Shanghai City Guide for Business Travelers
Your essential guide to navigating, dining, shopping, and exploring Shanghai – designed with business travelers in mind.
Best Time to Visit
Shanghai’s busiest season is summer, when the city‘s parks and outdoor terraces come to life – but it’s often hot and sticky (though most places offer air-conditioning).
Spring and late September to October offer the most pleasant weather, with mild days and comfortable nights. These are ideal months for strolling along the Bund or exploring the French Concession on foot.
Winter can be cold, and while there are plenty of indoor attractions, heating is limited – so dress warmly.
Before You Go – Practical Essentials
Visa Requirements
The type of visa you need depends on the purpose of your visit and your nationality. For short-term visits, exchanges, or study tours, you‘ll typically need a visitor visa.
Good news for transit travelers: Travelers from over 50 countries may qualify for 240-hour visa-free transit-5. Check eligibility before you travel.
China has largely moved to mobile payments, but don’t worry if you‘re not an expert – overseas cards can now be linked for convenience.
Key apps to set up before arrival:
Alipay – Widely accepted for payments, transport QR codes, and more.
WeChat Pay – Equally essential for daily transactions.
Alternative options:
Shanghai Pass – A multi-purpose prepaid card that has been upgraded with no real-name registration required, offering multi-day passes for attractions, discounts, and transportation.
UnionPay cards – Accepted in 12 major shopping areas, the entire metro network, and over 100,000 merchants.
Useful Apps for Your Trip
Payment – Mobile Payments Made Simple
Alipay / WeChat – Payments and metro QR codes
SH MaaS (within Easy Go) – All-in-one transport app covering metro, buses, ferries, and taxis. You can access this program directly via Alipay (see screenshot below).
Amap (Gaode Maps) – Now supports 16 languages, international phone login, and international card payments.
DiDi – Ride-hailing app with an English interface, supporting Visa and Mastercard. Alternatively, you can access the DiDi mini-program directly via Alipay or WeChat (see screenshots below).
Food to Try – Shanghai‘s Culinary Scene
Shanghai‘s dining scene is seriously good – budgets stretch far, whether you want a standout Michelin-starred meal or noodles made by a roadside vendor. From street food bites to Michelin-starred dining, Shanghai is bold, stylish, and always on the move.
Must-Try Dishes
Xiao Long Bao (Steamed Soup Dumplings)
A type of Chinese steamed soup dumpling, traditionally filled with minced pork. Generous fillings of minced pork with minced crab meat and roe is also commonly found.
Sheng Jian Bao (Pan-Fried Pork Buns)
Similar to Xiao Long Bao, Sheng Jian Bao is also filled with minced pork and a huge spoonful of hot soup, but it is slightly bigger in size and is pan-fried, resulting in a crispy base and pillowy-soft top.
Hong Shao Rou (Red-braised Pork Belly)
A classic Shanghainese comfort dish made with thick-cut pork belly braised in soy sauce, sugar, and Chinese cooking wine.
Where to Eat
Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant – Famous for xiao long bao, located near Yu Garden.
Shanghai First Food Hall – Gathers various local snacks including traditional cakes.
Zhen Lao Da Fang – Known for smoked fish and moon cakes with meat fillings.
Local eateries away from tourist traps – They offer affordable prices, delicious flavors, and a truly authentic vibe.
Quick Tip: Dianping (China‘s Yelp) launched the Shanghai Must Eat List, available in Chinese, English, and Korean – search restaurants by location, language, menus, and reviews.
Shopping Guide
Shanghai is a shopaholic‘s paradise – from luxury flagship stores to vibrant street markets, the city offers an unparalleled shopping experience.
Nanjing Road is China’s premier shopping street, stretching 5.5 km from the Bund to Jing‘an Temple. It’s home to over 600 businesses, from luxury brands like Tiffany and Omega to traditional silk and jade shops.
For a more boutique experience, head to Huaihai Road for international brands and chic boutiques, or explore the labyrinth of Tianzifang in the French Concession for artisan crafts and independent designer shops.
If you‘re looking for souvenirs, Yuyuan Bazaar offers traditional architecture and street food alongside its souvenir stalls – a perfect spot to pick up gifts while soaking in old Shanghai’s charm.
Top Attractions
From historic landmarks to futuristic skyscrapers, Shanghai offers a wealth of experiences. Here are some must-visit attractions to add to your itinerary.
The Bund
The Bund is the symbol of Shanghai-12. Historic European-style buildings from the 1930s stand proudly along the Huangpu River, while the futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong rise across the water. This contrast perfectly captures Shanghai‘s unique identity – where history and innovation exist side by side.
Best time to visit: Sunset – watching the city lights illuminate both sides of the river is unforgettable.
Yu Garden
Dating back over 400 years, Yu Garden is the largest of Shanghai’s ancient gardens. Wander through elegant pavilions, koi ponds, stone bridges, and beautifully landscaped courtyards. The most renowned sight is the Grand Rockery, which stands 12 meters tall.
Just outside lies Yuyuan Bazaar, where traditional architecture meets souvenir shops and authentic street food.
Shanghai Tower
Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China and the third tallest in the world. The observation deck on the 118th floor offers a panoramic vista of the entire metropolis.
Tip: Shanghai’s skyline is dominated by three super‑tall towers, playfully called the “kitchen utensils.” From left to right: Shanghai Tower (twisting egg beater, 632m), Jin Mao Tower (syringe‑shaped, 420.5m), and Shanghai World Financial Center (bottle‑opener top, 492m). Each offers observation decks with panoramic views. To capture all three in perfect left‑centre‑right alignment, stand on the Bund or the Lujiazui pedestrian bridge.
Oriental Pearl Tower
Standing 468 metres tall in Lujiazui, Pudong, the Oriental Pearl Tower is a beloved Shanghai icon. The tower serves both as a broadcasting hub and a world‑class observation platform.
The lower sphere (90m) and the upper sphere (263m) offer breathtaking 360‑degree views of the Huangpu River, the historic Bund, and the ever‑changing cityscape. The highest sphere, at 351 metres, houses a space‑module observation deck and a revolving restaurant, where you can enjoy a meal while slowly taking in the panorama.
Former French Concession Area
The Former French Concession in Shanghai is a leafy, historic district that exudes old‑world charm. Centred around Huaihai Road (formerly Avenue Joffre) and tree‑lined streets like Wukang Road, it features elegant garden villas, art deco apartments, and quaint lane houses. Once home to expatriates and intellectuals, today it blends heritage with modernity – boutique shops, chic cafés, and galleries nestle among century‑old plane trees. This atmospheric neighbourhood offers a delightful escape from the city’s skyscrapers, capturing Shanghai’s romantic, cosmopolitan past.
Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town
Often called the “Venice of Shanghai,” this 1,700-year-old water town is only about an hour from downtown-16-12. Stone bridges arch over peaceful canals while wooden boats glide slowly through narrow waterways. Ancient houses, tea shops, and traditional temples create an atmosphere that feels worlds away from the modern city.
Getting there: Take Metro Line 17 or an express tourist bus from downtown.
As a professional interpreter based in Shanghai, I don‘t just help with business meetings and exhibitions – I can also help you explore the city like a local.
Whether you need:
A private guide to show you around the French Concession or Yu Garden
Help navigating local restaurants and ordering authentic Shanghai cuisine
Assistance with transport, shopping, or cultural experiences
Someone to bridge the language gap during your leisure time
I’m here to make your Shanghai visit seamless and enjoyable – both in and out of the boardroom.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to arrange a guided tour during your stay. I‘d be delighted to help you discover the best of Shanghai. 😊