Why Visit Shanghai
Shanghai offers an intoxicating blend of East meets West. As China’s most international city, it’s foreigner-friendly while remaining authentically Chinese. Most signs include English, the metro system (地铁 dìtiě) is world-class, and you can use international credit cards in major areas.
Perfect for China First-Timers
Easy English navigation, safe environment, authentic culture.
Instagram Paradise
Ancient temples next to skyscrapers, colonial architecture meets neon lights.
Foodie Heaven
From Michelin stars to street food (小吃 xiǎochī).
Learn Chinese Through Travel
Practice Mandarin (普通话 Pǔtōnghuà) with friendly locals.
Where to Stay (住宿 Zhùsù) in Shanghai
Near Nanjing Road East / People’s Square (人民广场 Rénmín Guǎngchǎng)
Perfect for first-time visitors
- Why foreigners love it: Walkable to The Bund (外滩 Wàitān) in 15 minutes, English-speaking staff.
- Practical perk: Major metro hub with Lines 1, 2, and 8.
- Payment tip: Hotels accept international cards; stores prefer Alipay (支付宝) or WeChat Pay (微信支付).
Near Jing’an Temple / South Shaanxi Road (静安寺 Jìng’ānsì / 陕西南路 Shǎnxī Nán Lù)
Ideal for culture enthusiasts
- Why foreigners love it: French Concession (法租界) streets, boutique cafes, fewer crowds.
- Language advantage: Many expats and English menus.
- Cultural immersion: Morning tai chi (太极), afternoon tea in historic villas.
Booking Tip: Use Booking.com or Agoda with free cancellation. Most hotels accept foreign passports (护照 hùzhào).
Day 1: The Bund Classic Route
1. Sassoon House (沙美大楼 Shāměi Dàlóu)
Century-old Baroque building; top-floor café offers the best view of the Bund’s “Three Musketeers.” Opens at 5 PM.
- Why go: Only angle to capture Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and Jin Mao Building in one frame.
- Practical details:
- Arrive at 4:45 PM to secure limited seats.
- Staff speak basic English; say “rooftop.”
- Payment: cash or Alipay only; bring ¥100 (≈ $15).
- Photography: golden hour (5:30–6 PM); wide-angle lens recommended.
2. Shanghai Postal Museum (邮政博物馆 Yóuzhèng Bówùguǎn)
Vintage spiral staircase + European dome. Open Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday only.
- Cost: Free.
- Security: Airport-style screening; large bags not allowed.
- Best photo: base of staircase looking up.
3. Zhapu Road Bridge (乍浦路桥 Zhàpǔ Lù Qiáo)
“Photographer’s Bridge” – perfect frame for Oriental Pearl Tower + Postal Building.
- Best timing: 6–7 PM during blue hour.
- Tripods: allowed.
- Less crowded than Bund promenade.
4. Garden Bridge (外白渡桥 Wàibáidù Qiáo)
Featured in 1936 film *Romance in the Rain.*
- Shanghai’s first steel bridge (1907).
- Best viewed at 7 PM when illuminated.
5. The Bund Historic Buildings (外滩万国建筑群 Wàitān Wànguó Jiànzhùqún)
Lights on at 18:00 sharp.
- Don’t miss:
- Lighting ceremony: exactly 6 PM year-round.
- Audio guide: download “Voice of the Bund” app (English).
- River cruise: ¥120 ($18) for 50-minute tour.
6. Peace Hotel (和平饭店 Hépíng Fàndiàn)
Century-old legendary hotel.
- Old Jazz Bar: 7 PM–12 AM; entry ¥200 ($30) includes one drink. Musicians are in their 80s!
7. Nanjing Road East Pedestrian Street (南京东路步行街 Nánjīng Dōnglù Bùxíngjiē)
- Best time: 8–10 PM for peak neon.
- Street food: try Yang’s Fried Dumplings (小杨生煎) – English menus available.
Day 2: Artsy Jing’an & Xujiahui
1. Jing’an Temple (静安寺 Jìng’ānsì)
Golden-roofed temple with contrast of modern buildings; incense ticket ¥50.
- Temple etiquette:
- Entry: ¥50 ($7.50) includes three incense sticks.
- Dress code: cover shoulders and knees.
- Ritual: bow three times, walk clockwise.
- Best timing: weekday mornings (8–10 AM).
2. Wukang Mansion (武康大楼 Wǔkāng Dàlóu)
Shanghai’s landmark building.
- Cross Wukang Road for the full “ship prow” view.
- % Arabica café accepts international cards.
3. Soong Ching-ling’s Former Residence (宋庆龄故居 Sòng Qìnglíng Gùjū)
French garden villa; ticket ¥20.
- Beautiful 2-acre garden with peacocks.
- English audio guide available.
4. Xujiahui Library (徐家汇书院 Xújiāhuì Shūyuàn)
Cultural landmark with 5,000+ English books.
- Free entry; 9 AM–9 PM.
- Perfect for rainy days.
5. St. Ignatius Cathedral (徐家汇天主教堂 Xújiāhuì Tiānzhǔ Jiàotáng)
Dress code strictly enforced.
- Free entry except Sunday Mass (6:30, 8, 10 AM).
6. Metro City (美罗城 Měiluó Chéng)
Spherical mall with Japanese Loft store.
- Rooftop garden on 7th floor offers free skyline views.
Day 3: Hidden History & French Concession
1. Sihang Warehouse (四行仓库 Sìháng Cāngkù)
Prototype location for the movie *The Eight Hundred; bullet-scarred wall is shocking – free entry.*
- China’s WWII memorial: real bullet holes from 1937 battle.
- 4-D simulation with English subtitles.
2. Site of the First National Congress of the CPC (中共一大会址 Zhōnggòng Yī Dà Huìzhǐ)
Free entry; passport required.
- Where Mao Zedong and 12 others founded the Communist Party in 1921.
3. Sun Yat-sen’s Former Residence (孙中山故居 Sūn Zhōngshān Gùjū)
Ticket ¥20.
- Father of modern China’s home.
- Combo ticket with Zhou Enlai residence: ¥40 ($6).
4. Sinan Bookstore (思南书局 Sīnán Shūjú)
Church converted to bookstore.
- Beautiful Gothic architecture with stained glass.
- Accepts international cards.
5. Zhou Enlai’s Former Residence (周公馆 Zhōu Gōngguǎn)
French villa with secret passage.
- Free English tours at 10 AM and 2 PM by volunteer guides.
Shanghai Food Guide
Xiandelai Pork Ribs with Rice Cakes (鲜得来排骨年糕 Xiāndélái Páigǔ Niángāo)
¥30 ($4.50) per person.
- Where: Yunnan Road South branch.
- Payment: cash/Alipay only.
Dahuchun Pan-Fried Pork Buns (大壶春生煎包 Dàhúchūn Shēngjiānbāo)
¥15 ($2.25) for four dumplings.
- Safety tip: these dumplings contain hot soup. Bite a small hole first to release steam!
Guangmingcun Savory Pork Mooncakes (光明邨鲜肉月饼 Guāngmíngcūn Xiānròu Yuèbǐng)
Seasonal: September–November only.
- Savory mooncakes – uniquely Shanghai.
- Come at 11 AM or 7 PM to avoid queues.
Essential Travel Tips
| English Tip | 中文提示 |
|---|---|
| Payment: Withdraw ¥500 ($75) cash. Download Alipay International before arrival. | 支付: 准备500元现金，提前下载国际版支付宝。 |
| Language: Download Pleco (dictionary) and Didi (ride-hailing). | 语言: 下载Pleco词典和滴滴打车APP。 |
| Internet: Get a tourist SIM card at Pudong Airport for ¥100 ($15). | 网络: 浦东机场买游客SIM卡，100元含流量。 |
| Safety: Shanghai is very safe. Watch for e-bikes on sidewalks! | 安全: 上海非常安全，注意人行道上的电动车。 |
Chinese Phrases for Travelers
| English | 中文 | Pinyin |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | 你好 | Nǐ hǎo |
| Thank you | 谢谢 | Xièxie |
| How much? | 多少钱？ | Duōshǎo qián? |
| Where is the bathroom? | 洗手间在哪里？ | Xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ? |
| I want this. | 我要这个。 | Wǒ yào zhège. |
| Can you speak English? | 你会说英语吗？ | Nǐ huì shuō Yīngyǔ ma? |
FAQ for Foreign Visitors
Q: Is Shanghai safe?
A: Extremely safe. Violent crime is rare. Watch for pickpockets in crowds.
Q: Do I need a VPN?
A: Yes. Download before arriving – Google, Facebook, Instagram are blocked.
Q: Can I use credit cards?
A: Major hotels accept Visa/Mastercard. Most local shops need Alipay/WeChat or cash.
Q: How to get from Pudong Airport to the city?
A: Metro Line 2 (¥7, 60 min), Maglev train (¥50, 8 min), or taxi (¥150–200, 45–60 min).
Final Thoughts
Shanghai rewards curiosity. Wander off this itinerary, get lost in a lane (弄堂 nòngtáng), and accept tea invitations from locals.
欢迎你来上海！
Huānyíng nǐ lái Shànghǎi! (Welcome to Shanghai!)
