Why visit
Shanghai is the Bund's colonial facades facing Pudong's skyline, French Concession lanes, Yu Garden's Ming-dynasty layout, and a food city of exceptional depth.
Shanghai at a glance
City population
24.9 million
Metro: 28.5 million
Elevation
4 m
13 ft
Time zone
UTC+8
Asia/Shanghai
Airport
PVG
Pudong International
Founded
1291 (Shanghai county)
Getting around
Shanghai Metro (20 lines, world's longest network), maglev to airport
Signature dish
Xiaolongbao, hairy crab, sheng jian bao, scallion oil noodles
Neighborhoods for travelers
The BundPudongFrench ConcessionXintiandiFormer French Concession
China at a glance
Country center
35.0°, 105.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
9,706,961 km²
3,747,877 mi²
Country population
1.43 billion
147/km²
Subregion
Eastern Asia
Currency
Chinese yuan (¥)
CNY
Dial
+86
Language
Chinese
Demonym
Chinese
Internet
.cn
UN
Member state
ISO code
CN / CHN
Where in the world
35.0° · 105.0°
China
Open in Google Maps ↗
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world · CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Shanghai has the longest metro system in the world by route length (800+ km).
- The Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China at 632 m.
- The Bund's riverside skyline shows 150 years of architectural history in a single walk.
- China uses a single time zone for the whole country, even though it spans 5 geographic time zones.
- The Great Wall is not visible from space with the naked eye: that is a myth.
Bordering China
Traveler notes
- Bund walk at night for Pudong lights
- Yu Garden + Old Town area
- Power Station of Art and M50 Creative Park
Plan checks
- Build a three-day plan before extending. Most travel cities are easy to undersell to yourself.
- Check seasonal timing: high season can triple costs on some coastal destinations.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
Explore more
Frequently asked about Shanghai
What currency is used in Shanghai?
Shanghai uses the Chinese yuan (¥), ISO code CNY.
What languages are spoken in China?
The primary language is Chinese.
What is the international calling code for China?
The calling code is +86.
What airport serves Shanghai?
Pudong International (IATA: PVG).
Other Asia destinations
Bali
Bali is Ubud's rice terraces and yoga, Canggu's surf and expat cafés, Uluwatu's cliff-top temples, and Nusa Penida's dramatic coast. Crowds large; beauty larger.
Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta is Java's cultural heart. Borobudur's 9th-century Buddhist temple, Prambanan's Hindu complex, Kraton sultan's palace, and batik workshops.
Penang
Penang is George Town's UNESCO heritage quarter. Street art, clan houses, colonial facades, and a food scene regularly ranked Asia's best.
Siem Reap
Siem Reap is the base for Angkor. The largest religious monument on earth. Sunrise at Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm overgrown ruins, and the floating villages on Tonlé Sap.
Jaipur
Jaipur is the Pink City. Hawa Mahal's facade, Amber Fort on the hill, City Palace, and Rajasthani textile bazaars that anchor Golden Triangle trips.
Mumbai
Mumbai is India's financial and film capital. Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, Dhobi Ghat's outdoor laundry, Colaba's colonial streets, and Bollywood studios.