Beijing or Shanghai? 6 Key Differences to Help You Decide
Planning your first trip to China but can’t decide between Shanghai and Beijing? You’re not alone. These two cities are the most popular gateways into the country — both packed with unique sights, rich culture, and incredible food. But they offer very different experiences.
So if you're short on time and need to pick just one, this guide is here to help! We’ll compare Shanghai and Beijing across everything from attractions and food to vibes and day trips — plus include handy Klook experiences to help you explore either city like a pro.
1) Getting There & Getting Around
- Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and the newer Daxing International Airport (PKX) serve most international flights to the north of China.
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is your main entry point in the east, with more international business routes.
Klook Tip: Skip the hassle of navigating taxis and book private airport transfers on Klook for a smooth arrival in either city.
In terms of getting around, both cities have extensive subway systems. Shanghai’s metro is slightly more modern and user-friendly for English speakers, but Beijing’s system connects directly to many historical sites.
2) Cultural Highlights & History
When it comes to culture and history, Beijing and Shanghai offer two very different windows into China’s past — one rooted in imperial tradition, the other shaped by global influence and modern transformation.
Beijing: The Heart of Imperial China
As the capital for over 800 years, Beijing is the cultural and political core of China. Walking through the city feels like stepping into a living history book. It’s home to iconic landmarks such as:
- The Forbidden City – Once the exclusive palace of emperors, now the world’s largest ancient palatial structure
- Temple of Heaven – A UNESCO World Heritage Site where emperors once prayed for good harvests
- Summer Palace – A sprawling imperial garden filled with lakes, temples, and traditional pavilions
- Great Wall of China — One of the world’s greatest man-made wonders
The layout of Beijing itself reflects ancient planning principles, with symmetrical streets, historic hutongs (alleyways), and traditional siheyuan (courtyard homes) still preserved in many districts. It’s the perfect destination for travelers who want to immerse themselves in China’s dynastic and philosophical heritage.
Shanghai: Colonial Elegance Meets Futuristic Vision
Shanghai’s culture is shaped by a unique blend of East and West, tradition and modernity. Once a key international trading port, the city evolved into a cosmopolitan metropolis — and you can see that contrast in its streets and skyline.
Some of the top cultural landmarks in Shanghai include:
- The Bund – A waterfront promenade lined with grand colonial-era buildings, offering panoramic views of the modern Lujiazui skyline. Best enjoyed by cruise!
- The French Concession – A historic district known for its tree-lined streets, European architecture, and artsy cafés
- Yu Garden – A beautifully preserved classical Chinese garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty, surrounded by lively bazaars
- Shanghai Tower and Oriental Pearl Tower — The city's iconic towers that offer a glimpse into China’s futuristic side.
3) Food Scene
The culinary landscapes of Beijing and Shanghai are as rich and distinct as the cities themselves — each offering a different take on Chinese cuisine shaped by geography, climate, and history.
Shanghai: Sweet, Subtle & Sophisticated
Shanghai, in contrast, is known for its sweet and tangy flavors, a hallmark of traditional Hu (Shanghainese) cuisine. Thanks to its location along the Yangtze River Delta, seafood plays a larger role, and dishes often use sugar, soy sauce, and rice wine to create deep, caramelised profiles.
Some must-try dishes in Shanghai include:
- Xiao long bao (soup dumplings) – Delicate dumplings filled with meat and hot broth, usually eaten with ginger and vinegar
- Braised pork belly (hong shao rou) – Rich, melt-in-your-mouth meat with a sweet-savory glaze
- Scallion oil noodles – Simple, fragrant, and packed with umami
- Fried dumplings (sheng jian bao) – Local street favourites
Shanghai's street food markets, like Shouning Road and Huanghe Road, are buzzing with vendors selling freshly steamed buns, skewers, and seafood snacks — perfect for grazing between attractions.
Beijing: Bold Flavours & Northern Traditions
In Beijing, the food reflects traditional Northern Chinese cuisine — bold, savoury, and often wheat-based. Expect lots of noodles, dumplings, and hearty stews designed to warm up colder climates.
- Peking duck – Crispy skin and tender meat, served with pancakes and sweet bean sauce
- Jianbing – A savoury breakfast crepe filled with egg, scallions, and crispy wonton
- Zha jiang mian – Noodles topped with fermented soybean paste and minced pork
- Lamb skewers (yang rou chuan) – A popular street snack seasoned with cumin and chilli
- Tanghulu – Candied hawthorn skewers, often found at street markets
Street food in Beijing is more than just a quick bite — it’s an experience. Skewers, buns, and deep-fried treats line the streets of areas like Wangfujing and Nanluoguxiang, offering a deliciously affordable way to sample the city’s culinary heritage.
4) Day Trips & Nature Escapes
One of the best parts about visiting Beijing or Shanghai is how easy it is to escape the city for a day and explore something completely different.
Credit: Sergdid via Getty Images
Popular Day Trips from Shanghai:
- Zhujiajiao Water Town – Venice vibes, just an hour away
- Suzhou or Hangzhou – Classical gardens, silk, and canals
- Moganshan – Bamboo forests and boutique resorts
Popular Day Trips from Beijing:
- Great Wall of China – Mutianyu, Badaling, or Jinshanling
- Longqing Gorge – Stunning canyons and boat rides
- Cuandixia Village – Ancient village architecture
5) Shopping Scene
Whether you’re hunting for luxury brands, quirky souvenirs, or local crafts, both Beijing and Shanghai deliver — but in very different ways.
Shanghai: Trendy, High-End & International
Shanghai is often seen as China’s fashion capital, and it shows in its shopping scene. The city is filled with sleek malls, designer boutiques, and stylish concept stores. If you're into fashion, beauty, or tech, this is where you'll find the latest trends.
- Nanjing Road is Shanghai’s main shopping artery — one of the world’s busiest — with a mix of local brands, global chains, and mega malls.
- For luxury lovers, head to Plaza 66, IFC Mall, or Xintiandi.
- Looking for something more indie? Check out the French Concession, packed with curated lifestyle stores, vintage finds, and artisan goods.
Shanghai’s shopping is polished and modern, making it a paradise for those who love a good spree.
Beijing: Markets, Crafts & Cultural Finds
Beijing’s shopping scene leans more traditional, with a strong focus on local craftsmanship and cultural souvenirs. While you’ll still find major malls, what makes shopping here unique is the chance to take home a piece of China’s heritage.
- Wangfujing Street is a historic commercial strip, great for snacks, bookstores, and department stores.
- For traditional goods like calligraphy sets, tea, or silk, Panjiayuan Antique Market and Hongqiao Pearl Market are top picks.
- Want something offbeat? Head to Nanluoguxiang for quirky shops tucked inside ancient hutongs.
If you're looking for meaningful keepsakes or unique gifts, Beijing offers a more culturally rooted shopping experience.
6) Cost of Travel
Generally speaking, Beijing is slightly more affordable when it comes to food and accommodations — especially outside touristy areas. That said, both cities have options for every budget.
- Transport: Subway rides are cheap in both cities (~2–5 RMB per ride).
- Attractions: Many parks and temples have small entrance fees.
- Food: You can eat like a king at a street stall for under USD $5, or splurge at high-end restaurants.
For budget travelers, either city can work — just choose accommodation wisely and mix paid attractions with free sights.
Final Verdict: Which City Should You Visit First?
So, Shanghai or Beijing — which should you choose?
If you’re drawn to imperial palaces, ancient traditions, and the roots of Chinese culture, Beijing is the place to start. It’s a city that invites you to walk in the footsteps of emperors, discover centuries-old architecture, and dive deep into the soul of historical China.
On the other hand, if you’re excited by sky-high skylines, modern art, global cuisine, and a cosmopolitan pace of life, then Shanghai is calling your name. It’s the kind of city that blends tradition with innovation and offers a truly modern Chinese experience.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to choose just one.
Thanks to China’s efficient high-speed rail network, you can easily visit both cities in a single trip. The Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway connects the two cities in as little as 4.5 to 6 hours, depending on the train. With departures every 15–30 minutes during peak hours, it’s convenient, comfortable, and scenic — a travel experience in itself.
💡 Klook Tip: Book your high-speed rail tickets in advance via Klook to reserve your seats, skip the ticket lines, and ensure a smooth journey between cities
If you have 7–10 days in China, pairing Beijing and Shanghai makes for an unforgettable itinerary. Start in one city and end in the other — with two totally different but equally memorable impressions of China.
Start planning your China adventures with our 5-Day Beijing Itinerary and 6-Day Shanghai Itinerary:
![[Central] Shanghai Itinerary for First-Timers](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_550,h_356/v1742133755/tknb1gfmsqfjrolih0tc.webp)
Bonus Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Best time to visit: Spring (April–May) and Autumn (Sept–Oct) offer the best weather. Avoid China's Golden Week at all costs!
- Visas: Most travelers need a visa for China — check this list of countries that can enter visa-free in 2025
- Connectivity: Access Google, Instagram, and WhatsApp with this 5G eSIM. No VPN required!
- Apps to download: Here's a guide to apps you have to download before your first trip to China
Planning a trip to China? Get started with these guides:
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