As China’s largest city and global financial hub, understanding where is Shanghai located becomes crucial for travelers and business professionals alike. This 2300-word guide will reveal:
- Exact geographical coordinates
- Strategic position in Yangtze River Delta
- Transportation connections worldwide
- Key landmarks with interactive maps

Shanghai’s strategic location at Yangtze River Delta (Credit: China Daily)
Shanghai Located
Shanghai sits at 31°14′N 121°29′E along China’s central eastern coast, bordered by:
- Jiangsu Province (north)
- Zhejiang Province (South)
- East China Sea (east)
The city spans 6,340 km² across the Yangtze River Delta, with the Huangpu River dividing it into Puxi (west bank) and Pudong (east bank) districts.
Shanghai’s Global Connectivity
As Asia’s premier financial center, Shanghai maintains:
- World’s busiest container port (Shanghai International Port Group)
- Two international airports (PVG/Hongqiao)
- High-speed rail connections to 26 provinces
Cultural & Economic Significance
Recent developments include:
- 2024 Shanghai-HK Co-operation Conference anniversary
- China International Import Expo host city
- Global bloggers’ favorite photography destination

As Tunisian blogger Amine Mouelhi noted during his 2024 visit: “Shanghai is a dreamland where futuristic skyscrapers harmonize with traditional shikumen architecture”.
“Co-operation between Shanghai and Hong Kong has reached new levels in finance and innovation technology.” – HKSAR Government Report 2024
Key Landmarks Coordinates
Landmark | Coordinates |
---|---|
The Bund | 31.2397° N, 121.4998° E |
Oriental Pearl Tower | 31.2399° N, 121.4996° E |
Shanghai Disneyland | 31.1440° N, 121.6570° E |
For real-time navigation, use Google Maps or Amap (China’s leading mapping service).
Transportation Guide
- From Pudong Airport: Take Maglev train to Longyang Road Station (300km/h)
- Metro System: 20 lines covering 831km (world’s longest)
- Taxi Tips: Look for “空车” (available) light on dashboard
Pro Tip: Download Shanghai Metro Official App for live updates.