China Trip Guides

Appearance

Exploring Shanghai: Your Ultimate Travel Guide ​

Travel Guide to Shanghai, China ​

1. Introduction to Shanghai ​

Shanghai, a bustling metropolis on China's eastern coast, is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and modern skyline. As the largest city in China, it serves as a global financial hub and offers an eclectic mix of Eastern and Western influences. From its historical architecture to cutting-edge modern structures, Shanghai is a city that never sleeps, promising visitors a thrilling journey through both its past and future.

2. Top Attractions ​

The Bund ​

  • Overview: The Bund is a waterfront area along the Huangpu River, showcasing a stunning contrast between colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers.
  • Highlights:
    • Architecture: Walk along the promenade to admire the neoclassical buildings, including the Customs House and the Peace Hotel.
    • Viewpoints: The best time to visit is at night when the skyline is illuminated, offering a picturesque view.
    • Activities: Consider taking a river cruise for a breathtaking perspective of both The Bund and the Pudong district.

Yu Garden ​

  • Overview: A classical Chinese garden located in the old city, Yu Garden is a serene oasis amidst the urban hustle.
  • Highlights:
    • Design: Explore intricately designed pavilions, rockeries, ponds, and lush greenery that reflect traditional Chinese landscaping.
    • Shopping: Adjacent to the garden, the Yuyuan Bazaar offers local handicrafts, souvenirs, and snacks.
    • Cultural Experience: Visit the City God Temple nearby for a deeper understanding of local religious practices.

Shanghai Tower ​

  • Overview: Standing at 632 meters, Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China and the second tallest in the world.
  • Highlights:
    • Observation Deck: The 118th-floor observation deck offers unparalleled views of the city and beyond.
    • Architecture: The tower's unique twisting design symbolizes the dynamic nature of Shanghai.
    • Sustainable Features: Learn about the tower's green initiatives and how it contributes to urban sustainability.

3. Local Cuisine ​

Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings) ​

  • Description: These delicate dumplings are filled with seasoned pork and a rich, flavorful broth, served in a thin dough wrapper.
  • Where to Try: Din Tai Fung and Jia Jia Tang Bao are popular spots.

Shengjianbao (Pan-Fried Buns) ​

  • Description: Similar to Xiaolongbao but pan-fried, these buns have a crispy bottom and are filled with juicy pork and broth.
  • Where to Try: Yang's Fry-Dumpling is renowned for its Shengjianbao.

Hairy Crab ​

  • Description: A seasonal delicacy, particularly in autumn, hairy crabs are known for their sweet, tender meat and rich roe.
  • Where to Try: Visit local seafood restaurants, especially along the riverside, to enjoy this dish.

4. Practical Tips ​

Booking Trips ​

  • Ctrip: Use Ctrip for booking flights, hotels, and train tickets. The app is user-friendly and offers a wide range of options.
  • Booking.com: Great for hotel reservations, especially if you're looking for Western-style accommodations.

Making Payments ​

  • Alipay: Widely accepted, Alipay allows for quick and secure transactions. Set up an account and link a bank card for ease of use.

Language Assistance ​

  • Google Translate: Download the language pack to use offline. It’s helpful for translating menus, signs, and communicating with locals.

Taxi Services ​

  • Didi: Similar to Uber, Didi is the go-to app for taxi services. It's reliable, with competitive prices. Ensure you have your destination written in Chinese.

Internet Access and VPN ​

  • Internet Access: Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels and public places. Purchase a local SIM card for mobile data.
  • VPN Considerations: Accessing certain websites (like Google) requires a VPN. Download and set it up before arriving in China.

5. Sample Itinerary ​

Day 1: Arrival and The Bund ​

  • Morning: Arrive in Shanghai, check into your hotel.
  • Afternoon: Explore The Bund, take photos, and enjoy a riverside walk.
  • Evening: Dinner at a nearby restaurant, followed by a river cruise.

Day 2: Yu Garden and Old City ​

  • Morning: Visit Yu Garden and enjoy its tranquility.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Yuyuan Bazaar for souvenirs and snacks.
  • Evening: Try local cuisine at a nearby restaurant.

Day 3: Shanghai Tower and Pudong ​

  • Morning: Visit the Shanghai Tower and enjoy panoramic views.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Pudong area, including the Oriental Pearl Tower.
  • Evening: Dinner
Shanghai Skyline

Note: This image is for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the exact location.