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Open WhatsApp ChatPudong (PVG) & Hongqiao (SHA) to The Bund, Pudong, and French Concession with English-speaking driver. Fixed price, free flight tracking.
China's most cosmopolitan city — where East meets West in spectacular fashion.
The name "Shanghai" (上海) literally means "Upon the Sea." The city began as a small fishing village during the Song Dynasty. In 1842, after the First Opium War, Shanghai became one of China's first treaty ports, opening to foreign trade. By the 1930s, it was Asia's most glamorous cosmopolitan city — known as the "Paris of the East" and the "Pearl of the Orient."
Shanghai is home to Fudan University (founded 1905, ranked top 50 globally), Shanghai Jiao Tong University (founded 1896), and Tongji University (famous for architecture). The city also hosts NYU Shanghai, China's first Sino-US joint research university. Over 90 universities produce 200,000+ graduates annually.
Shanghai boasts the world's longest metro network with 20 lines and 800+ km of track, handling 13 million daily passengers. The Maglev train connects Pudong Airport to downtown in 8 minutes at 430 km/h. Our private car service offers door-to-door convenience from both Pudong (PVG) and Hongqiao (SHA) airports.
Shanghai sits at the mouth of the Yangtze River, the world's third-longest river. The Huangpu River divides the city into Pudong (east) and Puxi (west). Chongming Island at the river's mouth is the world's largest alluvial island. The city has invested heavily in green spaces including the Shanghai Botanical Garden and Century Park.
From colonial waterfront to futuristic skyline, discover Shanghai's most iconic sights.
Fixed-price private car service for Shanghai's most popular journeys.
~45 km · 50–70 min
Pudong International Airport (PVG) is Shanghai's main international gateway. After a long flight, navigating the Maglev + metro with luggage is exhausting. Our private car picks you up at the arrival hall, tracks your flight for delays, and delivers you directly to your hotel.
~15 km · 30–40 min
Hongqiao Airport (SHA) is closer to downtown and mainly serves domestic flights. Our private car service is the fastest way to reach hotels in Xuhui, Changning, or Jing'an districts. No waiting in taxi queues.
~100 km · 1.5 hours · 8-hour day trip
Visit Suzhou, the "Venice of the East," famous for its classical gardens and canals. Your driver picks you up at your Shanghai hotel, drives you to the Humble Administrator's Garden and Tiger Hill, waits while you explore, and returns you to Shanghai.
8 hours · Business vehicle · Custom itinerary
Visit the Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum, French Concession, and the Pudong skyline in one day. Your driver knows the best routes, parking locations, and timing to avoid crowds.
Everything you need to know about arriving in Shanghai and reaching your hotel.
East of the city · 45 km to The Bund
PVG is Shanghai's main international gateway and one of the world's busiest airports. It has two main terminals: Terminal 1 (mainly domestic and some international) and Terminal 2 (most international flights, Star Alliance and SkyTeam). The Maglev train connects to Longyang Road in 8 minutes at 430 km/h, but with luggage a private car is far more comfortable. By road, expect 50–70 minutes to The Bund or Lujiazui.
West of the city · 15 km to People's Square
SHA is closer to downtown and mainly serves domestic flights, though some international routes operate here too. It has two terminals: Terminal 1 (domestic) and Terminal 2 (domestic and international). The airport is connected to the metro and Hongqiao Railway Station. A private car to downtown hotels typically takes 30–40 minutes.
High-speed hub · 20 min to The Bund
The main station for high-speed trains to Beijing, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Suzhou, and most domestic destinations. It's one of Asia's largest railway stations. A private car pickup is recommended as the station is vast and taxi queues can be long.
Historic central station · 10 min to People's Square
Located near Suzhou Creek, this is Shanghai's oldest main station. It serves conventional trains to northern and western China, as well as some high-speed services. Its central location makes hotel transfers quick and convenient.
Southern trains · Xuhui District
Mainly serves conventional trains to southern China including Zhejiang, Fujian, and Guangdong provinces. The station building has a distinctive circular design. It's convenient for hotels in the Xuhui and Minhang districts.
Freight & regional · Putuo District
Primarily used for freight and some regional passenger services. Located in the Putuo district, it's less relevant for most travelers but useful for certain regional routes.
Suburban HSR · Near Thames Town
Serves high-speed trains on the Shanghai–Hangzhou line. Convenient for travelers staying in the Songjiang district or visiting the nearby ancient water towns like Zhujiajiao.
We meet you at the exit with a name board and help with luggage.
Book Station TransferCapture the city from the most iconic and photogenic angles.
Best at dawn
The colonial facades of the Bund glow golden in the early morning light, with the Pudong skyline across the river as a dramatic backdrop. Arrive before 6 AM for the best light and almost no crowds.
Best at blue hour
The classic Shanghai shot: the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and Jin Mao Tower reflected in the Huangpu River. The blue hour just after sunset offers the most magical colors.
Best in late afternoon
The traditional pavilions, rockeries, and red lanterns of Yu Garden create a timeless Chinese atmosphere. The zigzag bridge over the pond is a favorite composition for photographers.
Best on a sunny morning
The tree-lined streets of the former French Concession, especially around Wukang Road and Fuxing Road, offer dappled light, art deco architecture, and a European-meets-Asian charm.
Best at night
Shanghai's oldest steel bridge offers a perfect frame for the Pudong skyline. At night, the bridge lights and the illuminated towers create a postcard-perfect scene.
Best on a sunny afternoon
The narrow lanes of Tianzifang are filled with colorful murals, hanging laundry, traditional shikumen architecture, and quirky shop fronts. Every corner is a photo opportunity.
Shanghai's most famous dish. Delicate steamed dumplings filled with pork and hot broth. Din Tai Fung and Jia Jia Tang Bao serve the best.
Crispy-bottomed, juicy pork buns pan-fried in a huge cast-iron skillet. Yang's Fry-Dumpling is the city's most famous chain.
A seasonal delicacy from nearby Yangcheng Lake. Available October–December. The rich, sweet roe is considered the ultimate Shanghai luxury.
Tender pork belly braised in soy sauce, sugar, and spices until meltingly soft. A home-style favorite reflecting Shanghai's Jiangsu culinary heritage.
The world's longest shopping street at 5.5 km. East Nanjing Road is neon-lit with international brands. West Nanjing Road features luxury flagships like Hermès, Gucci, and Tiffany.
A maze of narrow alleyways in the French Concession filled with artisan shops, galleries, and cafés. Perfect for unique souvenirs and local art.
Shanghai's premier luxury shopping destination with flagship stores for Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Prada. Connected to Jing'an Temple for a cultural contrast.
Located in the Science & Technology Museum metro station, this underground market is famous for souvenirs, silk, and electronics. Bargaining is expected and part of the fun.
Shanghai has been a silk trading center for over 1,000 years. Look for soft silk scarves, qipao (cheongsam) dresses, and silk bedding. The best quality is found at the Shanghai Silk Museum or reputable shops on Nanjing Road. Your driver can recommend trustworthy vendors.
Miniature replicas of Shanghai's iconic lane houses make unique souvenirs. These intricate models capture the distinctive stone-gate architecture of the French Concession and Old Town. Available at Tianzifang and Xintiandi gift shops.
Shanghai tea houses stock premium jasmine tea, Longjing green tea, and aged pu'er. Pair your tea with a Yixing clay teapot or porcelain gaiwan for an elegant gift set. The Tianshan Tea Market is the best place to buy in bulk.
Shanghai's 1920s–30s golden era produced stunning Art Deco advertising posters. Reproductions of vintage travel posters, cigarette ads, and calendar girls make stylish, lightweight souvenirs. Best found at Tianzifang galleries and the Shanghai History Museum shop.
Meet the traditional arts that have defined Shanghai for centuries — and the artisans keeping them alive.
UNESCO-listed intangible heritage. Shanghai Opera (Huju) emerged in the early 20th century, blending local folk songs with modern theatrical forms. Known for its melodious singing and contemporary themes, it reflects Shanghai's unique position between tradition and modernity.
Where to experience it: Shanghai Huju Art Center, Tianchan Theatre, or the Shanghai Grand Theatre. Ask your driver to book tickets in advance.
One of China's four great embroidery styles, Gu Xiu is known for its fine needlework, realistic depictions of landscapes and figures, and subtle use of color. The technique requires years of training and produces works that are almost indistinguishable from paintings.
Where to find it: Shanghai Embroidery Institute in Xuhui District offers demonstrations and sales of museum-quality pieces. Tianzifang galleries also carry contemporary Gu Xiu works.
A distinctive painting style that emerged in 19th-century Shanghai, blending traditional Chinese brush techniques with Western perspective and color. Haipai artists were known for their commercial savvy and innovative subjects, from birds and flowers to urban scenes.
Where to find it: Shanghai Chinese Painting Academy, Duoyunxuan Art Shop on Nanjing Road, and the Shanghai Museum's painting galleries.
Though originating in nearby Jiading District, this intricate art form is closely tied to Shanghai culture. Master carvers create miniature sculptures, calligraphy, and landscapes on bamboo roots and stems, using techniques passed down for over 400 years.
Where to find it: Jiading Bamboo Carving Museum, Shanghai Museum craft galleries, and select shops in the Old Town.
A traditional form of musical storytelling performed in the Wu dialect (Shanghainese). The performer alternates between singing and speaking, accompanied by a pipa or sanxian. Pingtan has been entertaining Shanghai audiences in teahouses for over 400 years.
Where to experience it: Shanghai Pingtan Troupe performances, or traditional teahouses in the Old Town. Ask your driver for current show schedules.
The iconic Chinese dress reached its peak of elegance in 1920s–30s Shanghai. Master tailors still hand-make qipao with intricate embroidery, frog buttons, and perfectly fitted silhouettes. A custom qipao is the ultimate Shanghai souvenir.
Where to find it: Changle Road in the French Concession has several traditional qipao tailors. Allow 3–5 days for a custom-made dress.
Insider tips to help you experience Shanghai like a local.
The Bund is packed by 8 AM. Arrive at 5:30 AM to see tai chi practitioners, kite flyers, and the sunrise over Pudong. The light is golden and the crowds are nonexistent. Your driver can pick you up at your hotel before dawn.
Skip the hotel buffet and try cong you bing (scallion pancakes), you tiao (fried dough sticks), and dou jiang (soy milk) at a street stall. The best spots are on Wulumuqi Road and in the lanes behind Huaihai Road.
Skip the touristy Nanluoguxiang equivalent and wander Julu Road, Changle Road, and Yongkang Road. These lanes have family-run cafés, vintage shops, and old Shanghainese courtyard houses without the crowds.
Spring: Cherry blossoms at Tongji University. Summer: Evening cruises on the Huangpu River. Autumn: Ginkgo trees at Shanghai Botanical Garden. Winter: Hot pot and cozy teahouses in the French Concession.
Shanghai's metro is packed from 7:30–9:30 AM and 5:30–7:30 PM. If you must travel during these hours, Line 2 and Line 1 are the worst. A private car is worth every yuan during rush hour.
If visiting in October–December, don't miss hairy crab season. Take a day trip to Yangcheng Lake with your private driver, eat fresh crab at a lakeside restaurant, and bring a cooler box of live crabs back to your hotel.
Explore the Jiangnan region with a private car and English-speaking driver.
Custom itineraries, flexible timing, and door-to-door service with an English-speaking driver.
Book a Shanghai Day TripEach season reveals a different face of the Pearl of the Orient.
Mar–May · 12–22°C
Mild and pleasant with occasional rain. Cherry blossoms at Tongji University. Comfortable for walking the Bund.
Highlights: French Concession walks, garden tours
Jun–Aug · 25–35°C
Hot, humid, and rainy with typhoon season. Air conditioning is essential. Evening Huangpu River cruises are magical.
Highlights: Night Bund views, indoor museums
Sep–Nov · 15–25°C
The best season — clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and golden ginkgo trees. The most popular time to visit.
Highlights: Hairy crab season, outdoor dining
Dec–Feb · 2–10°C
Cold and damp with occasional light snow. Fewer tourists, lower hotel prices, and cozy teahouse culture.
Highlights: Hot pot, Chinese New Year celebrations
A few words go a long way with your driver and locals.
你好
Hello — The universal greeting. Your driver will appreciate the effort.
谢谢
Thank you — Use it often. Chinese people value politeness highly.
我想去...
I want to go to... — Essential for telling your driver the destination.
多少钱？
How much is this? — Useful for shopping and street food.
厕所在哪里？
Where is the bathroom? — Always good to know when exploring.
Fixed price, English-speaking driver, free flight tracking. From PVG or SHA to any Shanghai hotel.
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From PVG or SHA to The Bund with an English-speaking driver and fixed price.
View Details & Book →Direct transfer to Pudong Lujiazui, Shanghai Tower, and the financial district.
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