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Best time to visit

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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.

29 things to do in Shanghai

Qingming Festival (Taqing Festival)

April 4–April 5 Event

Immerse yourself into a strange combination of sadness and happiness

Peach Blossom

late March–mid-April Nature

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

The Bullfrog Season

June Food

The tasty tender snack that resemles the delicate chicken

Longhua Temple Fair

April 11, 2024 Event

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

Hairy Crab Season

October–December Food

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

Spring Festival or Chinese New Year

February 10, 2024 Event

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

Dragon Boat Festival

June 1–10, 2024 Event

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

Shanghai International Film Festival

June 9–18, 2023 Event

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

Mid-Autumn Festival

September 17, 2024 Event

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

Formula 1

April 19-21, 2024 Event

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

Summer Fruits Season

late May–September Food

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

Shanghai International Marathon

December 1, 2024 Event

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

Grilled Oysters

September–April Food

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

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.

Mooncake

September 17, 2024 Food

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

Shanghai Tourism Festival

September 13–18, 2025 Event

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

Shanghai Comic Convention

late November Event

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

Crayfish or Xiaolongxia

June–September Food

Summer in Shanghai is impossible without crayfish

Dongzhi Festival

December 21–December 22 Event

A family-oriented celebration of winter solstice

Melting Snow at the Broken Bridge

December–early March Nature

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

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

Dumplings

all year round | major holidays Food

This dish has been popular in China since time immemorial

Double Seventh Festival (Qixi)

August 10, 2024 Event

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

Jiuniang

December–February Food

Rice wine with high nutritional value and health benefits

Double Ninth Festival (Chongyang)

October 11, 2024 Event

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

Laba Festival

December 30, 2023 Event

The combination of a Buddhist holiday and a modern festival

Wintersweet in Bloom

January–March Nature

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

Lavender Blooming

May–June Nature

The love associated flower composed a purple world in May

Sweet Osmanthus in Bloom

late September–early October Nature

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

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