Shanghai pre-trip checklist
What's different about Shanghai: weather, must-book sights, local apps and getting in from the airport.
Use together with the General Pre-Trip Checklist; this only lists Shanghai-specific items, and does not repeat general items.
Climate and Clothing (Shanghai Is Easy to Misjudge) — Shanghai has a subtropical monsoon climate, and you may experience several kinds of weather in one year. During the plum rain season (roughly mid-June to early July), it is overcast and rainy for days, humidity is extremely high, and clothes are hard to dry, so bring quick-dry clothing and a folding umbrella, and pack a few moisture-proof bags. Summer (July-August) is humid and often above 35°C, while indoor air conditioning can be very strong, so bring sunscreen, electrolytes, and a light layer to carry with you. Winter (December-February) is damp and cold, with a chill that cuts through, and older buildings may not be well heated, so bring windproof warm layers. Spring and autumn (March-May, October-November) are the most comfortable but have large temperature swings, so dress in layers. See the typhoon-season note below.
Getting into the City: Two Airports in Opposite Directions (Be Sure to Confirm Which One You Land At) — Pudong (PVG, east of the city, mainly international flights). Hongqiao (SHA, west of the city): connected to Hongqiao Railway Station and convenient for high-speed rail transfers. Transferring between the two airports by Metro Line 2 takes about 1.5-2 hours, so allow plenty of time.
Metro and Transport Cards — The Shanghai Metro covers almost all major sights and is the best first choice. Download the official Metro Daduhui app (English interface, foreign cards supported, scan in and out), or use the transit QR code in Alipay or WeChat. If you prefer a physical card, you can get a transport card at a station service desk. Rush hours (8:00-9:30 and 17:30-19:00) are extremely crowded, so avoid peak times with large luggage. Service generally runs about 5:30-22:30/23:00; late at night, rely on taxis or ride-hailing and plan your return in advance.
Popular Attractions Where You May Not Get In Without a Reservation — Many top attractions require advance real-name reservations (with passport), and showing up on the spot often means a wasted trip: Shanghai Disney Resort (buy tickets through the official app, crowded in peak seasons), the Bund (free, but packed after 18:00, with crowd controls on holidays; go early morning or before weekday evening if you want photos), Yu Garden (garden entry requires a ticket), Shanghai Museum (permanent exhibitions are free but require mini program reservations; special exhibitions need separate tickets and are hard to book), and Oriental Pearl Tower/Shanghai Tower Observation Deck (buy online in advance and avoid peak hours and smoggy days). Popular venues often release tickets 1-7 days ahead.
Typhoon Season Special Note (Essential for July-September) — Watch typhoon warning signals (blue -> yellow -> orange -> red, increasing in severity). During orange or red warnings, scenic areas, ferries, and some above-ground metro sections may suspend service. Avoid open waterfront areas such as the Bund, riverside areas, and ferry piers. Watch for widespread flight and high-speed rail delays or cancellations, and leave flexibility for changes. Bring rain gear and a waterproof bag to protect documents and electronics.
Bund Night Views and Night Safety — The Bund, Nanjing Road, and Lujiazui are crowded at night and generally safe, but the more crowded it gets, the more carefully you should watch your backpack, phone, documents, and pickpockets. On holidays, viewing platforms may use one-way routes or crowd controls, so follow on-site instructions and do not climb over barriers. For Huangpu River night cruises, buy tickets only at official piers, and be wary of low-price touts. Late at night, use licensed taxis or official ride-hailing services and check the license plate.