Parcours audioguidé pour visiter Shanghai

The best time to discover Shanghai runs from April to June and from September to November. In spring, you'll enjoy mild temperatures between 15 and 25°C, with beautifully blossoming parks and clearer air. Autumn remains the ideal season: blue skies, low humidity and pleasant temperatures between 18 and 26°C, perfect for strolling along the Bund or exploring the historic lanes. Summer can be stifling, with humid heat often exceeding 30°C and sudden downpours. Winter, for its part, brings a damp, penetrating cold, generally between 3 and 10°C. So to make the most of your urban walks, opt for spring or autumn.

For a first look at Shanghai, ideally allow four to five days. This lets you explore the iconic districts such as the Bund and Pudong, immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the former French Concession, and visit a few museums or temples. With three days, you can see the essentials of the major sites at a brisk pace. A week gives you the luxury of taking your time, adding an excursion to a nearby water town and truly tasting the Shanghai way of life. If you only have two days, focus on the must-sees in the city centre. The Ryo audioguide helps you make the most of your time with routes tailored to the length of your stay.

Shanghai has an excellent public transport network. The metro, with its many lines, remains the most convenient and fastest way to cross this immense metropolis. Stations are generally well signposted in English and Chinese. Buses complement the network effectively, though they can be harder to use without speaking Mandarin. Taxis are plentiful and relatively affordable, but make sure you have your destination written in Chinese characters. For short distances, bike-sharing is perfect for exploring the neighbourhoods at your own pace. Local ride-hailing apps work very well if you have internet access. Finally, some historic districts are best discovered on foot so you don't miss any of their charm.

Shanghai cuisine holds some wonderful taste discoveries in store. The xiaolongbao, those little steamed dumplings filled with broth, are absolutely a must. Braised pork in sweet soy sauce (hongshaorou) perfectly embodies the local flavours with its subtle balance between sweet and savoury. Don't miss the thick, tasty Shanghai fried noodles, or the freshwater hairy crab in autumn, a genuine local institution. Wontons in soup and beggar's chicken, cooked in a clay crust, are also worth the detour. For breakfast, try jianbing, those savoury filled pancakes sold in the street. Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy tangyuan, filled glutinous rice balls.

Shanghai has two international airports. From Pudong, the more distant one, the Maglev train propels you to the city centre in just a few minutes at high speed, a unique experience that then connects you to the metro. Direct metro lines are an economical and practical alternative, allowing about an hour for the journey. From Hongqiao, closer to the centre, the metro remains the best choice with direct connections to the main districts. Taxis and ride-hailing services are available at both airports, but budget for a heftier fare, especially from Pudong. Hotel shuttles and express buses round out the options. Always keep your destination address written in Chinese to make communication with drivers easier.

The choice of neighbourhood depends on your priorities and budget. The Bund and its surroundings place you in the historic heart with a spectacular view of the skyline, but rates there are generally high. The former French Concession charms with its bohemian character, its cafés and its plane-tree-lined streets, perfect for a more local atmosphere. Jing'an offers an excellent compromise between modernity and tradition, with plenty of shops and restaurants. For tighter budgets, Pudong offers more affordable options while remaining well connected. Business travellers often prefer Lujiazui for its proximity to the financial district. Xintiandi will appeal to lovers of nightlife and upmarket shopping.

Shanghai is brimming with fascinating sites that reflect its unique history and its dazzling modernity. The Bund remains the city's iconic image, with its colonial buildings facing the futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong. The Yu Garden, an oasis of serenity in the heart of the old town, transports you to traditional China. The Shanghai Tower and the Pearl Tower offer dizzying panoramas over the metropolis. The former French Concession charms with its shady lanes and its preserved architecture. The Jade Buddha Temple is worth the detour for its soothing spirituality. Don't miss Tianzifang and its artists' workshops. The Ryo audioguide accompanies you in discovering these wonders with fascinating commentary that reveals the soul of each district.

The water towns make for an enchanting getaway near Shanghai. Zhujiajiao, nicknamed the Venice of Shanghai, is just an hour's drive away with its picturesque canals and centuries-old stone bridges. Zhouzhuang, a little further out, magnificently preserves Ming and Qing architecture with its traditional houses with white walls and black roofs. Tongli charms with its preserved authenticity and its classical gardens. Wuzhen offers a more touristy charm but remains spectacular, especially in the evening with its illuminations. These towns are easy to visit on a day trip from Shanghai, by tourist bus or public transport. Plan to set off early to avoid the crowds and make the most of the peaceful atmosphere of these watery gems.