Shanghai Travel Tips
Shanghai is an international metropolis, perfect blend of the modern and the traditional, the western and the oriental and attracts visitors from all over the world. We carefully collect the following practical Shanghai travel tips with hope to be of help for visitors to quickly know the outlines of the city.
The Best Time to Travel
Shanghai experiences a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid while winters are cold and damp. The best time to visit Shanghai is spring (mid March to May) and fall (September to Mid November), when the weather is good and crowds diminish.
Avoid the National Day holiday (the first week of October), when 1.3 billion people are on the move. Chinese New Year (which ranges from mid-January to mid-February) and summer times are also peak seasons for Shanghai travel. Hotels and transportation can get very crowded. If possible, book several months in advance.
Must-see attractions
Shanghai, with rich oriental culture and western influence, has much to see. Explore the best sights with our top choices.
The city's most recognizable sightseeing spot, the Bund, on the bank of Huangpu River, is lined with massive foreign buildings that predate 1949. Head to the Bund for a waterfront stroll and have a look at the grandest historic buildings.
Go to the top of another landmark of Shanghai: the Bundthe Oriental Pearl Tower for a bird's-eye view of the city, stroll around Yuyuan Garden which is Shanghai's largest ancient garden with Ming and Qing architectural styles.
The last but not least, for a spot of shopping, is Nanjing Road, Shanghai's busiest street.
Money Exchange
China's currency is Renminbi (RMB) or Yuan (Y). You could easily draw Chinese currency in Shanghai at an ATM which is 24/7 hours service.
You could also convert your money into Chinese currency at the airport, your hotel or a major bank, such as Bank of China or HSBC. Banks in China work Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Credit cards such as American Express, MasterCard, and Visa are accepted at most major hotels, shopping malls, upmarket stores and restaurants.
Postal Service
Postal service in Shanghai is cheap but reliable. Post office is available in shanghai’s airports and train stations. Mail box is also available in major streets and communities.
Getting Around
Subway should be the quickest and most efficient way to get around in Shanghai. Subway system line 1, line 2, line 3, line 4, line 5, line 6, line 8, line 9 and line 10 covers major of the urban and suburban areas. Taxi is also a comfortable way to get around Shanghai.
Safety
China is a safe destination for visitors to travel to, so is in Shanghai. There is little violent crime against tourists in China. Handbag-snatching and pick-pocketing do happen in crowded spots or on crowded buses, subways or trains. Please keep an eye open and you should have no problems.
