City Guide
Shanghai Travel Guide for Foreigners
Shanghai is one of the easiest Chinese cities for first-time visitors, with excellent metro access, skyline views, food streets, shopping, and simple Alipay use.
Quick answer
Shanghai is one of the easiest Chinese cities for first-time visitors, with excellent metro access, skyline views, food streets, shopping, and simple Alipay use.
Visual overview
What you need to prepare
The Bund and Lujiazui.
Easy city transport.
Xiaolongbao and local snacks.
Nanjing Road and malls.
Visit the main areas
Start with the Bund, Nanjing Road, Yu Garden, Xintiandi, and the Former French Concession.
- The Bund
- Nanjing Road
- Yu Garden
- Xintiandi
Use metro and maps
Shanghai Metro is clean, fast, and useful for airports, train stations, and major attractions.
- Use Alipay transport
- Avoid rush hour
- Check station exits
Try a simple first-day route
Yu Garden in the morning, Nanjing Road in the afternoon, and the Bund skyline at night is a comfortable first day.
- Yu Garden
- Nanjing Road
- The Bund at night
Foreigner tips
Avoid these common problems
It is one of the easiest first stops in China.
Plan skyline views after sunset if possible.
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