上海 · China
Shanghai
Shanghai is China's financial engine and most international city — the best student city for business careers and internships, and the easiest Chinese megacity for foreigners to live in. Plan on the highest living costs in the country.
$500–900
student / month
$70–160
traveller / day
March–May and October–November (mild, blossom or autumn light; skip humid July–August)
best time to visit
Highlights
What the city is for
The Bund & Pudong skyline
Colonial riverfront on one bank, neon tower forest on the other — walk it at dusk, then cross by ferry for ¥2.
Yu Garden & the old city
Ming-dynasty gardens, teahouses and the bazaar quarter — arrive at opening time before the crowds.
Water towns
Zhujiajiao and Qibao: canal streets and stone bridges within an hour of downtown.
The student quarter
Yangpu district (Fudan, SJTU areas) and the French Concession cafés that double as study rooms.
Shanghai has no Great Wall and no imperial palace — its theatre is commerce. The skyline on the Huangpu changes by the year, the metro is one of the world’s largest and cleanest, and the city treats international residents as routine rather than spectacle. Students come for Fudan, SJTU and the internship economy; travellers for the skyline, the food and the art deco streets.
City FAQ
Common questions
Is Shanghai good for international students?
Arguably the easiest soft landing in China: English signage, foreign-card-friendly payments, huge international community, and internship access unmatched anywhere else in the country.
How much does a student spend per month in Shanghai?
US$500–900 covers most students: dorm US$100–180/month, canteen and street food, metro, and a social budget. Add more for French Concession apartment living.
Ready to make your move?
Start with a free consultation today. No commitment — just a clear answer on what your next step looks like.
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- +91 96330 61109
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- Mon–Sat, 9:00–18:00 IST
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