Check out our guide to life in Shanghai
If you’re a people person who loves city life, Shanghai is for you. It’s China’s largest city and the most populous city in the world. It’s an important transport hub, with the world’s busiest container ports located at the heart of the Yangtze River Delta and the magnetic-levitation passenger train that reaches speeds of 400km an hour. Shanghai is also the commercial and financial centre of China. It’s known for ship and auto building, steel making and other heavy industries. Tourism is also a major industry, with Shanghai home to historic buildings, great shopping and fascinating museums.
Shanghai Fast Facts
Municipality
Established – 1291 CE
Population – 26,317,104
Shanghai Weather
Hottest Month July (29 °C avg)
Coldest Month January (4 °C avg)
Wettest Month September (156 mm avg)
Windiest Month March (14 km/h avg)
Annual Rainfall 536.0 mm (per year)
10 Things to See and Do in Shanghai
The Bund
Enjoy great views along this famous 1,500-meter-long historic waterside promenade.
Yu Garden
This 5-acre classical garden features Ming dynasty pavilions, ponds, rockeries and bridges.
Oriental Pearl TV Tower
Head to the top of this futuristic TV tower for city views, museum and revolving restaurant.
Shop Nanjing Rd and Xintiandi
Try Nanjing Rd., 3.5 mi of shopping, dining and fun, or experience upmarket Xintiandi.
Jade Buddha Temple
Founded in 1882, this Buddhist temple is known for large, ornate jade Buddha sculptures.
Tianzifang
You’ll adore this quaint historic neighbourhood for the arts, crafts, shops, cafes and bars.
City God Temple of Shanghai
Explore this expansive historic temple complex that honours the three city gods Shanghai.
Shanghai Disneyland Park
You are sure to love the rides and attractions in the theme park at Shanghai Disney Resort.
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
Wander through underwater walkways and marvel at the local and exotic marine life.
Museums
Enjoy Shanghai Museum, Science and Technology, Natural History, and China Art Museum.
Cost Of Living
| ITEM | RMB | GBP | AUS | RAND |
| Cinema | 63 | 7.30 | 13.08 | 129.81 |
| Water | 2 | 0.23 | 0.42 | 4.18 |
| Beer in a bar | 27 | 3.13 | 5.40 | 55.63 |
| Beer in a shop | 6 | 0.70 | 1.25 | 10.44 |
| Coke | 4 | 0.46 | 0.84 | 8.35 |
| Meal at a cheap restaurant | 27 | 3.13 | 5.61 | 55.63 |
| Meal at an average restaurant | 62 | 6.02 | 12.88 | 127.75 |
| Meal at a high end restaurant | 93 | 9.62 | 19.31 | 193.68 |
| Gym per month | 330 | 37.66 | 68.93 | 689.23 |
| City bus | 3 | 0.34 | 0.63 | 6.27 |
| Monthly utility bills (electricity, heating, water, rubbish) | 330 | 37.66 | 68.93 | 689.23 |
| Loaf of bread | 12 | 1.37 | 2.51 | 25.06 |
