The largest city in China, Shanghai is known for its remarkable skyline, jaw-dropping skyscrapers, diverse cultural heritage, delicious local cuisine, charming colonial-era buildings and shopping centers. The city never ceases to amaze and amuse with its plethora of must-do things.
The city is located on the coast of the East China Sea, hence the name ‘Shanghai’ translating to "upon-the-sea" in Chinese. Till the 19th century, it was just a fishing village. But things picked up and it soon evolved into a major trade port. Shanghai Tower is the second-tallest building in the world and the highest observation deck in the world. Shanghai International Film Festival is the most prominent film festival in entire Asia.
The city has no dearth of tourist destinations, so make sure to plan ahead. In the peak tourist season, it can be pretty crowded. To learn about the history and culture of Shanghai, you can visit the famous Shanghai Museum.
Depending on what you want to explore and do, you can plan a visit to Shanghai accordingly. Spring months from March to May are great for witnessing cherry blossoms in full bloom and making the most of outdoor activities. June to August is the peak tourist season but be wary of the crowds. If you are traveling on a budget, the fall months from September to November is a great time to visit and get good deals on airfare as well as accommodation.
Depending on the pace of exploration and personal preferences, you can spend anywhere from two to four days in Shanghai uncovering its hidden gems. If you got an extra one to two spare days, then do visit the nearby tourist spots Hangzhou or Suzhou.
That will depend on the tour provider. You’ll find that Shanghai hop-on hop-off tours can be either live or audio-guided. Many will have a pre-recorded commentary that’ll share fascinating information about the history of Shanghai, its culture, and many places of interest. You’ll find that the audio commentary will be provided in various languages. English, French, German and Spanish are the most commonly used, but others may be available. Check the specific product page for full details of all the languages offered.
You can visit the relevant product page and check the Useful Downloads section to find the latest information as routes, stops, and timings change frequently.