Your 2025 Guide to Golf in Shanghai: Top Courses and Travel Advice

Planning a Shanghai golf trip? This guide will help you make the most of your trip, whether you’re after championship courses, an urban adventure, or just want a stress-free, laid-back getaway. From where to play and where to stay to practical tips and local experiences, here’s everything you need to golf in Shanghai, one of Asia’s most vibrant metropolises.

General weather and best time to golf in Shanghai

Shanghai is located in southeastern China, bordering the South China Sea and the Yangtze River. Therefore, the weather here is influenced by a humid temperate climate with four distinct seasons. If you are planning a golf vacation here, understanding the characteristics of each season will help you choose the most suitable time to play.

• Spring (March – May): The spring weather here is quite warm and dry with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F–77°F). Especially at this time, the natural landscape is extremely brilliant and romantic with rows of flowers blooming all over the city. This time is quite suitable for outdoor activities such as golfing or sightseeing. However, early spring can be wet and a bit windy, so check the weather before playing.
• Summer (June – August): Summer in Shanghai lasts 3 months with an average temperature of 35°C (95°F), with some days even hotter in July and August. There may be rain or storms in late summer, making the weather even hotter and muggy. So if you plan to play golf during this time, choose to play in the morning or evening to avoid dehydration and heatstroke.
• Autumn (September – November): This is the best time to play golf in Shanghai. At this time, the weather is in autumn so it is quite cool, sunny, the morning is a bit chilly at noon and the afternoon is still bright and warm. However, this is the peak season for both golfing and tourism here, so book your service at least 1 month in advance.
• Winter (December – February): Winter here is characterized by cold, dry weather with temperatures dropping sharply from 4°C to 12°C (39°F–54°F). Some courses may have dormant grass or light frost early in the day, but golf is still possible on clearer days, especially for those who don’t mind layering.

Best golf courses in Shanghai

Sheshan International Golf Club

Sheshan International Golf Club is known as one of the world’s leading golf courses, regularly hosting prestigious tournaments and is an ideal destination for every golfer when coming to Shanghai. Built from a giant mountain, the course has many valleys, high hills as well as deep pits, creating challenges that are not easy for players. The harmonious combination of Chinese tradition and Western modernity has brought this place a wonderful beauty, making any golfer excited.

Shanghai Links Golf & Country Club

Shanghai Links Golf & Country Club is an 18-hole, par 72 golf course designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus. It is a privately owned golf course located in an upscale residential area, offering members privacy. The course is 7,121 yards long and has a classic links style, with flat terrain, stunning views of the South China Sea and Yangtze River, and numerous strategic sand traps and water holes. The course’s difficulty is further increased by the nasty crosswinds coming in from the sea. The course’s second hole, a par 4, is considered incredibly difficult, even making it onto the list of the most difficult golf holes in all of China.

Shanghai Binhai Golf Club

Shanghai Binhai Golf Club is one of the oldest golf courses in Shanghai, a famous golf destination for professional golfers. The 18-hole Lake Course designed by Peter Thomson, skillfully combines challenging bunkers, clear lakes, fairways and native plants, clearly showing the beautiful Links golf style. The new Forest Course is an 18-hole golf course in a quiet forest environment and combines natural beauty, bunkers and lakes, with a length of 7,105 yards and par 73. The peace and comfort of the space here will make your golf journey more perfect.

Lake Malaren Golf Club

Lake Malaren Golf Club is a highly regarded golfing destination, offering 36 holes of championship golf across its Masters and Forest courses. These open, predominantly green parkland layouts do not disappoint, with many attractive features and some fantastic holes to enjoy. The Masters course is the larger of the two and has hosted some of the most prestigious competitions such as the European Tour BMW Masters Championship. This Nicklaus Design course incorporates impressive bunkers as well as fairway-hugging sandy wastelands and water hazards. The open parkland has been crafted to create a links-style appearance, with longer greens often found on gently undulating mounds separating the wide, gently undulating fairways.

Shanghai Tomson Pudong Golf Club

Shanghai Tomson Pudong Golf Club is a large golf park in the city, integrating world-class golf courses, luxury villas and garden villas. In particular, the 7,400-yard golf course is famous for its obstacles, notably the one-meter-high “Great Wall” across the fourth fairway. The picturesque scenery and natural ecological environment of the garden have attracted famous Chinese and foreign guests, making it the best place for residence, sports, entertainment and social exchange for Chinese and foreigners in Shanghai. With this best location and modern management, Shanghai Tomson Golf Club not only provides excellent facilities but also offers a quiet and natural environment in this bustling metropolis.

> > > If you’re inspired to take your game to the next level in this vibrant setting, now’s the perfect time to explore our China golf tours, blending iconic courses with rich cultural experiences across the country.

What to do beyond golf in Shanghai

Explore iconic landmarks in Shanghai

Golf may bring you to Shanghai, but the city’s skyline will take your breath away. Don’t miss the chance to explore the iconic tourist attractions that will make your trip richer and more memorable.

• Oriental Pearl Tower: At 468 meters tall, it is currently the tallest TV tower in Asia and the third tallest in the world. It is the city’s most impressive and unique architectural symbol, offering visitors a 360-degree panoramic view of the city as well as interesting information about the tower’s architecture, through a multimedia exhibition.
• Shanghai Disneyland: this park is located in the Pudong area and consists of two main areas: Disneyland Park and Disney Town. With a European-style space combined with Chinese cultural characteristics, Shanghai Disneyland offers a unique experience for tourists of all ages. The park includes many themed areas such as Flower Park, World Tournament – Great Battle, Jurassic Park, Fairy Palace and Fairy Castle, with unique architecture and exciting entertainment activities
• Yu Yuan Garden: Yu Yuan Garden has a total area of ​​about 2 hectares and more than 400 attractions, this is a historical gem in the heart of modern Shanghai. Built in the Ming Dynasty and has existed for more than 400 years, this is an ancient outdoor garden, decorated with many elaborately decorated houses, statues, boulders covered with fallen petals and a large golden carp pond. Yu Yuan Garden promises to be an ideal place for you to enjoy the peace and learn about the history and culture of Shanghai.
• Shanghai Bund: Located along the Huangpu River, Shanghai Bund is a famous tourist destination, a symbol that has appeared many times in movies and literature. This place gives you a close-up view of an old Shanghai, with many prominent architectural works such as Broadway Building, Jardine Matheson, …
• Shanghai Film Studio: Chedun Film Studio (Shanghai Film Studio) is an interesting tourist destination, taking you back to the past of the Republic of China. This place recreates the atmosphere and style of the historical cinema years with ancient costumes. This is a space that records the most beautiful moments of Chinese cinema, especially the ancient genre, a perfect combination of technique and art. If you are a cinema lover, do not miss the opportunity to visit Chedun Film Studio when coming to Shanghai.

Savor its world-class cuisine

Shanghai is not only the center of culture and economy but also a culinary paradise, where there are unique specialties that captivate people’s hearts. Its delicious dishes are not only a symbol of Chinese cuisine but also a special feature that attracts diners from all over. Whether you’re wandering through a bustling street market or dining in an elegant restaurant overlooking the skyline, Shanghai’s cuisine is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy egg tea, steamed buns, xiao long bao, fried buns, noodles, eight-treasure stewed duck, etc. when traveling to this city.

Take a sightseeing cruise on the Huangpu River

To enjoy the full beauty of Shanghai, start your journey of discovery with a cruise on the Huangpu River. From Shiliupu Wharf, located south of the Bund, the cruise will take you on a magical journey where the ancient and the modern meet, creating a wonderful picture. The evening cruise will take you into the sparkling world of Shanghai’s fascinating night lights. You can explore all the famous skyscrapers of Pudong, including the Shanghai Tower, the World Financial Center and the Pearl Tower, as well as other famous architectural and cultural masterpieces.

Enjoy shopping on Nanjing Road

Nanjing Road is the oldest and most famous commercial street in Shanghai. Once here, you will embark on an impressive shopping and discovery journey with over 600 shops along the Huangpu River. You can see the latest collections from all over the world as well as traditional handicrafts. This commercial street promises to satisfy all tastes and suit your budget.

> > > If you’re looking to combine exceptional golf with immersive travel experiences, our Shanghai and Zhejiang 12 Days 11 Nights Golf Tour is the perfect way to explore the region’s best courses and cultural treasures in one seamless journey.

Estimated costs for a Shanghai golf trip

On-course fees

Golfing in Shanghai is considered quite expensive compared to other areas in Asia. but the experience is worth it, with world-class golf courses and excellent service. The cost of renting a golf course ranges from $160-$220 per round, especially Sheshan International Golf Club, the best golf course in the region, has a higher rental fee, around $250-$270 per round. In addition to the cost of playing golf, you will also need to pay other additional costs such as caddies, around $30-$40 per round and golf carts, around $20-$30.

Accommodations

Shanghai is in the top 10 cities with the most expensive real estate prices in the world. Therefore, when planning the cost of traveling here, many people are worried about the cost of hotels. However, in reality, room rates in Shanghai are relatively affordable compared to many other cities. A 4-star hotel in the city center costs only about $100-$170 per night, offering comfortable modern accommodations, a varied breakfast, and a convenient location for exploring tourist attractions and getting around. If you are looking for something more luxurious, consider The Peninsula, Amanyangyun, or Waldorf Astoria on the Bund, which cost between $280-$650 per night, and offer top-notch amenities and views of the Huangpu River.

Transportation

Shanghai’s public transportation system is well developed, so visitors can travel by bus and subway when exploring the city to save money. In addition, other means of transportation such as taxis and technology cars are also very popular, with prices not too expensive compared to major cities around the world. If you are traveling to golf courses outside the city, you can also rent a private car with a driver for about $40-$85 per day, depending on the distance.

Dining and other activities

Shanghai is a foodie paradise with a wide variety of cuisines and restaurants at all price points. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around $12-$20 per person, while popular tourist restaurants will cost a little more, around $30-$55. This city also has many fine dining restaurants such as Ultraviolet, Fu He Hui, or Jean-Georges, offering unique, internationally acclaimed dishes for around $110-$170 per person.

Besides food, iconic tourist attractions are also not to be missed after hours of golf. Entrance fees range from $15-$30 per person, while Shanghai Disneyland is more expensive at around $60-$90 per person. In addition, shopping expenses will vary from person to person.

Some practical tips for your golf holiday

Here are some practical, traveler-tested tips to help you make the most of your golf vacation in Shanghai, from weather preparation to local etiquette and smart planning:

• Book tee times in advance: Shanghai golf courses can get very busy, especially during peak season and weekends. It’s a good idea to book tee times at least two weeks in advance to secure a spot. Many clubs will require referrals or booking through a tour operator if you’re not a member.
• Choose the right time to play: While fall and spring are the best times to golf in Shanghai, you should still avoid major Chinese holidays like Chinese New Year (January/February) or Golden Week (October 1–7). Prices may increase, courses and facilities may be crowded, and transportation may be more difficult.
• Plan your visit: After a round of golf, take some time to relax and explore the city. Shanghai has many great tourist attractions, so plan a specific itinerary and identify the areas you want to explore to save time and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Communicate with locals: Although English is more common in tourist areas, it is not always easy to communicate as some staff may not be fluent in English. Learning a few basic sentences in Chinese or using a translation app like Google Translate will make your trip easier.
• Use online payment apps: Alipay and WeChat Pay are popular payment methods in the city. You should prepare an international credit card or install these apps for quick and convenient payments.
• Prepare for the weather: Shanghai’s weather varies across the four seasons. In winter, bring warm clothes and thermal accessories, while in summer, cool clothes, an umbrella or raincoat are necessary as the weather is often hot and humid. Some clubs offer free raincoat rentals or strollers with rain covers, but it is safer to be prepared.

With this detailed guide, golf in Shanghai just got a whole lot easier. From teeing off on stunning courses to soaking up the city’s incredible food, shopping and culture, there’s so much more to a golf trip here than just the game. So grab your clubs, bring your spirit of adventure and prepare for a golf vacation you’ll never forget. Contact us today for a tailored golf itinerary, tee times and insider tips to make your Shanghai golf vacation smooth, stylish and memorable.

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