The Shanghai Marathon is one of Asia's most prestigious road races, attracting over 38,000 runners to China's largest and most cosmopolitan city. The course starts at the iconic Bund waterfront promenade and takes runners through the heart of Shanghai, past towering skyscrapers, historic concession-era architecture, and leafy French Concession boulevards before finishing at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre. Shanghai is a dazzling megacity where East meets West in spectacular fashion.
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The Event
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | Shanghai Marathon 2027 |
| Date | October 25, 2027 |
| Venue | The Bund (start) / Shanghai Exhibition Centre (finish) |
| Address | East Zhongshan No.1 Road, Huangpu District (start) |
| Airport | Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) / Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) |
Late October in Shanghai brings pleasant autumn weather. Expect temperatures of 14–22°C (57–72°F) with moderate humidity and mostly clear skies — ideal conditions for marathon running.
The Venue: The Bund
The start line is located on the Bund (Waitan), Shanghai's most famous waterfront promenade running along the west bank of the Huangpu River. The Bund offers jaw-dropping views of the Pudong skyline, including the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and the Jin Mao Tower. The finish area at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre on Yan'an Middle Road is centrally located in the Jing'an District.
What's nearby:
- Pudong Skyline — The futuristic cluster of skyscrapers across the river, visible from the start line
- Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street — China's busiest shopping street, one block from the Bund
- Yu Garden (Yuyuan) — A classical Chinese garden and bazaar, a short walk south of the Bund
- Former French Concession — Tree-lined streets with boutique shops and cafés, along the course route
Important: The Bund area is closed to traffic from the early hours on race day. Hotels on the Bund offer prime viewing but expect strict road closures. Give yourself plenty of time to reach the start corrals.
Race Expo
The Shanghai Marathon Expo is typically held at Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center, on Bocheng Road in the Pudong New Area, along the Huangpu River. You must collect your race bib and timing chip at the Expo before race day.
When to visit: The Expo usually runs Friday and Saturday before the race. Friday is less crowded. Allow at least an hour for bib collection and browsing.
What to bring: Your registration confirmation email and a valid photo ID.
Getting there: China Art Museum (Metro Line 8).
Where to Stay
The best areas for the marathon are the Bund/Huangpu District (near the start) and Jing'an District (near the finish). The French Concession is also excellent — it's between the two and offers the best dining and nightlife scene. All three areas are well connected by metro.
Getting There
From Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Pudong Airport is located about 45 km east of the city centre, on the coast.
| Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maglev + Metro | ~50 min | ¥58 (Maglev) + ¥5 (Metro) | Maglev hits 430 km/h; transfers at Longyang Road to Metro Line 2 |
| Metro Line 2 | ~70 min | ¥7–9 | Direct but slow; good for budget travellers |
| Taxi/Didi | ~50 min | ¥180–250 | Convenient door-to-door; use Didi app |
The Maglev train to Longyang Road followed by Metro Line 2 is the fastest and most iconic way into the city. For convenience with luggage, a Didi (China's Uber) is worth the extra cost.
Public Transport
Shanghai has one of the world's largest and most efficient metro systems, with 20+ lines covering the entire city. It's clean, affordable, and easy to navigate with English signage. Most visitors won't need anything else for getting around.
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Single ride (metro) | ¥3–9 |
| Day pass (24 hours) | ¥18 |
| 3-day pass (72 hours) | ¥45 |
Buy a Shanghai Public Transportation Card (Jiaotong Ka) at any metro station — it works on the metro, buses, taxis, and even at some convenience stores.
Where to Eat
French Concession — Shanghai's most charming neighbourhood for dining, with everything from cosy noodle shops to Michelin-starred restaurants along tree-lined streets like Yongkang Road and Wulumuqi Road.
Huanghe Road / People's Square area — A traditional food street near the Bund with famous dumpling and noodle shops that locals have frequented for decades.
Shanghai Food to Try
- Xiaolongbao — Shanghai's famous soup dumplings, filled with hot broth and pork; try them at Din Tai Fung or Jia Jia Tang Bao
- Shengjianbao — Pan-fried pork buns with a crispy bottom and juicy filling; a beloved breakfast staple
- Red-braised pork (hong shao rou) — Tender pork belly braised in soy, sugar, and Shaoxing wine — a Shanghainese classic
- Scallion oil noodles (cong you ban mian) — Simple noodles tossed in fragrant scallion-infused oil; deceptively delicious
- Hairy crab — In season during October; the prized Yangcheng Lake variety is sweet and rich — a seasonal delicacy
Budget eating: Shanghai has incredible street food and small local restaurants where a full meal costs ¥20–50 (about $3–7 USD). Look for packed local spots near Yuyuan Bazaar or in the backstreets of the French Concession. Convenience stores like FamilyMart and Lawson have surprisingly good prepared meals.
Essential Shanghai Tips
Currency. Chinese Yuan / Renminbi (CNY / ¥).
Cash vs card. China is overwhelmingly cashless — most locals pay via WeChat Pay or Alipay. International visitors should set up Alipay (now supports foreign cards) or carry some cash as a backup. International credit cards are accepted at hotels and some upscale restaurants.
Tipping. Not customary in China. No need to tip at restaurants, hotels, or in taxis.
Language. Mandarin Chinese is the primary language. English is limited outside major hotels and tourist areas. Download a translation app and have your hotel address written in Chinese characters.
Weather in October. Autumn is Shanghai's best season — pleasant and dry. Temperatures of 14–22°C (57–72°F) with low humidity and clear skies. Evenings can be cool, so pack a light layer.
Safety. Shanghai is one of the safest major cities in the world. Petty crime is rare. The main concerns for tourists are traffic (pedestrians don't always have right of way) and scams targeting foreigners near the Bund and Nanjing Road (e.g., "tea ceremony" or "art student" scams — politely decline).
What to See
- The Bund — Shanghai's iconic waterfront promenade with colonial-era buildings on one side and the futuristic Pudong skyline on the other
- Shanghai Tower Observation Deck — The world's second-tallest building at 632 m; the observation deck on the 118th floor offers breathtaking views
- Yu Garden (Yuyuan) — A beautiful Ming Dynasty-era garden and surrounding bazaar, perfect for a half-day visit
- Tianzifang — A maze of narrow lanes in the French Concession filled with art studios, craft shops, and cafés
- Jade Buddha Temple — A serene Buddhist temple in the heart of the city, housing two jade Buddha statues from Burma
- Zhujiajiao Water Town — A 400-year-old canal town about an hour from Shanghai; a peaceful day trip with stone bridges and traditional architecture
Quick Reference
| Need | Answer |
|---|---|
| Airport | Pudong (PVG), ~50 min; Hongqiao (SHA), ~30 min from venue |
| Venue | The Bund (start) / Exhibition Centre (finish) |
| Nearest station | Nanjing Road East (Metro Lines 2 & 10) |
| Transport to venue | Maglev + Metro or Didi from PVG |
| Currency | Chinese Yuan (CNY / ¥) |
| Cash needed? | Sometimes — set up Alipay for best experience |
| Language | Mandarin Chinese |
| Weather | 14–22°C (57–72°F), clear autumn skies |
| Tipping | Not customary |
| Emergency | 110 (police) / 120 (ambulance) |
Race Preparation:
- What Is a Good Marathon Time? — Percentiles from 1.2M finishes to set your goal
- How Weather Affects Marathon Performance — What race-day conditions mean for your pacing
Gear:
- Best Marathon Running Shoes — Data-backed picks for race day
Training Plans:
- Marathon Training Plan — Structured programme for every goal time
Also Racing HYROX in Shanghai?
If you're also training for HYROX, check out our HYROX Shanghai Travel Guide for venue info, hotels near the HYROX venue, and race-day logistics.
This guide will be updated as more event details are confirmed. Last updated: May 2027.