City guide
Shanghai 上海
The easiest soft landing: skyline, coffee culture, and the most English-friendly city on the mainland.
Best time to visit
March–May and October–November. Summers are hot and humid; winters are damp and grey but manageable.
Getting around the city
- 01The metro reaches everything a visitor needs — English signage throughout.
- 02The Maglev from Pudong Airport hits 430 km/h (267 mph) and is an experience itself.
- 03The Bund and Former French Concession are best explored on foot.
Top tips for first-time visitors
- 01Stay near a metro line 2 or 10 station — both link the airports and key sights.
- 02The Bund at night is the classic view; go after 7pm when the towers light up.
- 03Shanghai is the easiest city for first-timers — two or three days is a good intro.
Recommended attractions
The Bund
Colonial waterfront facing the Pudong skyline.
Yu Garden
Ming-era classical garden beside a lively old bazaar.
Former French Concession
Tree-lined streets, cafes and lane-house architecture.
Shanghai Tower observation deck
The world's second-tallest building, best near sunset.
