Are you looking for a travel guide to help you decide if visiting Shanghai is a good idea? Look no further. We at China Highlights have put up the most essential list of information regarding Shanghai travel planning. Our collection of Shanghai travel recommendations will ensure that you enjoy your visit to this beautiful metropolis.
1. The best time to visit Shanghai
Shanghai has four distinct seasons, which vary from humid summers to bright springs, rainy autumns, and chilly winters. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the ideal times of year to visit. Spring days are warm while nights are cool, whereas autumn has its own feel when the weather begins to cool down but people continue to go out.
However, in December, February, and other months when you are a lover of winter, Shanghai is lovely. There’s plenty of mulled wine to keep you warm and happy. We’ve got the precise information for you about Shanghai weather right here if you need it.
2. What to see: Shanghai sights
There’s never a dull moment in Shanghai! Whether you’re travelling solo or in a group, there’s always something to do that will suit your interests. You can really immerse yourself in the culture here and experience everything the city has to offer. No matter what your interests are, Shanghai has something for you. Love the theater or art?
We have countless museums and landmarks like the Bund and Pudong skyline. If you’re a history buff, check out old water towns like Zhujiajiao or temples like Jing’an Temple and the Jade Buddha Temple. Or if you just want to relax with some tea and shopping, there are plenty of options for that all over the city!
3. What to do in Shanghai at night
If you’re looking for a lively nightlife, Puxi district in the city is where you want to be. To start your evening off right, check out some of these hot spots:
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With options like New York Style pizza at Homeslice, craft beer at Little Creatures or Zapfler, Thai food at Cyclo, and Brazilian meat dishes at Boteco, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a spot you don’t love at this party destination. You can also enjoy hip hop music with beer pong at Ballers, the hidden whiskey bar Alive,. If you’re feeling up for it spend a couple of hours enjoying some magic Blackstone or grab some tacos and tequila shots El Luchador.
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If you’re looking for a more relaxed night out, this cluster of bars and restaurants has got you covered. With a beer van right at the entrance, you can’t go wrong. Valpasso and Monkey 3.0 are perfect places to start your night with some delicious cocktails and bar-food.
4. Business hours in Shanghai
The Chinese government typically stipulates a five-day workweek, from Monday to Friday, for 8 hours each day. The average business hours are usually 9:30am to 6pm, with a break from 12pm to 2pm. Restaurants are typically open from 11am–2pm and again from 6–9pm.
5. What to eat in Shanghai
When in China, do as the Chinese do. trying different foods from all of the best places is a must-do while in Shanghai if you want to get a taste of its rich history and culture.
Dumplings and noodles are the most popular foods, but there are many other options. Dumplings and noodles, for example, are available in abundance. There is a whole universe of meals out there that you may try! The revered xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), hairy steamed crab, hongshao rou (Shanghainese braised pork dish), classic baozi (steamed bready bread stuffed with veggies or meats – ideal breakfast), scallion pancakes, and more are all considered priorities.
6. Getting around Shanghai
In recent years, the availability of taxi cabs in Shanghai has dramatically improved. If you’ve never heard of Didi (they drove Uber out of China), then now is the time to learn more about them. Download the Didi app on your phone and forget about it when you arrive. Didi is all around you, so getting around town is a piece of cake. You may use your international credit card to make instant payments and save time and effort.
You may either take a Maglev train to your hotel and then a local taxi or simply hire a cab at the airport – it’s really very simple since there’s always plenty of cabs at the airport.
If you want to explore Shanghai in depth without spending much money, then the 16-line metro system is ideal for you. The directions are available in both English and Chinese, which makes it convenient for tourists. Plus, the stations and trains are very clean! You’ll be able to see all of the city’s different neighborhoods quickly and easily.
7. How to greet people in Shanghai
Typically, at social gatherings it is best to keep things casual with a simple “Hello” ( Ni Hao) and smile. However, if you find yourself at a business event or networking, it is good manners to make a polite comment about the appearance of the other person’s card before tucking it carefully into your wallet.
If possible, try to take plenty of business cards with you that have been translated into Chinese on the back. When exchanging business cards, be as polite and deferential as possible. Take out your card, bow slightly, and present it with both hands. They will most likely reciprocate in a similar fashion, holding their card English version uppermost. If you meet a group of people who start clapping when you arrive, don’t worry; this is just a form of greeting. You can respond by clapping as well.
8.Currency Exchange & Banks in Shanghai
At most hotels, currency exchange services are accessible, and all major banks provide them. China Merchants Bank, ICBC, and ABC (Agricultural Bank of China) are some of the ones to look for (China Merchants Bank is the only one that accepts cash). There are numerous branches throughout the city; check with your hotel about the nearest branch. For currency exchange, you will need your passport.
Generally, large businesses such as malls, hotels and restaurants will accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express. However in China, paperless transactions are commonplace using Alipay or WeChat pay.
Keep some cash on you, just in case. ATMs are plentiful, and your Visa/MasterCard debit card should work with your overseas bank account.
