MAGLEV TRAIN
Shanghai is served by two airports. I arrived at Pudong International Airport, the larger of the two. Located in the Pudong area, right by the Yellow Sea, this airport marks the beginning of the adventure for those visiting Shanghai for the first time.
The most efficient way to travel from the airport to the city is by the Maglev train, a magnetic levitation train. A one-way ticket costs 50 yuan, while a round-trip ticket is 80 yuan and is valid for one week. The 19-kilometer journey takes just 7 minutes and 20 seconds, with the train reaching speeds of up to 431 km/h. However, the train only runs at this top speed between 9:00–10:45 am and 3:00–4:45 pm. Outside of these hours, the train travels at a more moderate speed of 300 km/h. Regardless, the journey is both fast and stress-free, with the excitement of high-speed travel adding to the experience.
The train arrives at Longyang Road Station, also in the Pudong area, where passengers can transfer to various metro lines connecting to other parts of the city.
WHERE TO STAY IN SHANGHAI?
Shanghai is an enormous city, with a population of around 24 million people in 2017, according to Wikipedia. Despite its size, getting around is surprisingly easy thanks to the city’s excellent infrastructure. Most major attractions are either located next to a metro station or just a short walk away. For visitors, the best place to stay is near or along Nanjing Road.
I stayed at the Sofitel Shanghai Hyland Hotel, located right in the heart of Nanjing Road. It’s a great hotel in an unbeatable location and, when I booked, the price was very reasonable.
Hotels in China are generally quite affordable due to the sheer number of options and intense competition, making 4 and 5-star accommodations much more accessible compared to other parts of the world, especially Europe. That said, the range of places to stay is vast and, with a bit of searching, it’s easy to find a good hotel at a reasonable price.
WHAT TO SEE IN SHANGHAI?
NANJING ROAD
Nanjing Road is Shanghai’s main pedestrian shopping street. While you won’t find many restaurants directly on Nanjing Road itself, plenty are tucked away in the surrounding side streets.
One interesting spot to check out is the Shanghai First Foodhall, where you’ll find a variety of restaurants on the second floor. The ground and first floors are home to a colourful department store selling a wide range of Chinese products. The Foodhall is located on the section of Nanjing Road closer to People’s Square.
BUND
If you start at People’s Square and walk along Nanjing Road, you’ll eventually reach the breathtaking Bund, the waterfront area offering spectacular views of Shanghai’s famous skyline across the Huangpu River, featuring the skyscrapers of Lujiazui.
The Bund stretches for 1.6 kilometers along the riverbank and is lined with many historic buildings that once housed banks and trading companies. The area was beautifully restored for the 2010 World Expo and officially reopened in March 2010.
The entire area is a must-see, on both sides of the river. Across from the Bund lies a modern financial district, home to the iconic TV tower and a skyline of equally famous skyscrapers that have become symbols of Shanghai.
YU GARDEN
Yu Garden is a vast and stunning Chinese garden, originally built in 1577. It features exquisite Ming dynasty pavilions, ponds, rockeries and charming arched bridges, creating a peaceful and atmospheric escape. A visit to this beautiful garden is a must for anyone exploring the city.
The surrounding area is equally fascinating, with vibrant shops, bustling restaurants and lively markets. Nearby, the City God Temple stands as another worthwhile attraction, offering a glimpse into Shanghai’s rich cultural heritage.
JING’AN TEMPLE
Jing’an Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located on West Nanjing Road. Originally built in 247 AD during the Wu Kingdom of the Three Kingdoms period, it was relocated to its present site in 1216 during the Song Dynasty.
The temple you see today was rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty. However, during the Cultural Revolution, it was repurposed as a plastic factory. Fortunately, the temple was restored and returned to its religious function in 1983. The Jing’an Pagoda, a stunning addition to the site, was completed in 2010.
QIBAO OLD TOWN
Qibao Old Town is a charming historic area located along the Puhui River, now a popular tourist destination. The town is filled with traditional Chinese architecture and offers a variety of attractions, including museums and street food vendors.
To reach Qibao, simply take Metro Line 9 and the town is just a short walk from the station. While it’s a lovely area to explore, I would recommend it mainly to those who have already visited the main historic sites in Shanghai and are looking for something a bit off the beaten path.
HOW LONG TO STAY IN SHANGHAI?
Every time I visited Shanghai, it was in June, at the start of summer. The weather was hot, with temperatures ranging from 25-30°C, though it cooled down a bit in the evenings and at night.
There were occasional rain showers, but I didn’t mind. The rain helped clear the air and there was no visible pollution. My Chinese friends mentioned that, when it doesn’t rain for a month, the pollution becomes unbearable.
All in all, I would say that two to three days are more than enough to explore Shanghai. Unlike Beijing, with its monumental historic sites that require a full day to visit each, Shanghai itself is a living monument, a captivating blend of old and new.
It should undoubtedly be on everyone’s list when planning a trip to this fascinating country.
Back to China