Waterfront megacity defined by its skyline, shopping streets, and busy metro network.
Stats from public records. Verify before travel. Last reviewed 2026.
| Population | approximately 25 million (2020 census, municipality) (2020, census) |
|---|---|
| Area | approximately 6,300 km² (2,400 sq mi) (municipal area) |
| Elevation | approximately 3–5 m (coastal plain) |
| Founded / established | Treaty-port growth; modern financial hub on the Huangpu |
| Time zone | CST (UTC+8) |
| Nearest airport | Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) |
| Languages | Standard Chinese (Mandarin), Shanghainese locally |
| Nicknames | Pearl of the Orient |
Last updated: March 2026
The Bund, French Concession, and Pudong; Tianzifang and Xintiandi. Metro excellent; walkable pockets. Humid summer; pleasant spring and fall.
Xiaolongbao, shengjianbao, and red braised pork define dining. International and local. Most cosmopolitan Chinese city.
TopTenAtlas lists help you choose where to eat, stay, and explore. Suzhou, Hangzhou, and water towns round out a stay.
Shanghai is pricier than Beijing. Bund and French Concession; Pudong skyline. International hub.
Soup dumplings—Din Tai Fung, local spots.
Pan-fried soup dumplings.
Seasonal—autumn delicacy.
Hong shao rou—sweet and savory.
Lanzhou beef noodle, wonton noodle.
Classical gardens. 30 min by train.
West Lake. 1 hour by train.
Water town. 1 hour.
Artsy lanes. In city.
Shanghai is generally safe. Pudong and Puxi tourist areas are well-patrolled.
Emergency: Emergency: 110, 120.