Shanghai Travel Guide

• China visa guide for Indians

• Shanghai at a glance

Hotels in Shanghai cater to a wide range of budgets and preferences. From plush hotels offering a stay steeped in luxury, to a more personalised experience at one of the city's boutique hotels; there are plenty of options to choose from. Here listed are a few of those which stand out due to their architectural brilliance, convenient location, personalised services and cosy vibe. Browse before you visit this most populous Chinese city.

• More for less: Great mid-budget hotels in Shanghai

  Shanghai has tons of hotels, some better than others. Certain properties are totally good to be added to your must-stay list, whether for their agreeable location, likeable amenities, or other several factors that travellers look for in a hotel, especially a mid-range one.

• Save up with these budget hostels in Shanghai

• Picking a hotel in Shanghai

Having gained popularity with the international travel community over the past few years, the restaurants in Shanghai offer locals and tourists world-class cuisine from around the globe. We suggest you start by sampling some of the local flavour—after all, the best way to get acquainted with a city is by eating right through its streets—before progressing to the global fare. From experimenting with local delicacies—the ox tongue and soft chicken bones are a hit with locals—to taking comfort in familiar, home-style cooking; the city has it all.

• Shanghai restaurants for the global diner

• Shanghai restaurants for the discerning diner

• Quick bites and cafes in Shanghai

When it comes to the places to visit in Shanghai, travellers are spoilt for choices. From soaring skyscrapers and impressive museums to bustling markets, take your pick as you explore this city soaked in glitz, history and exoticism. While you admire the royal architecture of the HSBC building, the Broadway Mansions showcase an impressive contrast to the old-world structures with state-of-the-art décor. Oriental Pearl TV Tower offers spectacular vistas of the city, and attractions such as the Shanghai Museum and Art Museum will enthrall the culturally inclined. Do not forget to visit the renowned Jade Buddha Temple, often referred to as an iconic landmark of Shanghai. Wander through the colourful bazaar of Shanghai to experience the very essence of the city.

• The top 5 views you can’t miss in Shanghai

  Shanghai reigns as China’s financial and business centre and stands as a symbol of modernity for the country. Last year, it received 215 million domestic tourists and 7.3 million overseas visitors, and is working to increase tourism revenues by 70% by 2015. With that goal in mind, the city is investing $5.95 billion USD into a number of key projects.

• Culture and entertainment in Shanghai 

• Shanghai attractions for the first-time visitor

You’ll never run short of things to do in Shanghai. Besides being referred to as the leading business hub of Southeast Asia, Shanghai is home to glitzy shopping precincts, luxurious hotels, art centres and entertainment venues. Take in the panoramic views of the city from the observation deck at Shanghai World Financial Centre (China’s tallest building), visit the famous Shanghai Museum or make a day trip to any of the ancient villages that are a quick drive away from Shanghai. With so much to choose from, we tell you what to do and what not to miss while you’re in Shanghai.

• You cannot afford to miss out on doing these amazing things in Shanghai

• 5 ‘must-have’ Shanghai experiences

• Out and about in Shanghai

Visitors will be flooded with countless options when it comes to shopping in Shanghai. Just walking through the city, it’s easy to observe how fashion forward the locals are—everyone wears their style on their sleeves—and there’s an infinite number of places where you can find everything you need to re-stock your wardrobe. The other thing Shanghai is famous for, is electronic gadgets. Whether it’s the latest phone on the international market, or an innovative new electronic toy to assist in the kitchen; you’ll be amazed at the wide range of quirky gizmos available in the city.

• Shopping in Shanghai for the fashionista

  The Chinese are definitely fashionable people, and shopping in Shanghai is an absolute must. Just walking through the city, you can observe the locals up to date (or even ahead of the curve) with the latest trends in fashion. There’s a lot of individuality, and they express it through their style. Get with the programme by making your way through the city’s fashion hubs—from stores dedicated to men’s style and fashion, to handpicked European goods—Shanghai can be a delight for the fashion-conscious shopper.

• Shanghai’s best shopping venues

• Shop like a local in Shanghai

From cocktail lounges and sports bars, to nightclubs where you can dance till the sun comes out; the nightlife in Shanghai caters to a mixed crowd of nocturnal party-goers. While most upscale spots will require you to adhere to a strict dress code, the more humble and underground venues welcome guests with absolutely no restrictions. From laidback venues playing live jazz, to mammoth clubs hosting international DJs—here are the best spots in Shanghai for a great night out.

• The best bars in Shanghai

• Shanghai in the afterhours

• 36 hours in Shanghai

  What takes most cities eons to build, Shanghai can do overnight. Consider this: Just a decade ago, the city had four metro lines; now there are a dozen. The Jin Mao Tower was the tallest building in the neon-streaked financial center of Pudong; it has since been surpassed by the Shanghai World Financial Center and the nearly completed Shanghai Tower, which will be the second-tallest building in the world (after Dubai’s Burj Khalifa) when it’s finished next year.