You may visit Shanghai without a visa as the city implements the 144-hour Visa-Free Transit policy, which allows citizens of over fifty countries to transit through Shanghai and neighboring regions (Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces) for up to 6 days without a visa, as long as they have a valid onward ticket to a third country or region.

This policy is applicable at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Shanghai Port, and Shanghai Railway Port. Since the specific rules and eligibility criteria can vary, we suggest you check with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country or the relevant authorities for the latest information before planning your trip.

Shanghai is a vibrant city with various attractions and activities to offer. Here are some of the top things to do in Shanghai:

• The Bund: Walk along this historic waterfront area for iconic views of Shanghai’s skyline and historic buildings.
• Yu Garden: Explore this classical Chinese garden with beautiful pavilions, ponds, and traditional architecture.
• Shanghai Tower: Visit one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world for panoramic views from its observation deck.
• Shanghai Museum: Explore one of China’s finest museums showcasing ancient Chinese art, ceramics, jade, and more.
• French Concession: Wander through this charming district with tree-lined streets, historic architecture, boutiques, and cafes.
• Jade Buddha Temple: Discover this active Buddhist temple housing two precious jade buddha statues brought from Burma, as well as its beautiful architecture and peaceful gardens.

Getting around Shanghai is convenient due to its extensive metro system covering the city’s major attractions and districts, readily available taxis, ride-hailing services like Didi (China’s Uber), and buses with comprehensive routes serving all parts of the city. 

Absolutely! Shanghai’s proximity to other fascinating destinations makes it an ideal base for exploring more of eastern China. Here are some places worth visiting near Shanghai:

• Suzhou: Known for its classical gardens and canals, Suzhou is close to Shanghai, just about 25-30 minutes away by high-speed train. It’s also easily accessible by regular train or bus.
• Hangzhou: Famous for its West Lake and tea culture, Hangzhou is about 1 to 1.5 hours away from Shanghai by high-speed train.
• Huangshan (Yellow Mountain): Although a bit further away (about 3-5 hours by high-speed train), Huangshan is worthy of further exploration as it is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its breathtaking granite peaks, ancient pine trees, hot springs, and stunning vistas.
• Nanjing: Formerly the capital of several Chinese dynasties, Nanjing is rich in history and culture. It’s about 1.5 to 2 hours away from Shanghai by high-speed train, the most convenient way to travel between the cities.