Stroller or baby carrier in Shanghai?

Shanghai is remarkably stroller-friendly for a megacity. It's completely flat, the metro system is one of the world's largest and almost entirely accessible, and modern districts like Pudong and Xintiandi have excellent infrastructure. Malls are abundant with good family facilities. The main challenges are crowds (especially at attractions), the language barrier, and some older neighborhoods with narrow lanes. Chinese culture is very welcoming to young children - expect lots of positive attention.

How Shanghai scores

Seven things that actually matter when you're pushing 12kg of baby + stroller through a foreign city.

Smooth Surfaces

20% weight

8/10

Flatness

20% weight

9/10

Public Transit

12% weight

9/10

Elevators & Ramps

12% weight

8/10

Family Facilities

12% weight

7/10

Space & Comfort

12% weight

4/10

Family Welcome

12% weight

6/10

Things to do

Activities that work with a baby

See all 5 →

The Bund & Pudong Skyline Walk

Shanghai's most iconic view — colonial architecture on one side, futuristic skyscrapers across the river. Wide, flat promenade.

FreeJust walk in

Shanghai Disneyland

The newest Disney park — less crowded than Tokyo. Pirates of the Caribbean is groundbreaking. Excellent baby care centers.

From ¥475/adultCheck availability

Yu Garden & Old City

Classical Chinese garden with rockeries, koi ponds, and tea houses. Surrounding bazaar has dumplings and souvenirs.

From ¥40/adultCheck availability

Shanghai's metro is modern and fully accessible — use it for everything. Disneyland needs a full day; book weekday tickets. The Bund is best at night.

Some links earn us a small commission at no cost to you. We only recommend things we'd send our sister-in-law to.

Where to stay

Neighborhoods that work for families

Best location

Hotel near The Bund / Nanjing Road

Walking distance to the Bund, Yu Garden, and Nanjing Road. Best sightseeing location. Metro Line 2 nearby.

$$–$$$Find stays →

Local pick

Jing'an Family Apartment

Central location with tree-lined streets, parks, and excellent restaurants. Jing'an Temple nearby.

$$Find stays →

Budget pick

Hotel in Pudong (Lujiazui)

Skyscraper district with river views. Near Shanghai Aquarium and Oriental Pearl Tower. Great value.

$–$$Find stays →

Stay near The Bund or in Jing'an for the best family experience. Shanghai's metro is cheap and stroller-friendly. For Disneyland, consider one night at the resort.

Beyond the city

Easy day trips

Zhujiajiao Water Town

Venice of Shanghai — ancient canals, stone bridges, and gondola rides. Much less touristy than other water towns.

1h bus

Suzhou Gardens (UNESCO)

Classical Chinese gardens and silk heritage. "Venice of the East" with canals and traditional architecture.

30min high-speed train

Hangzhou & West Lake

One of China's most beautiful cities. West Lake boat rides, tea plantations, and Lingyin Temple. UNESCO heritage.

50min high-speed train

High-speed trains make Suzhou and Hangzhou incredibly easy day trips. Book on Trip.com or at the station. Zhujiajiao is best on weekdays.

Quick answers

Yes — Shanghai scores 75/100 on our stroller scale. Shanghai's modern metro, flat terrain, and futuristic infrastructure make it Asia's stroller surprise - despite the crowds.

🧳

Travel Essentials for Shanghai with Kids

What to book before your family trip

🌆 The Bund — Free Waterfront Walk

›

Shanghai's iconic waterfront with views of Pudong's futuristic skyline. Flat, wide promenade — perfect for strollers. Free. Come at dusk for the light show. The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel (underwater light show train) across the river entertains kids.

Free

🚇 Shanghai Metro — Massive Network

›

The world's longest metro with lifts at most stations. Under-6s or under 130cm ride free. Clean, cheap (from ¥3/~€0.38), and covers the entire city. Get a Shanghai Public Transportation Card (deposit ¥20) for convenience. Avoid rush hours.

Under 6 freeFrom ¥3 (~€0.38)

💡 Tip: Shanghai Disney Resort is an obvious family draw — smaller and less crowded than Tokyo Disney. The Yu Garden area has traditional Chinese gardens and dumpling restaurants but is very crowded on weekends. Century Park in Pudong is the largest park with flat paths and boat rides. Download DiDi (Chinese Uber) before you arrive — regular taxis can be hard to hail.

Some links earn us a small commission - at no extra cost to you.

📱

📱 Stay Connected the Moment You Land in Shanghai

Navigating a new city with a stroller? You need Google Maps, translation apps, and emergency contacts working instantly — not hunting for a SIM shop with a tired toddler. An eSIM activates the second your plane lands.

✓ From $4.50/China✓ 200+ countries✓ Install before you fly

Get an eSIM for China

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.