Best time to visit Shanghai

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Shanghai

Best time of year to visit Shanghai

The largest city in China will impress you at any time of year with its futuristic architecture, fantastic food, and historical buildings. The best time to visit Shanghai is from May to November since winters are too chilly to enjoy the outdoors. Summers in Shanghai are hot and rainy; however, they are also full of events and culinary delights. Early June is an excellent time to come due to the famous Dragon Boat Festival, often called the Duanwu Festival. It's also the season for yang mei and other fruits and berries. Don't forget to try local specialities—crayfish or xiaolongxia and bullfrog.

8 THINGS TO DO IN SHANGHAI (JUNE 27 - JULY 06)

Qinghai-Tibet Railway

Qinghai-Tibet Railway

all year round • activity

The world's highest railway is a real masterpiece attracting travellers from all over the planet

Playa Maya Water Park

Playa Maya Water Park

late June–early September • activity

The largest open-air water park in Eastern China can refresh you during the hot summer season

Lavender Blooming

Lavender Blooming

May–June • nature

The love associated flower composed a purple world in May

Yang Mei Season

Yang Mei Season

late May–June • food

Asia is famous for its tasty exotic fruits. One of them is yang mei—a fruit that resembles strawberry, pomegranate and cherry.

Summer Fruits Season

Summer Fruits Season

late May–September • food

Time to taste Asian exotic fruits: mangosteen, lychee, durian, pipa, and others

Crayfish or Xiaolongxia

Crayfish or Xiaolongxia

June–September • food

Summer in Shanghai is impossible without crayfish

Dumplings

Dumplings

all year round | major holidays • food

This dish has been popular in China since time immemorial

The Bullfrog Season

The Bullfrog Season

June • food

The tasty tender snack that resemles the delicate chicken

23 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Dragon Boat Festival

Dragon Boat Festival

out of rangeJune 10, 2024 • event

Also known as Duanwu Festival, the event shows the real Chinese dragons

Qingming Festival (Taqing Festival)

Qingming Festival (Taqing Festival)

out of rangeApril 4–April 5 • event

Immerse yourself into a strange combination of sadness and happiness

Shanghai International Film Festival

Shanghai International Film Festival

unconfirmedJune 9–18, 2023 • event

One of the biggest cinematographic events in Asia and one of the fastest growing international film festivals in the world

Shanghai International Marathon

Shanghai International Marathon

out of rangeNovember 26, 2023 • event

The city welcomes you to take part in one of the most attended sporting events of the year

Formula 1

Formula 1

out of rangeApril 19-21, 2024 • event

The Chinese Formula One Grand Prix offers spectacular races with incredible amount of adrenaline!

Peach Blossom

Peach Blossom

out of rangelate March–mid-April • nature

What can be better than enjoying the peach trees blossom while getting to know more about the Chinese culture?

Mid-Autumn Festival

Mid-Autumn Festival

out of rangeSeptember 17, 2024 • event

One of the biggest harvest events in China that gives an insight into traditional moon ceremonies

Laba Festival

Laba Festival

out of rangeDecember 30, 2023 • event

The combination of a Buddhist holiday and a modern festival

Wintersweet in Bloom

Wintersweet in Bloom

out of rangeJanuary–March • nature

The flower with a similar name and similar appearance to plum is not real plum

Sweet Osmanthus in Bloom

Sweet Osmanthus in Bloom

out of rangelate September–early October • nature

These fragrant flowers symbolize the flavor of autumn and are used in various food products

Spring Festival or Chinese New Year

Spring Festival or Chinese New Year

out of rangeFebruary 10, 2024 • event

Shanghai is one of the greatest places to experience the traditionally flamboyant and colourful celebration of the Chinese New Year

Shanghai Tourism Festival

Shanghai Tourism Festival

out of rangeSeptember 10–15, 2023 • event

Feel China’s and world's fascinating culture, history and spirit during the Shanghai Tourism Festival

Double Seventh Festival (Qixi)

Double Seventh Festival (Qixi)

out of rangeAugust 22, 2023 • event

The Chinese equivalent of Valentine's Day falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month

Shanghai Comic Convention

Shanghai Comic Convention

unconfirmedlate November • event

For the true fans of comics and cosplays, the Shanghai Comic Con offers the perfect mix of Asian and Western entertainment!

Hairy Crab Season

Hairy Crab Season

out of rangeOctober–December • food

Hairy crab and pepper duck are the most awaited autumn foods in Shanghai

Longhua Temple Fair

Longhua Temple Fair

out of rangeApril 11, 2024 • event

One of the biggest traditional temple fairs in Shanghai displays ancient Chinese culture

Dongzhi Festival

Dongzhi Festival

out of rangeDecember 21–December 22 • event

A family-oriented celebration of winter solstice

Melting Snow at the Broken Bridge

Melting Snow at the Broken Bridge

out of rangeDecember–early March • nature

Learn a touching and beautiful love story behind its name and appreciate the misty scenery of West Lake

Jiuniang

Jiuniang

out of rangeDecember–February • food

Rice wine with high nutritional value and health benefits

Double Ninth Festival (Chongyang)

Double Ninth Festival (Chongyang)

out of rangeOctober 23, 2023 • event

The combination of the ninth day and the ninth month brings good luck, and the chrysanthemum is a symbol of that day

Grilled Oysters

Grilled Oysters

out of rangeSeptember–April • food

Are you still wondering when is the best time to eat oysters?

Mooncake

Mooncake

out of rangeSeptember 29, 2023 • food

The treat of the Mid-Autumn festival that is also the perfect gift.

Stuffed Lotus Root

Stuffed Lotus Root

out of rangeOctober • food

One of our favorite sweet street foods!

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