Shanghai, China

Shanghai is the most dynamic and visually extraordinary city in China — a collision of Art Deco Bund architecture, futurist Pudong skyscrapers and the intimate labyrinth of the French Concession. The Chinese Grand Prix returned to the calendar in 2024 after a five-year absence and the Shanghai International Circuit is one of the longest and most technically demanding on the calendar. The city rewards several days of exploration.

For the seasoned traveller, Shanghai offers something genuinely rare: a city in active transformation, where the pace of change is palpable and the contrast between old and new is more dramatic than anywhere else on earth.

F1 2026: 13–15 March. March in Shanghai is mild (10–16°C) with occasional rain. Spring is one of the better times to visit — temperatures are comfortable and the cherry blossoms in Fuxing Park and the French Concession are at their peak in late March. Summer (June–August) is hot and humid. Book hotels early; the Chinese GP has a passionate local following and accommodation fills quickly.

Shanghai has one of the world's most extensive metro systems — 20 lines covering the entire city. The circuit is in Jiading district, north of the city; the nearest metro station is Jiading New Town (Line 11), about 40 minutes from People's Square. On race days, special shuttle buses run from major metro stations. The Maglev train from Pudong Airport to Longyang Road station (7 minutes, 431km/h) is one of the great transport experiences in the world.

The French Concession (Xuhui and Jing'an districts) is the finest base — tree-lined streets, excellent restaurants, boutique hotels in converted Art Deco buildings and the most pleasant walking in the city. The Bund area suits those who want waterfront views and easy access to Pudong. Avoid the business hotels in Hongqiao unless attending a conference.

The Bund — the mile-long promenade of colonial-era buildings facing the Pudong skyline is one of the great urban vistas on earth; best at dusk when both sides are illuminated. Yu Garden (Yuyuan) — a 16th-century classical Chinese garden in the old city, surrounded by a bazaar that is genuinely ancient despite the tourist infrastructure. The Shanghai Museum — the bronze collection and the ancient Chinese paintings are world-class; free entry. The French Concession — walking the streets between Fuxing Road, Huaihai Road and Wukang Road past the plane trees and Art Deco villas is one of the finest urban walks in Asia. Tianzifang — a Shikumen (stone gate) lane neighbourhood converted to studios, cafés and independent shops; best in the morning before the crowds.

Shanghai's food scene is the most sophisticated in China. Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) at Din Tai Fung or the original Jia Jia Tang Bao near People's Square are essential. Noodles at Yang's Dumplings (pan-fried). For the full Shanghai fine dining experience, Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet (20-course meal, 10 guests, single table — one of the most extraordinary dining experiences in the world; book months ahead). The wet markets in the French Concession on weekend mornings are a genuine window into Shanghai domestic life.

Shanghai is flat and walkable in the main areas. The metro is excellent and air-conditioned. March weather is mild but pack a layer for evenings. Air quality can be variable — those with respiratory sensitivities should monitor the AQI index during their visit.

Shanghai is a very safe city for visitors. Keep your passport (or a copy) with you at all times as ID is required by law. The emergency number is 110 (police) or 120 (medical). Travel insurance is essential — healthcare costs are significant for foreigners without coverage.

Take the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel (a deliberately kitsch psychedelic underground river crossing) at least once — it is genuinely bizarre and utterly Shanghai. Visit the Propaganda Poster Art Centre in the French Concession basement — a private collection of 5,000 Cultural Revolution-era posters that is one of the most historically arresting small museums in the world. Eat breakfast at a local Sheng Jian Bao (pan-fried pork bun) stall in the French Concession at 7am — the authentic version of what tourists are sold all day, at a quarter of the price.