Shanghai Tours 2023

What is the best time to visit Shanghai?

Shanghai is good for travel all year round thanks to the different charm in each season. However, April - November is the most recommended time. April, May, September and October are the best of the best when the weather is very comfortable with fewer rainy or hot days. Also, it is the best time to enjoy the spring and autumn foliage during these months.

Always avoid visiting during Chinese national holidays (May 1st to 3rd and October 1st to 7th) when almost all Chinese go out for the holidays. Going to Shanghai a few days ahead of these holidays would be great.

What are the must-do’s for first-timers?

For one day, a city highlights tour is a must-do, which includes The Bund, Yuyuan Garden, and a skyscraper like the Oriental Pearl Tower or World Financial Center.

If interested in Chinese water towns, Zhujiajiao Water Town plus Seven Treasure Town are the most popular destinations. Tongli Water Town, Xitang Water Town, Zhouzhuang or Wuzhen is also available for a one day trip from Shanghai.

For 2 or 3 days, a city highlight tour plus a water town is absolutely recommended. You can stay one night in a water town and taste the real charm of Southern China. For 3 full days, you should consider Suzhou or Hangzhou for an unforgettable visit.

Why would I need the guide and car service in Shanghai?

The public transportation in Shanghai is very convenient. However, traffic jams are also very annoying. A local guide understanding the local culture and up to date on local news can help you maximize your time in Shanghai and save you most troubles. A local driver who knows the way well can serve you in a more flexible way.

Moreover, our local guides are all well-trained in English and very knowledgeable, which means you are not just appreciating the scenery but the stories behind them.

All cars and vans are new, air-conditioned and smokeless. The car will serve you all the way- pick you up at the airport/train station/cruise terminal or your hotel, transfer to a restaurant for the meal, transfer you back to the hotel when you finish the tour and more.

How to get to Shanghai ?

Flights: There are two international airports in Shanghai - Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport.

Direct international flights are available from most major cities in Asia, Europe, North America, Australia, South America and Africa to Shanghai. Most of them arrive at Pudong International Airport.

Direct flights are also available between most Chinese cities and Shanghai like Hong Kong, Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Chengdu, Zhangjiajie and Lhasa, etc. It takes about 2 1/2 hours to Beijing, 2 1/2 hours to Hong Kong, 3 hours to Xi'an, 3 hours to Guilin, 2 hours to Zhangjiajie, 3 1/2 hours to Chengdu and 4 1/2 hours to Lhasa (with stops at Chongqing/Chengdu/Xi'an).

Trains: There are three major railway stations in Shanghai - Hongqiao Railway Station, Shanghai Railway Station and South Shanghai Railway Station. Most bullet trains and high-speed trains, i.e. D-trains and G-trains are departing and arriving at Hongqiao Railway Station and Shanghai Railway Station.

High-speed trains from Shanghai to its nearby cities like Suzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing and Wuxi are accessible with almost 30 minutes to 2 hours.
A high-speed train ride from Shanghai to Beijing takes 5 1/2 hours, to Guilin almost 9 hours, to Guangzhou 6 1/2 hours and to Xi'an 10 1/2 hours (overnight bullet train).

Buses: Major coach stations in Shanghai are Shanghai Intercity Bus Terminal, Shanghai Nanzhan Long-distance Passenger Bus Station and Pudong Long-distance Passenger Bus Station (Bai Lian Jing Station). These stations offer bus service between Shanghai and its nearby cities, water towns, and other major cities.

For most visitors to Shanghai, the long-distance Bus Stations of Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport/Hongqiao Railway Station are the most useful. Visitors can take buses from these two stations to Suzhou, Hangzhou, Wuxi, Wenzhou and more. For details, please look for Buses from Pudong Airport to Neighbouring Cities.

I am a Laowai living in Shanghai, what's your recommendation for a weekend break?

Take a bullet train to Suzhou or Hangzhou, then spend one night in a water town nearby. This is perfect option for a weekend break in Shanghai. It is worth enjoying a night in a water town!

If you have 3 full days, it is enough for a visit to the essence of Beijing from Shanghai by round-trip bullet train or to Xi'an by plane for those amazing places.