Overview of shanghai

Shanghai Travel Guide

Preface:
Shanghai, located in eastern China, is a vibrant metropolis that seamlessly blends modernity and tradition. As China’s largest economic and financial hub, Shanghai attracts visitors worldwide with its stunning skyline, rich culture, and diverse cuisine.

 Seasonal Travel Highlights:
• Spring (3-5): Ideal for flower viewing at parks like Century Park and Gucun Park.
• Summer (6-8): Night cruises on the Huangpu River; cool down in museums or water towns.
• Autumn (9-11): Perfect weather for city walks and enjoying seasonal crab dishes.
• Winter (12-2): Indoor activities like museums and warm winter snacks.

About transportation, attractions and food.

By Air

• Airports:
1. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): About 30 km from the city center.
2. Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA): About 13 km from the city center.

• Airport to City Transportation:
• Pudong International Airport:
1. Metro: Line 2 to downtown, ~1 hour, ¥7-8.
2. Maglev Train: Pudong Airport to Longyang Road, ~8 minutes, ¥50 (one-way), ¥80 (round trip).
3. Taxi: ~45 minutes, ¥150-200.
4. Shuttle Bus: 60–90 minutes, ¥20-30.
• Hongqiao International Airport:
1. Metro: Lines 2 and 10 to downtown, ~30 minutes, ¥5-7.
2. Taxi: ~25-30 minutes, ¥50-100.
 
By Train

• Major Railway Stations:
1. Shanghai Railway Station: Central location, serves regular and high-speed trains.
2. Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station: High-speed train hub.
3. Shanghai South Station: Mainly southern destinations.
• Railway to City Transportation:
• Shanghai Railway Station: Metro Lines 1, 3, and 4; taxi ~15–20 minutes.
• Hongqiao Railway Station: Metro Lines 2 and 10; taxi ~30 minutes.
• Shanghai South Station: Metro Lines 1 and 3.
 
• City Transportation

• Metro: 19 lines, fares ¥3-9.
• Buses: Extensive network, fare ¥2.
• Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Starting fare ¥14; DiDi app recommended.
• Shared Bikes: Available for short trips, ¥1 per 30 minutes.
• Walking: Ideal for exploring areas like the Bund and Xintiandi.

1.The Bund:
Stroll along the waterfront, marvel at the historic buildings and enjoy stunning views of Pudong’s modern skyline.
• Address: Zhongshan East 1st Road, Huangpu District
• Ticket Price: Free
• Highlights:
• A waterfront promenade with historic European-style buildings.
• Stunning views of the Huangpu River and the illuminated skyline, including the Oriental Pearl Tower at night.

• Transportation:
• Take Metro Line 2 or Line 10 to Nanjing East Road Station and walk about 10 minutes.

2.Oriental Pearl Tower:
A striking landmark in Shanghai’s Lujiazui area, the Oriental Pearl Tower stands at 468 meters and offers panoramic views, a thrilling glass skywalk, and a history museum showcasing Shanghai’s past.
• Address: No. 1 Century Avenue, Lujiazui, Pudong New Area
• Ticket Price: Glass Skywalk + Main Observation Deck Combo: ¥180 (varies depending on packages).
• Highlights:
• A 351-meter-high observation deck with a panoramic view of Shanghai.
• Thrilling glass-bottom walkway.
• Oriental Pearl History Museum at the base.
• Transportation:Take Metro Line 2 to Lujiazui Station and walk about 5 minutes.
 
3.Shanghai Tower:
As China’s tallest building at 632 meters, Shanghai Tower features the world’s highest observation deck on its 118th floor, offering breathtaking views and an architectural marvel with its twisting design.
  • Address: No. 501 Yincheng Middle Road, Pudong New Area
  • Ticket Price: ¥180 per person (118th-floor observation deck).
  • Highlights:
  • At 632 meters tall, it is one of China’s tallest buildings.
  • Offers breathtaking views from the 118th-floor Sky Deck.
  • Experience the world’s fastest elevator.
  • Transportation:  Take Metro Line 2 to Lujiazui Station and walk about 15 minutes.
 
4.Yu Garden and City God Temple Area:
A cluster of traditional-style architecture recreating the charm of ancient Chinese buildings.
• Address:
• Yu Garden: No. 132 Anren Street, Huangpu District
• City God Temple: No. 249 Fangbang Middle Road, Huangpu District
• Ticket Price:
• Yu Garden: ¥40 (low season), ¥50 (high season)
• City God Temple: Free (some shrines may charge a small fee).
• Highlights:
• Yu Garden: A classical Ming Dynasty garden with elegant pavilions and rockeries.
• City God Temple: A cultural experience of traditional Chinese architecture and folklore.
• Surrounding snack streets offer a taste of local delicacies.
• Transportation: Take Metro Line 10 to Yuyuan Garden Station and walk about 5 minutes.
 
5.Jing’an Temple:
A stunning Buddhist temple blending ancient spirituality with modern cityscapes, known for its golden architecture and rich history.
• Address: No. 1686 Nanjing West Road, Jing’an District
• Ticket Price: ¥50 per person
• Highlights:
• One of the oldest Buddhist temples in Shanghai, blending ancient architecture with urban surroundings.
• A serene and sacred site with a rich history.
• Transportation:Take Metro Line 2 or Line 7 to Jing’an Temple Station, and the temple is within walking distance.
 
6.Xintiandi Shikumen:
A representative area of Shanghai’s Shikumen architecture, showcasing the unique blend of traditional Chinese and Western design styles. A stylish pedestrian area known for dining, shopping, and nightlife.
• Address: Lane 181, Taicang Road, Huangpu District
• Ticket Price: Free (some galleries may charge admission).
• Highlights:
• A blend of old Shanghai’s Shikumen architecture and modern restaurants, cafes, and shops.
• A symbol of Shanghai’s history and fashionable lifestyle.
• Features the Site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China.
• Transportation: Take Metro Line 10 or Line 13 to Xintiandi Station and walk about 3 minutes.

•  Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao):
Thin-skinned dumplings filled with savory broth and meat!
•  Shanghai Pan Fried pork buns (Sheng Jian Bao):
Crispy on the bottom, juicy inside.  
•  Scallion Pancakes (Cong You Bing):
Crispy, flaky, and packed with flavor.
•  Fresh Meat Mooncake:
A traditional Chinese pastry with a flaky crust and juicy pork filling, offering a rich and savory flavor.
•  Shuangniang Tuan:
A traditional dessert with a glutinous rice shell filled with sweet red bean paste and Sesame Filling, offering a soft and rich texture.

Local Dishes:
• Shanghai Red-Braised Pork(Hong Shao Rou):
Sweet and savory, this classic Shanghainese dish is a treat for meat lovers.
• Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs:
A classic Shanghainese dish featuring tender ribs cooked in a tangy and sweet sauce, perfectly balancing flavor and texture.
• Salted Pork and Bamboo Shoot Soup:
A traditional Jiangnan dish made with salted pork, fresh pork, and spring bamboo shoots, offering a rich and savory broth.