road).

From $99 USD

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5.0 (7 reviews)
Old Shanghai City Walking Tour

Old Shanghai City Walking Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

You will get an inside perspective of the changing scenes of Shanghai on this 4-hour walking tour that explores old city districts where local residents can be seen playing cards on street corners and walking the alleys in their pajamas! You will witness the great changes and the developments of recent 30 years in Shanghai. The tour includes Bund, Yu Garden, an ancient Chinese Tea house, local insects market, and the trendy French Concession.

From $65 USD

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5.0 (102 reviews)
Flexible Private Shanghai Layover Tour

Flexible Private Shanghai Layover Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Welcome to Shanghai! This private layover tour is 100% customized based on your needs. The pick up point can be either from your airport or hotel in Shanghai (same as drop-off). Don't miss out the opportunity to see this amazing city and enjoy some tasty local food or a relaxing SPA treatment during your short stay here. During this tour, you will have a chance to visit top city attractions such as Yuyuan bazaar, The Bund, Shanghai Tower, French concession and more! Feel free to discuss with your friendly guide upon pickup time.  Please note:  • This layover tour requires at least 8 to 10 hours between two connecting flights.  • The latest tour departure time is 6:30PM • If you wish to be picked from your hotel, please advise your desired tour start time upon booking • If you wish to be picked/dropped from/to your hotel, please choose One Way Airport Transfer tour option

From $152 USD

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5.0 (3 reviews)
Shanghai Acrobatic Show Tickets

Shanghai Acrobatic Show Tickets

MANUAL

ERA Acrobatic Show is a Shanghai stlye Acrobatic Show which is created according to the characteristics of proscenium stage.It tells the story of a group of young people occurred in different places of Shanghai,display Shanghai style and city spirit.... It is not only a wonderful acrobatic show,but also the envoy of spreading the culture of Shanghai.The domestic and foreign audience will follow the artists get into "SPIRAL" and feeling Shanghai.

From $50 USD

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5.0 (4 reviews)
shanghai Disney+shanghai one day city highlights tour (two days)

shanghai Disney+shanghai one day city highlights tour (two days)

INSTANT

This is a one of the most popular tourism products in Shanghai currently because Shanghai Disneyland is the world's largest Disneyland, we is the first day of the trip to Disneyland, and then the next day can experience the charming shagnhai with an flexible program, this for a lot of visitors come to Shanghai is a perfect combination, and we have a flexible schedule and may, according to the guest's need to be flexible arrangement!

From $55 USD

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5.0 (100 reviews)
Shanghai Coffee & Breakfast Tour

Shanghai Coffee & Breakfast Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Shanghai’s history of migration has made it China’s largest and most diverse city. Long-time locals have called this place home since it was a sleepy fishing village, yet skyscraper-studded business districts have attracted plenty of outsiders who keep Shanghai at the forefront of global trends. What does it all mean? It can be difficult to discern the good from the great in a city with over 8000 coffee shops and a plethora of eateries offering flavors from every corner of China and beyond. But fear not, for we’ve spent decades eating (and sipping) our way through the city, and we’ve got the best lined up for you – all tucked away in the charming streets of old-Shanghai.

From $65 USD

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FAQ

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