Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Shanghai, China! It’s one of the coolest cities in Asia and I love it here. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate on your Shanghai vacation.
Hate #1: Prices in Shanghai
If you’ve been traveling around China, you’ll notice that the prices are pretty affordable. In general, China is not an expensive destination, however, Shanghai is the most expensive city in mainland China. Shanghai attractions, hotels and restaurants tend to be more expensive, but still, offer a better deal than other major Asian cities like Hong Kong or Singapore.
Love #1: Shanghai Skyline at Night
Seeing the Shanghai skyline lit up at night is such a cool experience. I highly recommend taking a nighttime boat tour so that you can see the lights of Shanghai from the river. It’s one of my favorite things to do in Shanghai.
Hate #2: Lack of “Old China”
There’s not a lot of the “Old China” in Shanghai as it’s quite a modern city. The city has changed entirely in the last 20 years. In 1990, there were no skyscrapers. There are some Shanghai day trips you can take to experience that Old World China, like Suzhou and Hangzhou.
Love #2: French Concession Area
Europeans ruled this area for quite a while and it’s still evident in the architecture and the food. The French Concession area of Shanghai is where it’s most evident. It feels like a little slice of Europe in one of Asia’s largest cities. It’s a great place for shopping, and if you get tired of Chinese food, come here for good Western food.
Hate #3: Pickpockets & Safety Issues
We traveled through China for six weeks before arriving in Shanghai and it was the first time I felt that I needed to keep an eye on my pockets and my belongings. I still feel pretty safe here, but less so than in other parts of China. This goes back to being a more modern, global city as opposed to some of the more traditional areas of China.
The Most Common Pickpocket Techniques Used on Tourists
Love #3: International Vibe
While Shanghai doesn’t have the “Old China” feel, it’s absolutely a global city of international cultures. There are tons of ex-pats living in Shanghai, plus the European influence we already mentioned. As a port city, there’s just a huge mix of cultures and cuisines, so you aren’t just limited to a Chinese experience. You’ll also find more English speakers than in other parts of China. People are used to seeing Westerners in Shanghai, so you won’t be gawked at like you are in Chinese regions.
Hate #4: Crowds & Chaos
This is something I’ve noticed all over China and it definitely takes some getting used to. It’s just a different culture here. The cities are unbelievably crowded, which leads to smog and pollution. People spit in the streets everywhere, and there is no organization when it comes to lines. If you value your personal space, you’ll definitely notice that it’s not something that is respected in China.
12 Things to Know Before You Visit China
Love #4: Shanghai Cuisine
The food in China is different everywhere you go, but I thought Shanghai had the best food in China. The local specialty are the dim sum dumplings, and one in particular that you must try is xiao long bao. It’s a dumpling served with a straw. It has soup in it that you suck through the straw before eating the dumping. It is delicious.
Hate #5: Shanghai Weather
Shanghai has a tropical climate, and it gets very hot and humid. If you visit Shanghai in the summer, you can expect temperatures above 100 degrees during the day. My wife never sweats and Shanghai made her sweat! Plan your Shanghai sightseeing accordingly so that you are not outside in the heat of the day. Always have a bottle of water with you so that you can stay hydrated.
Love #5: Day Trips from Shanghai
While you can’t get the Old China vibe in Shanghai itself, there are plenty of great day trips from Shanghai where you can get a better experience of older Chinese culture. Suzhou is sometimes called the Venice of the East because it has so many gardens and canals. The city has more UNESCO recognized gardens than any other place in the world. You can even take a gondola on the canal, for a fraction of what they charge in the “real” Venice. In Hangzhou, visit West Lake, with islands, temples, bridges, and gardens. My favorite Shanghai day trip is to Xitang, an old river town. Your hotel can help you arrange day trips from Shanghai during your visit. It’s worth getting out of the city at least once.
Shanghai is a great city; you will have a nice time when you visit. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason not to plan a Shanghai vacation. Want more China travel tips? Check out these other blog posts: