Shanghai Cruise & Stay
"A wonderful blend of modern and traditional culture, Shanghai is one of the world's fastest growing cities."
Welcome to Shanghai
If you've ever wanted to take a little more time to truly explore a destination before or after a cruise, then one of our cruise and stay package deals could be exactly what you're looking for.
Nearly all of the top cruise lines cruise from Shanghai, so you've got plenty of choice who you decide to cruise with. If the cruise with Shanghai stay you want isn't shown in our list of cruise and stay deals below, then please do give our sales team a call, and we can put together your very own cruise & stay Smart Package.
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Shanghai’s history dates back over a thousand years. It was a vital trading port during the Qing Dynasty and became an international settlement in the 19th century. The remnants of its colonial past can still be seen in the architecture along the Bund.
The iconic skyline features futuristic skyscrapers, including the Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and the Oriental Pearl Tower. The view from the Bund across the Huangpu River is breathtaking, especially at night. Shanghai is a food lover’s paradise. Try xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), shengjianbao (pan-fried buns), and local seafood. The city’s culinary diversity reflects its cosmopolitan nature.
Weather in Far East
Things to do in Shanghai
The Bund
Stroll along the iconic waterfront promenade, the Bund, and admire the historic architecture on one side and the modern skyline across the Huangpu River on the other.…
The Bund
The Bund, also known as Waitan in Chinese, is a protected historical waterfront area in central Shanghai, China. It stretches for approximately 1.5 kilometers along the western bank of the Huangpu River.
The Bund was once the rich and powerful center of the foreign establishment in Shanghai from the 1860s to the 1930s. It operated as a legally protected treaty port and housed numerous banks, trading houses, consulates, and social clubs.
The area features 52 well-preserved European-style buildings, including Gothic, Baroque, Neoclassical, Romanesque, Art Deco, and Renaissance architecture. These structures reflect the city’s cosmopolitan past.
Facing the modern skyscrapers of Lujiazui in Pudong across the river, The Bund offers stunning views of Shanghai’s skyline. It’s a popular spot for both tourists and locals.
In recent years, The Bund has taken on new vitality. It now hosts chic restaurants, top-end shops, and bars, making it a vibrant destination.
Yu Garden
Explore this classical Chinese garden with its intricate pavilions, rockeries, and serene ponds. Don’t miss the bustling Yuyuan Bazaar nearby.…
Yu Garden
Yu Garden, also known as Yuyuan Garden, is a stunning Chinese botanical garden located near the City God Temple in Shanghai. It showcases traditional Chinese architecture, featuring rocks, trees, ponds, dragons, and zigzag bridges. The garden’s design seamlessly blends decorative halls, elaborate pavilions, glittering pools, pagodas, archways, and impressive rockeries.
Yu Garden exemplifies classical Chinese garden design principles. It includes rockeries, zigzag bridges, winding corridors, and pavilions. The layout creates a harmonious balance between architecture and nature.
Explore the elegant pavilions and halls, adorned with intricate wood carvings, colorful tiles, and delicate lattice windows. The Exquisite Jade Rock (Yu Linglong) is another famous feature.
Shanghai Tower
Visit the observation deck of the Shanghai Tower, the second-tallest building globally, for panoramic views of the city.…
Shanghai Tower
Shanghai Tower is a 128-story, 632-meter-tall (2,073 ft) megatall skyscraper located in Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai. It stands as the tallest building in China and the world’s third-tallest building by height to architectural top. Completed in 2015, it features tiered construction designed for high energy efficiency, housing separate zones for office, retail, and leisure use. The tower’s exterior was completed in summer 2015, and it officially opened to the public in February 2015. Its observation deck, situated at 562 meters (1,844 ft), offers breathtaking views of the cityscape.
Nanjing Road
Shopaholics will love Nanjing Road, a bustling pedestrian street lined with shops, boutiques, and department stores.…
Nanjing Road
Nanjing Road is the first and busiest commercial street in Shanghai, often compared to New York’s Fifth Avenue. Stretching approximately 5.5 kilometers from the Bund in the east to Jing’an Temple in the west, it attracts millions of travelers. This iconic shopping street offers a plethora of attractions, shopping opportunities, dining options, and cultural landmarks.
Shanghai Museum
Immerse yourself in Chinese art and history at the Shanghai Museum, which houses an extensive collection of artifacts.…
Shanghai Museum
The Shanghai Museum is a municipal public museum of ancient Chinese art, situated on the People’s Square in the Huangpu District of Shanghai, China. It houses an extensive collection of rare cultural pieces, including calligraphy, seals, ancient coins, and celebrated bronze artifacts. The museum’s exhibits span from prehistoric times to the Qing Dynasty, providing a comprehensive view of Chinese material culture.
Xintiandi
Explore Xintiandi, a trendy area with restored Shikumen-style houses, now home to restaurants, bars, and boutiques.…
Xintiandi
Xintiandi, meaning “New Heaven and Earth,” is an affluent car-free district in Shanghai that seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern lifestyle. Located in the heart of the city, Xintiandi encompasses both pedestrian-only lanes and motor traffic roads. Its unique character arises from the fusion of preserved Shikumen residences—distinctive stone gateways—and contemporary architecture. The area features trendy shops, boutiques, upscale restaurants, cinemas, and open-air pubs. It’s a perfect spot for leisurely strolls, people-watching, and immersing yourself in Shanghai’s captivating past and vibrant present!
Tianzifang
Get lost in the narrow alleys of Tianzifang, an artsy district filled with galleries, studios, and unique shops.…
Tianzifang
Tianzifang is an artsy area in Shanghai, nestled within the Old French Quarter. Unlike the more widely known Xintiandi nearby, Tianzifang retains an “organic and original” ambiance. It hasn’t undergone extensive reconstruction in recent years. This charming enclave features small craft stores, coffee shops, trendy art studios, and narrow alleys, making it a delightful spot for exploration and creativity!
Jade Buddha Temple
Visit this serene Buddhist temple, home to two exquisite jade Buddha statues.…
Jade Buddha Temple
Jade Buddha Temple, also known as Yufosi, is an active Buddhist temple in Shanghai. It was built between 1911 and 1918 in the style of the Song Dynasty. The temple houses two precious jade Buddha statues, which were brought from Burma by a monk named Huigen. These statues, carved from whole white jade, exude sanctity and vividness. The Sitting Buddha, adorned with agate and emerald, depicts the moment of meditation and enlightenment. The Recumbent Buddha lies in a ‘lucky repose’ position, showing the peaceful mood of Sakyamuni. The temple’s classical architecture stands out amidst the modern cityscape, offering a peaceful refuge for both Buddhists and visitors alike.
Restaturants in Shanghai
Scena di Angelo
Scena di Angelo, located on the 52nd floor of The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong, offers a delightful Italian dining experience. With sweeping views of the city and the Bund, it combines stylish decor, rich artistic elements, and traditional Italian flavors. The restaurant, relaunched by Michelin-starred chef Angelo Aglianó, serves Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on seafood. Guests can enjoy a semi-buffet lunch on weekends and dinner daily. The elegant ambiance and intimate setting make it an excellent choice for business gatherings or friendly get-togethers.
Salon de Ville
Salon de Ville, has transformed into one of the more ‘feminine’ areas within the Waldorf Astoria Club heritage building. Clusters of traditional sofa seating and china cabinets create an elegant ambiance. The color scheme features cheerful cabernet tones accented with gold, brown, and green. Guests can enjoy coffee, the Red Velvet Afternoon Tea (featuring the famous red velvet cupcake), or a glass of Champagne with friends. True to its name, Salon de Ville offers comfortable relaxation with stunning views of the city, including Pudong and the Bund.
YICAFE at Pudong Shangri-La
YICAFE, located in the Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai, is an all-day dining restaurant that offers a vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere. With 11 “culinary theatre stations,” it showcases a delightful selection of local and international cuisines. Guests can explore diverse flavors from China, Japan, the Middle East, India, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the western world. The market-style design features gourmet showcases and live cooking stations, ensuring fresh food is served. YICAFE’s buffet includes fresh seafood on ice, charcuterie, cheeses, and intricately prepared desserts by the hotel’s pastry chefs. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this unique dining experience promises an unforgettable feast for the senses.
Canton Disco (The Shanghai EDITION)
Canton Disco, located within The Shanghai EDITION, is a fine dining establishment that seamlessly blends modern aesthetics with traditional Cantonese flavors. The restaurant’s chic ambiance features sleek design elements, including geometric patterns and contemporary lighting. Guests can indulge in an array of Cantonese delicacies, from dim sum to signature dishes like crispy Peking duck and wok-fried seafood. The menu emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced locally. Whether you’re seeking a memorable dinner with friends or a business gathering, Canton Disco offers an elegant setting and a culinary journey through Cantonese cuisine.
Shanghai Nightlife
VUE Bar
VUE Bar, perched on the top two levels of the Hyatt on the Bund in Shanghai, offers an elegant and stylish fashion bar experience. From its vantage point, guests can enjoy breathtaking views of both sides of the Huangpu River—the historic Bund on the Puxi side and the vibrant Lujiazui skyline on the Pudong side. The interior features inviting wood floors, exposed brick walls, and cozy cushioned chairs. Outside, the patio provides stunning vistas, and at night, world-class DJs keep the energy alive while guests dance or even take a dip in the hot tub. It’s a must-visit for those seeking a chic and memorable nightlife spot in Shanghai!
Jazz Club at the Peace Hotel
The Jazz Bar at the Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai is an iconic venue where legendary jazz comes alive. Featuring the renowned oldest Jazz Band in the world, with an average age of over 80 years old, this historic spot won the Guinness World Record in 2005. Nightly performances transport guests back to the glamorous 20s and 30s of Old Shanghai. The intimate setting, dimly lit ambiance, and timeless cocktail menu inspired by the Jazz Age create an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a jazz enthusiast or simply seeking a taste of Shanghai’s rich cultural heritage, the Jazz Bar is not to be missed.
Events in Shanghai
See a Performance at the Grand Theatre
The Shanghai Grand Theatre is an iconic cultural landmark in the heart of Shanghai. It hosts a diverse range of performances, including opera, ballet, symphony orchestras, and art festivals. Renowned domestic and international troupes grace its stage, presenting classical operas, dance dramas, and vocal recitals. The theater complex consists of three main theaters: the Auditorium, primarily for large-scale performances; the Buick Theater, hosting chamber concerts and small to medium-sized dramas; and the Studio Theater, a versatile venue for various artistic endeavors. With its elegant design and rich artistic offerings, the Shanghai Grand Theatre is a must-visit for culture enthusiasts.
Peach Blossom Festival
The annual Peach Blossom Festival in Shanghai takes place across the city’s parks in March and April. During this time, thousands of peach trees bloom with beautiful pink-hued buds, creating a stunning floral spectacle. Notable spots to enjoy the blossoms include Gucun Park, where visitors can rent boats and explore lakeside paths, and Pudong Century Park, known for its dedicated blossom tree gardens. For a romantic stroll, head to Gongqing Forest Park, where secluded streamside walkways offer picturesque views. Whether you’re a nature lover or seeking a charming outing, the Peach Blossom Festival is a must-see in Shanghai!