Shanghai: Don't Get Keng'd! Your WTF Survival Guide.
-
Here's my experience and some tips on visiting certain attractions in Shanghai, to help you avoid spending money for nothing or enjoying a less-than-satisfying experience:
1. The Bund (外滩)
★★★★★
Stunning evening views of the Bund, no need to say more!However: Pay attention to the Huang Pu River cruise.
How to avoid getting stuck: During the day, there are two yuan ferry rides you can take from one side of the river to the other. While this cheaper ferry stops operating in the evening, the tour operators want you to take those expensive boats for observation — with prices ranging from tens to hundreds of yuan more. If you’d like to experience a boat ride across the river, go during the day!2. Yu Garden (豫园)
★★★
This is a classical garden with a long history. Unfortunately, it’s recently been renovated to appeal to the aesthetic of people who want to take “check-in” pictures for social media (influencer culture). It earned three stars primarily because of its proximity to the Bund, allowing visitors to see it as part of the trip.However: Be wary of the famous "South Xiang Dumpling Shop". Their steamed crab meat dumplings — though famous — are not good value.
3. Disneyland (迪士尼乐园)
★★★★
It’s still worth visiting, being Disney after all!
Tips to save money:- Purchase tickets online in advance, where you usually find discounts.
- Check some tourism guides online before you go to outline the planned itinerary you want to follow.
- Download the official DIsney app, which helps look up the map and how long each project’s queue might be.
Pay attention: There are many visitors and long queues for popular attractions. Also, the park is huge, so you’d better wear comfortable shoes!
4. Former French Concession Area and WuKang Building (梧桐区与武康大楼)
★★★
There are lots of French planes trees in this area, giving it a European town feel. Some structures like Wu Kang Building also have unique shapes and have become new sensations. However, parking would be difficult to find if you come by car.
Solution: Take subway. But you may need to walk a little bit more from the station to the building itself.5. Oriental Pearl Tower (上海东方明珠塔)
★
Just visit a landmark high tower to watch the whole city skyline; however, this is not recommendable since it costs around 200 RMB (approximate) and includes long queueing for elevators and crowded observation areas. I recommend the K11 Art Mall instead, which allows one to enjoy similar views at smaller expenses with greater comfort.6. Shanghai Center (上海中心大厦)
★
This is another spot you pay for to watch the whole city skyline from top floors. I do not recommend this either since the cost is relatively higher.7. Shanghai Wildlife Park (上海野生动物园)
★★★
Here one takes special "cages-on-wheels" to get close with wild animals like tigers and lions. The price for cage tickets is not small.8. Dishui Lake (滴水湖)
★★★
A huge artificial lake, providing nice scenery and a calm time to relax.9. 1933 Meat Market (1933老场坊)
★★
Originally a slaughterhouse, with unique architectural features like complex stairs, now rebuilt as business centers and galleries. Not worth making a special trip, but if passing by and having enough time, could be an interesting stop.10. Xintiandi + Sinan Mansions (新天地 + 思南广场 )
★★★
Composed of old residential alleys, this place has beautiful foreign houses, hotels, a park and commercial markets.11. Nanjing Road Ped Street (南京路步行街 )
★★★
Imagine a magnified version of another famous shopping street in China - a very busy commercial street perfect for eating, sightseeing, and shopping right next to the Bund.12. Tianzifang + Ri Yue Guang (田子坊 + 日月光中心 )
★★★
This place is close enough that one could walk between Tianzifang with vintage stores, cozy cafes and small restaurants, and Ri Yue Guang Shopping Center. It’s worth noting that it’s relatively cheaper and offers more choices in food.13. Xuhui Riverside (徐汇滨江 )
★★★
A long riverside that allows people to relax by walking, cycling, and sightseeing during weekends. There’s a special dog park where children and pets can interact freely.14. Madame Tussauds Wax Museum (杜莎夫人蜡像馆 )
★★
Wax sculptures of famous celebrities, worth visiting only if one has never been to other city wax museums.That’s all I'm sharing for now. Hope this helps!
#Shanghai #TravelTips #AttractionsRecommendation -
Okay, saved! Will go next time, haha.
-
I'm home now, so come on over, and I'll keep you company.
-
Anywhere around Line 11 should be fine.
-
I'm also thinking of visiting the Shanghai Wild Animal Park. Could you tell me a bit more about it? Thanks!
-
I picked the caged vehicle, but in hindsight, I don't think it was much different from the regular bus.
-
Oh, that crab roe bun!!! It was so expensive and tasted awful.
-
Got it! 🫡
-
I'm planning to take my parents and kid(s) on the 3rd. Any suggestions?
-
@聪聪大王123