What are the safest areas to stay in Shanghai?

The safest neighbourhoods for tourists in Shanghai include The Bund, French Concession, Jing'an. These areas are popular with visitors and well-regarded for safety.

What scams should you watch for in Shanghai?

Common scams in Shanghai: Tea Ceremony scam (often targeting foreigners, involves inflated prices). Art student scam (luring tourists to galleries with high-pressure sales). Fake goods street vendors (quality is poor, and haggling can be aggressive).

Areas to Avoid in Shanghai

Q: What areas should you avoid in Shanghai?

Industrial outskirts: These areas are far from tourist attractions, lack amenities, and offer little of interest for visitors.. Certain less-developed parts of older districts: While some older areas are charming, venturing into poorly lit, unmaintained alleys can be disorienting and feel unsafe, especially at night.

Q: Is Shanghai safe for tourists?

Shanghai is rated as "safe" for tourists. Most tourist areas are well-lit and busy. Exercise normal caution, especially if consuming alcohol. Stick to main roads and well-populated areas.

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|🛡️ Safe

Honest 2026 safety guide for travellers visiting Shanghai. Which areas need extra caution, common scams to watch for, and safe neighbourhoods to stay instead.

Last updated: March 2026

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Skip the risky areas. Compare hotels in safe neighbourhoods on Expedia.

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Shanghai is generally Safe

2 areas to be aware of · Best areas to stay: The Bund, French Concession, Jing'an

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SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.

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Quick tip: Most tourist areas in Shanghai are safe. This guide covers areas locals recommend avoiding.

Areas That Need Extra Caution

These areas are not necessarily dangerous, but travellers should be more aware

Industrial outskirts

These areas are far from tourist attractions, lack amenities, and offer little of interest for visitors.

🛡️ Stay here instead: The Bund

Historic waterfront promenade with iconic skyline views and grand colonial architecture.

Certain less-developed parts of older districts

While some older areas are charming, venturing into poorly lit, unmaintained alleys can be disorienting and feel unsafe, especially at night.

🛡️ Stay here instead: French Concession

Charming tree-lined streets with European-style architecture, boutiques, cafes, and bars.

Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Shanghai

Now you know which areas to avoid, here are the best guided experiences to explore the city with confidence.

Guided walking tour through a European city

Shanghai Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems

Discover Shanghai on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.

View Tour Details

Shanghai Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites

Eat your way through Shanghai with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.

View Tour Details

Best of Shanghai: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions

Skip the queues and get straight into Shanghai's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.

View Tour Details

Day Trip from Shanghai: Scenic Excursion

Escape Shanghai for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

View Tour Details

Local cultural experience and traditions

Shanghai Cultural Experience: History & Traditions

Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Shanghai's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.

View Tour Details

View all tours in Shanghai

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Stay Safe, Explore Confidently

Book a hotel in a safe neighbourhood or join a guided tour in Shanghai

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Stay in a safe neighbourhood

Compare hotels in Shanghai on Expedia

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Book a guided tour

Explore Shanghai safely with a local guide

We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.

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Book a Hotel in a Safe Neighbourhood

These areas are recommended by locals and popular with travellers

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The Bund

Historic waterfront promenade with iconic skyline views and grand colonial architecture.

Generally very safe due to high tourist traffic and police presence; be aware of pickpockets in crowds, especially at night.

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French Concession

Charming tree-lined streets with European-style architecture, boutiques, cafes, and bars.

Very safe during the day and evening; well-lit streets and active nightlife areas deter most issues.

View All Safe Neighbourhoods

General Safety Tips for Shanghai

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At Night

Most tourist areas are well-lit and busy. Exercise normal caution, especially if consuming alcohol. Stick to main roads and well-populated areas.

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Solo Female Travel

Shanghai is generally very safe for solo female travelers. Standard precautions like being aware of your surroundings and avoiding isolated areas late at night are sufficient.

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Emergency Number

110

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Stay Connected

Save your accommodation address and emergency contacts on your phone. Download offline maps before exploring.

Common Scams to Watch For in Shanghai

1Tea Ceremony scam (often targeting foreigners, involves inflated prices)
2Art student scam (luring tourists to galleries with high-pressure sales)
3Fake goods street vendors (quality is poor, and haggling can be aggressive)

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Travel Insurance for Shanghai

SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.

Get covered

Safe Neighborhoods to Stay Instead

These areas are popular with travellers and rated well for safety

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The Bund

Historic waterfront promenade with iconic skyline views and grand colonial architecture.

Generally very safe due to high tourist traffic and police presence; be aware of pickpockets in crowds, especially at night.

first-timerscouplesluxury

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French Concession

Charming tree-lined streets with European-style architecture, boutiques, cafes, and bars.

Very safe during the day and evening; well-lit streets and active nightlife areas deter most issues.

couplesfoodiesculture

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Jing'an

A bustling commercial and residential hub with modern skyscrapers, temples, and upscale shopping.

Very safe, with a strong police presence and well-maintained public spaces.

digital nomadsluxurybusiness travelers

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Pudong (Lujiazui)

The futuristic financial district with towering skyscrapers, shopping malls, and modern attractions.

Extremely safe due to heavy security and business focus; minimal petty crime.

first-timersbusiness travelersluxury

Safety in Shanghai

Safe

CautionModerateSafeVery Safe

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Solo Female Travel

Shanghai is generally very safe for solo female travelers. Standard precautions like being aware of your surroundings and avoiding isolated areas late at night are sufficient.

🌙

At Night

Most tourist areas are well-lit and busy. Exercise normal caution, especially if consuming alcohol. Stick to main roads and well-populated areas.

🚨

Emergency

110

Common Scams to Watch For