Shanghai
China's largest city and financial center. Futuristic skyline, colonial-era Bund, world-class food scene, and a cosmopolitan international vibe. Population: ~25 million.
🚇 Getting Around
Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Hongqiao (SHA) both serve Shanghai. From PVG, the Maglev covers the 30-km route to Longyang Road station in 8 minutes for ¥50 (¥80 round trip). Metro: 21 lines, fares from ¥3 for trips up to 6 km plus ¥1 per 10 km; the Airport Link Line is priced separately, from ¥4. Eligible contactless bank cards (UnionPay, Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Amex) are accepted at metro gates for tap-to-ride. DiDi and taxis abundant.
💳 Payment
International cards are accepted in many hotels, malls, and restaurants aimed at visitors, but acceptance varies by merchant and small vendors may be mobile-payment only. Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted almost everywhere. Carry a backup payment method — a second card and some cash — rather than relying on one option.
Shanghai — Quick Practical Guide
Getting Around
- From Pudong Airport to City: Maglev → metro connection = ~30 min total. Or take Metro Line 2 directly (slower but cheaper)
- Hongqiao Airport: Directly connected by Metro Line 2 and 10
- Metro: The fastest way around Shanghai. Trains run late into the evening, but last-train times differ by line and station — check the current schedule from the operator before relying on a late journey
- Bund / Pudong: Cross the Huangpu River by ferry at the Bund — great views. Per the Shanghai municipal government, pedestrian ferry fares are ¥2
Best Itineraries
Day 1 — Classic Shanghai
- Morning: People's Square → Nanjing Road → Bund
- Lunch: Local Shanghai restaurant
- Afternoon: Pudong skyline walk (Lujiazui) + Oriental Pearl Tower
- Evening: Night cruise on Huangpu River (optional, ~$25)
Day 2 — Arts & Culture
- Morning: Yuyuan Garden + Old Town
- Lunch: Soup dumplings at Jia Jia Tang Bao
- Afternoon: Former French Settlement (walk the tree-lined streets) + Tianzifang
- Evening: Live house or jazz bar
Food — Shanghai Specialties
| Dish | What | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Soup Dumplings (Xiaolongbao) | Juicy pork dumplings | Jia Jia Tang Bao (cheaper), Din Tai Fung (nicer) |
| Shanghai Noodles | Thick noodles with soy sauce | Old Town alleys |
| Shengjianbao | Pan-fried pork buns | Yang's Dumplings |
| Hairy Crab | Seasonal (Oct-Nov) | Any seafood restaurant |
Shanghai-Specific Tips
- Tipping is not expected at restaurants, but rounding up is fine
- French Concession (Former French Settlement) area is very walkable and photogenic
- English is more widely spoken in Shanghai than most other Chinese cities
- Taxi tip: Tell the driver your destination's general area, not just the exact address — e.g., "Pudong, Lujiazui"
- Typhoon season runs July-September — check weather before day trips
- Shopping: West Nanjing Road = luxury malls; Tianzifang = artsy boutiques; Qipu Road = cheap clothes