上海 FAQ

For authentic Shanghai specialties, I recommend Yu Garden, which houses many time-honored brands such as Shanghai pear syrup candy and spiced beans. Major department stores on Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street also have brand counters. If you're looking for everyday food items, large supermarkets like RT-Mart and Carrefour are good choices, offering more affordable prices. Be sure to choose branded and packaged products, and avoid buying expensive items from street vendors.

Food souvenirs are the most popular when visiting Shanghai. Recommended are traditionally branded pear syrup candy, spiced beans, and classic butterfly cookies (the ones from the International Hotel and Lao Da Chang are both good). White Rabbit milk candy is also a good choice, carrying childhood memories. If you want something more special, consider Shanghai brand snow cream, which has a strong old Shanghai feel. When purchasing, pay attention to the production date and expiration date.

Shanghai boasts excellent facilities for mothers and babies, primarily located in large shopping malls, popular tourist attractions, airports, and train stations. You can find them in several ways: 1. Look for maps and signs in shopping malls or attractions; 2. Ask staff directly; 3. Use apps like Gaode Maps or Baidu Maps to search for "mother and baby room," as many are marked. Facilities typically include changing tables, private breastfeeding rooms, sinks, and hot water. Places like Global Harbor, IFC, and Disneyland are recommended, as their facilities are very comprehensive.

Shanghai Disneyland is the top choice; you can easily spend a whole day there. Shanghai Ocean Aquarium and Shanghai Science and Technology Museum are also great, offering educational and entertaining experiences. For animal viewing, you can visit Shanghai Zoo or Shanghai Wild Animal Park. Yu Garden and the Bund are suitable for strolls, but it depends on your child's interests. The Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower offers panoramic city views and also has interactive areas. Choosing attractions based on your child's age and interests, and planning your route in advance, will save you a lot of trouble.

If you're looking for affordable and reliable restaurants, I suggest exploring the alleyways near residential areas or around university campuses. For example, Daxue Road near Fudan University has many affordable eateries frequented by students. You can also try the food courts in shopping malls, which offer a wider selection and are generally cleaner and more hygienic. Avoid main streets in touristy areas like Nanjing Road and the Bund; instead, venture into side streets and look for restaurants frequented by locals with long queues – you can't go wrong there.

When visiting Shanghai, locals recommend trying pan-fried buns and xiaolongbao, especially the crab roe xiaolongbao, with its delicious and savory broth. For breakfast, don't miss cifantuan (sticky rice balls) and scallion oil noodles—simple yet tasty. For main meals, try braised pork belly and sizzling eel with hot oil, both classic examples of rich and flavorful sauces. For dim sum, head to established brands like Shen Da Cheng and Guangming Cun. Remember, hidden gems are often found in small street-side shops!

For first-time visitors to Shanghai, I recommend the areas around People's Square, Nanjing Road, or the Bund. The subway system here is extensive, making it convenient to reach all major attractions, and there are plenty of options for dining, entertainment, and leisure. If you want to experience the charm of old Shanghai and its unique cuisine, the former French Concession (such as Hengshan Road and Xintiandi) is a good choice, offering an elegant environment. If you're looking for a modern feel and views of skyscrapers and the river, the Lujiazui area offers high-quality hotels, but you'll need to consider transportation to attractions in Puxi.

Most attractions in Shanghai offer varying degrees of ticket discounts for children, seniors, and students. Children typically receive free or half-price admission based on height (e.g., under 1.3 meters) or age (e.g., under 6 years old). Seniors, with valid identification (e.g., ID card, senior citizen card), generally receive half-price or free admission if they are 60 or 65 years old or older. Students, with valid student ID (must be registered), usually receive half-price admission. Specific discount policies and required identification vary by attraction; it is recommended that you check the attraction's official website or consult the ticket office before your trip.

For most popular attractions in Shanghai, such as Disneyland, Oriental Pearl Tower, and Haichang Ocean Park, it is recommended that you book tickets in advance through their official WeChat accounts, websites, or online travel agencies (OTAs) such as Ctrip, Fliggy, and Meituan. Especially for holidays and weekends, be sure to book early to avoid tickets being unavailable on-site. When purchasing tickets, please pay attention to the park's entry instructions; some attractions may require time slot reservations, and you may need to bring your ID.

For getting around Shanghai, the subway is the preferred mode of transportation, offering wide coverage, punctuality, and efficiency, reaching almost all popular attractions. Combining it with walking is ideal for exploring the Bund, Wukang Road, and other areas. Taking a taxi (Didi, Gaode) is convenient and saves effort, suitable for those in a hurry or traveling at night, but traffic jams are common during peak hours. Buses have numerous routes and are affordable, but are relatively slow. It is recommended to get a transportation card or use mobile payment (WeChat, Alipay) for convenient and fast transit.

From Hongqiao Railway Station/Hongqiao Airport, Metro Lines 2 and 10 provide direct access to the city center, including People's Square, Nanjing Road, and Lujiazui, offering convenient and fast service. From Pudong Airport, you can take Metro Line 2 (approximately 1 hour) directly to the city center, or take the Maglev train to Longyang Road Station and transfer to the metro. If your budget allows or you have a lot of luggage, you can choose a taxi or ride-hailing service, but be aware of traffic congestion during peak hours. We recommend downloading the "Shanghai Metro" App for easy route planning and ticket purchase.

There are two main ways to get to Shanghai: by plane and by high-speed rail. Flights arrive at either Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). Pudong Airport primarily handles international and most domestic flights, while Hongqiao Airport is closer to the city center and mainly handles domestic flights. High-speed rail mainly stops at Shanghai Hongqiao Station, which connects to Hongqiao Airport, making transportation very convenient. Shanghai Railway Station and Shanghai South Railway Station also have regular trains or some high-speed rail services. Which option you choose depends on your departure point and itinerary. It's recommended to prioritize direct flights or high-speed rail to Hongqiao for easier access to other parts of the city.

A 3-5 day itinerary in Shanghai is recommended. 3 days is enough to visit classic landmarks like the Bund, Lujiazui, and Yu Garden. 4-5 days allow for a deeper experience of the French Concession's atmosphere and museum culture, or a day trip to nearby water towns. If time permits, you can also visit Hangzhou and Suzhou to experience the charm of Jiangnan.

Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Shanghai. Spring (March-May) offers pleasant weather and blooming flowers, perfect for strolling. Autumn (September-November) boasts clear skies and comfortable temperatures, making it the best time to experience the city's scenery. Summer (June-August) is hot and humid, with the possibility of typhoons, but offers a vibrant nightlife and plenty of indoor attractions. Winter (December-February) is damp and cold, with relatively fewer tourists, ideal for avoiding crowds and enjoying the festive atmosphere.