Shanghai China Travel Guide
Several fascinating locations are easily accessible from Shanghai, offering a change of pace from the bustling metropolis.
Find unique day trips and activities on GetYourGuide.
Consider your travel style when choosing between organized tours and independent exploration.
High-bullet train from Shanghai Hongqiao Rail Depot is the most efficient way to reach Suzhou and Hangzhou. For Zhujiajiao, Metro Line 17 goes directly there.
Organized tours include transport, a guide, and sometimes meals, suiting those who prefer structured travel. Independent travel offers flexibility to go at your own pace.
Beyond the main city, explore rich historical sites and traditional areas.
Water towns like Suzhou, Hangzhou, Zhujiajiao, and Wuzhen present rich history and traditional architecture. Significant sites contain the Confucius Temple in Suzhou and Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou.
Some villages near water towns retain traditional rural life. Hangzhou's Longjing Tea The small town is an agricultural area focused on tea production.
Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou is a major Buddhist pilgrimage site, attracting visitors seeking spiritual reflection.
A multi-day trip to Suzhou and Hangzhou allows for a relaxed pace to experience more gardens, temples, and cultural sites.
China's extensive high-speed rail network links Shanghai to many destinations, making multi-day extensions efficient.
Staying connected in Shanghai has particular aspects to consider, from mobile services to internet access.
China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom are the main providers. A passport is a requirement for SIM card registration at airports or official stores.
Wi-Fi is widely available, but the "Great Firewall" blocks many Western sites and apps. A VPN is a requirement to access these services. Download & configure your VPN before arrival.
Mandarin Chinese is the official language. Ability to speak english varies. International hotels and major tourist attractions often have English speakers.
Learning a few basic phrases significantly assists daily interactions.
China Post (中国邮政) operates throughout the city. It provides reliable services for sending postcards and packages internationally.
Shopping Malls: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily. Restaurants: Lunch STARTING at 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM, Dinner 5:30 PM - 9:00/10:00 PM. Museums: 9:00/10:00 AM - 5:00/6:00 PM (many close Mondays).
Banking Hours: Typically Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. ATMs: Widely available in banks, shopping malls, metro stations, and corner shops. Most accept international cards.
Public Holidays: Businesses may close. Expect crowds at popular sights. Chinese New Year/National Day: Very crowded, travel challenging. No extensive seasonal closures.
A simple "Nǐ hǎo" (hello) with a slight nod is appropriate. Handshakes are common in business settings. Address elders with respect.
Shanghai is modern. Casual wear is acceptable for most tourist activities. Modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) is right for religious sites.
Do not stick chopsticks vertically in rice. Slurping noodles is acceptable. Tipping is not customary or expected.
Photography is generally permissible in public spaces. Always seek permission before photographing individuals, especially in sensitive areas or if they appear shy.
Avoid political topics regarding the Chinese government, Tibet, Xinjiang, Taiwan, or Tiananmen Square. Be mindful of historical narratives and avoid overly personal questions.
A respectful attitude makes a real difference.
Shanghai's accessibility infrastructure continues to develop, including several areas more accommodating than others.
Accessibility infrastructure shows inconsistency. Newer buildings, large hotels, plus up-to-date metro stations often include ramps and elevators. Older parts of the city and traditional attractions may present difficulties.
Specialized services remain limited. Some major attractions may provide audio guides. Communication without specific apps or guides can be difficult.
Many prominent landmarks cater to varying accessibility needs.
Newer metro lines and stations offer greater accessibility. Wheelchair-friendly cabs are rare.
When planning, prioritize accessible attractions and pre-book any specific assistance needed, especially for transportation and specialized tours.
