Travel Guide to Shanghai

About Shanghai

The city of Shanghai is the biggest city in China and is a centre of trade and commerce. With a growing population of 24 million, the place is also known for its rich historical past.

Places to Visit in Shanghai

There are different places to visit in Shanghai capturing the attention of the visitors. Some of them include the leading museums, garden and parks. This happening city also has many exciting things to do for a tourist.

• The Bund

  Termed as Shanghai Promenade, the area runs all along the Huangpujiang River and is our first entry for places to visit in Shanghai. In the past, the region was the centre for international settlement. In fact, the architecture imbibes distinct European look and feel. Buildings in the area are constructed according to the Gothic, Roman and Renaissance style.

  Visitors can find some of the world’s best colonial era buildings in the vicinity. As people move from north to south, the headquarters of Hong Kong and Shanghai banking corporation (HSBC) come into view. Bund lies at the confluence of Huangpujiang and Yangtze rivers, so it is an ideal point for the tourist to embark on the sightseeing trip on a boat.

• Yu Garden

  One of the best things to do in Shanghai is to visit Yu garden which is also known as the garden of happiness. It comprises 20,000 sq. meters area and is immensely popular among the visitors. The structure underwent modifications over centuries under the reign of different imperial dynasties. Hall of springs was constructed inside the premises from 1853 to 1858. You can marvel at the artistic rocks placed inside the garden which are probably the work of the legendary artist Zhang Nanyang. Inner garden was built in the early part of the 18th century, and it is made up of little pavilions, decorative stones and miniature mountain ranges.

• Jade Buddha Temple

  It is a magnificent Buddha shrine in Shanghai that has become one of most popular tourist places in Shanghai. The temple houses two Shakyamuni statutes that were brought by Monk Huigen from Myanmae.

  Created from white jade, the statutes are 2 meters tall and situated in the main hall. The whole temple is inscribed with Buddhist manuscripts that are unique and a centre of attraction for the tourists.

  Hall of the great Hero is complemented with the statues of Buddha of three ages along with 18 Luohan figures.

• Shanghai Museum

  The museum built in 1952 epitomises the Chinese art and culture in an impeccable manner. It comprises four floors that display bronze in a unique style. You will find the rare artefacts including prehistoric ceramic and metallic art on display. In addition, calligraphy ink drawings and seals capture the imagination of the visitors. One should also visit the Shanghai natural history museum as it is considered the largest natural science information base of the world and this is why it is one the most famous places in Shanghai.

How to Reach

India to Shanghai

You can catch direct flights to Shanghai from New Delhi International Airport. However, most flights are connecting flights with a minimum of one stop. You can take a connecting flight from any of the major international airport in India.

Travelling in Shanghai

• Bund

  One can reach Bund using the Bus no 33, 37 or 55 and get down at East Zhongshan 1st Road / East Nanjing Road. People can also hire sightseeing bus to reach the required destination.

  If the visitors are using metro, they should buy the tickets on Line 2 or Line 10 and get down at the East Nanjing metro station. In order to reach the place, one has to walk for 10 minutes towards the Huangpu River.

  Ferry service is also available to the users according to their requirements and specifications. The total cost of the ticket is not more than CNY2, and it starts from the dock in Pudong.

• YU Garden

  You can sit in the bus 11, 26, 64, 304, and 736 to reach the Renmin Road Lishui road. Thereafter, it is vital to walk along the Anren Street to reach the destination.

  In order to travel by Metro, one can choose the subway line 10 and reach the Yuyuan Station. After arriving at the intended destination, one can use the Exit 1 to see the beautiful YU garden.

• Jade Budhha Temple

  If you are using the bus as a means of transport, you should take bus number 19, 206, 316 or 738. One should get down at the Jiangning Road Anyuan road station and walk towards the temple that is located in close vicinity.

  Subway line 7 is used by the Metro travellers to reach the temple so that they can get down at the Changshou Road Station. After reaching the spot, you can take the exit no 5 and walk along the Xinhui road. One needs to walk along the path and turn towards the temple after about 10 minutes.

• Shanghai Museum

  Bus no 46, 71 and 112 can take you to the people square station. Thereafter, get from Ext 1and walk down south.

  While using metro, travellers can take Line 1, line 2 and Line 8 to reach the people square station.

Best time to Visit Shanghai

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The best time to visit Shanghai is from October to November. During winter, the weather becomes chilly; therefore, people may not be able to explore all the Shanghai points of interest with complete freedom.

Tourists can also visit during April and May because the temperature rises, and chilliness disappears from the atmosphere.

What to Pack?

During the winter season, the mercury goes down; therefore, it is essential to pack the bags with jackets and warm shoes.

Moreover, if the streets are dirty one should bring old clothes as they do not get soiled. Sturdy and comfortable shoes help the visitors to move around in Shanghai city.

You must have a travel insurance when you travel to Shanghai as it will help you with any unforeseen medical emergency or even flight-related emergencies.

Top Delicacies:

Steamed crab is very popular among the foodies as it is delicious and tasty. Crabs are tied with ropes or strings and are placed in the bamboo containers for cooking. In fact, restaurants became famous places in Shanghai for tourists by serving this.

Cheese butter lobster is a new recipe of Cantonese dish as it is not only creamy but also fresh and mellow. The cuisine is not only popular in China but also in Japan and other South East Asian nations.

Smoked fish slices are prepared from marinated products with plenty of spices thrown into the eclectic mix.

Shopping List Essentials:

Ceramic souvenirs are very popular in Shanghai as they form an integral part of its culture. They are available in different colours according to the preferences of the customers. In addition, handmade porcelain option is also available to the users.

Healthcare Centers

There are world-class health centres in Shanghai catering to the requirements of the travellers. Compared to the tier 2 and 3 cities, the health care infrastructure is far superior for the patients.

If you have travel insurance, notify your insurance company when you face a medical emergency. Your travel insurance will also help you with cashless treatment when you travel to Shanghai at the network hospitals (check with your insurer for more information).

Basics of Local Communication

Punctuality and understanding few phrases in mandarin go a long way in delivering sterling results to the users. However, all the Shanghai points of interest also carry notices and information in English for the international tourists. The following phrases of Mandarin Chinese will be of continuous help throughout your journey.