Shanghai (上海)
Explore 170 spots discovered from 22 YouTube travel videos.
Based on 22 videos
Popular Spots
Yu Garden
the Bund
Nanjing Road
Tianzifang
People's Park
Shanghai Tower
Jing'an Temple
People's Square
Lujiazui
Xintiandi
French Concession area
MINISO Land
Practical tips from creators in Shanghai
Helpful advice mentioned across multiple travel videos
Access blocked social media and Google in China with eSIM
Social media sites like Instagram, Facebook, and Google are blocked in China with typical Wi-Fi or local SIM cards. Airalo eSIM provides connection to local data networks, allowing access to these services. It can be set up before leaving for China.
Affordable Lamb Skewers
Lamb skewers are very affordable in China, costing about 6 yuan each, which is significantly cheaper than similar items in Australia where 5 skewers cost $15.
Affordable Prices in Shanghai: Metro and Convenience Stores
Public transport and daily essentials are very affordable in Shanghai. A subway ride costs about 3 CNY (approx. 0.43 USD), and drinks at convenience stores like 7-Eleven are around 6 CNY (approx. 0.85 USD).
Affordable Robot-Made Coffee in Shanghai
Shanghai offers numerous cafes, with some featuring robot baristas. The Earl Grey and Dirty Matcha coffee drinks are affordable (20 RMB each) and taste good, though the hot version might not be very hot.
Best Time to Visit Shanghai
The best times to visit Shanghai are from March to May and September to October for comfortable weather and fewer crowds. Avoid Golden Week in October due to high travel volumes. August is hot and sticky, while winter is quieter and cheaper for hotels, though temperatures are lower. Consider visiting in winter on a tight budget, but bring layers to keep warm.
Best time to visit East Nanjing Road
East Nanjing Road is a pedestrian-only street that becomes lively in the evenings with shops, street food, and entertainment. Visitors can expect to see performances like flag dancing and Tai Chi sessions in the early mornings.
Book Huangpu River Cruise on Klook
The Huangpu River Cruise costs about $15 on Klook for a 45-minute scenic nighttime experience. It is highly recommended for viewing Shanghai's city lights.
Book a private tour with a driver
Booking a private tour with a local guide and driver makes exploring China seamless, saving time on public transport or hailing rides.
Booking Taxis in Shanghai: Challenges with Didi/WeChat
Booking a taxi through integrated apps like Didi via WeChat can be challenging in Shanghai, particularly late at night, with multiple booking attempts potentially yielding no driver. Flagging a taxi on the street might be a more viable option.
Buy Shanghai Subway Tickets with Alipay QR Code
At Shanghai metro stations, tickets can be purchased using Alipay by scanning a QR code at the vending machine. Ensure you have mobile data to complete the payment.
Buy an eSIM for hassle-free connectivity in China
Physical SIM cards are not sold at Shanghai airport, making eSIMs a very convenient alternative. The eSIM.io app offers seamless activation, instant top-ups, and works in over 180 countries, automatically switching networks.
COVID test requirement for entry
China still requires a COVID test to enter the country, but it can be done at home.
Cheaper Airport Transfer Options
The metro and airport bus are significantly cheaper ways to reach Shanghai city center from the airport compared to taking a taxi. Metro costs around 8 Yuan (approx. $1.10) while a taxi can cost about 200 Yuan (approx. $27).
Check hotel eligibility for foreign nationals
When booking hotels in China, especially for budget or adventurous stays, not every hotel is allowed to host foreign nationals. Check on Trip.com under 'Guests Accepted' to confirm if the hotel can cater to foreign nationals.
Come early for restaurant tickets
The popular futuristic restaurant (No.3 Warehouse Restaurant) does not accept reservations, and tickets sell out quickly. Arrive very early, potentially at opening, to secure a queuing number.
Convenient Food Delivery in China
Food delivery in China is extremely convenient, quick, and ideal for saving time, such as ordering breakfast directly to your hotel room. However, ordering can be challenging without knowing Chinese, as it requires translating menus.
Dining alone at No.3 Warehouse Restaurant
Dining alone at No.3 Warehouse Restaurant can be difficult, as staff may be reluctant to seat a single person at tables typically reserved for 5-6 guests, despite available seating.
Diverse Hotel Breakfast Buffets
Hotel breakfast buffets in Shanghai offer an impressive selection of both Asian and Western cuisine, including made-to-order omelets, traditional Chinese dishes like youtiao and dumplings, and various pastries, ensuring plenty of options for guests.
Embrace Spontaneous Exploration in China
Traveling in China as a foreigner often requires a return to spontaneous exploration, similar to travel before the internet. Western apps like Google Maps are often blocked or lack local data (reviews, listings), forcing travelers to discover places by hitting the streets.
Essential Apps and VPN for Shanghai
Download Alipay for cashless transactions and the DiDi app for ride-hailing. A VPN is required to access Google Apps, WhatsApp, and Instagram in China.