Shanghainese food is not known for being the best in China! However, over the years Shanghai has become a city that excells at bringing together many different kinds of cuisine. This wonderfully modern and fashionable city has excellent European Continental cuisine in stylish restaurants such as "M" on the Bund and French, German and American cuisine are widely available here. There are a couple of excellent Indian restaurants in the Tandoor and Hazara. Italian, Indian, Thai, Mexican, Vietnamese and even Brazilian and Cajun cuisine are also on offer here and the style and decor in many of the city's best places such as Face and Ali YYs, is beautiful and unique.

Beyond the various cuisine of the world, Shanghai is a center for the culinary culture of China. Here, you can taste famous dishes and culinary styles from all over China. Bifengtang is a great chain serving delicious Cantonese cuisine. Beijing, Yangzhou, Suzhou, Wuxi, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Fujian, Chaozhou, Henan, Anhui, Hunan as well as vegetarian and Xinjiang cuisine are all available with exceptionally high quality and authenticity in this city. Shanghainese cuisine too can be very delicious and 1221 is a beautiful place to sample the city's unique dishes. Explore our dining index for the best that Shanghai has to offer.

Some of the best and most interesting culinary offerings one can find in Shanghai include: Nanxiang Steamed Pork Dumplings, Local River Crabs, Vegetarian Steamed Buns, Chicken and Duck Blood Soup, and Niangao with Spare Ribs.

Shanghai's world-spanning culinary styles, superior dining environments, cosmopolitan atmosphere and high quality of service make the city a haven for all those who crave variety and excitement on their plate.

Shanghai boasts one of the best transportation systems in China. As a major port city and the largest city in Eastern China, this is the major hub for the eastern region.

By plane:
There are direct flights to many international cities from Shanghai.Shanghai is the only city in China to have two international airports. Pudong is the new international airport and most international airlines now fly in and out of here, it is located 55 km from the city center. For detailed information about buses to and from Pudong Airport, click here. Most hotels also supply transport to the airport. A taxi should cost approximately RMB150.

The airport for most domestic flights is Hongqiao which is older, and located in the west of Shanghai, 15km from the city center. A taxi to Hongqiao airport from the city center should cost approximately RMB30-50. Public bus No.925 runs to the airport from People's Square. Most domestic destinations can be reached from Shanghai.

By train:
Shanghai is at the center of an important rail network and there are daily trains to Xi'an (17 hours), Beijing (14 hours), Kunming (36 hours), Guilin (26 hours), Qingdao (16-20 hours) and almost all Provincial capitals from which travelers can choose further transportation to their destination. There is also a train to Kowloon in Hong Kong (26 hours). There are also regular services to Nanjing, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Wuxi. For foreigners, train tickets can be bought at the ticket booking office in the soft seat waiting room. Most hotels will also reserve seats for you although they will make a small charge for this service. The main train station(Xinkezhan) is in the north of the city. The easiest way to reach the station is to take the subway to Shanghai Railway Station stop. A taxi from the station to the center of town should cost approximately RMB20-30.

By bus:
Shanghai boasts the most established highway system in China. Express ways has been constructed to link all the nearby provinces. The main long distance bus station is near the train station on Qiujiang Lu. Buses from here head to Nanjing (4 hours), Wuxi, Suzhou and Hangzhou and other destinations. There is also a new bus station servicing Shaoxing, Ningbo, Yangzhou and Hangzhou.

By boat:
Boat is a nice way to arrive or leave the city. Some of the Three Gorges boat trip ends here and there are good services by boat to Chongqing, Nanjing, Putuoshan and Wuhan. The main passenger port--Shiliupu Passenger Port is on Zhongshan Nan Lu. 1km south of the Bund, there are also several other passenger ports in Shanghai, these ports are usually far away from the city center. For boats from these ports, travelers usually still has to go to Shiliupu Port first for bus transfer to those ports. As a general rule, for long distance destinations this is a cheap but slow way to travel. For destinations closer to the city however  the train is more efficient. Schedule for boats from Shanghai Shiliupu Port

City transport:
Within Shanghai, the most convenient way to get around for the foreign traveler is a combination of the subway, LRT and using the over 50,000 taxis in the city. Shanghai also boasts a highly developed and complicated bus system.

The best time to visit Shanghai is autumn. The temperature during this period is mild and rain is less likely than in spring and summer.

Shanghai's weather is moderate (annual average temperature is about 15 degrees centigrade) and the seasons are not as distinct as in the North. Shanghai is characterized by a warm spring, hot summer, cool autumn and cold winter.

Shanghai receives abundant rainfall and the average annual precipitation is over 1000 cm. The "Plum Flower Rain" season (frequent light rain) is from from mid-June to early July with an average daily rainfall of 259 mm. During July and September, strong storms with torrential rain become frequent. However, it seldom snows in Shanghai.

Shanghai summers are hot and humid. July and August are Shanghai's hottest months with average highs of 27.4 degrees centigrade.

In winter, January is the coldest month, with a temperature average of 3 degrees centigrade.

All in all, it is best to go prepared with light clothing in summer and warm, heavy clothing in winter. Also, always prepare for rain by keeping an umbrella, but most hotels can equip you with one if needed!