Shanghai event weekends: what to do between sessions
The Bund, French Concession lanes and Pudong towers, with water towns an hour away.
Events we cover in Shanghai
5 Nov 2026*China International Import Expo
Shanghai, ChinaTrade show16 Apr 2027Chinese Grand Prix
Shanghai, ChinaF128 Apr 2027*Auto Shanghai
Shanghai, ChinaTrade show3 Dec 2027Shanghai Marathon
Shanghai, ChinaMarathon
Shanghai, ChinaTrade show16 Apr 2027Chinese Grand Prix
Shanghai, ChinaF128 Apr 2027*Auto Shanghai
Shanghai, ChinaTrade show3 Dec 2027Shanghai Marathon
Shanghai, ChinaMarathon
Arriving
Pudong (PVG) has the Maglev to Longyang Road in 8 minutes, then metro line 2. Hongqiao (SHA) is on metro lines 2 and 10.
Where to stay
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Jing'an | Central and on many metro lines. |
| Mid-range | People's Square and the Bund | Walk to the sights. |
| Splurge | Lujiazui | Pudong towers with skyline views. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Jinjiang Inn Shanghai People's Square
- Mid-range: Les Suites Orient Bund Shanghai
- Splurge: The Peninsula Shanghai
Tours
Where to eat
With kids
- Shanghai Ocean Aquarium.
- Science and Technology Museum.
Rainy-day backups
- Shanghai Museum.
- Power Station of Art.
Free things to do
- Walk the Bund.
- Yu Garden bazaar (garden is paid).
- Tianzifang lanes.
Getting around
- Metro covers everything; pay by Alipay or the metro app. DiDi works with foreign cards.