Shanghai – Explore China’s Biggest City
Shanghai is a bustling and modern city with incredible culture, history, people, and food! Honestly it is SO underrated. From city lights and hoppin’ bars, to local markets and gardens, there is so much to see and do in Shanghai!
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 – There are lots of great hotels in Shanghai, it depends on where in the city you want to stay. I’ve stayed Westin Bund Center which was in an amazing location, walking distance to the Bund and so many other great sights.
Another cool area is Jing’an – where I love staying at the St. Regis Jingan.
For work – I like to stay on the east side of the river in Pudong. The Grand Hyatt Shanghai is a great option.
Getting Around – I mostly used taxis and the subway system.
Taxis: Download the didi app and use didi to get around. There is also didi within the Alipay app. This is essentially the local Uber/Lyft and works great! Getting a didi at the airport is a little challenging. You go to the parking area and make sure you are in the right ride hailing area – then call a didi. They will pull up in a few different areas and they can be hard to find. You will definitely have to wait a while and probably chat with the driver in the app.
Metro: The Shanghai subway is surprisingly easy to navigate, even if you don’t speak Chinese. Download the Alipay app – click Transport – then set up the Shanghai Metro section. This will give a QR to use to get in and out of the metro stations. I mostly used Apple Maps to figure out my route.
Bikes: There are a few types of public bikes you’ll see around the city. I couldn’t get the yellow ones to work in my Alipay app, but with a little finangaling – I was able to get the blue ones to work. This is a great way to get around the city, and fun too! Just scan the QR code the “bike” on your Alipay app.
It is also helpful if you have the address of where you are going written out in Chinese characters. The maps and apps will work better this way!
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. We came here a bunch of times: eating at In & Out (Yunnan restaurant – not the burger chain), Karaoke, get a massage, etc.
The Bund: The is where you will find the classic skyline view of Shanghai. The Bund is a waterfront walking area where you will find anyone from locals on a morning stroll, to avid runners, to bustling tour groups. Definitely worth a stroll along the river for this iconic view. Be sure to check out the city lights early in the evening because the lights turn off at 10 PM. You can also take a one hour night boat tour down the river for some awesome views.
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. While this is a very touristy area, there are some really good little food stands and restaurants. We found some great Shanghainese beef noodles in one of the small shops.
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. The cost to enter Jing’an temple is 50 CNY per person. You can explore the beautiful temples, make an offering, and try to throw a coin into the a large, multi-story bronze incense burner/pagoda. Although not a traditional act, it is believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and wealth, essentially “buying” good fortune. 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. It has turned more touristy and trinkety in the past couple years, but still fun to check out.
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.
Longhua Temple: This is a huge temple grounds with a stunning pagoda, garden, and multiple temples. We spent about an hour wandering around the temples, saying hi to the cats, and admiring the stunning architecture and offerings.
Wukang Road/Anfu Road/Yongfu Road: This area is famous for many designer stores, concept boutiques, cafes, and galleries. The shops here usually have a strong sense of design and offer unique products. Some of our favorite stops were Gathering Café (集雅), To Summer (观夏). We stopped in Apoli Itabakery (Harry Potter vibes pastry shop) and 13DE MARZO (Cafe where drinks come with a teddy bear) – which you’ll see all over social media. They did look good but the lines were CRAZY.
Julu Road/Fumin Road/Changle Road: This area is full of bourgeois charm, with many speciality shops hidden in old villas, many of which sell independent designs, handicrafts, vintage clothing, and more. Some of our favorite stops near here are SLAB TOWN石板城咖啡 (coffee shop), Hitable pottery shop (No.241 Fumin Rd),
1000 Trees & Shanghai M50: While the architecture of 1000 Trees is visually stunning from the outside, there is very little to actually do inside, so I wouldn’t recommend a dedicated trip just for the photo. Nearby M50 Creative Space offers a cool industrial vibe, but it’s only worth the trek if you’re a genuine art lover with specific galleries in mind to visit. Stick to a quick drive-by of the “mountain” unless you have a solid afternoon of gallery-hopping planned.
Top Experiences in Shanghai
1
Get a Massage
This is the first thing I book anytime I'm in Shanghai! There are tons of spots you can try. My all time favorite is Yu He Tang （裕和堂), under the Shanghai Center. My recommendation is the 60 min oil massage and 60 min moxibustion combo. Moxibustion a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy that involves burning dried mugwort near the skin to warm and stimulate acupuncture points. It doesn't hurt at all, it's very relaxing.
2
Karaoke (KTV)
A super fun and favorite pass time in Shanghai - be sure to do some karaoke! This can be a little hard if you don't have a chinese phone number since everything is on an app - but you can ask ahead of time! It should work if you have a WeChat.
3
Get a drink with a river view
Vue Bar is a great spot to grab a drink with amazing views! You will likely need a reservation and note that there is a cover charge. Flair at the Ritz Carlton is another option
4
Try Peking Duck
While this is a Beijing speciality - you should try it anytime you're in China! It is characterized by its incredibly crispy skin and tender meat, historically served to emperors. You eat the crispy skin with sugar and it just melts in your mouth! My go-to spot is Siji Minfu Roast Duck Shop (Hong Kong Plaza Branch). This place books out way in advance, so I recommend going at 4:30pm and put your name in queue. We did this and got in within about 20 minutes.
5
Get some hot pot
There are so many types of hot pot to try - but it's definitely an experience you must have when in Shanghai! Our favorite was Haidilao Hot Pot - we went to Da Pu Road Branch in Sun Moon Light Center. They specialize in beef hot pot.
6
Huangpu (Bund) River Cruise
This is a great way to see the city at night. Cruise tickets generally cost between CNY 100-300 ($14–$45 USD) per person for basic 50-minute sightseeing tour. You will find vendors selling tickets all along the bund. The basic sightseeing cruises have standing room only outside sections and some chairs below. You can pay extra to have an outside seat.
Our Favorite Bars & Restaurants in Shanghai
Peking Chamber (Siji Minfu): Originally from Beijing, this spot is widely considered to have some of the most consistent and high-quality duck in the city at a mid-range price. It’s always busy so I recommend showing up at 4:30pm and putting your name on the list if you can’t get a reservation.
Haidilao Hot Pot: Famous for its legendary service and high quality beef – this is the ultimate place to experience authentic Sichuan-style hot pot.
Sober Company: A unique multi-concept venue where you can move from a cafe to a restaurant and finally to Tipsy, a “secret” speakeasy accessible only to those who have “traveled” through the other levels. The food is pricey but quite delicious, and Tipsy is incredible!
In & Out Yunnan Restaurant: A beloved spot for fresh, vibrant Yunnan cuisine, serving up flavorful dishes like mint beef salad and wild mushroom specialties in a bright, welcoming space. There are multiple locations to try!
Bar No.3: Located right by the historic Wukang Mansion, this stylish, minimalist bar is the perfect place to enjoy a craft cocktail while soaking in the atmosphere of the French Concession.
BIRDHUT: A cozy neighborhood gem where the must-order dish is the comforting chicken rice paired with their perfectly seasoned pork.
12 Xi Simmered Soup Taizhou Cai (Weifang West Road Branch): One of my favorite cozy meals in Shanghai. A standout spot for Taizhou-style cuisine where the slow-simmered soups and fresh seafood dishes showcase the delicate, natural flavors of Zhejiang province.
Yaojida Iron Pan (Laoshan Road Branch): An immersive dining experience where hearty Northeast Chinese stews are cooked in a massive iron pan right at your table—perfect for a cozy group meal. The servers always bring the energy!
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April 13, 2022
