Buzz
Being the most luxurious and vibrant city in China, Shanghai has attracted a significant number of visitors, especially from Vietnam, in recent years. If you're planning to explore this beautiful city with friends and family, let vntrip.vn guide you with the most comprehensive and detailed Shanghai travel experiences!
When is the best time to travel to Shanghai?
Similar to Vietnam, Shanghai experiences four seasons in a more distinct manner. Spring brings high temperatures, sometimes reaching 30°C. Summer is extremely hot and dry, while autumn offers pleasant and cool weather. Winter sees a significant drop in temperature, with the possibility of snowfall and cold temperatures.
Enchanting Pine Forest in Shanghai during Autumn
According to Shanghai travel experience, the best time to visit is during autumn, from September to November. However, if you want to experience something unique not found in Vietnam, you can also visit during winter to witness the serene snowfall. This is the time when Shanghai is covered in a blanket of white snow – a truly beautiful and romantic sight.
Transportation
Guide to Getting to Shanghai
There are two ways for you to travel to Shanghai, China: by air and by road.
− By Air: Choosing this option will significantly shorten your travel time, but you need a passport and visa. While obtaining a passport is simple, obtaining a visa is a bit more complex. You can contact some travel agencies there that provide visa services, and they will handle everything for you. Flight tickets to Shanghai can be expensive, so it's advisable to prepare early and wait for promotional periods from various airlines. Some recommended airlines are Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar, Vietjet, Shanghai Airlines, etc.
− By Road: For road travel to Shanghai, you have two options: by train and by car. The route for both means of transportation is Saigon/Hanoi – Nam Ninh. If you choose the train, the ticket price is around 600,000 VND/person. For car travel, the average price is between 400,000 VND and 500,000 VND/person.
When you arrive in Nam Ninh, you need to go through immigration procedures. From Nam Ninh to Shanghai, you can either take a train or a flight. Domestic flight tickets in China are quite affordable. If you prefer the train, you can buy tickets and check them at Nam Ninh station.
Shanghai Subway
Getting around Shanghai:
Subway and trains are the most commonly used means of transportation in this city. The train tickets are quite affordable, and the travel is convenient. If your hotel is far from the train station, you can use buses to get to the stations to save costs. At tourist attractions, consider using environmentally friendly modes of transport such as walking or cycling for both environmental protection and convenience.
Currency and language tips when visiting Shanghai:
– Currency: USD is not widely accepted in China, so it's advisable to exchange your money to Chinese Yuan (CNY) in Vietnam before traveling. Consider obtaining an international payment card for use in places that accept card payments to reduce the need for carrying cash. Also, prepare photocopies of your passport in case you run out of cash and need to exchange at a bank.
– Language: Chinese people, especially in Shanghai, have limited proficiency in English. Learning a few basic Chinese phrases for tourists is recommended. Chinese is relatively easy to pick up, so there's no need to worry too much. Additionally, have a translation app from Vietnamese to Chinese handy, just in case.
Where to stay according to Shanghai travel experience?
Shanghai offers a variety of accommodation options, from budget-friendly to luxurious. Options include dorms, guesthouses, and hotels. While dorms and guesthouses are more economical, the city has a diverse range of hotels with varying price ranges. The lowest price for a hotel room is around $15 per night.
Scenic view of Shanghai from a 7-star hotel
A small tip for those traveling in a group and looking for accommodation is that some hotels in Shanghai do not limit the number of guests in a room. Therefore, if you have a group of 6 people, you can just rent one room and add an extra bed to save costs.
Must-visit famous tourist attractions in Shanghai
1 The Bund Shanghai
The Bund Shanghai
Mention Shanghai, and people immediately think of the iconic film set for many famous Chinese movies - The Bund. This location encapsulates the historical ups and downs of Shanghai. Positioned on the legendary Huangpu River, it divides Shanghai into the East and West sides. The Bund has become a must-visit spot for every tourist in Shanghai.
2 Jade Buddha Temple
Unique architecture of Jade Buddha Temple seen from outside
Buddha Statue at Jade Buddha Temple
As a country deeply influenced by Buddhism, nearly every city in China boasts numerous majestic temples. The Jade Buddha Temple in the West End is a renowned Buddhist Monastery famous for its reclining Jade Buddha and seated Jade Buddha sculptures, both crafted from white jadeite. These are precious cultural heritages of Shanghai.
3 Nanjing Road
Vibrant Nanjing Road at night
Nanjing Road has earned its fame as a shopping haven, resembling a bustling paradise for budget-conscious travelers. Stretching 6km, it stands as the world's longest and liveliest shopping district, attracting visitors day and night without a pause. This is truly an ideal destination for shopping enthusiasts.
4 Oriental Pearl TV Tower
Panoramic view of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower
As the tallest skyscraper in Shanghai and the third tallest globally, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower impresses not only with its height but also with its unique architectural design. From the tower, one can admire the vibrant and dynamic cityscape of Shanghai.
5 The Bund
The Bund illuminated at night
As one of Shanghai's famous tourist spots with numerous souvenir shops, The Bund may sound quiet and tranquil, but it's quite the opposite. This lively square is surrounded by ancient buildings, exuding the timeless charm of China.
New Heaven and Earth of Shanghai
Additionally, Shanghai boasts numerous other famous attractions such as New Heaven and Earth, Shanghai Art Museum, and Fuxing Park. Depending on your schedule and the duration of your stay in Shanghai, you can plan visits to these tourist spots.
What to eat when traveling to Shanghai? Delicious dishes in Shanghai
When it comes to Shanghai or Chinese cuisine, tourists immediately think of a paradise of delicacies. Some must-try dishes in Shanghai include steamed Shanghai buns, Shanghai hairy crab, shrimp wonton noodles, egg tea, Yangcheng Lake crab, and more.
The diverse and rich cuisine of Shanghai
Exploring the street markets of Shanghai filled with local specialties
Indulge in the unique flavors of Shanghai's local specialties at traditional shops or stroll around budget-friendly, delicious street food stalls—an experience you can't miss.
Shopping destinations in Shanghai
According to Shanghai travel tips, if you're looking for affordable handmade gifts, visit the bustling area of Dù Viên. For luxury items, the West Nanjing districts are your best bet.
Shanghai Night Market
If you opt for supermarkets or fixed-price stores, you might end up paying more without the thrill of bargaining. Master the art of negotiation and explore the flea markets and souvenir shops for a better deal.
IFC Mall Shopping Center
Explore additional shopping districts such as Tô Giới Pháp Street, Tương Dương New Market, Qi Tu Lu district, Dong Thai Market, and more.
Essential Tips for Your Shanghai Trip
- Remember to keep the immigration declaration forms, quarantine declaration, and customs documents for later use upon your return.
- Regardless of your mode of transportation, consider traveling at night to save time and money, as night fares are often more economical.
- When checking into your hotel, inspect the room for any damages. During checkout, hotels will assess and charge for any potential damages.
- Goods valued under 300 USD brought back will be exempt from customs duty, following Vietnam Customs rates.
We hope these compiled tips from Vntrip about traveling to Shanghai will contribute to a fantastic and memorable journey in this glamorous city!
