Hu for short, Shanghai is a renowned international metropolis, situated on the estuary of Yangtze River, it serves as the most influential economic, financial, international trade, and cultural centre in East China. Also it is a popular travel destination for its culture interest and development of the country. In addition to its modernisation, the city's multicultural flair mixes the modern and the traditional Chinese with the western and the oriental. New skyscrapers and the old Shikumen together draw the skyline of the city.

Shanghai weather is generally mild and moist, with four distinctive seasons: a pleasant warm spring, a hot rainy summer, a comfortable cool autumn, and an overcast cold winter. The weather of Shanghai in July and August is the hottest, with high temperatures above 35 °C. The coldest period is from late January to early February. The location at the estuary of the Yangtze River to the East China Sea makes the city so wet that it rains for about one third of the year.

The best Time to Visit Shanghai is therefore the springtime from March to May is recommended as the best time to pay a visit, while October to November, with pleasant autumn climate, is also a wise choice. If possible, avoid June, July and August with travel crowds, scorching hot weather, and frequent summer showers.

Shanghai is fascinating for late-night lovers!. The Bund is an absolute must for visitors as the city turns into colour with all the buildings giving some impressive photo opportunities with the river acting as a reflect. A night cruise on the Huangpu River is highly recommended. 

For art lovers, the Grand Theater and Oriental Art Center will delight any visitor's taste. For those seeking nights out, the ideal choice should be Hengshan Road and Xin Tian Di which are filled with a variety of nightclubs, discos and bars.

Another main reason why to go to Shanghai is for its commercial value. The commercial districts initially came out in streets, such as East Nanjing Road, Middle Huaihai Road, Tianshan Road, North Sichuan Road and etc. Be sure to find from the cheap stores and more local to a much more stylish and elegant mega department-store featuring all the latest fashion trends, world-wide renowned shops and boutiques.

❗Attention: Be careful in the street, as many vendors will come to you personally, to sell counterfeit jewellery, clothes, perfume and practically anything you can think of! 

As mentioned in other cities like Beijing, when staying in China overall the accommodation ratings are often less than what you would expect in Europe or America. Therefore two and three star Hotels can be quite basic and modest establishments. For a budget traveller it's not a major problem finding accommodation, but be aware of booking really cheap places as they can be badly run and have health hazards. Generally the quality in Shanghai is better than Beijing but still it's recommended you research before booking. 

Normal hotels can cost between €25 per night and up.

Also it's advised to stay within walking distance to metro stations and commercial areas better than side streets or far away neighbourhoods. 

Shanghai is another huge city and depends how much energy you have to see in detail all the attractions (and the money to spend it on!). At a basic glance visiting the major attractions, going up one tower building and the markets 3 nights would be enough. But consider close to a week if you are travelling to the districts to visit other areas out of the city centre or organise any tours.