Shanghai — Travel Guide for Foreign Visitors
Airport transfers, signature food and top things to do — everything a visitor needs in Shanghai.
China's financial hub and top international gateway — PVG handles most long-haul arrivals.
🍜 Signature dishes in Shanghai
- 小笼包Soup Dumplings
- 红烧肉Braised Pork Belly
- 生煎Pan-fried Buns
- 蟹粉小笼Crab Xiao Long
- 排骨年糕Pork Rib Rice Cake
- 葱油拌面Scallion Oil Noodles
- 油爆虾Flash-fried Shrimp
- 腌笃鲜Bamboo & Pork Soup
- 八宝饭Eight-treasure Rice
- 醉鸡Drunken Chicken
🎟️ Top things to do
- Yu Garden
Classical garden & old town, 30 min by metro
- Zhujiajiao Water Town
Old town free; boat rides extra.
- Huangpu River Night Cruise
Skyline cruise from the Bund
- The Bund
Riverside skyline, 10 min walk from East Nanjing Rd
- Nanjing Rd
Pedestrian shopping street
- People's Square
City center, museums & city hall
- Lujiazui
Skyscrapers & observatory
- Shanghai Museum
Free entry; reserve a time slot on the official site in advance.
- Tianzifang
Free open-air lanes, no booking needed.
- Suzhou day trip
Classical gardens, 30 min by high-speed rail
- Hangzhou day trip
West Lake, 1h HSR
- Bund Light Show
Free nightly show along the Bund.
👥 Visitor tips
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from the airport to downtown Shanghai?
Take the metro or a taxi from PVG (Pudong) airport. The metro is the cheapest option; taxis are convenient for luggage and groups.
Do I need a visa to visit Shanghai on a layover?
Many nationalities can use China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy in Shanghai. Check your eligibility in the visa checker tool before travelling.
Is a layover in Shanghai visa free, and how long can I stay?
Inside the airport's international transit area you can wait up to 24 hours without a visa. To leave the airport, nationals of 57 countries can use the 240-hour visa-free transit (up to 10 days, counted from 00:00 the day after entry) and many others have 30-day visa-free entry. Full answers: see the visa & layover FAQ. Visa Q&A →
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Data provided by PivotCN · airport (PVG (Pudong) ) · verify with official sources before travel.