Planning to visit one of the best cities in the world? Look no further. We at China Highlights have compiled the most important list of things you need to know before you confirm your plans. Our list includes a variety of Shanghai travel tips that will ensure that you make the most of this city.
1. The best time to visit Shanghai
Shanghai experiences all the seasonsright from fiery heat of summerto a breathtaking springto autumn and a chillysometimes snowy winter with a regular dose of rains thrown in.
The best seasons to visit Shanghai are definitely spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). In Springthe days are warmsunny and the evenings are cool to chilly. While autumn has it's own charm when the weather is starting to cool down and people enjoy the city the most.
Howeverif you are the a fan of wintersShanghai is beautiful in Decemberthrough to February too. With no shortage of mulled wine to keep you warm and festive. For more details on Shanghai weatherwe have just the right information for you here.
2. What to see: Shanghai sights
The Shanghai skyline at dawnShanghai is bustling with a lot of activity and events round the clock. Naturallythere is plenty to do and suit all kinds of interestsespecially if you are traveling in a large group. In Shanghaiyou can immerse yourself in quite a few things. There is theater and artthere are lots museumsparksiconic sights such as the Bund and the Pudong skylineold water towns like Zhujiajiaohistoric temples like Jing'an Temple and the Jade Buddha Templetea housesand loads and loads of food and shopping options all over.
Here is more on what you can do in the city.
3. What to do at night: Shanghai nightlife
The night view of ShanghaiThe city's Puxi district is also the perfect hub if you are looking for an action-packed nightlife. Below are hot spots you should check out to start off your night:
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This is the perfect party spot with lots of bars and restaurants to pick from. The choices will spoil youright from New York Style pizza at Homeslicecraft beer at Little Creatures or ZapflerThai fix at CycloBrazilian meat fest at Botecohip hop music with beer pong at Ballersthe hidden whiskey bar Alivea raging and one of the biggest nightclubs in Shanghai called TAXX (popular with the young affluent) and much more. If you are in the moodyou could spend a couple of hours enjoying some magic at Blackstone or grab some tacos and tequila shots at El Luchador.
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This cluster of bars and restaurants follows the same formula but is more laid backand has different options for a night outincluding a beer van right at the entrance. Check out bars like Valpasso and Monkey 3.0 for some really strong cocktails and excellent bar-food.
Other popular spots
- Union Trading Company: Award winning barone of the best in Asia in fact. You will leave here in happy spirits. Definitely try their scotch eggs! Address - 64 Fenyang Lunear Fuxing Zhong Lu
- The Nest: Very popular lounge and bar that also serves up some delicious gourmet food. Address - 6/F130 Beijing Dong Lunear Huqiu Lu
- The Cannery: By the same folks who brought us The Nestthis is a very large lounge areagood musicvery good drinks. Perfect for conversations over seafood (they can their own meats). Address - 1107 Yuyuan Lunear Jiangsu Lu
- Bar Rouge: Shanghai's most famous club with a view since 1994good music and always lots of fun. Address - 7/F18 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lunear Nanjing Dong Lu
- UP: A new addition to Shanghai's party scenethis has a huge barand a very fun dance floor that is the dining space a bit earlier in the day. Address - 688 Shaanxi Bei Lunear Kangding Lu
It doesn't end there... See more on Shanghai Nighlife.
4. Business hours in Shanghai
The Chinese government stipulates a five-day workweekfrom Monday to Fridayat the general 8 hours a day. The normal business hours are generally from 9:30am to 6pmwith a break from 12pm to 2pm. Restaurants: 11am–2pm6–9pmin general.
5. What to eat in Shanghai
Shanghai snacksFood is a big part of Chinese (and Asian) culture. If you are coming to Shanghaiyou must have a plan to try to all the best dishes and different Chinese cuisinesbecause this city offers it all. The food in China is rich in history and culture.
The top things that come to mind of courseare dumplings and noodleswhich are available in plenty. But there is a whole world of dishes out there waiting for you to try! Priority foods include the famed xiaolongbao (soup dumplings)Hairy steamed crabhongshao rou (Shanghainese braised pork dish)the quintessential baozi (steamed bready buns stuffed with veggies or meats - perfect breakfast)scallion pancakesand more. We have a detailed list of the top 10 Shanghai dishes that must be tried.
Vegetarians need not worry. Shanghaiand Chinahave a huge variety of vegetable dishes that are mouth-watering and very satisfying. If you see any eggplant dish on the menutry it! Here are the best vegetarian options in Shanghai for you.
We also have a list of some more restaurants you might want to eat at here.
If you are looking for healthy options so you don't cheat on your dietread here.
6. Getting around Shanghai
Shanghai Maglev TrainThe public cab availability in Shanghai has changed a lot in the last few years. If you haven't heard of Didi (they pushed Uber out of China) then now is a good time to look them up. Download the Didi app on your phone and you will not have to worry about a thing when you arrive. Didi is everywhereand super convenient and quick. You can connect it to your international credit card for instant payments and hassle-free commuting.
For your transport from the airport to your hotelyou can take the Maglev and then a local taxi or you could simply take a taxi at the airport - it is really very convenient as there is never a shortage of taxis at the airport.
The Shanghai subway or metro has 16 lines (and still growing) is one of the best ways to get around if you want to explore the city in a short amount of timeand walk around a lot. The metro system is super easy to use with directions in English and Chinese. The metro stations and the trains are very clean. You can get to all parts of the cityspending next to nothing.
See more on Shanghai Transportation.
7. How to greet people in Shanghai
At social gatheringsit is ideal to keep it casual with a friendly Ni Hao (Hello) and smile politely. At business events or while networkingit is good manners to pass a polite comment on the appearance of the other's cardwhilst tucking it carefully within the confines of your wallet. It is a good idea to take a large quantity of business cards with youand if possible have the text translated into Chinese on the reverse.
Exchanging business cards should be done as politely and deferentially as possible. Take out your cardbow slightlyand present it with both hands. They will probably reciprocate in a similar mannermost likely holding their card English version uppermost. Don't get flustered ifwhen meeting a group of peoplethey start clapping when you arrive. This is simply a form of greeting and you may respond by clapping also. Click to see Do's and Don'ts in China.
8. Where to go if you need medical help in Shanghai
In Shanghai there are a number of international hospitals and clinics with modern medical facilities and English-speaking staff. They can offer medical services to foreigners.
- Parkway Health Address: Shanghai Centre2/F1376 Nanjing Xi Lunear Xikang Lu Tel: 4008196622 Hours: 8am-7pm
- CanAM Int'l Medical CenterShanghai Pu Xi Clinic Address: 20F966 Huaihai Zhong Road (by Shanxi Nan Lu) Tel: 54039133 Fax: 54038978
- Shanghai International SOS Address: Units 2907-29012 Grand Gateway3 Hongqiao RoadXuhui District Tel: 52989538 Fax: 52989539
- American-Sino OB/GYN(24 Hour Emergency Service) Address: 14FComplex Building800 Huashan Hospital12 Middle Urumqi Road (near Changle Road) Tel: 62493246 Hours: 8am–8pm
- Shanghai United Family Hospital and Clinics Address: 1139 Xianxia Road (General and Cosmetic Dental Center) Tel: 51331900 Emergency call: 5133 1999 Fax: 51331919
- World Link Medical Center Hongqiao Clinic Address: Unit 30Mandarin City788 Hongxu Road Tel: 6405 5788 Fax: 6405 3587
- International Medical & Dental Center (IMDC) Address: 1111 Xian Xia Road (near Bei Hong Road)Changning District Tel: 62909558
- Sino-United Health American International Center at Shanghai Center Address: Room 1376Nanjing Road West Tel: 62798920 Fax: 62798921
9. Currency Exchange & Banks in Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong Developing BankCurrency exchange service is available at most hotelsand all large banks. The ones to look out for include China Merchants BankICBC and ABC (Agricultural Bank of China). There are plenty of branches all over the city so ask your hotel for the nearest branch. You will need your passport for currency exchange.
Usually large malls and hotels and big restaurants will accept VisaMasterCardand American Express credit cards but don't be surprised if they don't. In Shanghaiand most of Chinanearly all transactions are paperlessvia Alipay or WeChat pay.
Make sure you carry cash with you just in case. ATMs are easy to find and most likely your Visa/ MasterCard debit card will work for your international bank account.
10. Other general China travel tips
Bring an Adapter.- Tipping is not a thing in Shanghaior most of Chinaexcept in the poshest placesof for private guiding services.
- Toilets in China are normally of the squatting type. Now airports and hotels all have Western toiletsand many public toilets have both Western and squat . Always carry tissues with youjust in case you need to go to the toilet (because most public toilets don't provide toilet paper).
- Plug points in Shanghai look like thisso bring an adapter. If you can't no worriesthere are plenty of shops everywhere where you can pick one up.
- WiFi is everywhereso don't worry. All cafésrestaurants and bars will oblige you with their passwords and your hotel will have free wifi too. See more on The Internet in China.
- Phone calls and emergency numbersdial "00" (international prefix)then dial the country codethen the area code and local number. E.g. if you want to call 434-5678 in California (area code 760) in the USA (country code 1)you need to dial 00-1-760-434-5678. Shanghai's area code is 021. For a fire emergencycall 119. For Policecall 110. For an ambulacecall 112.
Touring Shanghai with Us
Enjoy Shanghai your way with us.We'd love to help you have the perfect trip in Shanghai. We can help plan your trip and customize your itinerary to suit your . Our most popular Shanghai tours for your reference:
- 2-Day Charming Shanghai and Water Town Tour: You will visit the must-see attractions in Shanghai.
- 5-Day Essence of Shanghai and Hangzhou Tour: You will see the most famous sights in Shanghai and Hangzhoulike the Bund and West Lake.
Our tours can be customized. Just tell us your interests and requirements and we will help you to tailor-make a Shanghai tour.