Travel Report Shanghai (China)
Shanghai travel report: tips & highlights for your visit
Arrival and entry:
You are given an entry form to fill out on board the plane. After landing in Shanghai, the first stop is the fingerprint scanner. This usually goes smoothly and is required for entry. This is followed by immigration, which is comparable to the USA, where there are often long waiting times. Allow at least an hour here.
Where is Shanghai?
Something you should definitely think about:
National currencies: There are several names for the Chinese currency. Although renminbi (RMB) and Chinese yuan (CNY) are often used interchangeably, the yuan is technically a unit of the renminbi currency. Credit cards are taken in the major hotel chains, otherwise China is largely cashless. Alipay or WeChat Pay are essential for making payments or calling a cab. ATMs are available, but ID is often required. US dollars are the only currency that can be exchanged outside of banks.
Tip: Install and set up the payment app beforehand!
Vaccinations: No vaccinations are required if you are coming from Germany. However, the standard vaccinations are recommended, see Foreign Office suggestions.
Luggage: The photo equipment should definitely be taken on board, so pay attention to the cabin luggage dimensions (!) Otherwise, any type of suitcase or bag will do.
Fast & comfortable into the city
After entering the country, it is worth taking the Maglev train, the German Transrapid. It takes just 10 minutes to reach the city at a speed of 300 km/h. The VIP class costs around 10 euros per person and offers extra comfort.
Cab driving made easy
Cabs are best booked via Alipay with the integrated Didi service, similar to Uber. Fares are reasonable: a ride from the airport costs around 20 euros, within the city usually only 2-5 euros.
J.W. Marriott Shanghai
The J.W. Marriott Shanghai offers spectacular views. We chose this hotel because of its relatively central location. The check-in is on the 35th floor and if you book one of the executive suites, you may end up on the 59th floor, where the executive lounge is also located. The height is breathtaking and the room is practically in the clouds, which is a very special experience.
Explore Shanghai: Hop-on hop-off or on foot
The city can be easily explored with the hop-on hop-off bus. A day ticket costs 8-10 euros. Alternatively, Shanghai is surprisingly quiet and pedestrian-friendly, as there are many electric vehicles on the road. The stops and “lines” of the hop-on hop-off buses are clearly marked in Chinese and English and are easy to understand
Shopping-Paradise Shanghai
Luxury labels and huge malls characterize the cityscape. The largest mall in China is located in Pudong. The area around the Din Tai Fung restaurant also offers a great shopping experience.
Places of interest in Shanghai
Shanghai Tower
At 632 m, the Shanghai Tower is one of the tallest buildings in the world. The viewing platform at a height of 540 m offers a spectacular view. Tickets are available online or on site with a passport for 30-40 euros. But the visit is really a must for every visitor to Shanghai and you have to book the visit to 632m as well. The show is breathtaking,
Jing’an Temple
The temple is centrally located and easy to reach. The coin-tossing sculpture in the courtyard is particularly entertaining. Payment can also be made here via Alipay.
The Bund: Perfect view of Pudong
The Bund promenade offers the best view of Pudong. The view of the glittering skyline is particularly impressive at night. Please note: the lights are switched off at 10pm.
Hyatt The Bund Rooftop Bar
The Rooftop Bar at Hyatt The Bund offers one of the best views. Admission costs 15 euros, but is deducted from food and drinks.
The Edition Rooftop Bar
Wer eine Alternative sucht, kann die Rooftop Bar im The Edition Hotel besuchen. Hier gibt es keinen Mindestverzehr.
Yu Garden & Old Town
Yu Garden is beautiful, but often crowded. Directly adjacent is the Chinese quarter with traditional zigzag bridges and small stores. It is well worth a stroll.
Internet & Roaming in China
The internet is heavily controlled in China. Facebook, WhatsApp & Instagram can only be used with a Western mobile network or VPN. A global FlexiRoam or Airalo eSIM ensures unrestricted access.
Flying within China
You often need a printed ticket at the airport. Security checks are very precise and take longer than usual. Business Class is worthwhile on long routes, especially with Air China in the Airbus A350, e.g. on the route from Shanghai to Guangzhou, which takes less than 3 hours but in which you are spoiled with a real Business Class.
Fazit
Shanghai is a fascinating metropolis that combines modern technology with tradition. With the right apps, a good schedule and a little preparation, your trip will be an unforgettable experience!
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What photo equipment for Shanghai?
We actually only took an iPhone 14 Pro with us for Shanghai, which in hindsight was a mistake, especially for the night shots. You can find the photo equipment we should have taken with us in our Photo-Shop. There are also lots of extras there.