Holiday in Shanghai
City in China — tips, highlights & best time to visit
Country
China
Type
City
Best time to travel
March–May (Spring), September–November (Autumn)
Budget/day
60–120 €
Getting there from Germany
Direct flights from Frankfurt to Pudong (PVG) in 10.5 hours. 144h transit visa without prior visa possible. Maglev (magnetic levitation train) from the airport to the city in 8 minutes.
Deals for Shanghai:
What makes Shanghai special as a destination?
Shanghai is China's most dazzling metropolis and a breathtaking showcase of modernity: The futuristic skyline of Pudong with the 632-meter-high Shanghai Tower, the bottle opener-shaped World Financial Center, and the Oriental Pearl Tower creates one of the most impressive city views in the world — especially at night, when millions of lights transform the Huangpu River into a sea of lights. On the opposite bank stretches the Bund, a promenade lined with 52 magnificent colonial buildings in Art Deco and Neoclassical styles, reminiscent of Shanghai's golden era as the Paris of the East. The French Concession, with its plane tree-lined avenues, boutique cafes, and restored Shikumen houses, offers a pleasant contrast to the sea of skyscrapers. The Yu Garden, dating back to the 16th century, is an oasis of tranquility with classical pavilions, ponds, and zigzag bridges. Culinary delights in Shanghai include the famous Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), best enjoyed at Din Tai Fung or in local street food stalls. Nanjing Road is one of the longest shopping streets in the world, and the M50 cultural district hosts Shanghai's vibrant contemporary art scene. The Maglev train connects the airport to the city in just eight minutes. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant temperatures.
What are the top highlights in Shanghai?
The top highlights in Shanghai include The Bund, Yu Garden, French Concession, Shanghai Tower, Zhujiajiao Water Town.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
The Bund
The legendary riverside promenade along the Huangpu River: 52 colonial buildings on one side, the futuristic Pudong skyline on the other – breathtaking, especially at night.
Yu Garden
A 400-year-old classical Chinese garden in the old town – pavilions, koi ponds, dragon walls, and the famous tea house on the zigzag bridge.
French Concession
Shanghai's most charming district: plane tree-lined boulevards, Art Deco villas, independent boutiques, and craft cocktail bars.
Shanghai Tower
At 632 m, the tallest building in China and the second tallest in the world – the observation deck on the 118th floor offers a surreal view in clear weather.
Zhujiajiao Water Town
The 'Venice of Shanghai': a 1,700-year-old water town with canals, stone bridges, and traditional charm – just 45 minutes from the city.
Hotels in Shanghai
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Reise-SIM für Shanghai
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Shanghai?
The best time to visit Shanghai is March–May (Spring), September–November (Autumn). Hot and humid, 32–38 °C, oppressively humid, rainy season in June/July (plum rain) In winter: Cool and damp, 2–10 °C, gray skies, feels colder than the temperatures suggest
Recommended travel time
March–May (Spring), September–November (Autumn)
Summer
Hot and humid, 32–38 °C, oppressively humid, rainy season in June/July (plum rain)
Winter
Cool and damp, 2–10 °C, gray skies, feels colder than the temperatures suggest
How much does a holiday in Shanghai cost?
Budget travellers: 25–45 €/day, mid-range: 60–120 €/day, luxury: 200–500 €/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
25–45 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
60–120 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
200–500 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Shanghai?
Direct flights from Frankfurt to Pudong (PVG) in 10.5 hours. 144h transit visa without prior visa possible. Maglev (magnetic levitation train) from the airport to the city in 8 minutes.
Book a package holiday to Shanghai
Compare thousands of package holidays to Shanghai and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Shanghai?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
The Maglev train from Pudong Airport travels at 431 km/h – the fastest in the world and an experience in itself.
WeChat Pay is standard in China – linking a foreign credit card to WeChat or Alipay makes everything easier.
Explore the French Concession best on foot or by bike (Hellobike/Meituan) – every alley has hidden treasures.
For the Bund at night without crowds: come between 10 PM and midnight when the tour groups are gone.
What should you eat in Shanghai?
Typical specialities in Shanghai: Xiao Long Bao — Shanghai's famous soup dumplings: thin dough, hot broth, and pork – Din Tai Fung or Jia Jia Tang Bao for the authentic version., Sheng Jian Bao — The fried version of the soup dumplings: crispy bottom, juicy filling – best at Yang's Fried Dumplings., Red-braised Pork (Hong Shao Rou) — Slowly braised pork belly in sweet-salty soy sauce – Shanghai's rich comfort food., Scallion Oil Noodles — Simplest noodles with scallion oil and soy sauce – sounds boring, tastes sensational. Shanghai's best comfort food., Hairy Crab — In October/November, it's the season for the famous Yangcheng Lake crabs – a culinary feast with ginger-vinegar dip..
These specialties you must try!
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