Getting Around: Shanghai, China

Shanghai: Where Ancient Traditions Meet Futuristic Ambition

Shanghai is one of those cities that genuinely stops you in your tracks. Whether you're gazing at the glittering Pudong skyline from the historic Bund or weaving through lantern-lit alleyways in the French Concession, this city has a way of making every other destination feel slightly ordinary by comparison. If you're planning a trip to China's most cosmopolitan metropolis, here's everything you need to know before you go.

Overview

Shanghai is a city of extraordinary contrasts. Home to over 24 million people, it is China's financial and cultural powerhouse, blending colonial-era architecture with some of the world's most dramatic modern skylines. Visitors come for the food, the energy, the history, and the sheer spectacle of a city that never seems to slow down. The best times to visit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when temperatures are mild and the city is at its most photogenic. Summer can be intensely hot and humid, while winters are cold and occasionally damp.

Key neighbourhoods to explore include:

• The Bund and Huangpu: The iconic waterfront strip lined with Art Deco and colonial buildings, facing the futuristic towers of Pudong across the river.
• The French Concession: Tree-lined streets, boutique cafes, vintage shops, and some of the best restaurants in the city.
• Jing'an: Upscale shopping, buzzing nightlife, and the beautiful Jing'an Temple sitting improbably between luxury malls.
• Tianzifang: A labyrinth of converted 1930s shikumen buildings turned into art galleries, craft shops, and cosy bars.

Essential Information

• Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY / RMB). As of 2024, roughly 7.2 CNY equals $1 USD. Cash is less essential than it once was, as Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate, though foreign visitors can now link international cards to Alipay.
• Language: Mandarin is the official language. English is spoken in most hotels, tourist attractions, and higher-end restaurants, but less so in local markets and smaller eateries. Download a translation app before you arrive.
• Visa: Many nationalities including US, UK, EU, and Australian passport holders now qualify for China's 144-hour transit visa-free policy or longer visa-free stays depending on bilateral agreements. Always check the latest requirements before travelling.
• Internet: China's Great Firewall blocks Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, and many other services. Set up a reliable VPN before you land, as downloads may be restricted once you're in the country.
• Time Zone: China Standard Time (CST), UTC+8. There is only one time zone across the entire country.

Practical Tips

• Get a metro card: Shanghai's metro system is exceptional. It's clean, fast, affordable, and covers virtually every major attraction. A single journey rarely costs more than $0.50 to $1 USD. Pick up a Transportation Card at any major station.
• Use Didi for taxis: Think of Didi as China's Uber. It's reliable, affordable, and the app has an English interface. Prices are generally much lower than taxis in equivalent Western cities.
• Eat at street stalls: Some of the best food in Shanghai costs almost nothing. Sheng Jian Bao (pan-fried pork buns) from a street stall near Yuyuan Garden will set you back around $1.50 for four. Don't be shy about pointing at what looks good.
• Book popular attractions in advance: The Shanghai Tower observation deck and Yu Garden can get extremely busy, especially on weekends and public holidays. Booking online in advance saves queuing time.
• Respect local customs: Dress modestly when visiting temples, avoid loud behaviour in public spaces, and always use two hands when giving or receiving business cards or gifts.

Getting There

Shanghai is served by two international airports. Pudong International Airport (PVG) handles the majority of long-haul international flights and is the one most visitors will arrive at. Hongqiao Airport (SHA) primarily handles domestic routes and short-haul regional flights. Direct flights to PVG operate from major hubs including Los Angeles, New York, London, Dubai, Singapore, and Sydney, with journey times ranging from approximately 12 to 15 hours from the US East Coast. Airlines including Air China, China Eastern, United, and Cathay Pacific offer regular services. Once you land, the Maglev train connects Pudong Airport to Longyang Road metro station in just 8 minutes, reaching speeds of 431 km/h — a spectacular introduction to the city.

Accommodation Options

Shanghai caters to every budget, and location matters enormously when choosing where to stay.

• Budget ($30–$70/night): Hostels and budget hotels in areas like Jing'an or near People's Square offer clean, well-connected bases. The Captain Hostel near the Bund is a long-standing favourite for solo travellers.
• Mid-range ($100–$200/night): Boutique hotels in the French Concession offer excellent value. Look for properties on Xinle Road or Wukang Road for the full neighbourhood experience.
• Luxury ($250+/night): The Peninsula Shanghai and the Waldorf Astoria on the Bund are world-class in every sense, offering spectacular views and impeccable service. The