Arrival and expo
Wednesday 1 DecemberRunners collect bibs at the expo. Companions can split off for a half-day.
- Half-dayShanghai Tower observation deck
- EatLost Heaven
Shanghai Marathon 2027: spectator guide and weekend itinerary
3 to 5 December 2027 · ProvisionalShanghai, ChinaCandidate to join the World Marathon Majors in 2027.
Shanghai Marathon takes runners a few hours and spectators all day. This guide gives supporters cheer points they can reach by public transport, plans the expo day and race eve around tired legs, and fills the recovery day in Shanghai.
Know before you go
- The 2027 date is to be confirmed by the organiser. Entry is by ballot.
Airport to Start: the Bund
Pudong (PVG) has the Maglev to Longyang Road in 8 minutes, then metro line 2. Hongqiao (SHA) is on metro lines 2 and 10.
The race starts on the Bund and finishes at the Shanghai Stadium area in Xuhui.
Public transport directions to Start: the Bund
Where to stay by budget
| 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
Day plans for the free hours
Built around the usual marathon weekend schedule for 3 to 5 December 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
Day before the race
Thursday 2 DecemberRunners rest their legs: pick seated or slow outings, then an early pasta dinner.
- Easy outingStreet food tour
- EatJia Jia Tang Bao
Race day
Friday 3 DecemberSpectators: pick two cheer points you can reach by public transport, then meet at the finish.
- Cheer pointThe Bund at the start: dramatic, crowded and best seen from a side street.
- Cheer pointAlong the Huangpu riverside in Xuhui, near the finish.
- EatYang's Dumplings
Recovery day
Monday 6 DecemberSore legs: boats, buses and long lunches beat walking tours today.
- Easy outingAcrobatics show
- Rain or heat backupShanghai Museum.
Family-friendly picks
- Shanghai Ocean Aquarium.
- Science and Technology Museum.
Evening and day-trip tours
After dark
- Xintiandi and the Bund rooftops.
7 tours worth booking for Shanghai Marathon
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Tower observation deck | Half day | Families |
| Suzhou gardens day trip | Full day | Everyone |
| Shanghai Disneyland | Full day | Families |
| Zhujiajiao water town | Half day | Families, Tired legs |
| Street food tour | Evening | Food lovers, Night owls |
| Acrobatics show | Evening | Families, Bad weather |
| Huangpu river night cruise | Evening | Tired legs, Night owls |
Where to eat
Rainy-day backups
- Shanghai Museum.
- Power Station of Art.
Getting around on event days
- Metro covers everything; pay by Alipay or the metro app. DiDi works with foreign cards.
Day trips from Shanghai
- Suzhou: 30 minutes
- Hangzhou: 1 hour
Bringing a group?
Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for Shanghai Marathon.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is Shanghai Marathon 2027?
The next edition is 3 to 5 December 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.
How do I get from the airport to Start: the Bund?
Pudong (PVG) has the Maglev to Longyang Road in 8 minutes, then metro line 2. Hongqiao (SHA) is on metro lines 2 and 10. The race starts on the Bund and finishes at the Shanghai Stadium area in Xuhui.
Where should I stay for Shanghai Marathon?
For most visitors the best base is People's Square and the Bund: Walk to the sights.
What else can we do around Shanghai Marathon?
Good short outings in Shanghai include Zhujiajiao water town, Shanghai Tower observation deck. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.
What is there for kids and families near Shanghai Marathon?
Family-friendly picks: Zhujiajiao water town, Shanghai Tower observation deck, Shanghai Disneyland. Shanghai Ocean Aquarium.
How far is Start: the Bund from Shanghai centre?
About 2 km in a straight line. The race starts on the Bund and finishes at the Shanghai Stadium area in Xuhui.
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