Proven Tips: Plan Your Shanghai Trip Wisely!

[Lula Schmidt]

If you're planning a trip to Shanghai, here’s what I've learned after visiting the city. First, let's talk about transportation options within the city. Taxis are not always the best choice because traffic can be terrible—even when it’s not rush hour. The starting fare is 16 RMB, but you might end up spending more due to delays. Public buses are an option if you don't mind waiting and navigating routes, and you can easily get an electronic bus card through Alipay (ZFB). For convenience, though, the subway system is your best bet with 16 lines covering most tourist attractions and making travel smooth and efficient. Plus, stations are well-marked in both Chinese and English, which helps foreign visitors navigate easily. Now, onto some popular spots in Shanghai that require advance booking:

The Shanghai Museum costs 100 RMB per ticket and should be booked up to 14 days ahead. The iconic Oriental Pearl Tower starts at 180 RMB, so reserve at least three days before your visit. If you want to explore traditional architecture, the Yuyuan Garden and Chenghuang Temple area cost 40 RMB and need to be reserved seven days in advance. Animal lovers will enjoy the Shanghai Wildlife Zoo for 165 RMB, bookable nine days prior. Families may also like the Natural History Museum (30 RMB) or the Astronomy Museum (also 30 RMB), both needing reservations three days beforehand. Of course, no trip to Shanghai would be complete without visiting Disneyland, where tickets start from 415 RMB and must be booked ten days early. Lastly, the Shanghai Ocean Park offers thrilling marine experiences starting at 289 RMB, again requiring advance booking of ten days.

For foodies, check out authentic Hainan-style sour soup hotpot at Longzhi Dream Mall. It's tangy and refreshing, paired perfectly with durian shaved ice—a dessert hit among locals! Be cautious with directions as places like Jing’an Temple might have confusing signs, leading travelers astray.

[Carmen Willms]

Thanks for putting this together! This guide really simplifies my Shanghai itinerary.

[Jesse Paucek]

Coming from Hongqiao Train Station? There are plenty of cool spots nearby worth checking out too.

[Mr. Otis Schaefer]

Which restaurant did you mention for the hotpot?

[Dr. Wade Boyer]

I tried the genuine Hainanese sour soup hotpot at Longzhi Dream Mall—it was amazing! Loved the durian shaved ice as well.

[Sonja Schroeder]

I'm heading there next week, thanks for the tips on avoiding wrong turns around Jing'an Temple.

[Kathryn Heller]

Be sure to visit the Sino-Japanese War Memorial Museum while you're in town.

[Elaine Boyle PhD]

Where exactly is this place located?

[Frank Cole]

Yeah, GPS sometimes messes up near Jing'an Temple—watch out for that.

[Felix Glover]

Same here, almost got lost following Google Maps!

[Orville Conroy]

Anyone doing walking tours around areas 12 and 13?

[Mr. Nathan Waelchi]

Heading to Shanghai tomorrow night from Suzhou.

[Abraham Kris]

Does it rain often in Shanghai these days?

[Kay Oberbrunner]

There was light rain today.

[Barry Kuphal]

Tagging friends who might find this useful.

[Sally Breitenberg]

Appreciate the effort put into this detailed post!