Having visited Shanghai countless times, I never tire of strolling through the plane tree-lined streets or gazing at the Lujiazui skyline from the Bund. Though labels like bustling, sophisticated, modern, and chic are often pinned on this city, none capture its essence quite like “Magic City.” It seems to reinvent itself daily, masterfully blending history with modernity, timeless charm with cutting-edge trends—embodying the essence of a global metropolis.
Travel Essentials
Confirm passport and Taiwan Compatriot Permit validity
Book flights and hotels (recommended 1-2 weeks in advance)
Download essential apps: “Metro” (Metro app), Alipay International
Prepare payment methods (Alipay International, credit cards, moderate cash)
Purchase a mainland SIM card or activate international roaming service (China | No VPN required 4G high-speed unlimited/data-capped SIM cards (mailed to Taiwan addresses))
Plan daily itineraries
Shanghai Transportation
Airport Transportation
Airport Bus
Airport shuttle bus
Maglev train
Taxi Fare
Urban Transportation
1. Subway Travel:
Shanghai's extensive subway network covers nearly 90% of tourist attractions, making it the preferred mode of transportation. Download the “Metro” app to scan codes for quick and convenient rides. Alternatively, purchase the China Mainland Bus and Subway Integrated Card for seamless travel on both subways and buses.
2. Multi-ride Ticket Discounts:
Purchase the 3-day pass (¥47.8) or 7-day pass (¥85.8) via the Suishenxing app for unlimited rides on buses, subways, and ferries within the specified period—a great value. During the Spring Festival, you can also buy attraction tickets through the Suishenxing app, such as tickets to the Shanghai Summit observation deck and Huangpu River cruise tickets.
3. Sightseeing Buses:
Shanghai's tourist sightseeing buses operate on three routes—Red, Green, and Blue—covering over 20 popular Instagram-worthy attractions with a single ticket. Tickets purchased online one day in advance are cheaper. Exit at Exit 19 of People's Square Station and exchange your ticket for a physical pass at the stop opposite New World City. You'll also receive a map and headphones for audio commentary. Enjoy unlimited transfers anytime within 24 hours. Children under 1.3 meters ride free, making it ideal for families with seniors and children.
Discounted Purchase: City Sightseeing Tour Bus
4. Other Options:
Buses offer a glimpse of the cityscape but may be affected by traffic congestion. Taxis provide convenient travel, though they often encounter traffic jams during peak hours (7–9 a.m. and 5–7 p.m.) and come with relatively higher costs. Shared bikes are ideal for short trips, offering flexibility and the freedom to stop anytime to enjoy the scenery along the way.
Itinerary Planning
Shanghai is exceptionally suited for leisurely strolls, with convenient transportation and countless must-visit attractions. If cost of living and accommodation prices weren't a factor, I believe it would rank among my favorite cities ever visited—each trip leaves me utterly amazed.
Taking a “three-day, two-night” trip as an example, here's a guide for exploring Shanghai independently, perfect for first-time visitors to the city.
Day 1
Arrive around noon. After lunch, head out for a stroll along the Bund to admire the city skyline and the architectural ensemble of buildings from around the world.
Recommended Route:
Nanjing East Road — The Bund Source — China Post Museum — Zhapu Road Bridge — —North Bund — Waibaidu Bridge — The Bund — Take the 2-yuan ferry at Jinling East Road Pier — Dinner in Lujiazui, enjoy the night view (Optional: Ascend Shanghai Tower again) — Take the subway back to Nanjing East Road for night views, then walk to The Bund to continue viewing the panoramic nightscape of Lujiazui
[This itinerary ensures you won't miss the Bund Source, daytime panoramic views of Lujiazui, while also hitting all the Bund's Instagram-worthy spots and Nanjing East Road's night views. North Bund truly offers prime photo spots with far fewer crowds than the Bund.]
[Ferry Route: Jinling East Road Pier to Pudong Dongchang Road Pier. Simply scan your transit code—this is truly unmissable and a must-try experience.]
Day 2
Strolling through Shanghai's Wutong District [Departing at 8:30 AM]
Suggested Itinerary:
Xintiandi (Site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China) (2 hours) — Fuxing Road, Sinan Mansions (2-hour stroll) — (Lunch) — Tianzifang (south of Sinan Mansions, 1 hour) — Xujiahui Cathedral (1-2 hours; 2 hours if visiting Xujiahui Academy as well) — —Dinner and Xujiahui night views (viewable from the plaza at the entrance of Plaza 66; if departing on the afternoon of Day 3, substitute this evening with night views at Chenghuang Temple)
Day 3
A Journey of Serenity Amidst the Hustle and Bustle
Shanghai Museum (half day) — Wukang Road (1-2 hours), Shanghai Jiao Tong University (optional) — Yuyuan Garden, City God Temple (can stay until evening illumination; if returning in the afternoon, schedule City God Temple for the following evening) — Departure
Shanghai offers countless attractions. For instance, visiting Disneyland requires an extra day—refer to my separate guide for details (skip if pressed for time)—[Tips for Disneyland Visitors].
Other must-visit photo spots include West Nanjing Road (Zhangyuan Garden, Plaza 66), the trendy Qiantan Taikoo Li, Shanghai Astronomy Museum, and the tree-lined avenues of the plane tree district.
Shanghai Accommodation
Shanghai's metro system is extensive, so staying near a subway station is quite convenient. However, we still recommend lodging near People's Square or East Nanjing Road for even greater ease of travel and reduced time costs.
Accommodation in Shanghai isn't as expensive as you might imagine, even in the city center. There's a wide range of hotels and hostels at various price points to choose from. You can check out Klook for options.
Costs (varies by individual circumstances)
Accommodation + Meals: Typically manageable at 300-400 RMB per person per day. Budget travelers can aim for around 150 RMB per person per day.
Transportation: Depends on origin. For example:
- Departing from Nanjing: Round-trip high-speed rail tickets around 250 RMB.
- Departing from Wuxi: Round-trip high-speed rail tickets around 100 RMB.
Shanghai Cuisine
Shanghai has everything, so my personal approach is to explore dining options wherever I go—whatever's convenient. There's no need to feel obligated to try specific Shanghai specialties.
I've visited Shen Dacheng's pastry shop on East Nanjing Road and tried the butterfly pastries at the International Hotel near Huanghe Road. Many popular trendy spots always have lines. There are also other time-honored Shanghai brands—you can check Dianping for more recommendations.
Important Notes (Must Read)
1. Shanghai buses and subways accept Alipay QR code payments. Download the ride code in advance—previously, you needed the Metro app. Opt for the subway when exploring Shanghai, as it connects to most destinations conveniently without traffic jams. When tired from sightseeing, combine subway travel with taxis.
2. Shanghai Museum requires advance booking via its official WeChat account up to 7 days in advance. Note that it is closed on Mondays. The museum is currently very popular, so booking ahead is essential.
3. Xujiahui Academy, a newly popular spot, also requires advance booking through its official account. For Xujiahui Catholic Cathedral, arrive early—visitors are no longer admitted after 4:30 PM. Be sure to note this.
4. The Huangpu River ferry (¥2) has specific operating hours. Check the last ferry departure time, as it may occasionally suspend service. Follow their official WeChat account for updates.
Must-Visit Attractions
The Bund
• Duration: 1–2 hours
• Best time to visit: 6:00 PM (after lights are turned on)
• Admission: Free
Lujiazui
• Duration: Half a day
• Best time to visit: Afternoon or evening
• Admission fees: Shanghai Tower (¥180), Jin Mao Tower (¥150), Oriental Pearl Tower (¥220)
• Tip: The Shanghai Tower observation deck on the 118th floor offers the best views; visit on clear days for optimal sightseeing.
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street
• Duration: 2–3 hours
• Best time to visit: Afternoon or evening
• Admission: Free
• Tip: A hub for time-honored shops, perfect for shopping and sampling Shanghai cuisine
Yuyuan Garden/City God Temple
• Duration: Half a day
• Best time to visit: Evening (photography is stunning; daytime is not ideal)
• Admission: Yuyuan Garden (120 RMB for combined ticket covering attractions within the garden), City God Temple (free)
• Tips: Be mindful of pickpockets due to large crowds; the area near the Nine-Turn Bridge offers the best photo opportunities.
🎭 Xintiandi/Tianzifang
• Best time to visit: 3-4 hours
• Admission: Free
• Highlights: Shikumen architecture, creative district, hub for trendy cafes
• Tips: Ideal for leisurely strolls and photography; crowded on weekends
🏰 Shanghai Disney Resort
• Recommended duration: 1-2 days
• Admission: 399 RMB on weekdays, 499-699 RMB on peak days
• Hours: Typically 8:00 AM–9:00 PM (check official website for details)
• Tips: Purchase tickets 30 days in advance, use the Disney app for attraction reservations, arrive at least 1 hour early
Avoid These Pitfalls
1. Dining:
Snacks at the City God Temple are overpriced and may not meet taste expectations. For authentic local cuisine, head to Yunnan South Road Food Street—a favorite among locals. Try the crispy pork ribs with sticky rice cakes from Xian De Lai. The ribs are tender, the rice cakes soft and chewy, and the special sauce makes it a must-try.
2. Shopping:
Souvenirs in Tianzifang are often significantly overpriced. Exercise restraint to avoid overspending. For local specialties, skip tourist areas—supermarkets offer wider selections at more reasonable prices.
3. Attraction Reservations:
Popular spots like Disneyland and the Shanghai Museum require advance booking 3-7 days prior to avoid last-minute ticket shortages that could disrupt your itinerary.
4. Weather Preparation:
Shanghai's summer sun is intense—bring sunglasses and sunscreen. Winters are damp and cold; pack a windproof jacket to stay warm.
5. Transportation Alternatives:
The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel costs 50 RMB but offers a disappointing experience—a 5-minute ride with only 50 cents worth of special effects. In contrast, the 2 RMB ferry provides exceptional value, offering 360-degree views of the Huangpu River and is a far superior choice. For panoramic views of Shanghai, skip the overcrowded Duoyun Bookstore. Instead, head to the People's Café on the 37th floor of North Bund's Magnolia Plaza. Admission is free, there's no minimum spend, and its floor-to-ceiling circular windows offer unobstructed views directly facing the Oriental Pearl Tower.
6. Attraction Selection:
Qibao Ancient Town resembles other ancient towns with limited uniqueness. Beyond its famous Qibao tangyuan dumplings, it doesn't warrant a dedicated visit. Xintiandi is far more worthwhile—its shikumen buildings blend retro charm with modern trends, immersing you in Shanghai's bohemian lifestyle. Tianzifang has lost its former buzz and suffers from severe homogenization. For a Citywalk experience, Wukang Road and Anfu Road are superior choices, offering views of sycamore-lined streets and garden villas steeped in history. The snacks at East Nanjing Road Food Court are overpriced and mediocre—avoid them. Instead, head to nearby People's Square, where many time-honored eateries remain hidden gems.
