Travel Tips Shanghai | See Shanghai the Local Way

Shanghai is a beautiful city where different cultures meet. For tourists, the city is attractive and offers many different places to visit, but without experience and useful advice, it can also be very confusing. So, to make the travel experience more enjoyable, here are some travel tips to help you navigate Shanghai easier. To get more news about shanghai tips, you can visit meet-in-shanghai.net official website.

1. Travel Shanghai. Undoubtedly, one of the largest and most developed city on this planet, connecting the vast majority of the urban area is the Shanghai city subway. Shanghai is a city where the development and the population of the city is on the same level, and because the development of the subway is so high, it is highly recommended to buy a rechargeable transportation card because it will be useful on the subway, also on the city buses, and even on the city ferries when you are traveling. Other ways of transportation that are recommended are taxis, but be careful because their main roads are very congested, especially during the afternoon. For more enjoyable ways of transportation, when traveling short distances, walking is strongly recommended because you can pass through historic neighborhoods and places like the French Concession.

1. Speaking With Tourists Although English is pervasive in the tourist sectors, Mandarin is the primary language. Learning a few basic phrases can be very helpful, especially in terms of food ordering or asking for directions. Translation software can be helpful, however, having addresses written in Chinese characters is much more helpful when taking taxis or when looking for specific sites.

2. Food and Dining Shanghai is a food lover’s dream. The city has the nearly infinite range of cuisine from street food to Michelin star restaurants. Make sure to eat the local specialties including soup dumplings, scallion pancakes, and soy braised pork belly. While dining manners are not very formal, it is common to share dishes. For the more adventurous, night markets are a good way to go. They are full of locals looking for late night snacks. If you are on a special diet or are not very common in Chinese food, it is a good idea to write down the phrases for “vegetarian” or “no peanuts” so you can communicate this to a vendor.

3. Money and Payments Cash is gradually being phased in favor of mobile money systems including Alipay and WeChat Pay. It is wise to carry a small amount of cash on you as foreign tourist may find it difficult to set up on these apps without having a Chinese bank account and cash is still accepted. ATMs are common enough to find and most hotels and larger restaurants will accept foreign bank cards.

5. Cultural Etiquette. Enhancing local customs will improve your experience. Modest dress and quiet behavior is always best in temples and historical sites. Gift-giving is customary in Chinese culture. However, do not gift clocks or sharp objects, as these are considered negative. Tipping is not customary most places, although higher end restaurants or hotels may include a service charge.

6. Shopping, and Bargaining. Shanghai is known for its huge shopping district ranging from the luxury shops on Nanjing Road to quirky shops in Tianzifang. In the markets, polite bargaining is expected. Ideally you start at half the current selling price. For authentic shopping, tea sets, silk scarves, or local art are good options.

7. Safety and Health. Shanghai is a very safe city, with lower crime rates than many world cities, and is generally safe for all. However, always be cautious in crowded areas as pickpockets can be a concern. Tap water is not safe to drink and your own bottled water would be a good idea. While pharmacies are easy to locate in the city, you should bring any specific medications you may require.

8. Best Times to Visit Spring and Autumn offers mild and enjoyable temperatures to visit, while summer can be hot and humid, and winter is cold but easily manageable. Also, planning your trip around Chinese New Year or the Mid-Autumn Festival offers a different type of cultural experience, but that is when the crowds will be at their largest so be prepared.

Conclusion There is a beautiful contrast in Shanghai with ancient temples alongside modern skyscrapers, and classic tea houses neighboring modern cafes. Navigation through the city will be much easier with these field tips, and allow you to experience the vibrant culture of Shanghai. Strolling the Bund, eating local dumplings, or shopping and bargaining in a crowded marketplace, you will have a memorable trip to Shanghai.