Shanghai (上海)
Explore 358 spots discovered from 45 YouTube travel videos.
Based on 45 videos
Popular Spots
The Bund
Yu Garden
East Nanjing Road
Shanghai Tower
Jing'an Temple
Tianzifang
Shanghai Marriage Market
Lujiazui Financial District
Shanghai Maglev Train
Oriental Pearl Tower
Former French Concession
Jia Jia Tang Bao
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.
Accessing Blocked Western Services with eSim and VPN
Many Western apps and websites, including TikTok, YouTube, and email services, are blocked in China. To access them, you will need an eSim and a VPN. Some eSims come with a built-in VPN. Recommended eSim providers include Holafly, Yesim, and Airalo.
Accessing West Nanjing Road Station by Metro
To reach key attractions like the Starbucks Reserve Roastery and local markets, travelers can use Shanghai Metro Line 13 and alight at the West Nanjing Road Station.
Affordable Cycling in Downtown Shanghai
Cycling is the best means of transportation in downtown Shanghai, with no traffic jams and very affordable. Locals can get a monthly subscription for $3.
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.
Affordable Street Drinks
Street food markets in Shanghai offer affordable drinks like milk tea and fruit tea. A milk tea can cost around 30 CNY, which is equivalent to approximately PHP 120-150.
Affordable and Clean Electric Taxis
Use the Didi (DD) app to book taxis in Shanghai. The cars are clean, often electric, spacious, and provide a quiet ride. The service is very affordable, costing about $5 for a 25-minute journey.
Applying for a Chinese Visa
For most nationalities, a visa is required to enter China. The application process is fairly easy and can take about a week. It costs approximately £120 ($160 USD) and requires personal, flight, and hotel information.
Avoiding Shanghai Metro Rush Hour
Shanghai Metro experiences heavy rush hour crowds between 7 AM and 9 AM. Travelers with heavy luggage should consider waiting until after peak hours to avoid difficulty and discomfort due to the large number of commuters.
Be prepared for milk tea wait times
At popular milk tea shops like Chagee in Shanghai, be prepared for long wait times (e.g., 20-30 minutes) and potentially chaotic ordering, especially if you don't speak Chinese.
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.
Beware of Motorcycles on Sidewalks
Be cautious of motorcycles and food delivery riders who frequently ride on sidewalks, especially in crowded downtown areas. They often break traffic rules and can be dangerous for pedestrians.
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.
Bridging the Language Barrier
English is not widely spoken in Shanghai, making communication challenging for foreigners. Learning a few basic Mandarin phrases is highly recommended, as locals appreciate the effort. Alternatively, relying on Google Translate or finding ways to manage can help.
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.