2025 Shanghai Travel Guide

Exploring the "Pearl of the Orient" on a Mid-Range Budget --- **1. Pre-Trip Preparations** 1. **Visa and Flights** - **Visa**: Holders of valid passports from various countries can enter visa-free. It is recommended to apply 15 days in advance. - **Arrival Airport**: Pudong International Airport (direct access to the city center via Metro Line 2) or Hongqiao International Airport (closer to the city center) are recommended. 2. **Accommodation** - **The Bund/Nanjing Road**: Suitable for first-time visitors. Recommended hotels include the Peace Hotel (historical landmark) or budget-friendly options like Home Inn Selected (approx. NT$1,500/night). - **Tianzifang/Xujiahui**: Preferred by art enthusiasts. Consider staying in renovated Shikumen-style guesthouses for a unique experience. - **Disney Resort Area**: Opt for resort hotels or nearby guesthouses for convenient early park entry privileges. 3. **Useful Tools** - **Payment**: Link Alipay/WeChat Pay (supports international credit cards). Carry only a small amount of cash. - **Internet**: Purchase a mainland China eSIM card (no need for VPN) or activate international roaming. --- **2. Must-See Attractions** 1. **The Bund: A Symphony of History and Modernity** - **Highlights**: The stunning contrast between the 52 historic buildings and the Lujiazui skyline at night. Waibaidu Bridge offers excellent photo opportunities. - **Things to Do**: Take a night cruise on the Huangpu River (tickets approx. 120 RMB) or ride the sightseeing tunnel (round trip 70 RMB) from Pudong for a panoramic view of The Bund. - **Free admission, open all day**. Avoid peak crowds on weekends. 2. **Shanghai Disneyland: Where Dreams Come True** - **Must-Do Rides**: Soaring Over the Horizon (immersive world tour), TRON Lightcycle Power Run (futuristic roller coaster), and the evening fireworks show (starts at 8:00 pm). - **Tickets**: Weekdays 399 RMB, peak days 699 RMB. Purchase tickets in advance on the official website for discounts. - **Tips**: Download the official app for real-time queue information. Bring your own water bottle (free water refills available in the park). 3. **Yu Garden and City God Temple: Classical Jiangnan Charm** - **Yu Garden**: A classic Ming Dynasty garden. Entry fee 40 RMB. Visit in the early morning to avoid crowds. The Jade Magnificence Rockery and Dianchun Hall are must-sees. - **City God Temple Area**: Try Nanxiang Xiaolongbao (50 RMB/basket), spiced dried tofu, and shop for traditional handicrafts (compare prices to avoid overpaying). 4. **Tianzifang: Exploring Artistic Alleys** - **Features**: An art district transformed from Shikumen architecture, filled with galleries, craft shops, and cafes. Try the Haitang Cake (5 RMB) and capture the alleyways through photography. - **Cost**: Coffee approx. 30 RMB, handicrafts range from tens to hundreds of RMB. Weekdays are less crowded and more enjoyable. 5. **Hidden Gems: Zhujiajiao Ancient Town and Greenhouse Garden** - **Zhujiajiao**: Accessible by Metro Line 17. Take a Wu Peng boat ride through the water town (30 RMB/person) and enjoy tea and Pingtan (storytelling with musical accompaniment) at Apo Teahouse. - **Greenhouse Garden**: A tropical rainforest paradise within the Expo Culture Park. The glass dome offers stunning photo opportunities with natural light. Weekend tickets cost 128 RMB. --- **3. Authentic Food Guide** 1. **The "Four Heavenly Kings" of Breakfast** - **Dabing Youtiao + Salty Soy Milk**: Try Xing Shen Breakfast (809 Kangding Road) for an authentic street food experience. - **Shengjian Bao (Pan-Fried Buns)**: For a lighter broth, choose Da Hu Chun (Sichuan Middle Road). For a richer broth, try Dong Tai Xiang (open 24 hours, Yao Ming's favorite). 2. **Classic Benbang Cuisine** - **Lv Bo Lang**: Average cost 150 RMB. The braised pork is sweet and savory. Request a window seat for a view of Yu Garden. - **Haosheng Restaurant**: Michelin-recommended "Benbang Cuisine Omakase." The owner personally cooks. Reservations are required. 3. **Night Markets and Snacks** - **Yunnan South Road**: Try the pork ribs rice cakes (20 RMB) at Xian De Lai, featured in the novel "Blossoms." - **International Hotel Butterfly Cookies**: Buttery and crispy, 32 RMB/bag. A must-buy souvenir, even if it requires queuing. --- **4. Transportation and Itinerary Planning** 1. **City Transportation** - **Subway**: Lines 1, 2, and 11 cover major attractions. A one-day pass for 18 RMB is more cost-effective. - **Taxis**: Use the Didi app for affordable rides. Taxi fares within the city center range from approximately NT$200-500. 2. **3-Day Itinerary** - **Day 1**: The Bund → Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street → Yu Garden/City God Temple (stay overnight near The Bund). - **Day 2**: Shanghai Disneyland (stay overnight near the resort). - **Day 3**: Tianzifang → Wukang Road (historical architecture) → Zhujiajiao Ancient Town (half-day trip). --- **5. Useful Tips** 1. **Avoid Crowds**: Visit Disneyland from Tuesday to Thursday. The best time to see The Bund's night view is between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm. 2. **Money-Saving Tips**: Purchase combined tickets for attractions (e.g., Oriental Pearl Tower + river cruise), utilize student ID discounts, and bring your own snacks to the park. 3. **Cultural Awareness**: Practice waste sorting (dry/wet/recyclable/hazardous) and bring your own reusable tableware. --- **Conclusion** Shanghai's charm lies in its ability to transport you through centuries of history