Fresh Outta Shanghai: Hot Tips & Tourist Traps to Dodge 🥹

[Kristopher Schultz PhD]

Sure thing! Here is the translation:

Absolutely no problem! Shanghai can be an enjoyable place to visit, but there are some small details to take note of, especially for foreign friends visiting for the first time. I will share my experiences to prevent you from making the same mistakes I did – rest assured that these tips are both practical and useful!

• There are two major airports in Shanghai: Pudong Airport (PVG) and Hongqiao Airport (SHA).

  • Want to visit Disneyland? Opt for Pudong Airport – it’s closer.
  • Want to explore the city center? Then Hongqiao Airport would be more convenient.

• If you plan on enjoying the city center, I strongly recommend staying near Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street:

  • The surrounding area offers everything you will need: a plethora of tasty food spots, shopping outlets, and other tourist attractions.
  • From there you can easily walk to The Bund, a place renowned for its picturesque views across the Huangpu River, as well as North Bund.
  • Moreover, the Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is home to many subway stations which will allow you to effectively access further sites.

• The lights along The Bund generally light up at 6pm and turn off at 10pm.

• Wishing to capture those amazing nightscapes of the famous skyscrapers on the opposite bank of the river? I recommend heading to North Bund instead of The Bund for photoshoots, as this spot tends to have fewer people.

• ️ Important note: Between late March and early April each year, popular destinations like Disney Park, Shanghai Aquarium, Expo Garden may receive numerous local school students and kindergarteners for their spring outings.

  • Expect very crowded conditions, lengthy line-ups and reduced tourism experience quality.

• ️ Tips for transportation at the city center: It’s recommended to walk or take public transport.

  • Taking a taxi or ride-sharing vehicle in the downtown city usually entails waiting a long time, and the congestion can greatly impede travel efficiency.

• The trinity of iconic skyscrapers in Lujiazui (Shanghai Tower, SWFC, Jin Mao Tower) are exceptionally spectacular at night when illuminated. It is highly suggested that visitors head over during evening hours.

• A friendly reminder for toilet users: Majority of public toilets in Shanghai have Western-style toilets and only few offer squat toilets. Thus, those who aren't familiar with the former may wish to control their fluid intake prior to going out.

• Those cafes which offer great scenic views often require advanced booking for window seats. However, there are alternatives where you can still capture equally remarkable photographs without booking ahead.

• ️ Watch out for scams: A currently very popular photo spot located at the third floor of Sinar Mas Plaza requires payment for access to snap pictures, and unfortunately, they are not cheap!

• The bustling crowds around WuKang Mansion means it’s best to arrive during the morning to avoid excessive crowds.

• ️ Beware when choosing accommodations near Disneyland: particularly concerning one called “美宿之家民宿” – advertised to be a mere 2.7 kilometers away from the theme park, but later the actual distance was revealed to be around 10 kilometers! Avoid falling for such deception!

• For those spending a day at Disney Park, I urge you to bring along your own snacks to save costs – the in-park food prices can be quite high. As for water, Disney provides free bottle-filling stations so remember to bring along a reusable water bottle.

• Upon entering the park, rush immediately for some of the most popular rides: TRON Lightcycle Power Run and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

  • These two attractions are known for having long queues and getting in them immediately can save you some waiting time.
  • An additional tip is to try these rides right after the evening fireworks display when queue times will likely be shorter.

• ️ Warning when leaving Disney Park: Taxis will be extremely hard to hail during evening hours after your visit.

  • If you plan on returning to central Shanghai, taking the subway would be more advisable.
  • And if you are staying at a nearby hotel, ensure to arrange transportation with your hotel ahead of time. Otherwise, be wary of those “black car” drivers willing to charge you 2-4 times the original costs.

[Shawna Keebler-Satterfield]

I'm going the day after tomorrow. What should I wear?

[Karen Zulauf]

The temperature in Shanghai has dropped sharply recently, so it's a bit chilly. I'd suggest wearing a sweater or a thick jacket.

[Ms. Thelma DuBuque-Rolfson]

Hey sis, did you have someone take these photos for you?

[Delia Jast]

My boyfriend took them.

[Alejandro Runolfsdottir]

Where was photo #8 taken?

[Helen Gleason]

Xujiahui Cathedral.

[Elaine Boyle PhD]

I was just thinking of visiting Shanghai! Guess I'll follow your recommendations, Mangmang.

[Hugo Witting]

Since I see your IP is in Chongqing, let me recommend a great spot: Shancheng Mutton Restaurant, near Jiefangbei.

[Wayne Marvin]

I've actually eaten there already, it's pretty good, haha!

[Melody Jacobi]

@LostinMoon.

[Daisy Hermiston]

I already considered the downtown issues you mentioned earlier when booking my hotel.

[Justin Zieme]

@BurgerKingPro

[Kathryn Heller]

I'll check again on the 26th.

[Orville Conroy]

Any hotel recommendations for Nanjing Road?

[Mr. Otis Schaefer]

Same question here.

[Beulah Koelpin]

Where was photo #7 taken?

[Kathryn Hermiston]

As a Shanghai local, even I don't know where that is!

[Elsa Wyman]

Is photo #3 the North Bund or the Bund?

[Steve Beatty]

The North Bund.