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Shanghai Travel Hacks

Shanghai Travel Hacks

Shanghai China Travel Guide

Money-Saving Strategies in Shanghai

Stretch your travel budget with these smart approaches to spending in Shanghai.

Free Activities and Attractions

  • Relax in People's Plaza and Fuxing Park.
  • Explore The Bund's scenic waterfront.
  • Walk along Nanjing Road's bustling shopping district.
  • Visit the Shanghai Museum (booking still needed).

Happy Hours and Dining Deals

  • Seek out happy hour promotions in pubs.
  • Look for dining deals on local apps like SmartShanghai.
  • Enjoy discounts through various dining promotions.
  • Discover many options for budget-meals suitable for families.

Transportation Savings

  • Travel using Shanghai's extensive metro system.
  • Utilize area buses for shorter distances.
  • A Shanghai Public Transportation Card offers convenience.
  • Benefit from slight transfer discounts with the card.

Accommodation Alternatives

  • Think about hostels for solo travelers and backpackers.
  • Look for budget hotels away from downtown.
  • Select places located on a metro line for easy access.
  • Airbnb offers space and kitchen facilities for longer stays.

Time-Saving Tips for Shanghai

Smart planning helps make the most of your visit to this vast city.

Skip-the-Line Options

  • Book tickets online for Shanghai Tower.
  • Pre-purchase entry to Oriental Pearl TV Tower.
  • Secure Shanghai Disney Resort tickets in advance.
  • Online bookings reduce queue times.

Best and Worst Times for Popular Attractions

  • Visit early mornings right after opening.
  • Weekdays see fewer crowds.
  • Avoid weekends and national holidays.
  • Midday generally has the most visitors.

Express Transportation Alternatives

  • Use the Maglev train from PVG airport for fast transfers.
  • High-speed rail connects primary cities swiftly.
  • Travel between cities saves hours compared to buses.
  • Consider DiDi (ride-hailing) for direct routes.

Efficient Routing Suggestions

  • Organize attractions by area.
  • Explore The Bund and Nanjing Road together.
  • Dedicate time to Pudong's modern marvels.
  • Use a metro map app to plan short travel times.

Local Insights for Shanghai Visitors

These local insights help you navigate Shanghai with confidence.

Common Tourist Mistakes

  • Not possessing a VPN for Western services.
  • Relying solely on credit cards; mobile payment dominates.
  • Not having your destination written in Chinese.
  • Falling for the ceremony of tea or art student scams.

Local Customs

  • Queueing might feel disorganized at times.
  • Public toilet cleanliness and amenities vary.
  • Bring your own tissue and Hand sanitizer.
  • Spitting is less common now but still seen in some areas.

Unofficial Rules and Social Norms

  • Mobile payment (WeChat Pay/Alipay) is prevalent.
  • Face (面子 miànzi) is an important concept in interactions.
  • Personal space can be less than in Western cultures.
  • Bargaining is expected in markets like fake markets.

Phrases that Impress Locals

  • 谢谢 (Xièxie) - Thank you.
  • 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) - Hello.
  • 我很喜欢上海 (Wǒ hěn xǐhuān Shànghǎi) - I really like Shanghai.
  • 好吃 (Hǎochī) - Delicious (while eating).

Solo, Family, and Group-Specific Advice

Tailor your travel strategy based on who you're traveling with.

Solo Traveler Safety and Social Opportunities

  • Shanghai is very safe for solo travelers.
  • Be aware of your surroundings, notably at night.
  • Inform someone of your itinerary.
  • Hostels, expat bars, and tours for meeting people.

Family-Friendly Adaptations and Kid-Specific Tips

  • Many hotels feature family rooms or connecting rooms.
  • Serviced apartments offer more space and kitchens.
  • Visit Shanghai Disney Vacation spot and Science Museum.
  • Enjoy Huangpu River Cruises and Yellow Car sightseeing.

Managing Group Logistics and Reservations

  • Book everything well in advance for groups.
  • Secure group hotels, restaurants, and tours early.
  • Consider booking vans or private transfers for movement.
  • Use DiDi or travel agencies for easier group travel.

Accessibility Considerations for Different Travelers

  • Travelers with mobility needs plan carefully.
  • Consider specialized tours or hotels for accessibility.
  • Communication tools assist hearing or visual impairments.
  • Research specific venues in advance.

Internet Access in China

Western internet services, including Google and WhatsApp, are blocked. A VPN NordVPN is necessary to access them. Install and configure a VPN before your trip.

Planning Resources

Access essential resources in digital and print form, plus important emergency information, for your Shanghai journey.

Communication & Payment

WeChat and Alipay are for daily life in Shanghai. DiDi for rides.

Internet Access

A VPN is necessary for accessing Western internet services.

Planning & Guides

Official tourism sites and expat community pages offer valuable info.

Digital Resources for Shanghai

Essential Apps for Your Destination

  • WeChat (微信): For correspondence and mobile payment.
  • Alipay (支付宝): A dominant form of mobile payment.
  • DiDi Chuxing (滴滴出行): For ride-hailing services.

Useful Websites for Additional Planning

  • Official Shanghai Tourism: For government-sourced information.
  • Travel Guides: Online versions of Lp or Fodor's.
  • Expat Community Sites: SmartShanghai.com for local information.

Packing Organization

Efficient packing Eagle Creek helps save time when moving between accommodations. Travel organization products make a big difference.

Emergency and Medical Information

Print Resources for Shanghai

Recommended Guidebooks

  • Lp Shanghai provides detailed information.
  • Fodor's Shanghai offers comprehensive insights.
  • Carry a physical metro map as a backup.
  • A street map offers an useful alternative to apps.

Books About the Destination

  • 'Shanghai: The Rise and Fall of a Decadent City' for history.
  • 'Shanghai Grand' for historical intrigue.
  • J.G. Ballard's 'Empire of the Sun' (fiction).
  • Lao She's 'Rickshaw Boy' for relevant context.

Local Publications

  • 'Time Out Shanghai' for current events.
  • 'SmartShanghai Magazine' for local insights.
  • Available in expat-friendly venues.
  • These English-language materials are handy.

Emergency Contacts

Immediate Assistance

  • Police: 110
  • Ambulance: 120
  • Fire: 119

Hospital and Clinic Locations

  • International Hospitals/Clinics: ParkwayHealth, Global HealthCare.
  • Public Hospitals with International Departments: Huashan Hospital.
  • Renji Hospital also features international departments.

Embassy & Consulate Information

Foreign Diplomatic Missions

  • U.S. Consulate General Shanghai: (+86 21) 8011 2200.
  • For other countries, check your foreign ministry website.
  • Consulate details for Shanghai are generally available online.

Lost Document Procedures

  • Report loss to local police (dial 110) for a police report.
  • Contact your consulate/embassy for emergency travel documents.
  • Notify your bank immediately for lost credit cards.

Further Reading and Exploration

Documentaries and Films

  1. Watch "Shanghai Blues" (1984) for a classic portrayal.
  2. "The Goddess" (1934) offers an early cinematic view.
  3. "Mister Shanghai" (2017 documentary) for modern insights.
  4. "The Last Tycoon" (2012) depicts past events.
  5. These films portray the city cinematically.

Online Communities and Forums

  1. Engage with Reddit r/shanghai for discussions.
  2. Search Facebook for "Shanghai Expats" groups.
  3. TripAdvisor forums offer advice from travelers.
  4. These communities provide local insights.
  5. Connect with fellow travelers for tips.

Language Learning Resources

Duolingo

A popular app for learning basic Mandarin phrases with engaging lessons.

HelloTalk

Practice with native speakers through language exchange, text, and voice.

Babbel

Structured courses to help you master conversational Mandarin Babbel.

Natural Disaster Protocols

The Shanghai Meteorological Bureau issues typhoon warnings. Follow local media advisories for updates. Hotels usually offer guidance during severe weather. In any emergency, follow instructions from authorities.

Digital Resources for Shanghai

Essential Apps for Your Destination

Communication & Payment

  • WeChat (微信)

    This app is for communication, mobile payment, and accessing mini-programs.

  • Alipay (支付宝)

    The app for mobile payment, a dominant transaction method within China.

  • DiDi Chuxing (滴滴出行)

    Apply this ride-hailing app for convenient transportation.

Navigation & Translation

  • Metro App

    An offline metro map app aids navigation of the public transport system.

  • Translation App

    Baidu Translate or Google Translate (with VPN) bridge language barriers.

  • Pleco Dictionary

    This serves as an excellent offline Chinese dictionary.

Useful Websites for Additional Planning

Official Tourism

Check Shanghai local government or tourism board sites for official information.

Travel Guides

Online versions of Lp, Fodor's, or A Popular series of travel guidebooks offer comprehensive information.

Expat Community Sites

SmartShanghai.com and TimeOutShanghai.com for happenings, reviews, and local information.

Flight and Train Management

Train Tickets

  • Trip.com for booking train tickets.
  • 12306.cn (the Chinese official site) also for train tickets.
  • Book well in advance, particularly during busy travel periods.
  • Check ticket availability as soon as the travel dates are firm.

Flight Tracking

  • FlightAware for monitoring your flights.
  • FlightStats for detailed flight information.
  • Set up alerts for delays or gate changes.
  • Use these apps for real-time updates on your phone.

Social Media and Digital Content

Social Media Accounts to Follow

  • Follow official Shanghai Tourism accounts.
  • Look for accounts on platforms like WeChat or Weibo.
  • International platforms like Instagram for travel bloggers.
  • Search for expat groups focused on Shanghai.

Podcasts and Digital Content

  • Listen to "Sinica Podcast" for broader China context.
  • "China Economic Review" for economic insights.
  • "The Little Red Podcast" for cultural analysis.
  • Search for Shanghai-specific travel video diaries or audio guides.

Language Learning Before You Go

Use resources like Babbel, Duolingo, or HelloTalk to pick up basic Mandarin phrases. A few key phrases greatly enhance your local interactions.

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