Shanghai Holidays
Shanghai holidays provide you with an extraordinary, fun-filled insight into China’s biggest city. Shanghai is filled with an abundance of skyscrapers, historical landmarks and characteristic lanes. Your bespoke holiday in Shanghai can be enjoyed by families, couples and solo travellers alike, as this vibrant and bustling city has plenty to explore.
Among the modern streets, underneath the glamour of Shanghai, there are thousands of stories to learn. Discover the city’s past in the many museums and art galleries, which are home to quirky exhibitions and treasured relics. Home to over 120,000 historic pieces, Shanghai Museum is a great place to visit. If you love art, then also take time at Power Station of Art, with its range of contemporary art exhibitions throughout the year.
Shanghai holidays: a remarkable city filled with history
The bustling streets of Shanghai are packed with restaurants, cafés, galleries and shops, all of which offer different atmospheres, delicious cuisine and delightful crafts that make ideal gifts to take back home for your loved ones. Tianzifang is an ideal place for strolling and shopping, while you navigate its labyrinth of narrow alleyways.
Once you’ve had your fill of the bustling city, explore Yu Garden, Shanghai’s classic Chinese garden. Yu Garden is the perfect place to unwind as you enjoy the pavilions, halls, rockeries and ponds. Alternatively, relax on one of the water boats in Shanghai. We recommend you take a tour along the Huangpu River. During this 40 minute cruise you can observe the city’s beautiful buildings, which line the waterfront.
Extend your stay and experience more of the Far East Asian culture by upgrading your adventure to one of our multicentre holidays. Browse our Beijing, Chengdu and Hong Kong Multi Centre holiday, which provides a further insight into China’s wonders and culture.
Destination Highlights
Time Zone
Flight Time
Currency
Visa Information
Language
Known as the Oriental Paris, Shanghai is a shopper's paradise, from the famous Nanjing Road to fashionable Huaihai Road, not to mention Xujiahui shopping centre and Yuyuan shopping city.
However the vibrant and modern city of Shanghai has plenty of other sights and attractions to interest visitors such as the beautiful Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Museum and Jade Buddha Temple.
Discover a fantastic array of cuisines within the city, sample local dishes or enjoy culinary delights from Beijing, Yangzhou, Sichuan and Guangzhou.
Or venture outside of the city to explore the picturesque Tongli Water Village in the Yangtze River Delta.
-
Yuyuan Garden
Also known as Yu Garden, Yuyuan Garden is the only fully restored classical Chinese garden in Shanghai. An oasis of peace within the bustling city, the garden incorporates elements of Feng Shui and perfectly demonstrates the sophisticated art of combining several different elements to create a world in miniature. With its collection of carefully selected and manicured trees, shrubs, lotus ponds, bridges and winding paths it is no wonder this beautiful garden is so popular with visitors and locals alike. Why not visit the garden as part of our full day Jade Buddha, Old Town, Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum and Bund tour.
-
The Bund
The ancient commercial heart of old Shanghai - the Bund is still evocative of Shanghai's past. Stroll past buildings which housed great foreign enterprise during the city's riotous heyday including the former British and Russian Consulates, former Jardine Matheson Company, the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank and the Shanghai Club. Experience the highlights of the Bung on our Evening City Lights tour with Huangpu River Cruise
Select month
Average weather in January
Average weather in February
Average weather in March
Best travel weather
Average weather in April
Best travel weather
Average weather in May
Best travel weather
Average weather in June
Average weather in July
Average weather in August
Average weather in September
Best travel weather
Average weather in October
Best travel weather
Average weather in November
Best travel weather
Average weather in December
-
Karen
Destination Specialist
“Although Shanghai is one of the world’s busiest cities and traffic can be heavy, its old town is home to quiet, ancient streets. These areas are ideal for peaceful strolls or gentle bike rides, and provide tranquil spots for those wishing to unwind and explore old Shanghai.”
-
Sharon
Destination Specialist
“Visit one of the historic water towns around Shanghai. The hustle and bustle of the city’s downtown can sometimes be exhausting, so it’s always enjoyable to get away and relax in a quiet water town. Be sure to add some of these peaceful havens to your itinerary.”
-
Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)
Xiaolongbao are thin-skinned soup dumplings which can be filled with vegetables, pork, shrimp or crab meat. This traditional Shanghai dish is served with a flavourful hot broth and is a must try when you visit Shanghai. You’ll be able to find these scrumptious soup dumplings in restaurants and in the street food stalls.
-
Smoked Fish Slices
If you love spice then do try smoked fish slices when you visit Shanghai. This delicious dish is comprised fresh fish, usually carp, which is then marinated and spiced, but tastes like it has been smoked. The crispy skin combined with the tender meat inside makes for a delightful meal.
-
Hong Shan Yu
If you’re vegetarian then you also have your fair share of delicious treats to try in Shanghai - and Hong Shan Yu is one of them. Hong Shan Yu are baked sweet potatoes and these healthy snacks can often be found at food stalls in the street. These potatoes are baked to perfection so that they melt in your mouth. Who doesn’t love the comforting taste of a fluffy and fibre-filled tattie?
-
Tang Gao
The people of Shanghai have a sweet tooth, which is why you’ll be able to find Tang Gao throughout the city. Tang Gao is made from rice flour and is coated with white sugar, much like a deep fried doughnut. Tang Gao are simple, comforting snacks and ideal if you are looking for an afternoon sugar fix.