To travel to Shanghai, China, you will need a valid passport and a Chinese visa. You can apply for a visa through the Chinese embassy or this website: visaexpress.com/visa-for-china-from-us/ . It’s also recommended to check the current travel restrictions and requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic before planning your trip. Once in Shanghai, you can use public transportation such as the subway or bus, or hail a taxi to get around the city. Some popular tourist attractions include the Bund, Yuyuan Garden, and the Shanghai Tower.
Top Things to Do
• Visit the Bund: This iconic waterfront promenade offers stunning views of the city’s skyline and is a great place to see the Pudong district.• Explore Yuyuan Garden: This traditional Chinese garden is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city and features beautiful landscapes, rock formations, and pavilions.• Visit Shanghai Tower: The Shanghai Tower is the city’s tallest building, and the observation deck offers great views of the city.• Walk down Nanjing Road: This famous shopping street is known for its high-end boutiques and department stores.• Visit the Shanghai Museum: This museum features a wide variety of Chinese art and artifacts, including ancient bronze, ceramics, and jade.• Take a boat ride on the Huangpu River: Take a boat ride on the Huangpu River to see the city from a different perspective and enjoy the views of the Bund and Pudong skyline.• Visit the Shanghai World Financial Center: This skyscraper is one of the tallest buildings in the world, and its observation deck offers a great panoramic view of the city.• Visit the Shanghai Circus World: Catch a show of acrobatic performances, it’s an experience not to be missed.
These are just a few examples of the many things to see and do in Shanghai. It’s a city with a rich history and culture, so be sure to take time to explore and discover the unique and diverse aspects of this vibrant metropolis.
Discovering its Fab Food
Shanghai is known for its delicious and diverse food, and there are many great options to try. Here are a few popular dishes and places to discover the culinary delights of Shanghai:
• Xiao long bao: These steamed dumplings are a Shanghai specialty and are typically filled with meat and broth. They can be found at many restaurants throughout the city, but some of the most famous places to try them are Din Tai Fung and Jia Jia Tang Bao.• Braised pork belly: Known as “hongshao rou”, this dish is made by braising pork belly in a sweet soy sauce-based broth. It’s a staple of Shanghai cuisine and can be found at many local restaurants.• Fried small shrimps: Known as “xiaolongxia” is a popular street food and can be found at many street vendors or local seafood restaurant.• Fried Rice cakes: Known as “nian gao” are a popular street food and can be found in many street vendors or local Chinese restaurants.• Shengjianbao: These pan-fried dumplings are similar to xiao long bao, but they have a crispy bottom and are typically filled with meat and broth. They are also a specialty of Shanghai cuisine and can be found at many local restaurants.• Soup dumplings: Known as “tangbao” these dumplings are filled with meat and broth, and are typically served in a small bowl of soup. They can be found at many local restaurants and are a popular comfort food in Shanghai.• Suzhou-style cold noodles: Known as “liangpi” these cold noodles are made from wheat flour and are typically served with a spicy sauce. They are a popular summer dish in Shanghai and can be found at many local restaurants.• Deep-fried small crabs: Known as “xiaoxie” these small crabs are popular street food in Shanghai, and can be found at many street vendors or local seafood restaurants.
These are just a few examples of the many delicious dishes that Shanghai has to offer. Be sure to explore the local neighborhoods and street food markets to discover even more culinary delights.
How to Get Around
There are several ways to get around Shanghai, including:
Subway: Shanghai’s subway system is extensive, efficient, and relatively inexpensive. It’s a great way to get around the city and is especially useful for getting to popular tourist destinations.
Bus: Shanghai has an extensive bus network that covers most areas of the city. Buses are a convenient and affordable way to get around, but they can be crowded during rush hour.
Taxis: Taxis are widely available in Shanghai, and they are a convenient way to get around the city. Taxis are relatively inexpensive, and most drivers speak some English.
Rickshaws: Rickshaws are a fun and unique way to see the city, but they can be more expensive than other forms of transportation.
Bicycle Rental: Some areas of Shanghai, like the French Concession, are perfect to explore by bike. You can rent a bike through bike sharing platforms like Ofo or Mobike.
Maglev Train: The Maglev train is a high-speed train that connects Pudong International Airport to the city center in just 8 minutes, it’s a fast and efficient way to get to the city center from the airport.
Walk: Walking is a great way to explore the city, especially if you’re in a neighborhood with narrow streets that are not easily accessible by car.
It’s worth noting that traffic in Shanghai can be heavy, so plan your trip in advance, and allow extra time for travel during rush hour. Public transportation is generally reliable and is the most efficient way to get around the city. Consider downloading a transportation app like maps.me or Citymapper to help you navigate the public transportation system and make your travel easier.
In conclusion, Shanghai is a vibrant and exciting city with a rich history and culture. There are many things to see and do, including visiting the Bund, YuyuanGarden, and the Shanghai Tower, as well as exploring the local neighborhoods and street food markets. The city also offers a variety of transportation options, including the subway, bus, taxi, rickshaws, bicycle rental, Maglev train, and walking, all of which can help you navigate the city efficiently. It’s important to note that travel restrictions and requirements may be in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so be sure to check the current situation and plan accordingly. With a little planning and preparation, your travel to Shanghai is sure to be an unforgettable experience.