Shanghai – Explore China’s Biggest City

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM SHANGHAI

Shanghai is a bustling and modern city with incredible culture, history, people, and food! In fact, there is so much to see and do here. From the city lights and hopping bars, to local markets and peaceful gardens, this city truly has something for everyone.

Need to Know:

Currency: Renminbi (RMB) also called yuan (Check conversion rate here)

Language: Mandarin Chinese

Airports:

PVD – Shanghai Pudong

SHA – Shanghai Hongqiao

WUX – Sunan Shuofang

Electrical Outlets: 220V supply voltage and 50Hz, with A, C, and I plugs

Planning Your Trip

Accommodation – Shanghai offers a wide variety of great hotels, including all the major international chains. On a previous trip, I stayed at the Westin Bund Center, which was in an amazing location. It was within walking distance of the Bund and so many other fantastic sights. I also enjoyed my stay at the St. Regis Shanghai Jingan. This hotel is in a fun area of the city, a little further from the Bund but still close to the metro and many cool restaurants.

Getting Around:

Metro – The Shanghai Metro is so efficient and easy to use. For navigating, I recommend using Apple Maps or MetroMan. Pay attention to the entrances and exits you’re supposed to use. I recommend downloading the Alipay app, then on the transport tab, select metro and get your QR code set up. This is the easiest way to pay for metros. Note that the Alipay pay/receive QR code does not work here – you need to set up the metro QR code.

Didi – Didi is China’s version of Uber. You can download the Didi app, or even use Didi directly in Alipay. Didi works great all over China.

Using Maps – The english maps and addresses do not work great in China. I mostly used Apple maps, but was navigated to the completely wrong place a few times. It’s best if you have the address of your destination in Chinese.

Getting Around from Airport to Downtown:

Maglev – Follow signs for the Maglev train and you can take this train to Longyang Road Station in Shanghai. You can then transfer to the metro to get to your final destination. You can purchase tickets at ticket windows or machines at the airport or Longyang Road station.

Didi – Follow the signs for ride-hailing or designated pick-up zones. I recommend waiting until you get to the zone to hail a Didi. This way your pickup location will be accurate on the app.

Entry Requirements – Most visitors will need a visa to visit China. U.S. citizens can apply for a visa here.

Top Things to Do in Shanghai:

XinTianDi: Formerly the neighborhood of old Shikumen, now a popular spot among expats and tourists to enjoy upscale dining and shopping. You will definitely find some American food here, so it is not the best location if you are looking to enjoy Chinese food or culture.

The Bund: The Bund offers that classic Shanghai skyline view. It’s a waterfront walking area where you’ll see everyone from locals on a morning stroll to bustling tour groups. It’s definitely worth a visit for this iconic view.

For an even better experience, be sure to check out the city lights early in the evening, as they turn off at 10 PM. You can also take a one-hour night boat tour for some awesome views from the water.

Yu Garden: This Chinese garden is located in the northeast of the Old City of Shanghai. It is the famous home of the Yuxinting Teahouse, which is now a small tea house with a small souvenir section, mostly used by older men of the community. The main attraction is the winding walkways over the water and the connected bazaar where you can find just about any souvenir you would need from tacky chopsticks to local art.

Nanjing Road: The pedestrian strip down the city center is one of the world’s busiest shopping streets. The eastern part of Nanjing Road is the main shopping area. It is worth walking down this bustling street to check out the shops and people watch.

People’s Park: This Shanghai park is famously known for its marriage market (pictured above) where parents bring descriptions of their children trying to find them a suitable partner for marriage. Usually the parents are here without the child’s permission due to differences in expectations regarding marriage. Take a stroll through the park to see the winding paths of umbrellas, observe the games of Mahjong being had, and take in the greenery.

Jing’an Temple: This Buddhist temple on West Nanjing Road is easy to spot with its shiny gold roofs and large infrastructure standing above the rest. There are markets surrounding the temple, as well as a large mall. This is a nice area to walk around, grab a bubble tea, and peruse the markets.

Tianzifang: Transformed from residential factories into an artsy shopping and bars district, Tianzifang is a great destination while in Shanghai. I was on the hunt for a painted teacup and that mission was fulfilled in the shops on the winding streets of Tianzifang. Slightly hidden away in the alleys, this a newer destination in Shanghai.

Fake Markets:The largest fake market in Shanghai is beneath the Science and Technology Museum, connected to the metro station. Be warned, the products are all fake, no matter what they claim. That being said, you can negotiate your way to a solid price for some decent items. The sellers can be very persistent, so be firm on your price or if you are not interested.

Top Experiences in Shanghai:

Eat Peking Duck A delicious delicacy - you have to try peking duck when in China! The duck is so tender it just melts in your mouth, and you should have it with all kinds of sides to compliment.

Try Hot Pot Another delicious meal in China - classic hot pot! There are so many different styles of hot pot, so do a little research and find out which kind you want to try.

Get a Massage There are tons of massage options in Shanghai. I love a combo foot massage and full body. I've tried a few places in Shanghai and they've all been good. Usually it is the kind of massage where you wear a robe/clothes they provide for the massage.

Buy Tea China is known for its incredible tea - so make sure you try some teas and buy some to bring back home.

Get a coffee on the bund I stopped at REI Flower Coffee Bar and got a refreshing grapefruit espresso spritzer. I was there on a hot and humid day in June - so this hit the spot!

Vue Bar For a spectacular view of the Bund, check out the Vue Bar. This awesome rooftop bar is on top of the Hyatt on the Bund and offers incredible views of the river's turn. There is a cover charge to get in, but it is applied to your drink tab. I would also recommend making a reservation if you can.