Weather: During December the weather becomes cold and windy. The average high and low temperatures are 11 °C and 2 °C. Although it is not usual, it may snow this month.
Clothing: Bring warm clothes such as a down jacket, a sweater, a hat, and gloves to stay warm.
Best Things to Do in Shanghai in December
Though it is a low travel season, the cool dry weather of December is ideal for touring Shanghai. Until the middle of the month, the city parks still have their colorful leaves and natural fall beauty for you to see.
Golden leaves at Yuyuan GardenEnjoy a Lemon-Yellow Autumn in Shanghai
The yellow Gingko leaves stay out bright and flashy until the middle of December. These trees are native to China, and their leaves look brilliant against a blue sky. Chinese people also eat the seeds, and the leaves make a medicinal tea.
Gingko trees are a favorite Chinese garden tree, and you'll enjoy finding their distinctive color in several of the city's parks. See the Best Places To See Fall Foliage in China.
Enjoy Christmas at Xintiandi
At the fashionable shopping area with a European style, you can enjoy a Christmas meal and do some Christmas shopping amid Christmas decorations and lights. Read more on Christmas in Shanghai
The original buildings date from the time of the International Settlement, and you'll discover surprising Western-style restaurants and cafes tucked away in the original European-style interiors.
See Pudong
The skyscrapers at Pudong New DistrictYou'll see the lights and Christmas decorations aglow while shopping in the malls. Be sure to check out the Shanghai World Financial Center's mall and the 100th floor observation deck (474 meters, 1,555 feet).
Tour and shop at the Shanghai World Financial Center:
- 1,614 feet (492 meters), 101 floors
- 100th floor observation deck
Until the Shanghai Tower opens in 2014, it is the highest building in Shanghai. You can also see the nearby 88-story Jin Mao Tower. These three skyscrapers sit in a cluster next to the Pudong River in the Lujiazui financial district.
For wealthy tourists, there is a Hyatt Regency luxury hotel. You'll find bars and restaurants in the Hyatt Regency between floors 79 to 93.
Winter activities: Shanghai is not a city for ski lovers, and there are no ski resorts in the area. Travelers who want to hit the slopes may go to Beijing or further onto Harbin. Also read Where to Travel in China in December.
Visiting Shanghai in December: Important Travel Tips and Popular Tours
December is in the low season.
December is a low travel month, but the fall foliage and the cool dry weather of early December is good to see the sights of Shanghai. You can take advantage of lower room rates. Let us help you book flights and train tickets.
If you do not like the tours listed below, tell us what sort of accommodation, modes of travel, and sightseeing options you prefer, and we'll tailor-make a tour for you.