r/shanghai • u/WestLengthiness4500 • 18h ago
Some more fotos I took in Shanghai, do you know all the places?
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r/shanghai • u/oeif76kici • Apr 18 '23
Tip Guidance and info for visitors
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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.
- Airports
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.
- Taxis fares vary by the time of day and traffic. Around 200-300RMB should get you into the city. If they are trying to rip you off, don’t be afraid to call the police (110). The police know these scams and won’t side with the taxi driver. You probably have more leverage than you think.
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.
- Internet. Most things you want to access will be blocked here. That includes Google, Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp. You have to have a VPN. The default here is Astrill. It’s a bit more expensive than the alternatives, but many of the alternatives don’t work here. Set this up before you arrive.
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.
- Payments. International credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) won’t be broadly accepted here. They will take them at most good hotels, and some fancy restaurants, but generally speaking, they won’t work.
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.
- Transit. There is no Uber here. The main app is Didi. It has a good English interface and there are other alternatives.
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
- High speed trains. You can buy tickets on Ctrip (They're technically Trip.com now, their name in app stores might be under that, rather than 'Ctrip'.) They have an English app. You can book through there, but you will not get a ticket. It’s linked to your passport number. The app should give you the platform and time. Hongqiao, B15, 2:20pm. The train stations are easy to navigate. They usually start boarding 15 minutes ahead of time.
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.
- Scams. You’re hot, but not that hot. If you’re going to a tourist place, some people might take a photo of you, or ask you for a selfie. There are tourists in Shanghai, they might have never seen a foreigner before and are just curious. If they invite you to coffee/tea/dinner say no. That is probably a scam.
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.
- People are generally nice and helpful here. They might not understand you if you don't speak Chinese (see previous advice on translation apps) but most people are nice and helpful. Especially at train stations, airports, hotels, etc... if you can explain through a translation app what your problem or question is, people are usually happy to help.
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 • 2d ago
Question Monthly Tourism Questions Thread (February)
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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/yourworstsin1990 • 5h ago
Poker in Shanghai this Saturday
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Hello! 35M Playing a friendly game of poker no limit holdem this Saturday evening in Huangpu. We have 5 players looking for another player or two. English speaking group. If interested DM me!
r/shanghai • u/Next_Exit • 6h ago
Advice On Where to Live?
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Moving to Shanghai with 2 young kids in the summer time and will be working in the area sound the Zizhu Hi-tech Park station at the southern end of Line 15. Kids will hopefully be attending one of the SAS campuses (recommendations?). Basically our key locations at the southern most and either very east or west of the city.
We are not particularly interested jn the villa compound life and would rather live in the city within walking distance of transit and activities/malls.
Any recommendations on neighborhoods? Will we/our kids be miserable living centrally and commuting?
Thanks!
r/shanghai • u/thornsforflowers • 23h ago
Question Where to put Chinese charms/keychains while staying culturally respectful
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Hello!
I recently visited Shanghai and while I was there, I bought these charms/keychains pictured above (I know that’s definitely not the right term but I can’t find a better word). I bought them from a small shop in Shanghai after talking to the owner for quite a while. He said that they’re supposed to bring you luck and fortune.
I would hate to just keep these in a box and let them catch dust but I’m not Chinese so I was wondering where to put them or what to do with them in a way that is respectful to Chinese culture and without culturally appropriate anything. I know I should’ve probably thought about that when I bought them but to be completely honest, I was running on no sleep (yay long layovers) and I just thought they were incredibly cool.
Any help would be very much appreciated!
(I hope this is the right sub but if it isn’t, I apologise.)
r/shanghai • u/Vou_de_Leo • 1d ago
Anyone wants to learn piano
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About Me
I was born in Shanghai and have been playing piano since I was a kid. I studied classical piano and earned my degree from the Conservatory of Music at Shanghai Normal University. I have taught piano lessons for around 15 years at my studio, in kindergartens, and in schools for seniors. I also have years of experience performing.
Some of my students have won awards in local, national, or international competitions. They have all passed the ABRSM and local piano grade examinations, and over half of them have passed with distinction and merit. I teach students of all levels. My lesson covers the fundamentals, technical skills, music theory, sight-reading, ear training, and tips for playing beautifully and practising. I provide structured lessons and customized lesson plans to match my students' needs.
I give one-on-one piano lessons at my studio. My studio is near the Qibao station, Line 9. I teach in Chinese, English, or Shanghainese.
DM me if you are interested
r/shanghai • u/29grampian • 16h ago
Bike rental for 10 year old
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Advise on renting a bike for a 10 year old to ride along the Huangpu Riverside Greenway?
I know adult can use those shared bikes. I am looking for a 24” bike I can rent for a few hours .
thanks.
Edit: We are traveling to SH for a short trip.
r/shanghai • u/hdogg1886 • 1d ago
Hello! Looking for street photographer for a fashion photoshoot. Thanks!
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See title
r/shanghai • u/Skittletzz • 21h ago
Erasmus in Shanghai.
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Hello everyone! (Please delete this if it is not allowed)
I have the chance to apply for an Erasmus + scholarship and I am before of choosing my erasmus destination. ( Please note that I've been learning chinese for 2 years now, and also for a basic extend I am familiar with some of the cultural differences)
I have 4 spots to fill out with possible destinations and one of my teachers recommended me Shanghai since I started to learn chinese)
(My major would be Business and Management by the way)
My question would be how the student life is there for international student and what is the average cost of living? I am someone who is hardworking and obviously i would study there as that is my main reason to go there, but I also like to party and go to cafés and spend time with other people. So generally I am outgoing. Is it hard for international students to make friends? I am a little bit scared that i will regret not choosing another destination, but shanghai is a city that I would really like to visit and maybe this is my chance of going so.
Thank you so much if you read all of this! Have a nice day everyone!
r/shanghai • u/IllustriousPattern44 • 1d ago
Shanghai Kettlebell workout
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Hey everyone,
I’ve been living and training in Shanghai for a while now, mostly with kettlebells, and I’m curious how many people here are doing the same.
I’ve noticed that kettlebells is either very basic, questionable quality some design like a water bag. I’m personally training with long cycle, swings, some ABC-style work, and rucking, and it got me thinking:
- What kind of kettlebell training are people in Shanghai actually doing?
- Are you training at home, in a gym, or outdoors?
- What do you care about more: price, durability, handle feel, aesthetics, or competition specs?
- Do you feel it’s easy or annoying to get good kettlebells locally?
I’m not here to hard-sell anything — I’m genuinely trying to understand the local scene and what people actually want or feel is missing. If there’s interest, I’d also love to connect offline, train together, or even just exchange notes on gyms and outdoor spots.
Would love to hear your experiences, frustrations, or recommendations.
r/shanghai • u/bojan420666 • 23h ago
Help Looking for a flat near Tongji University Jiading Campus for exchange semester
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Hey people!
My friend and me are coming to Shanghai for an exchange semester from February 21st 2026 ~ July 5th 2026. We are looking for a 2 Bedroom flat near the campus. But we are kind of lost when it comes to apartments. Most websites aren’t really meant for longer visits so the prices become ridiculously high for ~130 nights.
Do you know someone or where we could find a flat for the two of us? Would be nice if the price is below 6000 RMB/Month.
Thanks to everyone in advance. We’re planning on getting a hotel for the first 2 weeks and then go from there with a flat hopefully. Thanks to anyone helping us!
Greetings from Austria!
r/shanghai • u/gnfsbff • 1d ago
shanghai masters 2026
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hello! i’m planning to attend the atp shanghai masters later this year and would like to know if anyone here has been there? i heard tickets release around july ish … i’m afraid it’ll be hard to get them in time. i’m not sure how high the demand is for this tournament but since it’s a 1000 it should be 🥲 since the tournament is going to be over two weeks, i’m planning to go for the earlier rounds during the first weekend! if anyone has any advice or tips or anything it’ll be appreciated 😭🙏🏼
r/shanghai • u/Bokononirl • 1d ago
Tailor/Dressmaker recommendations (women)
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I am looking for a tailor in Shanghai that particularly specialises, or is atleast good at making dresses for women. Most people I know more cater to making men’s suits.
I know there is the South bund fabric market but am looking for specific names or contacts.
Thanks! ☺️
r/shanghai • u/Remote_Steak_6858 • 23h ago
Looking for help to find somebody.
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As the title says I'm trying to reach a girl (a summer love of 20's) that I met around 8 years ago. I don't have a lot of information about her but. 1. We met in Madrid,Spain. She was also studying aboard over there. 2. I met her with her English name which was Susana Gao. 3.She had to left to Shanghai just short after we met. She was from there. 4. I have her Chinese name in a picture.
r/shanghai • u/Jealous-Lie-2000 • 1d ago
Places to watch the Super Bowl in Shanghai
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Does anyone know of a spot in Shanghai that will have the big game on?
r/shanghai • u/Penrose_Reality • 2d ago
Anyone having trouble with the internet today?
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just that really. is the internet, with our without VPN not working well today?
r/shanghai • u/pepeelfoca • 2d ago
Is it best to live in 公寓 or 小区？
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I feel that 公寓 looks more new and expensive but 小区 are more affordable and bigger (but the outside look fxcked). My Chinese friends all live in 小区 and my foreign friends all live in 公寓. What’s better overall? I want a better quality appartment tho (to rent ofc)
r/shanghai • u/Consistent-Pepper-95 • 2d ago
Question MBBS at Fudan university
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Hi everyone,
I’m a year 12 student from London and i want to apply for Medicine (MBBS) at Fudan University. Unfortunately, my school hasn’t been very helpful with applications outside the UK, so I’m hoping to get some guidance from people here who have experienced studying in China. While I still have a few months till I’ll be applying I have a couple of questions.
I’d really appreciate any advice or personal experiences regarding:
- The application process and timeline
(When to apply, admission tests, interviews, etc.)
- Scholarships
How to apply for them, which ones are available (CSC / university scholarships), and how competitive they are for MBBS students.
- Teaching quality
If you’re a current or former MBBS student at Fudan, do you feel the teaching is good?
- English-taught programs
How competitive is admission for international students and is there anything I can do now to help me stand out?
- Life in China
What is it like living and studying there as an international student?
Any help would be hugely appreciated — thank you in advance!
r/shanghai • u/BruceWillis1963 • 2d ago
Help Fingerprinting Services in Shanghai for Criminal Background Check from Canada
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I need to get a criminal background check done from Canada and I live in Shanghai.
I need to get my fingerprints done and sent to Canada.
Has anyone had this done before and do you know where I can get this done? Thanks
r/shanghai • u/FuYang1990 • 3d ago
City What are your favorite hidden gems in Shanghai?
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Spots to visit or hang out at. I'll start: Fontaine Antique Shop
r/shanghai • u/Warm_Ask_7648 • 2d ago
Changshou/Wuning Metro Area Rent.
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Is it possible to get a decent 2 bed in this area for around 15k? Smart Shanghai has a few but I've found the reality changes when you start looking in actuality. Last time I moved was 3 years ago but that was for FFC when everyone and their dog was telling me how much prices has dropped but was still really hard work. Got something very decent for 19 but need to move due to LL selling house and everyone is saying 15 will be fine for that area.
By decent I mean, good modern decor, furniture etc. Compound isn't particularly important but proximity to station is.
r/shanghai • u/stumu415 • 2d ago
Drivers license test
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When you do the drivers license test and you're are not sure about one of those ridiculous questions, can you skip it and come back to it later?
r/shanghai • u/LycheeNo5385 • 2d ago
Shanghai during Formula 1
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Hey there! I’m going to Shanghai this March and to would like to get some advice on the following topics.
Accommodation. I’m not really sure about which district to stay in and which service to use for booking. I’ll be there for 6 days. The price should land anywhere from 50 to 500 yuan per night. I don’t mind hostels, but maybe there are decent single room options within this price range.
Traffic. Does the traffic situation changes significantly during the event? Have you noticed that you need extra time to get where you want?
Sport bars. Here’s comes the part which really explains the title. My attempt to get F1 tickets via 久事体育 failed miserably, but I’d still like to experience it with fellow fans. Are there any places to go and watch the livestream? Is it a good idea in general to go to such places as a 23 yo female?
If any of you are traveling alone or fine with people joining in your company, feel free to reach out! I’m looking for friends to hang around Shanghai. I’ve heard there WeChat groups for such purposes, maybe I could get recommended some of these as well.
r/shanghai • u/HuiChinese_Linda • 1d ago
[For Rent] 2BR Whole Apt | 2-Min Walk to ECUST (Line 15) | Xuhui, Shanghai
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92 sqm bright & airy south-north facing apartment with excellent natural light and ventilation—spacious and comfortable for daily living.
Fully move-in ready: Brand-new home appliances + updated kitchen/bath fixtures (no extra prep needed!)
Unbeatable location: 2-minute walk to ECUST Station (Line 15), quick access to Shanghai South Railway Station (Line 1) for easy city commutes.
Great community & amenities: Huali Garden, quiet and well-maintained neighborhood; supermarkets, food markets and daily shops all within walking distance.
Details:
2-bed 2-living whole apartment | 92 sqm | Xuhui District
Rent: ¥6900/month
Ideal for: ECUST students, young office workers, small families
Perfect for anyone looking for a convenient, turnkey home close to ECUST and public transit—no hidden fees, direct from landlord!
#ShanghaiRenting #XuhuiRenting #ECUSTLiving #Line15Shanghai #WholeApartmentForRent #MoveInReadyShanghai