Shanghai Trip Tips – How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep in ShanghaiAnd Enjoy Everything The Town Offers
Shanghai is both historic and futuristic, home to iconic landmarks as well as museums documenting China’s past. Fashion and food flourish here too – some of the world’s premier restaurants and bars can be found here.
Autumn is an ideal time to visit Shanghai, when its “plum rain” monsoon has passed and temperatures are comfortably warm yet cool. Here are some essential Shanghai trip tips that will help ensure an amazing visit! For transportation purposes, Cathay Pacific offers some of the best routes, including Hanoi to Shanghai.
1. Get a good night’s sleep
Conventional wisdom dictates that getting adequate rest before traveling is of the utmost importance, yet many travelers find logging even a few hours of restful slumber almost impossible. Excitement for their trip, the stress of packing and possibly anxiety of flying all can hinder sleep; but there are strategies available to you which can help improve it so that your next adventure – be it weekend getaway or long-haul – goes smoothly.
Shanghai is an intoxicating metropolis that boasts both western and Chinese cultures, old and new; one which lives up to travel guide cliches but simultaneously rejects them with ease.
Beijing is easily navigable and features many pedestrian- or cyclist-friendly streets in its center. A city that embraces technology and apps, we rarely see someone carrying cash (most people prefer WeChat or Alipay for payments). Buses run frequently while metro services are efficient and reliable while taxi fares tend to be high; taxis may also be easier than expected to flag down for pickup while dockless shared bikes such as DiDi or Mobike apps can unlock bikes before riding them around town.
Shanghai enjoys a temperate and mild climate with average winter temperatures averaging in the 30’s. Summers tend to be hot and humid; however, occasional bursts of sunshine do provide relief. Autumn brings warm temperatures with lovely cherry blossom displays. Furthermore, September/October marks Mid-Autumn Festival, an opportunity to gather with family members over food.
Spring and autumn are typically considered the optimal times to visit China; however, winter travel can still be enjoyable if planned for just a short trip. Over two or three days you can see all of the tourist sites, as well as take an excursion into one of its nearby water cities, such as Suzhou.
2. Eat local food
Shanghai is renowned as a foodie city, its cuisine heavily influenced by its surroundings. Hangzhou’s West Lake carp, for instance, has become an indispensable dish. Additionally, Zhejiang vinegar and Shaoxing’s warmmed rice wine feature prominently among many signature regional dishes.
Experience Shanghai isn’t complete without trying its iconic xiao long bao, delicate thin-skinned dumplings stuffed with pork or vegetable filling, shrimp or crab meat and then drizzled in an exquisite sauce – they promise an explosion of flavors with every bite!
Also be sure to try qian noodle, featuring an irresistibly satisfying beef and seafood soup topped with noodles, vegetables and meat – an ideal dish to share and loved by families alike!
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try something truly distinctive like the smoked fish slices – fresh fish marinated and spiced to replicate smoked carp. Or for something a little more modern try Commune Social in Old French Concession district which features dishes inspired by cuisine from UK, Spain and Asia in its tapas-style menu.
For those with an affinity for sweet treats, look out for tanghulu: sparkling glazed fruits that have been submerged in hard syrup. This delectable treat usually features hawthorn fruit as its core, and then coated in sugar to produce an irresistibly crunchy exterior and soft, juicy interior – a great combination that perfectly compliments each bite!
Shanghainese cuisine is well-known for its decadent sweetness, using more sugar than anywhere else in China. One of their signature treats is Jianbing – pancakes filled with meat and vegetables before deep-frying – an ideal treat to enjoy while exploring its streets as well as an excellent way to soak up any alcohol consumed later.
Steamed lamb kebabs are another delicious treat to try when visiting Beijing; made with tender cubes coated in cumin and paprika before being placed directly from the tandoor onto flatbread for consumption right out of its heat source. A must for anyone visiting, they’re easily found on Xiangyang Road during morning rush hours or can be purchased at Huxi Mosque after Friday prayers as part of its Muslim food market.
3. Take a day trip
Shanghai is an elegant modern city with an interesting mix of old and new architecture, from towering skyscrapers to charming old neighborhoods. While skyscrapers may draw your eye, make sure to visit some of these older districts to gain an idea of what Shanghai was once like – for example head down the Bund for a tour back in time when foreign trading companies controlled this part of town during its turbulent twenties period; local museums offer plenty of information regarding Opium Wars, unfair treaties that subjugated Chinese people, as well as other dark times related events!
Shanghai boasts an abundance of shopping opportunities. Nanjing Road, a pedestrian mall lined with malls, restaurants, and any other venue imaginable to encourage shoppers to part with their wallets, is home to hundreds of shops, malls and restaurants lining its 3.4 mile length. If water towns are your thing then visit Zhujiajiao – its 1,700 year old water town known as Chinese Venice (take metro line 17 to get there and hop around on gondolas or stroll along narrow waterways filled with antique rice stores).
Shanghai offers plenty to do and see, so allow enough time for everything. When booking your hotel room near one of the central areas like The Bund or People’s Square, make sure it’s within easy walking distance to all of the main attractions using public transit such as buses or subway. Taxis may be more costly during rush hour; for easier commuting you could download Didi (China’s Uber app) onto your international credit card for easier travel options.
To avoid crowds while still experiencing Shanghai, consider visiting between March and May or September/early November for optimal conditions and reduced crowds. Both seasons provide mild temperatures and less congestion than other times. It is wise to pack sunscreen and a hat, as Shanghai boasts humid subtropical weather. Also remember to stock up on water to drink at your hotel and restaurants to stay hydrated!
4. Stay safe
Shanghai boasts a relatively low crime rate for such a large city, yet petty crime still occurs in certain crowded areas. Be wary of pickpocketing when riding public transit or visiting tourist-heavy attractions; dress conservatively and don’t carry valuables such as expensive jewelry or cameras without secure locks to reduce theft risk.
Not everyone in China speaks English, so having a basic vocabulary of Chinese phrases and words will help you navigate the city more easily. Furthermore, bring along a small notepad or phone app capable of translating, just in case translation services become necessary. Also keep your NYU Shanghai staff contact information handy just in case assistance with navigation becomes necessary.
Metro transport in Shanghai is the easiest and quickest way to travel quickly around, offering lines that are straightforward and relatively cost-effective; though they may become congested during rush hour. Buses may also provide options, though these tend to be overcrowded and slow. Taxis may also be available, though these tend to be more costly than the metro while may not speak much English either. Uber services may be popular here too – always read reviews before hiring any driver!
Rickshaws can be fun and memorable experiences, but their prices can quickly become prohibitively expensive. Before taking a rickshaw ride, make sure that the price has been negotiated beforehand and be aware of additional charges (such as food) that might be added onto your fare.
Another safety tip when visiting tourist sights is politely declining any items or invitations from strangers, particularly street vendors who may try and offer souvenirs or other gifts from them. Although people will come up and offer these things as souvenirs or other products, only accept from people you know or accept these from strangers you trust directly. You should always remain wary when approaching strangers in case they try stealing your belongings by following or approaching you – especially be wary of street vendors as they can often become aggressive very quickly!
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