Shanghai, known as the "Paris of the East", is a fusion of Eastern and Western cultures, which creates the unique Shanghai-style culture. Shanghai's main attractions are located in the downtown area and Pudong New Area. The city center is famous for its old buildings with a long history and culture such as the Bund and Xintiandi, while the Pudong New Area focuses on new modern buildings such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and the World Financial Center, and even the newly opened Shanghai Disney Resort. There are also some scenic spots on the outskirts of Shanghai; Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, Happy Valley and Chongming Island are all good places for one-day trips.
The subway is the main method of transportation in Shanghai, so you can plan your exploration based on the subway network. Metro Line 2 runs through Shanghai east to west connecting two international airports and Hongqiao Railway Station making it one of the busiest lines. Along the way, it passes by Zhongshan Park, Jing'an Temple, People's Square, East Nanjing Road, Lujiazui, Shanghai Science and Technology Museum and other popular attractions. Subway Line 1 is one of the oldest subway lines in Shanghai, connecting the north and south. Xujiahui on Line 1 is one of Shanghai's large business districts. From South Shaanxi Road Station you can go to the bustling Huaihai Road for some shopping. From Xinzha Road Station you can walk to Shanghai Natural History Museum. Metro Line 10 gives you access to old Shanghai: Sinan Mansion, Xintiandi, Sun Yatsen’s Former Residence, Tianzifang, and Yuyuan Garden. If you still have a couple of days left after all that, you can arrange trips to Shanghai’s suburbs which include Shanghai Disney Resort, Happy Valley, Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, Chongming Island and other attractions.
Shanghai has a subtropical humid monsoon climate with a short spring and autumn and long summers and winters. Shanghai is suitable for traveling all year round. The average temperature is around 16°C. The maximum temperature in summer can reach over 38°C. The lowest temperature in winter can fall to 0°C or lower. The best time to visit Shanghai is spring and autumn, usually from March to May and from October to November. From March to May, hundreds of flowers bloom in the pleasant climate. The rainy season begins in June and the weather turns humid and rainy. From late July to September, it is hotter, and it is also a typhoon-prone season.
Shanghai has four distinct climates. Spring is a good time to go for exploring the city on foot. In addition to the city's parks, universities, and Suzhouhe riverside green belts where you can enjoy the beauty of the blossoms, you can also arrange a one-day to visit one of the six ancient towns nearby. In summer, the temperature if Shanghai is often over 35℃ during the daytime. Therefore, it is better to arrange indoor activities during the day, such as shopping at department stores or visiting the museums. Autumn is the most beautiful season in Shanghai with a comfortable temperature. Wukangli, the Rockbund, 1933, the Cool Docks, M50… all these new landmarks should not be missed when you visit. The winters in Shanghai are very cold. However, many stores have sales during the winter, so you can shop at the indoor shopping malls.
There are many subway lines in Shanghai, and in each area, there are many high-end, middle and low-end choices in terms of hotel. The closer the accommodation is to the subway station, the more convenient it is to travel. People's Square is not only adjacent to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and the Bund, but also has three subway interchanges. It is unanimously recognized as the center of the Shanghai. If you can't decide where you want to stay, just choose a hotel around People's Square. If you want to view the scenery of the Bund and Lujiazui from a perfect perspective, hotels on the banks of the Pujiang River are always good choices so that you can enjoy the spectacular rive view from your room. Of course, these hotels in Shanghai are generally more expensive. If you want to experience the cultural atmosphere of old Shanghai, there are still many old houses around Jing’an Temple, Xintiandi, Huaihai Road and so on. There are also quite a lot of boutique hotels in Shanghai, and some bungalows and villas converted from old houses hidden in quiet alleys.
