The region is located in the east of the republic, at the mouth of the Huangpu River, which flows into the East China Sea. Since ancient times, it has been an important port city, which today remains one of the main economic centers of the country . The infrastructure is well developed for both living and tourism. Every year, a large number of travelers come here. The variety of housing will satisfy any request - reviews of the best hotels in Shanghai indicate a high level of service.
✔️ A bit of chronology and facts
The city's history is as dynamic and multifaceted as the city itself. Archaeological finds indicate human settlement in this area since the Paleolithic era. The name "Shanghai" was first mentioned in found sources during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the settlement grew into a walled city and became a bustling trading center.
In the 19th century, Shanghai experienced rapid development as a result of the Opium Wars and the subsequent treaty opening of its ports to foreign trade. Western powers and foreign concessions poured into the city, turning it into a cosmopolitan centre with an eclectic mix of cultures and architecture. The golden era was interrupted by political upheavals, notably the Chinese Civil War and the Japanese occupation during World War II.
After the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, Shanghai fell under communist control and many foreign residents and companies fled. However, the city has since undergone rapid urbanization and economic growth, reclaiming its status as one of the world's leading financial centers.
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✔️ Entertainment Features
Tourists can immerse themselves in a variety of leisure activities that suit a variety of interests and preferences. To experience Shanghai's vibrant culture, visitors are encouraged to explore ancient landmarks or wander the bustling streets of areas such as Tianzifang and Xintiandi, where they can browse boutiques, sample local delicacies, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
There are world-class museums for art lovers and green spaces for nature lovers. The region also offers a variety of entertainment options, including acrobatic shows, traditional Chinese opera performances and a vibrant nightlife. Prices for a holiday in Shanghai are quite high, because it is a large city and a popular tourist destination.
✔️ Possible transfer options
The city is an important economic and transport center, so there are two international airports here. There are also air harbors that accept local flights. You can get to the city center by public transport. To get directly to your place of residence, use a taxi or the services of transport organizations. Individual transfers can be offered by hotels or host companies. Specify this when booking a room.
✔️ Weather conditions
The region has a humid subtropical climate characterized by four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, with occasional heavy rainfall due to the East Asian monsoons. Winters are relatively mild, although occasional cold snaps can drop below freezing. Spring and autumn are pleasant with moderate temperatures and low humidity, making them ideal times to visit. These seasons are the best times to find and book a tour online to Shanghai. Summer is also a popular time for tourists, especially because of school holidays and various festivals.
✔️ What to bring back from your trip
The city offers a wide range of interesting products that visitors can take home as a souvenir of their trip. Look for high-quality silk products, Chinese tea and accessories for traditional tea drinking , calligraphy, paintings, porcelain, fans, traditional medicine, national clothing or its elements, jewelry, etc. Antique markets will delight you with interesting old things, and traditional bazaars - with local delicacies that can be tasted right there or taken home as gifts for loved ones.
✔️ Search and selection of tours online to Shanghai - reasons to buy a tour or a trip
The region is a vacation spot for different categories of tourists. You can go here with your family and children, friends, colleagues or even on your own.
▶️ Beach holidays
Shanghai is not known for its beaches. However, there are several artificial beaches along the city’s coastline that offer a recharge after the hustle and bustle of the city.
Jinshan Beach is one of the closest to downtown Shanghai, making it a popular spot for locals. The beach has soft sand, calm waters, and a variety of recreational activities, including beach volleyball, kite flying, and water skiing. There are also restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops nearby. It is quite a wide space, and all the necessary infrastructure is available.
Bihai Jinsha Beach is another popular location. It offers a long sandy shoreline, gentle waves, and a calm environment. Visitors can relax on the beach, swim in the shallow waters, or take part in water sports such as kayaking and windsurfing. The beach is also equipped with amenities such as changing rooms, showers, and picnic areas. There is a Ferris wheel, a small water amusement park, and a small beach.
▶️ Ancient landmarks
The region is best known for its modern skyline, but it also boasts several ancient architectural landmarks that offer a glimpse into its rich history.
The Temple of the City God is a traditional Chinese temple. It dates back to the Ming Dynasty and has well-preserved architecture, including exquisite gates, halls, and statues. The Longhua Temple is the largest temple complex in Shanghai. It was first built in 242 and has since undergone destruction and transformation. It now retains the architecture of the Song Dynasty (960–1279). The complex includes pagodas, halls, and a tall stone pagoda, which is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. The Jade Buddha Temple, built in 1882, is a famous Buddhist temple that houses two precious jade Buddha statues brought from Myanmar. The temple's architecture combines traditional Chinese and Tibetan styles with intricately carved wooden structures and colorful decorations.
Shanghai Old Street attracts visitors with well-preserved traditional buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Visitors can explore old shops, teahouses, and alleys, immersing themselves in the past.
The ancient city of Zhujiajiao, located mainly on water, has archaeological finds that indicate life here more than 5,000 years ago. The city itself was founded more than 1,700 years ago. It has ancient stone bridges, narrow canals, traditional houses, and temples, providing a glimpse into China's ancient river culture.
▶️ Nature
Built during the Ming Dynasty, Yu Garden is a classical Chinese garden located in the center of Shanghai’s Old Town. It features traditional pavilions, rockeries, ponds and intricate paths that offer visitors a carefree escape from the bustling city.
Chongming Dongtan Birds National Nature Reserve, located on Chongming Island, is a haven for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. It covers a variety of habitats including wetlands, mudflats and forests, providing a haven for migratory birds and local wildlife.
The Shanghai Wild Animal Park is home to animals from all over the world. Visitors can go on safari-style tours to see animals roaming freely in spacious enclosures designed to mimic their natural habitats. Highlights include encounters with giant pandas, giraffes, elephants and Siberian tigers, as well as entertaining animal performances and educational programs.
Sheshan National Forest Park is a lush green oasis known for its scenic beauty and cultural attractions. The park features dense forests, rolling hills, and tranquil lakes, as well as historic sites such as the Basilica, Observatory, and Tianma Mountain Scenic Area. Visitors can stroll along scenic trails, admire panoramic views from hilltop pagodas, and explore ancient temples and gardens.
The Chenshan Botanical Garden features a diverse collection of plants from around the world. The garden features themed areas such as the Chinese Garden, Bamboo Garden, and Medicinal Plant Garden, as well as scenic lakes, pavilions, and walking paths.
▶️ Additional entertainment
The region offers a vibrant and diverse range of cultural and entertainment venues for residents and visitors alike. This mix of leisure is one of the reasons to buy a tour to Shanghai. Worth visiting:
◼️ Shanghai Museum - home to a large collection of Chinese art and artifacts, including ancient ceramics, jade, calligraphy and paintings.
◼️ Shanghai Grand Theater, known for its stunning architecture. It hosts a variety of performances, including opera, ballet, symphony concerts and theater productions.
◼️ Shanghai Oriental Art Center - one of the city's leading exhibition and cultural venues.
◼️ Mercedes-Benz Arena - a popular venue for international music concerts, sporting events and entertainment shows.
Among the mass events, Fashion Week and Chinese New Year stand out. The city also hosts festivals and traditional holidays. Those who want to have fun and dance can visit the Bund, Xintiandi area and the underground complex Found 158, famous for its nightclubs and bars. Restaurants and cafes will delight you with the culinary colors of national and local cuisine, as well as dishes from other countries of the world.
You can purchase a weekend tour to Shanghai if you are passing through but want to get to know the city a little, or spend more time in the city to explore as many interesting locations as possible.
