r/shanghai • u/oeif76kici • Apr 18 '23
Edit (January 2024): Scams were previously on this list, but #8. I feel like I need to put this at top. ❗❗❗Don't go out with stangers at places around Nanjing Road. ❗❗❗
Once a month there is a thread here titled "Help! I got scammed". And every post is, guy visiting Shanghai, meets a woman on Tinder/TanTan, she picks a place on Nanjing Lu, gets pressured into paying an inflated bill of several thousand RMB. Don't go out with a stranger you met an hour ago on a hookup app and let them pick the place, especially if it's on or around Nanjing Road.
In the course of one year this sub has gone from discussions of government lockdown ration boxes to posts from people needing advice on visiting the city. There are older questions from people travelling to Shanghai, but the city has been cut off for about three years, and a lot has changed.
I’m putting this thread together to crowdsource answers to common questions we’ve seen more often in the past few weeks so we can help our visitor friends. I’m going to give it a start, but there are things I don’t know, and I’m hoping other members of the community can give feedback and I’ll update things. I'm hoping we can all add stuff and make this a sticky to help people visiting our city.
a) Pudong. This airport is the more international one. There are not good food options and it is far outside of the city.
i. You can take Line 2 metro into the city. This is cheap but slow.
ii. There is a maglev train. This is fast but will only get you into part of Pudong. You’ll probably have to switch to the metro or a taxi here. Be cautious of the taxis here.
iii. You can take a taxi. There will be people in the airport offering you a ride. Ignore them. Follow the signs to the taxi stand outside and wait in line. Have your destination printed out or on your phone in Chinese. Make sure they flip down the meter to start it within a few minutes.
iv. Hongqiao. Less international, but better food. You can also take the metro or the taxis. Same advice applies. This one is closer to the city
Edit January 2025: There is a new train service that runs between Pudong and Hongqiao. More information is available here https://www.shine.cn/news/metro/2412203788/
❗ (Taxi update March 2024) There are a lot of reports of bad taxis at airports in recent months. They should put down the meter within a minute or two of leaving the airport. They might not put it down immediately if they're doing their GPS, but after leaving the airport area, it should be down, and the meter should be running.
You can say "wo yao fapiao" and point at the meter if it's not running. But the fare should generally be around 200-300 RMB from Pudong into the city, and less from Hongqiao. If they try to rip you off, call the police (110), or if you're staying a hotel, talk to people there. Shanghai is very safe, there is CCTV everywhere. But some unscrupulous taxi drivers try to rip off naive visitors.
COVID Testing note: No Covid test is required. The airline will have you scan a code to fill out a health declaration and if you don't have covid you just select no, it will generate a QR code. Save that code and they scan it at the airport on arrival. (https://www.reddit.com/r/shanghai/comments/1634pl6/any_covid_requirements_to_enter_china/)
Update (August 2023) - The requirement for pre-depature antigen tests for inbound travelers will be scrapped on August 30th.
Edit January 2025: VPN services tend to vary widely in terms of their effectivness. It's a cat-and-mouse game between the government and the providers. The sub r/chinalife has monthly VPN megathreads where Redditors share what is working, or not working. E-sims are also a popular option that also bypasses the firewall.
In addition, a mobile roaming SIM package can be a good option. Mobile data gets routed to the country where your SIM is from and bypasses the firewall. If you're only in China for a short trip this can be a good option.
Wechat. Try to set this up before you arrive. You have to be verified to use it. That usually means having a friend with a WeChat account verifying you. If you can't do this overseas, have someone verify you when you arrive. You need Wechat.
Mobile phones. Make sure your overseas plan allows international roaming. You can buy a local prepaid SIM card at the airport. In a lot of major cities outside of China, you can usually buy a SIM card from a vending machine. In Shanghai, you'll have to interact with someone at a China Mobile/Unicom booth.
You don't need to have a residence permit, but you will have to have your passport. China has "real name verification" for SIM cards. Basically, a SIM card has to be linked to a specific person.
a) Cash. It sort of works. You can pay for some things with it. That might include taxis or some restaurants. But some smaller places might not accept it.
b) Alipay/Wechat. This is the duopoly of payment apps here. Alipay has some features that allow foreigners to link a foreigner credit card to it.
i. You might be able to link your WeChat or Alipay to a foreign credit card. This can be hit or miss. This also mostly works if you're paying for services from a large company like Didi. If the card is linked, you can pay for a ride with Didi, but you won't be able to use it as a payment method as a local shop.
(August 2023 update - Linking foreigner cards to WeChat and Alipay has vastly improved, works most places, and is pretty easy)
c) ATMs. They will work. You should be able to take cash out of our foreign bank account at most ATMs in China. Sometimes, one might not work, but if you try any of the major ones (ICBC, CBC, BOC) it should work.
a) The metro is very good here. But you’ll have to get a card or buy individual tickets. Most stations will have machines that will give you a metro card, but they don’t usually take cash or international cards. If you have cash, most stations have a person in a central booth behind glass, go ask them. There is a 20RMB deposit for the card, and then add like 50-100RMB on it.
b) u/finnlizzy says "download maps.me and get the offline map for Shanghai"
c) For a video guide on using the metro, see the Youtube video here, via u/flob-a-dob
Edit Jan 2025: 12306 is the Chinese train app and is cheaper than Trip, they have an app and website https://www.12306.cn/en/index.html
a) There will usually be automated queues that most people will use. Have your passport open, put the ID page into the scanner, and it should let you through. If not, there are usually attendants off to the side to help you.
a) This also applies to dating apps, including Tinder. Shanghai is a very international city and has been for a long time, so you’re not special as a foreigner. If you’re visiting, you’re probably out of your depth. If you match with someone and they’re asking you to meet up at 11pm, be cautious.
Places to go. Tripadvisor has things. There is also a local app called BonApp that is English and for foreigners. There is a Chinese app called 点评, but it’s in Chinese.
Maps. If you have an iPhone, Apple Maps works well in China in English. Google Maps is generally bad here. Google Maps will have your locations and street names, but not much else.
Translation. Download Google Translate and download the offline language pack. Baidu Translate is also very good. Learn how to use it. There is a good conversation features where you can speak, it will translate, the other person can speak, it will translate.
Covid. Some Didi drivers will ask you to wear a mask. You are not legally required in stores or the metro. If a Didi driver asks you, don't be a dick. Just keep a cheap one in your bag.
(August 2023 Update - Some people will still wear masks on the metro, but generally most people aren't wearing masks, even in taxis or Didis)
Tipping. It’s not required or expected. Don’t tip.
Restaurant ordering. Most menus have pictures. Just point at what you want. Many restaurants have QR code ordering. Scan the code on WeChat, select what items you want to order in their mini-app.
Drugs. Don’t bring them in, obviously.
General advice. Bring stuff like Pepto or stomach stuff. You might not be used to the food.
a) Buy a pack of tissues to carry in your bag/purse when you're out. You might have stomach problems and not all bathrooms have toilet paper.
If anyone has any other advice, please post in the comments or message me. I'm happy to add their info and we can combine the knowledge of this sub. It seems like we have a lot of people visiting now, which is great, so let's try to put together an updated resource that covers most of the common questions and update the information for 2023.
r/shanghai • u/memostothefuture • Sep 05 '26
If you are traveling to Shanghai and have tourist-type questions - please ask here!
To keep /r/shanghai/ usable we only permit these types of posts and questions in this thread. You can also find lots of advice in our Guidance and Info for Visitors thread and by using the search function.
r/shanghai • u/stargazinglola • 3h ago
Hi all,
I am going to be in Shanghai soon and I wanted to buy some Running clothes from Chinese Brands. Do you have any recommendations of what to find here?
r/shanghai • u/pywang • 4h ago
My mom recommended I go find this while in Shanghai. I don’t know if it’s actually good though.
r/shanghai • u/Shanamat • 1d ago
Found a bike on xianyu for my son about 2km from my apartment. Took my scooter there with the plan of hanging it from the rear to take it home but it didn't really work out, the owner was super nice and biked this 7year Olds bike all the way back to my place for me and refused my offer of a didi home. Thanks Bro!
r/shanghai • u/kaixinkid • 1d ago
Submitted my appointment application a few weeks ago (Schengen visa for Italy). During the first week (maybe right a few days after I created the profile), my request was blocked on the platform, and the visa center contacted me by email to request additional information. It’s been some time since they sent the information to the consulate, and so far I haven’t heard anything back.
I’ve tried to reach them multiple times, but they always give the same response that I need to wait for a reply from the consulate. I then tried booking an appointment through the Beijing center and got one immediately after registering my profile...
Is there something specific about foreign applications in Shanghai? Does anyone know how long does is take to get the visa processed on average? (ex., from creating the application, booking the appointment and eventually submitting the documents at the consulate).
r/shanghai • u/NoWave9482 • 16h ago
My 5 months marketing internship to Shanghai just got cancelled. Because it is only possible in a not very legal way with visa (because I’m from Europe). Very unfortunate.
So I’m thinking about another country in asia. What countries/cities do you recommend? I don’t like places with too many tourists and expats like Bali Indonesia.
I only get a scolarship grant if I stay in Europe, so I prefer a country where living is relatively cheap (like China). So for example Japan or South Korea are options but expensive, Vietnam is much cheaper but I’m not sure if its a great place for an internship and living there. (Maybe it is, I dont know.)
What country/city would you recommend? Please, any information is helpful and much appreciated. If there is a better place to post this please let me know. Thank you
Ps. I’m still going to visit China one day, but likely for vacation:).
r/shanghai • u/_Leopard_4694 • 9h ago
Hey everyone! 👋
Are there any Indians, especially Mallus (Malayalis from Kerala), currently living or studying in Shanghai? Whether you're doing a Bachelor's, Master's, working, or just living here, it would be great to connect!
Would love to make some Indian friends, hang out, explore Shanghai, try different food places, and share experiences.
Feel free to comment or DM me. Let's connect! 🤝😊
r/shanghai • u/emily_eye • 20h ago
Hello! I’m looking to get my first rhinoplasty done in Shanghai, and I want to get a natural nose with a dorsal hump.
I speak fluent Mandarin, but am having trouble finding reliable doctors underneath all the ads. Does my one have advice or experience?
r/shanghai • u/Turbulent-Orange-627 • 21h ago
Looking for a place around Wukang Rd / Anfu Rd with good matcha and decent seating to sit down for a while.
A dedicated matcha spot is totally fine (doesn't have to serve coffee), as long as it has proper tables and isn't just an overhyped takeaway counter.
Any recommendations?
r/shanghai • u/Rammlas • 1d ago
Hi everyone!
I’m looking to start learning either cello or erhu and was wondering if anyone could recommend a teacher around the Minhang campus of Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
I’m a complete beginner, so I’d be starting from scratch, I’m not looking for an expensive teacher with ages of experience, a music student willing to teach would also be fine.
I’m open to learning either instrument, so I’d also appreciate any advice like where I could find lessons and possibly rent an instrument.
My Chinese is almost nonexistent at the moment 😅, so an English-speaking teacher would be a bonus, but definitely not a requirement! If a teacher only speaks Chinese, I’m happy to give it a try anyway, we’ll find a way to understand each other, and it would be a great opportunity for me to improve my Chinese too.
If anyone knows a teacher, music school, local music shop, or WeChat group where I could look, I’d really appreciate the suggestions.
Thank you :)
r/shanghai • u/Agitated_Shoulder257 • 22h ago
How do i contact them if i want my taobao packages to be delivered there?
r/shanghai • u/blackandblueskirt • 23h ago
Hello, can anyone recommend restaurants that are kid friendly for two preschoolers/kindergarteners that are within easy walking distance for them near: Natural history museum Ocean aquarium Shanghai zoo Yu yuan gardens Science and technology museum
Or would anyone advise eating inside these places? Ideally not western, but open to western. Good tasty food for adults but kid friendly in terms of menu/things to do for the kids whilst waiting/friendly staff etc
Thank you!
r/shanghai • u/Glittering-Drop-653 • 2d ago
I am an ordinary middle-aged man living in Shanghai, with a wife and a child, and I am currently unemployed. I’m thinking of trying my hand at being a YouTube creator—documenting the life of an average person in Shanghai in an objective, unbiased way. No fancy filming gear yet, just my phone and camera.
I’m curious if any foreigners might be interested in this; if so, what kind of topics would you like to see? Please leave a comment, and I’ll get this project started as soon as I can.
r/shanghai • u/alwaysmissyou • 2d ago
Anyone up for the Mexican festival at BFC this Saturday (Oct 31)?
Hey! I’m planning to check out the Día de los Muertos / Mexican cultural festival at BFC by the Bund this Saturday, sometime in the afternoon and into the evening.
Would love some company to wander around and enjoy the Halloween evening together! Anyone interested? Feel free to comment or DM me :)
Poster attached!
r/shanghai • u/ManulZookeeper • 2d ago
I run a small English guide to Shanghai and just finished a directory of the city’s churches: about 170 entries, each with the English and Chinese name and the Chinese address (so you can show it to a taxi driver or paste it into Amap).
A few that have full write-ups:
Most of the small suburban churches have only a name and an address so far. I haven’t visited them all, so opening hours aren’t confirmed; if you know one, corrections are very welcome.
Most of the directory and photographs come from 中二halo君, who has been visiting and photographing Shanghai churches for years and kindly let me use them.
r/shanghai • u/CarelessEarth6216 • 1d ago
Could anyone have table at LaFin on 31st. I will be using it for entrance 🙏🏿
r/shanghai • u/Dafakdatname • 2d ago
A cool capoeira event is coming. Batizado - annual graduation ceremony. If you're a capoerista enthusiast or never heard about capoeira at all but would like to take a dip in Brazilian martial art - welcome. Newbies are welcomed.
Registration via Wechat or contact Maloca Shanghai directly in Red Note app.
r/shanghai • u/SweetAndSour20 • 2d ago
Hi everyone,
I'm considering going to Shanghai for about a month in April or May 2027 for a language course at Shanghai International Studies University, and I'd love to hear from anyone who has done their Chinese language program.
I have a couple of questions because I can barely find anything online about people's experiences.
1. For anybody who has done the course, how is it? I know a month is a short time, and I'm not expecting miracles, but I would hope that the course is at least well organised, the teachers are nice, and it's an overall good experience.
2. How is it finding accommodation? Is it easy to find something at a good price for a month?
3. How is it with finding friends? This is probably my biggest concern. Since I'd only be staying for a month, I can't stay in the university dorms. I'm worried that this might make it harder to meet people and make friends, especially since I'm not really a solo traveller. I went to Korea for an exchange, and I wouldn't have had any friends if it weren't for my dormmates, so I'm a bit nervous about not living in a dorm since, most of the time, people make the whole experience.
If you've done the program, was it easy to meet other international students in their 20s? Did you mostly socialise with people from your classes, or did the university help bring students together? Or are there other ways to find other solo travellers in Shanghai?
4. Does SISU organise any activities, excursions or cultural experiences that short-term students can join? Or is it mainly classes, with everyone doing their own thing afterwards?
5. I'm hoping to join the semester in April or May for approximately one month. Has anyone joined the program for just a month during the spring semester? How did that work in practice, and were there other short-term students around?
I've also looked at summer programs at universities such as Donghua, which offer a more organised experience with accommodation included. However, I'm a bit worried about Shanghai's summer heat and humidity because I don't do well with heat, so I'm trying to find a different way.
Thank you so much for reading this long post, and I'll be grateful for any advice you can give me. If anybody has a different university or language school they recommend, I'll also be grateful! :)
r/shanghai • u/Popular_Lab_5375 • 2d ago
My partner is arriving soon to Shanghai and we want to go out for a nice romantic dinner and drinks. We’re looking for something cozy, not noisy where we can talk and hopefully with a great view. Not spicy food. Any recommendations are very much appreciated ❤️
r/shanghai • u/MetaHim • 3d ago
My friends have a Street Fighter event coming up in Shanghai! It’s a casual gaming meetup where you can play some classic Street Fighter, meet new people, grab some drinks, and eat tacos.
The event is completely free. Just bring a controller and come hang out!
Also, if you’re into fighting games like Tekken, Street Fighter, or Mortal Kombat, shoot me a message and I’ll add you to our WeChat group. We’re always looking for more people to play with!
Location: Lumina Cocktail Bar (can be found on apple maps)
Date: NOV 1 (Sunday)
Time: All Day from 4pm
r/shanghai • u/Ccpoke • 3d ago
Where can I find good quality Cheongsam/qipao dresses in Shanghai?
r/shanghai • u/Hot_Bandicoot_4089 • 3d ago
recommendations for chill place on a weekday night that has nice singing (chi songs) with some food/drinks!! mum loves chinese songs , pls lmk!!
r/shanghai • u/Hot_Bandicoot_4089 • 3d ago
planning to go shanghai at the end of march and want to visit suzhou and hangzhou.
Planning to just do a day trip to suzhou since its near shanghai but staying 2d1n in hangzhou. is this enough & ok?
the rest of the days will b spend walking around shanghai since its my parents first time there as well.
Any tips?!! (e.g. what places is a must go at march end since its spring/ dont have to go / overrated etc)
