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Do I need a visa to visit Shanghai?

Most nationalities require a Chinese visa, but Shanghai offers a 144-hour transit visa exemption for eligible travelers who are continuing their journey to a third country.

Can I use cash in Shanghai?

While legally businesses must accept cash, it is highly impractical. Most vendors, even small street stalls, expect you to pay using smartphone apps like Alipay or WeChat Pay.

Is English widely spoken in the city?

English is commonly spoken in high-end hotels and major tourist attractions, but less so among taxi drivers and small vendors. Having a translation app on your phone is highly recommended.

How do I get from Pudong Airport to the city center?

The Maglev train is the fastest and most iconic way, taking just 8 minutes to reach Longyang Road station. From there, you can easily transfer to the Metro system to reach your hotel.

Is Shanghai tap water safe to drink?

No, tap water in Shanghai is not considered safe for direct drinking. Always consume bottled water or make sure to boil the tap water thoroughly before drinking.

Shanghai

Skyscrapers, the Bund, and futuristic China

CityCultureFoodMid range

Why should I come?

Why visit Shanghai?

Discover a dynamic metropolis that offers world-class dining, cutting-edge architecture, and deep-rooted traditional Chinese culture seamlessly intertwined.

Country

China

Currency

Chinese Yuan (Renminbi, symbol: ¥)

Language

Standard Mandarin (Putonghua) — Chinese (written: Simplified Chinese)

Airport

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). Also served by Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).

Time Zone

China Standard Time (CST), UTC+08:00 (no daylight saving)

Best Time

October to November

What do locals know?

Practical insight from people who've lived it

Xintiandi

An affluent car-free shopping, eating, and entertainment district that masterfully preserves traditional Shikumen architecture alongside luxury modern storefronts.

Shengjianbao

A quintessential Shanghai street food featuring a perfectly crispy pan-fried bottom, a thick doughy top, and a savory pork and piping hot gelatinous soup filling.

South Bund Soft Spinning Material Market

A bustling three-story local market where expert tailors create fully custom-made suits, delicate silk dresses, and fine cashmere coats at highly competitive prices.

M50 Creative Park

A thriving contemporary art district housed in former industrial textile mills, showcasing avant-garde galleries, artist studios, and striking urban street art.

No.1072 Yunhan Road, Nicheng Town, Shanghai, 200120, China

from

$29 / night

Live rates across our partner network (Booking.com, VRBO, Expedia, Hotels.com) via Stay22. Makutet may earn a commission when you book — at no extra cost to you. Prices update in real time and may vary before booking.

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What do I need before travelling?

What you need before you go

Cashless Payments Setup

·Cash is rarely used in China today. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay and bind your international credit card before arrival to easily pay for meals, transport, and local shopping.

Shanghai Metro and Maglev

·The Shanghai Metro is highly extensive, very cheap, and fully bilingual. From Pudong Airport, take the Maglev train which hits speeds of 431 km/h to reach the city quickly.

Safe Urban Exploration

·Shanghai is incredibly safe for a major metropolis. Exercise standard precautions against pickpockets in crowded tourist spots and always watch out for completely silent electric scooters.

The Great Firewall and VPNs

·Major western apps and sites like Google, Meta, and WhatsApp are completely blocked. You must download a reliable VPN or purchase an eSIM with roaming data before you arrive.

Good to Know

Shanghai FAQs

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See It Through A Creator's Eyes

Want to discover Shanghai through people who have actually experienced it?

Explore Shanghai through the stories, photos, and perspectives of travel creators who have been there.

Find Creators Who Have Been to Shanghai