Shanghai Travel Guide

Guidebooks

Fodor's Shanghai's 25 Best, 3rd Edition

Photo: Lothar Knopp/Shutterstock

Shanghai, or "City Above the Sea," lies on the Yangzi River delta, and until 1842 it was a small fishing village. After the first Opium War the village was carved up into autonomous concessions administered concurrently by the British, French, and Americans. Each colonial presence brought with it its particular culture, architecture, and society, marking the beginning of Shanghai's openness to Western influence.

Shanghai Hotels

Although China has become a hot destination for leisure travelers, Shanghai's stature as China's business capital means that its hotels still cater primarily...read more

Fodor's Choice

Shanghai Restaurants

When eating out, you'll notice most Chinese restaurants in Shanghai have large, round tables. The reason will become clear the first time you eat a late...read more

Fodor's Choice

Things To Do in Shanghai

Explore the best sights, entertainment, and shopping with our top choices and insider tips.

Bhutan, Nepal & Tibet IExplore
China & Yangtze Experience — $3,249 IExplore
China Active: Hiking in Yunnan — $2,059 IExplore
China Village Experience — $2,529 IExplore

View all travel deals

Shanghai Experiences

Top Attractions

When not too crowded, the Garden offers an atmosphere of peace and beauty amid the clamor of the city, with rocks, trees, and walls curved to... Read more
Shanghai With Kids

Today's little emperors have all sorts of fun options for activities, from parks and museums to restaurants. Free English-language magazines... Read more
When in Shanghai...

… do as the Shanghainese. Or at least try. You may find it a lot harder to adopt the social customs in China than in Rome. Here are a... Read more
Free Things To Do

From booze to music and art, Shanghai has a lot to offer if you're a bit short on cash or just plain cheap.... Read more
Get a Massage

In China, a massage isn't an indulgence; it's what the doctor orders. According to the tenets of traditional Chinese medicine, massage can help... Read more
Golf

With its own international tournament—the Volvo China Open—and several courses designed by prestigious names, Shanghai is making... Read more