How many hidden surprises does Shanghai really hold?
📍Detailed address:
Shanghai is located in eastern China, at the mouth of the Yangtze River. It borders the Yangtze River to the north, the East China Sea to the east, Hangzhou Bay to the south, and Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces to the west. Its coordinates are 31°14' N latitude and 121°29' E longitude, and it is part of the Yangtze River Delta alluvial plain.
🚉Transportation guide:
- External transportation: By air, there are Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport. By rail, Shanghai Station is in the city center, with Metro Lines 1/3/4 directly reaching the Bund and other areas; Shanghai Hongqiao Station integrates high-speed rail and airport, connected to the city by Metro Lines 2/10; Shanghai South Station mainly serves regular trains, with Metro Lines 1/3 for transfers.
- Internal transportation: The metro has 18 lines covering the entire city, and you can download the "Metro Metropolitan" app for rides. Additionally, shared bikes are convenient for travel, and taxis have a starting fare of 14 RMB.
✅Must-experience:
- Stroll along the Bund: Enjoy the international architectural exhibition and the skyscrapers of Lujiazui across the Huangpu River, feeling the clash of history and modernity.
- Disney fun: Shanghai Disney Resort features the world-exclusive Zootopia-themed area, where you can experience various rides, watch spectacular shows, and fireworks displays.
- Oriental Pearl sightseeing: Walk on the suspended glass corridor of the Oriental Pearl Tower and enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Shanghai.
- Visit Shanghai Museum: This is one of the most comprehensive museums of ancient Chinese art, covering 33 categories of collections including bronze, ceramics, calligraphy, and paintings.
🏨Hotel environment:
- Luxury: The J Hotel Shanghai Tower is located at the top of Shanghai, offering a cloud art residence experience; the Bulgari Hotel Shanghai boasts views of the Bund and the magnificent Pudong skyline.
- Family-friendly: Shanghai Disneyland Hotel has a children's activity center with hourly events; Shanghai Sheshan Mao Yu Premium Choice Hotel (Maya Beach Water Park branch) offers outdoor family rock climbing and lake crossing experiences.
- Scenic view: Shanghai Seagull Regent Hotel overlooks the Huangpu River and the Bund, with comfortable and cozy rooms; The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong faces the Huangpu River and Oriental Pearl Tower, with beautiful night views.
💰Average spending:
- Budget travel: Stay in youth hostels, use public transportation, and choose free or low-cost attractions, with daily per capita spending controlled around 200-300 RMB.
- Moderate spending: Choose chain or economy hotels, travel by metro or taxi, taste local specialties, and visit some paid attractions, with daily per capita spending about 500-1000 RMB.
- High-end spending: Stay in five-star hotels, travel mainly by taxi or private car, visit popular paid attractions, with daily per capita spending over 1500 RMB.
🕙Opening hours:
- Shanghai Museum (East Building): Generally open from 9:00 to 17:00 (last admission at 16:30), closed on Mondays (except public holidays).
- Shanghai Astronomy Museum: Usually open from 9:30 to 16:00 (last ticket at 15:30), closed on Mondays (except public holidays).
- Shanghai Disney Resort: Operating hours vary, usually around 9:00 to 21:00; check the official website for details.
- The Bund: Open all day.
- Binjiang Avenue: Open all day.
Here are some practical tips for traveling in Shanghai to help you avoid pitfalls and have a smoother experience~
📝Tips to note:
- Book in advance: Popular attractions like Disney, Shanghai Museum, and Astronomy Museum require advance booking through official channels, especially during holidays when tickets may sell out instantly; some Bund viewing platforms (such as North Bund Riverside) are free but may limit access during large events, so check notifications in advance.
- Avoid peak traffic: The metro and main roads are extremely crowded during rush hours (7:30-9:30, 17:30-19:30), so try to travel off-peak when crossing districts; for Disney, it’s recommended to arrive early—before 7:30 at parking lots or metro stations—to enter the park early and secure popular rides.
- Save on expenses: You can bring unopened snacks and non-alcoholic drinks into Disney, as food prices inside are relatively high; snack shops around the Bund and Yuyuan Garden may charge premium prices, so it’s better to dine at Nanjing Road pedestrian street or local old shops in residential areas (such as Shen Dacheng and Nanxiang Steamed Bun Shop).
- Weather preparation: Shanghai’s plum rain season (June-July) is rainy, summers are hot and humid, winters are damp and cold; bring an umbrella and wear non-slip shoes according to the season; the Bund is windy, so a light jacket is best in spring and autumn.
- Safety details: Attractions and metro stations are crowded, so keep your phone and wallet safe; the Bund is busy at night, so be mindful of steps and traffic behind you when taking photos.