Shanghai holidays

With 26 million residents and more than a million visitors a year, Shanghai has plenty to enjoy. Stroll along the Bund, the European-style promenade on which buildings of every architectural style house restaurants, galleries, and boutiques among grand offices and hotels. Cruise on the Port of Shanghai. Wander among the vast beauty of Yu Garden. Spend an afternoon museum hopping and people-watching at the People's Square.

See the contrasts of Shanghai spirituality among the intricately carved statues of the Jade Buddha Temple, the thousand-year-old halls of Longhua Temple, the bell towers and stained glass of Xujiahui Cathedral, and the 14 Stations of the Cross at Sheshan Basilica. Witness the amazing spheres of the Oriental Pearl Tower, test your nerves on the Skywalk of Jin Mao Tower, or spend a magical day at Shanghai Disney Resort, the first of its kind in mainland China.

When you come to Shanghai, memories aren’t the only thing you’ll return with. Over 100 malls and countless shops offer everything from high fashion and cutting-edge electronics to handicrafts and souvenirs, so you may need an extra case for the journey home. Take a walk past the huge signs and bright lights of Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s biggest shopping boulevard, where souvenir stalls sit outside iconic department stores.

Browse the upmarket boutiques of pedestrianised Xintiandi, or - if you’re looking for something more unique - the old French district of Tianzifang is filled with craft shops and independent galleries with plenty of cafés and traditional restaurants to rest in between shops. For those who like to mix shopping with sightseeing, some of Shanghai’s most famous landmarks, including the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Jin Mao Tower, sit on top of shopping malls.

You’ll never be short of options on a rainy day in Shanghai. China’s biggest city keeps culture, art, and history accessible with some of the best museums in the world. Even better, entry to most of them is free. Step into the square base and round top architecture of Shanghai Museum to find art and artefacts from China’s past. Explore contemporary art and discover the most prominent Chinese creatives at China Art Palace, or uncover the political posters from the Maoist period at the Propaganda Poster Art Centre.

Walk among huge animatronic dinosaurs at Shanghai Natural History Museum, or marvel at modern wonders and future innovations as you get hands-on with the interactive exhibits at Shanghai Science and Technology Museum. For a truly unique perspective, look across the vast model city at Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall and see the amazing development of the metropolis in miniature scale.

With the right packing, Shanghai is a city that can be enjoyed all year round but, for a great balance between pleasant weather and fewer crowds, spring and autumn are highly recommended. Shanghai’s parks and gardens bloom into beautiful colour through April and May and average temperatures of 15°C to 20°C make this an ideal time to explore the city's many outdoor attractions. June to September is peak time for visitors and can experience increased rainfall and humidity as temperatures rise towards 30°C.

Autumn is another great season to visit Shanghai with moderate weather and lower crowds from the second week of October - after National Day - until the start of December. Winters can be cold, with daytime temperatures of around 5°C to 10°C, and cooler at night, but it is also the most peaceful, and often romantic time to enjoy the amazing city.