Shanghai or Beijing: Which City Should You Visit?

Choosing between Shanghai and Beijing for a visit depends largely on what you're hoping to experience, as each city offers a unique set of attractions, atmospheres, and cultural vibes.

Beijing is the political and historical heart of China, offering visitors a deep dive into the country's rich and ancient past. On the other hand, Shanghai is the most outstanding modern and international city in China, blending western charm with urban development.

The Temple of Heaven in Beijing

Generally speaking, both Shanghai and Beijing are good for first-timers. You may find yourself more attuned to the atmosphere of Shanghai. Being one of the key hubs of foreign trade, Shanghai has also integrated aspects of Western culture into daily life. However, if you're more interested in Chinese history, you might prefer Beijing. The city preserves many historical sites that offer deeper insights into the Ming and Qing dynasties of China.

Dive deeper into the details, from the majestic palaces of Beijing to the scenic river walks of Shanghai, by reading further and finding out the difference between them.

Brief Comparison of Beijing & Shanghai

Beijing and Shanghai are two of China's most significant cities, each with its own unique characteristics and cultural identity. Here's a brief comparison highlighting some of their key differences:

Must-see Attractions in Beijing & Shanghai

Beijing and Shanghai each have their own unique set of must-see attractions, reflecting the cultural and historical differences between these two iconic Chinese cities. Beijing has more ancient remnants that reflect the rich history of China, while Shanghai keeps more European.

Beijing: More Traditional Architects

The Great Wall in Beijing

Highlights: The Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Summer Palace, and the Temple of Heaven

Most of the attractions in Beijing are related to the royal families and history of the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

• The Forbidden City: It was the imperial palace for royal families. The most representative palaces in the Forbidden City are the Hall of Central Harmony and the Hall of Preserving Harmony, where grand state ceremonies were held.
• The Summer Palace: It was a former royal garden by the Qing Dynasty royal families, particularly as a summer retreat. The palaces feature pavilions, bridges, corridors, and temples that are harmoniously intergrated into the natural landscape.
• The Temple of Heaven: It served as an altar for emperors in Ming and Qing Dynasties to perform annual ceremonies for good harvests.
• The Great Wall: Like the Forbidden City, the Great Wall is another outstanding landmark of Beijing. It was built for defending against invasions from northern nomadic tribes. Each section of the Great Wall consists of a series of walls, watchtowers, and fortifications stretching over 13,000 miles.

Generally speaking, each of the attractions costs about half a day to visit, so it's recommended to spend 3 to 4 days in Beijing. If you're seeking family fun, you may spend an extra day at Universal Beijing Resort, the first Universal Studios theme park in China and the fifth in the world.

For more information, please refer to Top 10 Attractions in Beijing.

Shanghai: More Modern & Western Buildings

The Bund in Shanghai

Highlights: The Bund, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower, Zhujiajiao Water Town

• The Bund: This is one of the landmarks in Shanghai, a waterfront area that stretches along the western bank of the Huangpu River and faces the modern skyline of Pudong district. There are 52 historical buildings in this area, showcasing a mixture of Chinese and western architectural styles.

• Yu Garden: It's one of the most famous and well-preserved traditional gardens in China. "Yu" means "peaceful" or "comfortable," reflecting Pan Yunduan, the owner of this garden's wish to create a peaceful retreat for his family.
• Oriental Pearl TV Tower: It's a 468-meter (1535-foot) tower located in Pudong, Shanghai, on the eastern bank of the Huangpu River. There are three observation spheres on this tower: the space module, the sightseeing floor, and the lower sphere, each providing you with a unique view of the surrounding area.
• Shanghai Tower: It's the tallest structure in China and the third tallest globally. The tower symbolizes Shanghai's modernity and economic power. Like Oriental Pearl TV Tower, it's also open to the public. You may take the sighting elevator to reach the top section and enjoy the view.
• Zhujiajiao Water Town: Zhujiajiao is a charming ancient water town located about 47 kilometers (29 miles) west of central Shanghai. It's famous for its picturesque canals, traditional architecture, and historic bridges and got the nickname "Venice of Shanghai." For more information, please refer to Top 10 Attractions in Shanghai.

Best Time to Visit Shanghai or Beijing

Temperature gaps between Beijing & Shanghai

The best times to visit Shanghai or Beijing are almost the same: spring (from late March to May) and autumn (September to October). During these two seasons, the weather is cool and pleasant. With the blooming flowers in spring and orange foliage in autumn as a backdrop, the views in Beijing and Shanghai are all beautiful to see, leaving you with unforgettable memories.

Weather Difference Between Shanghai & Beijing

1. Beijing is drier than Shanghai: Beijing is located in the northern part of China. It's generally dry, with low humidity for most of the year except during the rainy summer months. The dry air, especially in winter and spring, can make the weather feel colder than the actual temperature. So we recommend you pack a moisturizer when traveling to Beijing. Shanghai is a coastal city located in the south, making it generally more humid. There are rainy days in June and early July, so it's a good idea to keep an umbrella in your bag when traveling to Shanghai.

2. More snowy days in winter in Beijing: Not only is the climate different, but the four seasons in Shanghai and Beijing also show clear distinctions. In Shanghai, the city remains covered in green throughout the year, and it rarely snows in winter. In contrast, Beijing's winter often brings snow, covering much of the greenery. When spring arrives and the snow melts, everything starts to come back to life.

How to Get to Beijing or Shanghai

A corridor in Yu Garden

Both Beijing and Shanghai have two massive international airports.

• Beijing: Beijing Daxing International Airport & Beijing Capital International Airport
• Shanghai: Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport & Shanghai Pudong International Airport

These cities serve as popular entry and exit points for travelers to China. It's easy to arrive in Beijing and depart from Shanghai (or vice versa). Thus, consider visiting them both at one time.

There are many flights and high-speed trains between the two cities, making travel between them very convenient. Generally, it takes about 2-3 hours to fly from Beijing to Shanghai, while the high-speed train journey takes around 5 to 7 hours.

Here's a recommended itinerary that starts in Beijing and ends in Shanghai: 

Recommended Tour Itinerary

Great Wall to Modern Marvels: Beijing & Shanghai Tour 8 DAYS Explore This Tour

If you have a longer holiday or wish to experience more on your Shanghai-Beijing tour, consider adding the below popular cities to your journey. Alternatively, we can help tailor a customized itinerary to suit your preferences.

• Classic China Tour: For history lovers, Xi'an is definitely on the top list. As the capital city of ancient China a few hundred years ago, Xi'an is best known as the starting point of the ancient Silk Road and for being home to the world-famous Terracotta Army, which guards the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.
• Silk Road Trip in China: You may extend your trip to the northwest part of China to explore the Silk Road. The starting point of this Silk Road trip is Beijing, then you will head to Lanzhou first and go all the way towards the east to Shanghai, passing cities like Dunhuang and Luoyang. All these cities still preserve historical sites, relics, and cultural heritages, such as Mogao Grottos.

• China Tour with Colorful Yunnan: Combining your Shanghai-Beijing tour with wonderful Yunnan is another popular option. Yunnan is famous for its diverse culture, beautiful landscapes, ethnic minority groups, and famous destinations like Lijiang, Dali, and Shangri-La.

If you're interested in more details, simply contact us or write to trip@odynovotours.com. Our experts have a deep understanding of China and years of travel planning experience. They are ready to serve you anytime, anywhere.