Shanghai travel guide

Shanghai's maglev reaches Longyang Road in 8 minutes from Pudong airport, making it easy to get into the city on arrival day.

The standard fare is 50 yuan; from Longyang Road, take Metro Line 2 to East Nanjing Road and walk to the Bund. With a same-day air ticket it is listed at 40 yuan.

The Bund promenade is listed as open 24 hours and free. Check Yu Garden's prices and closing days.

Visa-free entry depends on your nationality; check the official sources before you travel.

Visa and entry requirements for China

Whether you need a visa, how long you can stay and which pre-arrival forms apply all depend on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. Check the official source below, and your own government's travel advice, before you book.

• National Immigration Administration of China (National Immigration Administration, PRC)

The Shanghai maglev takes about 8 minutes from Pudong airport to Longyang Road. The standard fare is 50 yuan, listed at 40 yuan with a same-day air ticket. From Longyang Road, take Metro Line 2 to East Nanjing Road, then walk about 8 minutes to the Bund.

The Bund promenade is listed as open 24 hours and free. Yu Garden is listed at 40 yuan from April to June and September to November, and 30 yuan in July–August and December–March. Some Mondays are closing days, so check your date first.

Check maglev timetables and fares on the official site first. On days with lots of luggage, look at the metro transfer beforehand. Yu Garden's prices and closing days can change, so check again once your date is set.

Based on the Shanghai maglev's official site and travel information sites. Prices may change.

With 2 nights: on day one, take the maglev into the city and spend the evening on the Bund; walk Yu Garden on day two.

With 4 nights: keep the first two days in the same order, make day three Shanghai Disneyland, and allow plenty of time for the airport on day four.

Plan meals in Shanghai around xiaolongbao, shengjianbao, hongshaorou (red-braised pork) and cifan (sticky-rice rolls): xiaolongbao or shengjianbao for a light lunch and hongshaorou for dinner. We don't pick specific shops or prices here.

China offers visa-free entry to nationals of certain countries for limited purposes and periods, and these policies have fixed end dates. Check whether your nationality qualifies, and for how long, on the official sources before you travel. Bring evidence of your visit such as your passport, flights and hotel bookings.

Before you leave Shanghai

• Check passport validity
• Check visa-exemption eligibility and dates for your nationality
• Check the maglev and metro route
• Check Yu Garden prices and closing days
• Check entry requirements on the official sources

• First time in Shanghai: come in on the maglev and spend the evening on the Bund.
• Want a short airport transfer: Pudong airport to Longyang Road is 8 minutes.
• Seeing historic sites: check Yu Garden's prices and closing days first.