Shanghai Travel Guide - Introduction

Occupying the southern part of the Yangzi delta, Shanghai has become a popular tourist destination because of the eclectic nature of the city where tall glass skyscrapers stand next to old temples and pagodas. Many of Shanghai’s sights are located in the area known as Central Shanghai. Here, visitors can enjoy strolling around the Bund, Nanjing Lu road with its many interesting shops and restaurants and Shanghai Centre with its upscale boutiques, malls and trendy restaurants and bars.

The French Concession runs west of the Bund and is an area that is very popular with tourists. The architecture here is very appealing and it is a great place to sip a cappuccino and watch the crowds go by. There are also many lovely shops and eating outlets to take advantage of. The Old Chinese city is best explored on foot as it has many small and narrow alley ways that are lined with stalls selling all sorts of items. Yuyuan Garden and Yuyuan Bazaar are both located here and will delight tourists.

The best times to visit Shanghai are in spring as this is when the peach blossoms are in full bloom and the city is alive with colour and warmth. Autumn is also a good time to visit as the weather is still relatively cool but not cold. Summer is for visitors who love soaring temperatures and winter for those who love the cold as temperatures can dip below freezing.

Many countries require a visa to enter mainland China and it would be best to check with the nearest Chinese consulate or embassy on visa procedures. Shanghai is very easily accessible as it has not one but two international airports.