📋 Table of Contents
- Why Visit Shanghai
- Where to Stay (住宿 Zhùsù)
- Day 1: The Bund Classic Route
- Day 2: Artsy Jing’an & Xujiahui
- Day 3: Hidden History & French Concession
- Shanghai Food Guide
- Essential Travel Tips
- Chinese Phrases for Travelers
- FAQ for Foreign Visitors
🇨🇳 Why Shanghai Should Be Your First China Destination
Shanghai (上海 Shànghǎi) offers an intoxicating blend of East meets West. As China’s most international city, it’s foreigner-friendly while remaining authentically Chinese. Most signs include English, the metro system (地铁 dìtiě) is world-class, and you can use international credit cards in major areas.
🎯 Perfect for China First-Timers
Easy English navigation, safe environment, authentic culture
📸 Instagram Paradise
Ancient temples next to skyscrapers, colonial architecture meets neon lights
🍜 Foodie Heaven
From Michelin stars to street food (小吃 xiǎochī)
🎓 Learn Chinese Through Travel
Practice Mandarin (普通话 Pǔtōnghuà) with friendly locals
🏨 Where to Stay (住宿 Zhùsù) in Shanghai
✅ Near Nanjing Road East / People’s Square (人民广场 Rénmín Guǎngchǎng)
Perfect for first-time visitors
- Why foreigners love it: Walkable to The Bund (外滩 Wàitān) in 15 minutes, English-speaking staff
- Practical perk: Major metro hub with Lines 1, 2, and 8
- Payment tip: Hotels accept international cards; stores prefer Alipay (支付宝) or WeChat Pay (微信支付)
✅ Near Jing’an Temple / South Shaanxi Road (静安寺 Jìng’ānsì / 陕西南路 Shǎnxī Nán Lù)
Ideal for culture enthusiasts
- Why foreigners love it: French Concession (法租界) streets, boutique cafes, fewer crowds
- Language advantage: Many expats and English menus
- Cultural immersion: Morning tai chi (太极), afternoon tea in historic villas
💡 Booking Tip: Use Booking.com or Agoda with free cancellation. Many hotels accept foreign passports (护照 hùzhào).
🌿 Day 1: The Bund Classic Route
1️⃣ 沙美大楼 Shāměi Dàlóu (Sassoon House)
百年巴洛克建筑，顶楼咖啡厅拍外滩三件套绝佳！（下午5点营业‼️）
Why Foreigners Can’t Miss It: Only angle to capture Shanghai’s “Three Musketeers” - Oriental Pearl Tower (东方明珠), Shanghai Tower (上海中心大厦), and Jin Mao Building (金茂大厦).
📸 Practical Details:
- Arrive at: 4:45 PM to secure limited seats
- Language: Staff speak basic English - say “rooftop”
- Payment: Cash (现金) or Alipay only - bring ¥100 ($15)
- Photography: Golden hour (5:30-6 PM), use wide-angle lens (广角镜头 guǎngjiǎo jìngtóu)
2️⃣ 邮政博物馆 Yóuzhèng Bówùguǎn (Shanghai Postal Museum)
复古旋转楼梯+欧式穹顶！（周三、四、六、日开馆‼️）
⚠️ CRITICAL INFO:
- Open: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday ONLY
- Security: Airport-style screening, large bags not permitted
- Cost: FREE!
- Best photo: Base of staircase looking up
3️⃣ 乍浦路桥 Zhàpǔ Lù Qiáo (Zhapu Road Bridge)
“Photographer’s Bridge” - perfect frame for Oriental Pearl + Postal Building
- Best timing: 6-7 PM during blue hour
- Tripods: Allowed here (允许使用三脚架)
- Less crowded: Than Bund promenade
4️⃣ 外白渡桥 Wàibáidù Qiáo (Garden Bridge)
Featured in “Romance in the Rain”📽️
Shanghai’s first steel bridge (1907). Best viewed at 7 PM when illuminated.
5️⃣ 外滩万国建筑群 Wàitān Wànguó Jiànzhùqún (The Bund Historic Buildings)
✨Lights on at 18:00‼️
🌟 DON’T MISS:
- Lighting ceremony: Exactly 6 PM year-round
- Audio guide: Download “Voice of the Bund” app (English)
- River cruise: ¥120 ($18) for 50-minute tour
6️⃣ 和平饭店 Hépíng Fàndiàn (Peace Hotel)
Century-old legendary hotel
🎷 Old Jazz Bar: 7 PM-12 AM, entry ¥200 ($30) includes drink. Musicians in their 80s!
7️⃣ 南京东路步行街 Nánjīng Dōnglù Bùxíngjiē
- Best time: 8-10 PM for peak neon
- Street food: Try 小杨生煎 (English menus available)
🌿 Day 2: Artsy Jing’an & Xujiahui
1️⃣ 静安寺 Jìng’ānsì (Jing’an Temple)
金顶寺庙+现代大厦反差感，香火券50💰 Golden-roofed temple with contrast of modern buildings, incense ticket ¥50💰
🙏 Temple Etiquette:
- Entry: ¥50 ($7.50) includes 3 incense sticks (香 xiāng)
- Dress code: Cover shoulders and knees
- Ritual: Bow three times, walk clockwise
- Best timing: Weekday mornings (8-10 AM)
2️⃣ 武康大楼 Wǔkāng Dàlóu (Wukang Mansion)
Shanghai’s landmark building
Cross 武康路 Wǔkāng Lù for full “ship prow” view. % Arabica café accepts international cards.
3️⃣ 宋庆龄故居 Sòng Qìnglíng Gùjū
French garden villa, ticket ¥20
Beautiful 2-acre garden with peacocks. English audio guide available.
4️⃣ 徐家汇书院 Xújiāhuì Shūyuàn
Cultural landmark with 5,000+ English books
Free entry, 9 AM-9 PM. Perfect for rainy days.
5️⃣ 徐家汇天主教堂 Xújiāhuì Tiānzhǔ Jiàotáng
Dress code strictly enforced
Free entry except Sunday Mass (6:30 AM, 8 AM, 10 AM).
6️⃣ 美罗城 Měiluó Chéng (Metro City)
Spherical mall with Japanese Loft store
Rooftop garden on 7th floor offers free skyline views.
🌿 Day 3: Revolutionary History & French Concession
1️⃣ 四行仓库 Sìháng Cāngkù (Sihang Warehouse)
《八佰》原型地，弹痕墙超震撼（免费） The prototype location for the movie “The Eight Hundred”, the bullet-scarred wall is shocking (free entry)
China’s WWII Memorial: Real bullet holes from 1937 battle. 4D simulation with English subtitles.
2️⃣ 中共一大会址 Zhōnggòng Yī Dà Huìzhǐ
Free entry - passport required
Where Mao Zedong and 12 others founded the Communist Party in 1921.
3️⃣ 孙中山故居 Sūn Zhōngshān Gùjū
Ticket ¥20
Father of modern China’s home. Combo ticket with Zhou Enlai residence: ¥40 ($6).
4️⃣ 思南书局 Sīnán Shūjú (Sinan Bookstore)
Church converted to bookstore
Beautiful Gothic architecture with stained glass. Accepts international cards.
5️⃣ 周公馆 Zhōu Gōngguǎn (Zhou Enlai’s Former Residence)
French villa with secret passage
Free English tours at 10 AM and 2 PM by volunteer guides.
🍜 Shanghai Food Guide
鲜得来排骨年糕 Xiāndélái Páigǔ Niángāo
¥30 ($4.50) per person
Where: 云南南路店 (Yunnan Road South)
Payment: Cash/Alipay only
大壶春生煎包 Dàhúchūn Shēngjiānbāo
¥15 ($2.25) for 4 buns
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST: These buns contain hot soup (热汤). Bite a small hole first (先咬一个小洞) to release steam!
光明邨鲜肉月饼 Guāngmíngcūn Xiānròu Yuèbǐng
Seasonal: September-November only
Savory mooncakes - uniquely Shanghai. Come at 11 AM or 7 PM to avoid queues.
💡 Essential Travel Tips
| English Tip | 中文提示 |
|---|---|
| **Payment**: Withdraw ¥500 ($75) cash. Download Alipay International before arrival. | **支付**: 准备500元现金，提前下载国际版支付宝 |
| **Language**: Download Pleco (dictionary) and Didi (ride-hailing). | **语言**: 下载Pleco词典和滴滴打车APP |
| **Internet**: Get a tourist SIM card at Pudong Airport for ¥100 ($15). | **网络**: 浦东机场买游客SIM卡，100元含流量 |
| **Safety**: Shanghai is very safe. Watch for e-bikes on sidewalks! | **安全**: 上海非常安全，注意人行道上的电动车 |
🎯 Chinese Phrases for Travelers
| English | 中文 | Pinyin |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | 你好 | Nǐ hǎo |
| Thank you | 谢谢 | Xièxie |
| How much? | 多少钱？ | Duōshǎo qián? |
| Where is bathroom? | 洗手间在哪里？ | Xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ? |
| I want this | 我要这个 | Wǒ yào zhège |
| Can you speak English? | 你会说英语吗？ | Nǐ huì shuō Yīngyǔ ma? |
❓ FAQ for Foreign Visitors
Q: Is Shanghai safe?
A: Extremely safe (非常安全). Violent crime is rare. Watch for pickpockets in crowds.
Q: Do I need a VPN?
A: Yes! Download before arriving - Google, Facebook, Instagram are blocked.
Q: Can I use credit cards?
A: Major hotels accept Visa/Mastercard. Most local shops need Alipay/WeChat or cash.
Q: How to get from Pudong Airport to city?
A: Metro Line 2 (¥7, 60 mins), Maglev train (¥50, 8 mins), or taxi (¥150-200, 45-60 mins).
✈️ Final Thoughts
Shanghai rewards curiosity. Wander off this itinerary, get lost in a lane (弄堂 nòngtáng), and accept tea invitations from locals.
欢迎你来上海！
Huānyíng nǐ lái Shànghǎi! (Welcome to Shanghai!)