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Home / Destinations / Shanghai

Shanghai

China · Coast · CNY · 31.230400, 121.473700
Family friendly 7.8/10 · Rank 181 of 2 709
Best season: March-May, September-November

Best for

Suitable for urban tourism, shopping, culture, gastronomy, and nightlife

Best season

March-May, September-November

Daily budget
$88.00 (≈ 7 385 ₽ · ≈ 634 CNY)
For 7 days
$616.00 (≈ 51 695 ₽ · ≈ 4 435 CNY)
Shanghai is China's largest city and its financial heart, located on the coast of the East China Sea. The futuristic Pudong district with the Shanghai Tower contrasts with the historic Bund waterfront and traditional gardens. The city is famous for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, luxury boutiques, and vibrant nightlife.
Summer
33.0°C
Winter
1.0°C
Sea
28.7°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

active

Pace of life

fast

Local character

Friendly, hospitable, with rich cultural diversity

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Modern metropolis with rich history
  • Direct flights from Moscow
  • Excellent gastronomy and nightlife
  • Visa-free entry for Russians up to 30 days
  • Good base for trips to Suzhou and Hangzhou
  • Developed transport network

Cons

  • High humidity in summer
  • Rainy season from June to August
  • Many tourists in high season
  • High prices in center
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
31.6°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
31.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
33.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
4.8°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
8.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
1.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
26.4°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
28.7°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
June-August
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
golden
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
weak
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
moderate
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Jinshan Beach
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
Yes
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
Yes
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Beaches of Shanghai
Top beaches in the area
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
None
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Marine danger is minimal. Swimming on guarded beaches recommended

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins in Shanghai's coastal waters are represented by common species inhabiting rocky bottoms. They are part of the region's marine ecosystem
  • Sea urchins can be seen at Shanghai aquariums as part of marine life exhibitions. Sea urchin stings are painful, special swimming shoes recommended

Corals and reefs — details

  • Coral reefs are absent off the coast of Shanghai — the region belongs to the temperate waters of the East China Sea. Marine ecosystems are represented by rocky reefs, algae and temperate fish species
  • In 2022, the Shanghai Natural History Museum opened the «Deep Sea Garden» exhibition, showcasing the world's largest reconstruction of a cold-water coral forest with specimens from deep-sea areas, including gorgonians almost 2 metres tall

Jellyfish — details

  • Jellyfish may appear in warmer months, especially late summer
  • Check with locals about jellyfish

Sharks — details

  • Various shark species inhabit the waters off Shanghai, including the bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas), kept at the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium. Sand tiger sharks (Carcharias taurus), leopard sharks and nurse sharks are also displayed at the aquarium
  • Sharks do not pose a serious danger to swimmers in the coastal zone, but caution is recommended
Attractions

The Bund

Famous waterfront with colonial architecture and views of Pudong skyscrapers

Yu Garden

Classical Chinese garden in the old city center

Nanjing Road

Shanghai's main shopping pedestrian street

Shanghai Museum

Major museum with Chinese art collection

French Concession

Historic area with plane tree-lined streets, cafes, and shops

Best areas

People's Square

Central area with hotels, restaurants, and main attractions

French Concession

Historic area with hotels, cafes, and restaurants

Pudong

Modern area with hotels and skyscrapers

Must-try food

Xiaolongbao

Soup dumplings, Shanghai specialty

Shengjian

Pan-fried dumplings with crispy bottom, popular street food

Hongshao Rou

Braised pork in soy sauce, traditional dish

Crab Claws

Fried crab claws, popular delicacy

Rice Cakes

Glutinous rice cakes with filling, popular dessert

Where to go next

Suzhou

City with classical gardens, 30 minutes by train

Hangzhou

City with West Lake, 1 hour by train

Zhouzhuang

Scenic water town, 1.5 hours away

Nanjing

City with rich history, 1.5 hours by train

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
high
Getting there
Nearest airports
Международный аэропорт Шанхай Пудун (PVG).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required (up to 30 days)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
March-May, September-November
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 108 CNY
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽ · ≈ 432 CNY
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$110.00
≈ 9 231 ₽ · ≈ 792 CNY
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$200.00
≈ 16 784 ₽ · ≈ 1 440 CNY
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$160.00
≈ 13 427 ₽ · ≈ 1 152 CNY
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$70.00
≈ 5 874 ₽ · ≈ 504 CNY
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 58 CNY
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$18.00
≈ 1 511 ₽ · ≈ 130 CNY
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽ · ≈ 29 CNY
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽ · ≈ 14 CNY
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$0.50
≈ 42 ₽ · ≈ 4 CNY
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 72 CNY
Burger
Average price for a burger
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽ · ≈ 50 CNY
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽ · ≈ 29 CNY
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽ · ≈ 50 CNY
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 216 CNY
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$0.50
≈ 42 ₽ · ≈ 4 CNY
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽ · ≈ 29 CNY
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 288 CNY
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 22 CNY
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 58 CNY
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$35.00
≈ 2 937 ₽ · ≈ 252 CNY
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽ · ≈ 432 CNY
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 360 CNY
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 72 CNY
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 108 CNY
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Frequently asked questions
Shanghai: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is March-May, September-November. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Shanghai: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +33.0°C, during the day — up to +31.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Shanghai: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +1.0°C, during the day — up to +8.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Shanghai: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +28.7°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Shanghai: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on June-August. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Shanghai: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand" surface, golden sand, moderate water. The most popular beaches: Jinshan Beach. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Shanghai: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry. Lifeguards are on duty on the beaches.
Shanghai: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: jellyfish. Marine danger is minimal. Swimming on guarded beaches recommended. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Shanghai: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $88.00 (≈ 7 385 ₽ · ≈ 634 CNY) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Shanghai: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $15.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $60.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $110.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $200.00 per night, an apartment — $70.00 per night, a villa — $160.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Shanghai: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $8.00, dinner at a restaurant — $18.00, a cup of cappuccino — $4.00, a 0.5L beer — $2.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $0.50. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Shanghai: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $30.00, a single public transport ticket — $0.50, a short taxi ride — $4.00, car rental — $40.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Shanghai: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: The Bund — Famous waterfront with colonial architecture and views of Pudong skyscrapers; Yu Garden — Classical Chinese garden in the old city center; Nanjing Road — Shanghai's main shopping pedestrian street; Shanghai Museum — Major museum with Chinese art collection; French Concession — Historic area with plane tree-lined streets, cafes, and shops. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Shanghai: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Xiaolongbao — Soup dumplings, Shanghai specialty; Shengjian — Pan-fried dumplings with crispy bottom, popular street food; Hongshao Rou — Braised pork in soy sauce, traditional dish; Crab Claws — Fried crab claws, popular delicacy; Rice Cakes — Glutinous rice cakes with filling, popular dessert. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Shanghai: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: People's Square — Central area with hotels, restaurants, and main attractions; French Concession — Historic area with hotels, cafes, and restaurants; Pudong — Modern area with hotels and skyscrapers. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Shanghai: is a visa required?
Visa: not required (up to 30 days). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Shanghai: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Международный аэропорт Шанхай Пудун (code PVG). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $30.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Shanghai: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — CNY. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $88.00 (≈ 7 385 ₽ · ≈ 634 CNY). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Shanghai: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Shanghai: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as high. There are plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants that stay open until morning.
Shanghai: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Suzhou — City with classical gardens, 30 minutes by train; Hangzhou — City with West Lake, 1 hour by train; Zhouzhuang — Scenic water town, 1.5 hours away; Nanjing — City with rich history, 1.5 hours by train. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

7.8/10
Overall rank: 181 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 111