Shanghai

Shanghai Travel Guide

Table of Contents

  1. Getting There
  2. Where to Stay
  3. Places to Go
  4. Activities
  5. Food and Drink
  6. Transportation
  7. Things to Know
  8. Tips and Tricks

Getting There

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is the primary airport serving Shanghai. It’s a major hub for China Eastern Airlines and Air China.

  • From PVG, take Metro Line 2 to People’s Square Station.
  • Alternatively, take bus 325 or 968 from the airport to the city center.
  • If you’re flying into Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), take Metro Line 2 to People’s Square Station.

Where to Stay

Shanghai has a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets. Here are some popular options:

Luxury Hotels

  • The Peninsula Shanghai: A 5-star hotel located in the heart of the city, offering luxurious rooms and excellent service.
  • The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai Pudong: A 5-star hotel with stunning views of the Huangpu River and modern amenities.

Mid-Range Hotels

  • Shanghai Marriott Hotel Park View: A 4-star hotel located in a quiet area, offering comfortable rooms and easy access to public transportation.
  • Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Pudong: A 3-star hotel with clean and spacious rooms, perfect for budget-conscious travelers.

Budget-Friendly Options

  • Shanghai Hostel: A social hostel with dorms and private rooms, located in the heart of the city.
  • Ibis Shanghai Xintiandi Hotel: A 2-star hotel offering simple but clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable price.

Places to Go

Famous Landmarks

  • The Bund: A iconic waterfront area with stunning views of the city skyline and historic buildings.
  • Oriental Pearl Tower: A giant TV tower offering panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.
  • Jade Buddha Temple: A beautiful Buddhist temple featuring a rare jade statue.

Museums

  • Shanghai Museum: A comprehensive museum showcasing China’s history, art, and culture.
  • China Art Museum: A modern art museum with an impressive collection of Chinese art from the 20th century.
  • Longhua Temple: A historic temple featuring ancient artifacts and a beautiful garden.

Shopping Districts

  • Nanjing Road: One of Shanghai’s busiest shopping streets, offering everything from luxury brands to affordable streetwear.
  • Xintiandi: An upscale shopping district with high-end boutiques and trendy restaurants.
  • Zhongshan Park Market: A bustling market selling everything from souvenirs to electronics.

Activities

Outdoor Activities

  • Huangpu River Cruise: Take a relaxing boat ride along the Huangpu River and enjoy stunning views of the city skyline.
  • People’s Square: Visit this vibrant public square for shopping, dining, or simply people-watching.
  • Jing’an Park: A beautiful park featuring a lake, gardens, and a tranquil atmosphere.

Cultural Experiences

  • Shanghai Acrobatic Show: Watch an impressive acrobatic performance that showcases China’s rich cultural heritage.
  • Traditional Chinese Music Performance: Attend a traditional music show to experience the unique sounds of Chinese instruments.
  • Calligraphy Class: Learn the art of traditional Chinese calligraphy from experienced masters.

Food and Drink

Local Cuisine

  • Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings): Try these delicious steamed buns filled with pork or seafood at Din Tai Fung.
  • Jiaozi (Chinese dumplings): Enjoy a variety of dumpling flavors, from classic pork to innovative vegetarian options, at Jia Jia Tang Bao.
  • Cong You Bing (scallion pancakes): Savor crispy scallion pancakes with savory fillings at this popular street food stall.

International Restaurants

  • El Willy: Try authentic Spanish tapas and seafood at this trendy restaurant in the French Concession.
  • Mandarin Grill: Enjoy upscale dining with a focus on grilled meats and fresh vegetables at this modern restaurant.
  • Bao Bar: Savor delicious sandwiches and salads in a cozy, modern setting.

Transportation

Metro System

  • Shanghai has an extensive metro system with 14 lines covering most areas of the city.
  • Buy a reusable metro card or use WeChat Pay for convenient travel.

Bus Network

  • Public buses: Take advantage of affordable and frequent bus services across the city.
  • Bus Rapid Transit (BRT): Enjoy efficient, high-quality service on major routes like the Pudong Airport BRT line.

Things to Know

Weather

  • Shanghai has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons:
    • Spring (March to May): Mild temperatures and blooming flowers.
    • Summer (June to August): Hot and humid weather, perfect for swimming and water activities.
    • Autumn (September to November): Comfortable temperatures and stunning fall foliage.
    • Winter (December to February): Cool temperatures and occasional snowfall.

Safety

  • Shanghai is generally a safe city, but take precautions against petty theft and scams.
  • Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas like shopping streets or public transportation.

Tips and Tricks

Language

  • Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but many locals speak English, especially younger generations and service staff.
  • Download a translation app or learn basic Chinese phrases to communicate effectively.

Money

  • Renminbi (RMB) is the local currency, and credit cards are widely accepted.
  • Exchange your money at banks, ATMs, or currency exchange booths for the best rates.

Shopping

  • Haggling: At markets or street stalls, haggle politely to negotiate prices.
  • Discounts: Look for discounts, promotions, or loyalty programs at shopping malls and stores.