Discover Shanghai
Hotels, halal food, prayer spaces, things to do, and itineraries in Shanghai.
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Must-see attractions in Shanghai
From headline landmarks and heritage icons to parks, waterfronts, and major museums, discover 18 standout sights to build into your time in the city.
Shanghai, business and economic capital to the People's Republic of China, is one of the largest metropolises in the world with an ever-growing population. Shanghai is a place where life is constantly on the move- a fact which is reflected in the constant construction- the building and the rebuilding of restaurants, offices and shopping malls ever so often. Unlike Beijing which is a fusion of East meets west, Shanghai is much more contemporary and modern. Temples and other historic structures such as museums are few. In much greater supply are numerous skyscrapers and high-rise buildings. Shanghai is quite simply the financial capital of Chi
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Muslim travel planner
Plan a Muslim-friendly trip in Shanghai
Halal restaurants in Shanghai
Shanghai’s food scene is part of the city experience. Choose from 20 restaurants and food districts with location notes and planning tips.
shanghaiFook Lam Moon
The décor and the furnishings are chic and sophisticated. The place is luxuriant and quality food is to be expected. The sea food dishes are exceptionally good. The shark and shrimps are particularly delicious. Apart from the food, visitors have an amazing view of the Bund to look forward to.
shanghaiDanieli's
This is an extremely posh restaurant located in the St. Regis Hotel. The décor and interior are contemporary and elegant. The specialty as is expected of Italian cuisine is the different pastas that are served here. The deserts too are delectable. Customers will not regret eating here.
shanghaiLa Villa Rouge
This eatery is popular amongst fashionable locals. The interior is beautiful and luxuriant. The dishes divine and at the same time both creative and eccentric. The menu has everything listed on it. The seafood, in particular the cod, caviar and lobster is delicious.
shanghaiWang Boa He
The dishes served here are absolutely divine. Sea food is the specialty, in particular crab, and that too in all forms. A must stop although prices are exorbitant.
shanghaiSichuan Court
This restaurant provides outstanding service and offers a vast array of dishes to choose from. Sichuan Cuisine is at its best here. The seafood, the vegetarian dishes, the beef and the noodles are all to die for.
shanghaiGu Yi
Busy best describes the ambiance of this restaurant- Chinese and other families love to come here. The food is delicious and there is a diverse range of dishes to choose from. The sea- food and the lamb are both excellent.
Shanghai masjids and Muslim travel
Landmark masjids and prayer-aware notes for visitors planning salah, family movement, and halal-friendly days.
Where to stay in Shanghai
Choose where to stay by trip style, from landmark luxury and family bases to central, airport, and neighborhood-led stays.
shanghaiFour Seasons Hotel Shanghai
This hotel is arguably the best in town, it is both extravagant and luxurious. The location is perfect- it is situated in Jing'an District. Rooms and bathrooms are spacious and the décor is chic and sophisticated. The service is impeccable as are the facilities available here. In room facilities include a mini-bar, a hair dryer, a coffee maker and a safe, an AC, broadband, high speed internet and satellite TV. Hotel facilities include babysitting services, restaurants, lounges, a jazz bar, a swimming pool and Jacuzzi, a health spa, massage services, laundry service, 24 hour room service and dry cleaning and a salon.
shanghaiSt. Regis Shanghai
This hotel is located in Pudong district. It has a wonderful ambience; the hotel staff is extremely helpful and the service is excellent. Rooms and bathrooms are spacious with lovely furnishings. In-room facilities include a mini-bar, a hair dryer, a coffee maker and a safe, an AC, broadband and satellite TV. Hotel facilities include restaurants, swimming pool, a gym, tennis courts, a health spa, a salon, laundry service, 24 hour room service, dry cleaning and babysitting services.
shanghaiPortman-Ritz Carlton Hotel Shanghai
This hotel is located in the Jing'an District. The location is excellent for the Shanghai Centre including a number of boutiques, cafes, theatres etc, is located nearby. The rooms and bathrooms are tastefully furnished and more than comfortable and the service is outstanding. In-room facilities include a mini-bar, a hair dryer, a coffee maker and a safe, an AC, broadband and satellite TV. Hotel facilities include restaurants, lounges, a swimming pool and Jacuzzi, a gym, tennis courts, squash courts, a health spa, a salon, laundry service, 24 hour room service, dry cleaning and babysitting services, a shopping arcade, a grocery and a medical centre.
shanghaiThe Westin Shanghai
This hotel is located in Huangpu District in downtown Shanghai. The location is excellent. Bedrooms and bathrooms are spacious and luxurious. The décor of the rooms and bathrooms is both chic and stylish. The service is excellent. In-room facilities include a mini-bar, a hair dryer, a coffee maker and a safe, an AC, broadband and satellite TV. Hotel facilities include restaurants, a juice bar, lounges, a deli, swimming pools and Jacuzzi, paddle pool and Kids Club for children, a health spa, massage services, a salon, laundry service, 24 hour room service, dry cleaning and babysitting services.
shanghaiPudong Shangri-la Hotel
Located in Pudong District this hotel is the epitome of extravagance. The contemporary exterior is fantastic- a glass tower soaring in the sky. The views of Shanghai that its rooms afford are stunning. Rooms and bathrooms are more than spacious with elegant furnishings. The hotel staff is friendly and provides excellent service. In-room facilities include a mini-bar, a hair dryer, a coffee maker and a safe, an AC, broadband, a DVD player and satellite TV. Hotel facilities include restaurants, lounges, bars, a deli, swimming pools and Jacuzzi, a health spa, massage services, a salon, laundry service, 24 hour room service, dry cleaning and babysitting services.
History and today in Shanghai
Read the city today, its history, residents, culture, and character before planning your route.
Visa Information
General Visa Information
City Information
When to go
The best times of the year to visit Shanghai are the months of March, April, September and October. The weather is wonderful in these months with cool days and cold nights. Winter season is characterized by fierce cold winds and low temperatures and it is not at all advisable to visit Shanghai then. The months of July and August too are far from ideal to visit Shanghai as temperatures rise greatly during these months.
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Fast Facts
Location:: Shanghai is located along the East Coast of China flanked by the Yangtze River.; Area:: 6340 sq km; Dialing code:: +86
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Exchange Rates
The currency used in China is the China Yuan Renminbi (CNY).
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Public Holidays
January 1: New Year's Day February 7-9: Chinese Spring Festival March 8: International Women's Day May 1-3: International Labor Day May 4: National Youth Day May 23: Tibet Liberation Day June 1: Children's Day July 1: Founding of the Chinese Communist Party Anniversary August 1: Army Day October 1-3: National Day
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Annual Temperature
January: High 8 °C Low 1 °C; February: High 8 °C Low 1 °C; March: High 13 °C Low 4°C
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Shanghai's Residents
Shanghai has a population of over 18 million people. About one third of these are migrants from within and without the country most notably from Taiwan. A variety of religions are practiced by its residents ranging from Taoism and Buddhism to Catholicism, Islam and Judaism.
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Shanghai today
Shanghai, business and economic capital to the People's Republic of China, is one of the largest metropolises in the world with an ever-growing population. Shanghai is a place where life is constantly on the move- a fact which is reflected in the constant construction- the building and the rebuilding of restaurants, offices and shopping malls ever so often. Unlike Beijing which is a fusion of East meets west, Shanghai is much more contemporary and modern. Temples and other historic structures such as museums are few. In much greater supply are numerous skyscrapers and high-rise buildings. Shanghai is quite simply the financial capital of China.
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Shopping in Shanghai
Explore 12 shopping stops, from malls, markets, and book bazaars to fashion streets and souvenir finds.
shanghaiMadam Mao's dowry
This is one of Shanghai's delightful little shops where arts and crafts are available. Beautiful silk cloth, ceramics, paintings, Cultural Revolution posters, decoration pieces and furniture are on display for purchase.
shanghaiIsetan
This is a department store for the well off Shanghai resident. There are many boutiques, clothes shops and fashion designers such as Espirit who have set up shop here. In addition, some arts and crafts are also available.
shanghaiShanghai's Number 1 Department Store
This is arguably one of Shanghai's most renowned department stores probably because it dates back to the 1930s. Everything is available here but prices are usually exorbitant. Nevertheless stop over to check out the cosmetics, sports gear, electronic equipment, jewelry, toy shops, boutiques etc.
shanghaiRaffles City
Some of the most well known designer labels are available here from Guess and Swatch to Nike. Local designers have also set up shop here.
shanghaiFriendship Store
The Friendship Store sells everything you can conceive of from books and antiques to clothes, jewelry and accessories- you name it. Prices are high but still more reasonable than other department stores in Shanghai.
Signature sights in Shanghai
A curated pick of the city's standout sights, led by the strongest editorial recommendations.
Festivals and events in Shanghai
Plan around 13 festival seasons, public events, Ramadan/Eid periods, book fairs, art cycles, and winter food activity.
shanghaiChinese New Year & Spring Festival
This event occurs annually and the time is not fixed as it is planned on the basis of the lunar calendar. This is the most important in the traditional Chinese holidays and an auspicious time for the Chinese people. Loved ones are visited and special food is cooked and eaten. Red is the predominant color as is evident from the red lanterns seen hanging everywhere. Door frames are also painted red and gold. This is said to ward off evil spirits. Children are given gift money wrapped in red envelopes. Fireworks displays all over the city are a regular feature of the festivities. Merrymaking in the form of dancing also takes place, the most popular being the lion and the dragon dance. Celebrations are most intense at Longhua temple which is a scene of frenzied activity and vibrancy.
shanghaiLantern Festival
Fifteen days after the Chinese New Year, on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month the lantern festival is celebrated. It celebrates the joy of the warmth of the sun after a long and cold winter and marks the end of the New Year celebrations. Beautiful exotic lanterns are made which are of unusual shapes and designs. They are painted in bold and bright colors representing happiness and prosperity. The residents of Shanghai walk the streets in a parade with these beautiful lamps. The well lit up streets present a stunning view. Men with painted faces are also part of the parade.
shanghaiTomb Sweeping Day
This is an important event that occurs annually. It is a time for people to pay their respects to their ancestors who have passed away. Their graves are visited and washed clean. Some indulge in burning ghost money thought to be needed by their dead loved ones in the afterlife.
shanghaiTemple Fair
The famous Longhua Pagoda situated in grounds of the Longhua Park is the venue for this annual event. The ancient temple ground is surrounded by beautiful peach blossoms. This is a lovely time to visit the temple as hundreds of Shanghai's residents flock to the temple to pray and celebrate. Stalls selling traditional Chinese food, art, and crafts are set up. In the evening, the temple is lit up. The day of this event varies depending on the lunar calendar.
shanghaiShanghai International Tea Culture Festival
Tea lovers and tea producers make their way to Shanghai for this annual festival which lasts one whole week. China is renowned for tea thought to be excellent not just to satisfy one's thirst but as a cure for a number of diseases. Shennongshi an ancient chief about 5000 years ago, went about collecting leaves and plants of various varieties as he was very interested in medicine. It is rumored that during one such search he was poisoned a number of times and was saved by the tea leaves he had gathered which worked as an antidote. Since then tea has earned an important place in China's culture
Shanghai tours and experiences
Heritage walks, food crawls, coastal trips, museum circuits, family days, and guided ideas for an easier day out.
shanghaiCity Discovery
These operators offer a variety of package deals that vary in terms of which sights will be visited and which vary as to the length of each tour. Usually tours last from anywhere between half a day and one whole day. They also arrange excursions to different villages, towns and ruins on the outskirts of Shanghai. Prices vary accordingly but fall within the range of 300 to 500 Yuans.
shanghaiJin Jiang Optional Tours Center
This is an excellent tour operator. They arrange day long trips and arrange for visitors to go sightseeing. Shanghai's main attractions are covered. These include the Bund, the Jade Buddha Temple, the Shanghai Museum and a number of other tourist hotspots. The guides are excellent and well versed in the history of China; they also speak in English. Tourists are taken around in buses. The cost of the tour is about 300 Yuans or more. Apart from the group tours these operators also allow for full day private tours and tourists get to choose which attractions they wish to visit. The prices for such tours however are exorbitant ranging from anywhere between 500 and 1000 Yuans depending on the number of people in each group.
shanghaiShanghai Spring International Services
These operators allow for tourists to design their own tours.
shanghaiShanghai Sightseeing Bus
These operators offer a variety of package deals that vary in terms of which sights will be visited and which vary as to the length of each tour. Usually tours last from anywhere between half a day and one whole day. Prices vary accordingly. The city's main attractions are visited by bus. Excursions to villages and towns around Shanghai are also arranged for. The commentary given by guides is not in English; a major disadvantage of these tours.
shanghaiChina International Travel Service
The downside of these operators is the exorbitant prices that they charge. The advantage is that tourists can decide which sights to include in the tour and which not to. They are custom made though there is also the option of going for the already designed group tours.
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Shanghai travel guide sections
Focused sections for articles, directories, maps, and trip planning.
