Shanghai, or “Hu” as the locals call it, is perched right at the mouth of the Yangtze River. Sure, it’s famous for its fast-paced business vibe and skyline, but honestly, there’s so much more to discover here beyond the glitz and glass towers.
Getting to and Around Shanghai
Alright, so you’re all set to explore Shanghai! Let’s talk about how to get there and get around. No matter if you’re flying, taking a train, or even arriving by bus, getting to Shanghai is as easy as it gets.
If you’re flying, Shanghai’s got two main airports: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). Honestly, both airports are super convenient—it just depends on where you’re flying in from or heading to next.
Pudong Airport is about 45 kilometers from downtown and handles most international flights. You can get to the city by metro, an airport bus, or if you’re feeling fancy, the Maglev Train—it’s fast and kinda cool!
On the other hand, Shanghai Hongqiao airport is just 15 kilometers from the city center and mostly deals with domestic flights. You’ve got metro lines 2 and 10 to zip you straight to city.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Consider staying at one of the hotels near the PVG airports that offer shuttle services. It’s a lifesaver, especially when you’re tired from traveling or catching a red eye flights.
Click to find more hotels near the Pudong international airport.
Best Districts to Stay in Shanghai
If you’re not sure where to stay, areas like Nanjing Road, or Jing’an District are great options.
Look, if you're visiting Shanghai for the first time, do yourself a favor and stay near Nanjing Road. I've had countless friends visit, and this area never disappoints! You'll be right next to The Bund, surrounded by amazing food spots, and the subway can zip you anywhere in the city.
Sure, Jing'an is lovely with its temples and fancy malls, Changning District is also really chill with beautiful parks like Shanghai Zoo and the beautiful Zhongshan Park.
Top Things to Do in Shanghai
Here are several top attractions for first-time visitors to explore!
Shanghai Disneyland: Shanghai Disneyland, opened in 2016, is Disney’s first park in mainland China. It's the only Disney park in the world to have a Zootopia-themed land, where you can join Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde on an exciting ride called “Zootopia: Hot Pursuit.” Plan your visit on a weekday if possible to avoid long queues.
The Bund: The Bund, stretching 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) along the Huangpu River, is the most symbolic spot of the city. Running from Waibaidu Bridge to Nanpu Bridge, it’s known for its gorgeous collection of 52 historic buildings in styles like Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Classicism, and Renaissance.
Yu Garden: For a glimpse of Shanghai’s traditional side, Yu Garden is the place to be. This 400-year-old garden is filled with elegant pavilions, koi ponds, and rockeries that create a peaceful escape from the city’s buzz. Just outside, the bustling bazaar offers everything from souvenirs to local snacks.
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