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Mytour offers travelers an essential Shanghai travel guide, packed with useful information on destinations, visa processes, transportation, cuisine, accommodations, and key tips for visiting this vibrant city.
Overview | Best Time to Visit Shanghai | Transportation Options | Travel Tips | China Visa Application | Visa Submission Process | Top Attractions | Local Cuisine | Hotels | Important Travel Notes
Shanghai Travel Overview
Shanghai stands as the financial and cultural heart of China. It is a must-visit destination for anyone eager to experience the unique blend of tradition and modernity. The city is not only a symbol of rapid development but also a treasure trove of rich cultural heritage. Traveling to Shanghai, visitors will immerse themselves in a vibrant world, from ancient neighborhoods and towering skyscrapers to lush, picturesque parks.
Best Time to Visit Shanghai
The ideal time to visit Shanghai is from September to early November. During this period, Shanghai transitions into autumn, offering cool and pleasant weather. Average temperatures range between 15°C and 25°C, creating perfect conditions for exploring the city without the summer heat or winter chill. The natural scenery transforms, shifting from lush green to golden hues, making parks and gardens more captivating than ever.
However, Shanghai offers unique experiences year-round. For instance, visiting in spring allows you to partake in traditional festivals and witness cherry blossoms in full bloom. Summer is ideal for enjoying stunning sunsets along the Huangpu River and savoring local cuisine. In winter, Shanghai is blanketed in serene snow, offering a peaceful atmosphere and the chance to explore beautifully decorated Christmas markets.
Transportation Options
Traveling to Shanghai from Vietnam
To reach Shanghai, you have several convenient transportation options that make your journey seamless.
By Air
Airlines: Carriers such as Vietnam Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and Shanghai Airlines frequently operate direct flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Shanghai. The flight duration typically ranges from 4 to 5 hours. You can check ticket prices and flight schedules HERE.
Airports: Flights usually depart from Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi) or Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) and land at Pudong International Airport (Shanghai).
Train
Traveling to Shanghai by train offers the chance to enjoy scenic views and make memorable stops along the way while chatting with friends. From Gia Lam Station (Hanoi), you can purchase a ticket to Nanning Station (China). After completing immigration procedures, continue your journey to Shanghai via subway or train.
Bus
Buses are another option for reaching Shanghai, though the journey may be time-consuming due to immigration and travel processes. However, you’ll enjoy picturesque views along the way and save on costs. Similar to train travel, you can take a bus from Gia Lam Station (Hanoi) to Nanning Station (China), then continue to Shanghai by bus or train.
Getting Around Shanghai
High-Speed Train
High-speed trains are one of the most popular modes of transportation in China, connecting major cities and regions with speeds reaching up to 300-350 km/h. They are an ideal choice for saving time when traveling between distant cities.
Subway
The subway is a preferred option for many travelers due to its affordability (approximately 3-8 yuan per trip) and extensive network that links to various tourist attractions, making it highly convenient.
Bus
Opting for buses allows you to fully appreciate the beauty of Shanghai’s streets while enjoying very affordable fares, typically ranging from 1 to 5 yuan per trip.
If you’re traveling in a large group, have a flexible budget, or need to reach distant attractions, taxis are a convenient option to avoid getting lost. However, taxi fares are relatively high, starting from 15-20 yuan per trip.
Travel Tips
Visa: Vietnamese travelers require a visa to enter China. It’s advisable to apply for a visa at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in Vietnam before your trip.
Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your intended date of entry.
Health: Check and get necessary vaccinations before traveling. Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical expenses abroad.
Language: While English is increasingly used in major Chinese cities, learning a few basic phrases in Mandarin can make communication easier during your trip.
Applying for a China Visa
To apply for a China visa, you need to prepare and follow the steps outlined by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in Vietnam.
Step 1: Prepare Documents
The documents required for a China tourist visa typically include:
+ Original Passport: Must be valid for at least six months from the intended entry date and have at least two blank pages.
+ Passport Photo: Standard size 4x6 cm, white background, taken within the last 6 months.
+ Visa Application Form: Fully completed and signed according to the format specified by the Chinese Embassy/Consulate.
+ of National ID Card or Citizen Identification Card.
+ Travel Itinerary: Includes flight details, hotel bookings, and sightseeing plans.
+ Financial Proof: Savings book, bank statements, or other documents demonstrating financial capability to support the trip.
Step 2: Submit Documents
Submission Location: Visa applications can be submitted directly at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate, or through an authorized visa service.
Visa Fees: The visa fee depends on the visa type and processing time. Detailed fee information is available on the official website or directly at the Embassy/Consulate.
Step 3: Track and Receive Visa
After submitting your application, you may be required to attend an interview or provide additional information. Monitor your application status and be prepared to submit any supplementary documents if requested. Processing time typically takes 4 to 5 working days, depending on the visa type and peak travel season.
Important Notes
Ensure all information provided is accurate and complete.
Check the visa validity and the number of permitted entries to plan your trip accordingly.
During peak travel seasons or due to unforeseen circumstances (such as pandemics), visa application procedures may change. Always verify the latest updates from the Chinese Embassy/Consulate or their official website.
Where to Submit China Visa Applications
For the aforementioned visa types, applicants must submit their documents through the China Visa Application Service Centers in Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City, rather than directly at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in Vietnam as before.
China Visa Application Service Center in Hanoi
Address: 7th Floor, Truong Thinh Building, Trang An Complex, 1 Phung Chi Kien Street, Nghia Do Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi.
Phone: 024 3275 3888.
Fax: 024 3202 6359.
Email: [email protected]
Working Hours: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Monday to Friday (excluding holidays and Tet).
Service Area: 30 provinces and cities.
China Visa Application Service Center in Da Nang
Address: 8th Floor, Indochina Riverside Towers, 74 Bach Dang Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang.
Tel: 023 6382 2211.
Fax: 023 6382 2212.
Email: [email protected]
Working Hours: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday to Friday (excluding holidays and Tet).
Service Area: 6 provinces and cities.
China Visa Application Service Center in Ho Chi Minh City
Address: P1607-1609, 16th Floor, SaiGon Trade Center, 37 Ton Duc Thang Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Tel: 0084-1900561599.
Email: [email protected]
Working Hours: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday to Friday (excluding holidays and Tet).
Service Area: 27 provinces and cities.
Note: VIP service hours are from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. If you opt for VIP service, you won’t need to schedule an appointment as required for regular services.
Latest Update:
*Starting from October 21, 2023, the China Visa Application Service Center in Hanoi has:
– Discontinued VIP application submissions, now only accepting standard applications.
– The center now accepts applications only from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
*Processing time for China visa applications:
– The standard visa processing time is 04 working days from the date of submission.
– Additional time for document supplementation, information verification, or unforeseen circumstances will not be counted in the standard processing time. In cases of special urgency, applicants may request expedited or urgent processing, but must provide a written explanation and relevant supporting documents.
Note:
The processing time begins from the submission date. To submit documents, applicants must book an online appointment in advance. The availability of appointment slots depends on the volume of applications at that time. Therefore, it is recommended to plan and submit your application at least 18 working days before your trip.
The processing times mentioned apply under normal circumstances. Some visa applications may require longer processing, making the timeline uncertain. In such cases, applicants must wait for notification from the Embassy.
Currently, the Chinese Embassy does not offer express or urgent visa services. For those needing faster visa processing, VIP services are available, which allow submission without an appointment but at a higher fee.
Processing times may vary and can be extended, depending on the Embassy's discretion.
Separate visas are required for visits to Macau or Hong Kong.
TOP ATTRACTIONS IN SHANGHAI
The Bund
The Bund is a must-visit destination when traveling to Shanghai. This iconic landmark of the port city surprises visitors as, despite its name, there is no actual port. Instead, it features a promenade along the Huangpu River. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant life of one of the world's most bustling and developed cities.
The Oriental Pearl Tower is one of the most prominent symbols of Shanghai tourism. This television tower, located in the Pudong district by the Huangpu River, stands at 468 meters tall and was once the tallest structure in China until surpassed by the Shanghai Tower. Its unique architecture, featuring three main columns and a series of large and small spheres, is easily recognizable. The largest sphere in the middle resembles a string of pearls, reflecting a shimmering image on the water.
City God Temple
Built during the Ming Dynasty, the City God Temple is a historical landmark of Shanghai. Surrounding the temple has grown into a bustling shopping hub filled with shops, eateries, and attractions. The pedestrian street reflects traditional Chinese architecture, featuring ancient houses, winding staircases, and buildings that retain their traditional charm.
Jade Buddha Temple
The Jade Buddha Temple is a renowned spiritual site in Shanghai, famous for its white jade statues of the reclining and seated Buddha. These intricately carved statues have been worshipped here since 1898. The temple spans nearly 20 hectares, with 72 Song Dynasty-style halls in harmonious design. It is not only a popular tourist destination but also a place of worship for Buddhists.
Nanjing Road
Known as China's No. 1 Street, Nanjing Road is a famous shopping destination in Shanghai. Stretching from People's Square in the west to the Huangpu River in the east, it offers more than just shopping and dining. The road is also home to theaters, galleries, and cultural events.
Shanghai Museum
Located in the heart of People's Square, the Shanghai Museum houses ancient artifacts and relics of Chinese art. Originally built between 1952 and 1996, the museum was later reconstructed in a new location. It is regarded as one of China's first world-class museums.
The museum is divided into 11 galleries and 3 exhibition halls, showcasing collections of ancient Chinese art and crafts. Visitors can explore a wide range of Chinese art forms, including ancient ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, jade artifacts, sculptures, and Ming and Qing dynasty furniture.
Moganshan Road 50 Art District (M50)
This contemporary art district in Shanghai features over 100 open-access art galleries. Moganshan Road was once home to the Slun Mill factory of Chunming. The art scene began in 2000, initiated by local artist Xue Song, who took advantage of the affordable rent in an abandoned industrial space. Other artists, including Ding Yi, Qu Fengguo, and Wang Xingwei, soon followed. Today, the old factories and warehouses have been transformed into art galleries, studios for painters, design agencies, and cultural enterprises of various scales.
Yu Garden
Yu Garden is not only an impressive green oasis but also a showcase of the finest elements of ancient Chinese architecture. Its meticulously arranged landscapes blend traditional and modern beauty seamlessly. Additionally, the site includes six distinct scenic areas, offering visitors a variety of delightful experiences.
Shanghai Wild Animal Park
Shanghai Wild Animal Park combines wildlife breeding, exhibitions, conservation, scientific education, and entertainment. This scenic attraction officially opened on November 18, 1995. Located in Shanghai's Pudong district, it spans 153 hectares.
The park is home to over 200 rare wild animal species, such as giant pandas, golden monkeys, and giraffes, along with more than 10,000 other animals. It provides visitors with a friendly and fascinating environment.
Shanghai Disneyland
Shanghai Disneyland was constructed and officially opened on June 16, 2016. As a globally renowned brand, Disneyland attracts a massive number of visitors for sightseeing and entertainment. Shanghai Disneyland is the sixth replica of the original Disneyland in the U.S. and holds numerous records among existing Disney parks. It features the tallest castle, the Enchanted Storybook Castle, the first designed garden, and the first pirate-themed garden. The park integrates cinematic characters with traditional Chinese elements.
The park is divided into six themed lands, each offering a variety of impressive entertainment zones. Visitors can transition from one theme to another, enjoying exciting and surprising attractions along the way.
Shanghai Cuisine
Shanghai cuisine stands out for its harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. It creates memorable dishes through the balanced use of ingredients and seasonings. Let’s explore some iconic dishes from this region!
Sweet and Sour Salmon
This traditional dish showcases the finesse of local culinary art. The salmon is fried to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and sweet. The highlight of the dish is the tangy tamarind or tomato sauce drizzled over it, offering a sweet and sour flavor that complements the fried fish perfectly.
Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)
Xiaolongbao is one of the iconic dishes of Shanghai cuisine. These small steamed dumplings feature a thin, chewy wrapper filled with meat and a rich soup broth. They are best enjoyed hot, accompanied by rice vinegar and fresh ginger.
For dumpling enthusiasts, the crispy fried version of Xiaolongbao is a must-try. The outer layer is delightfully crunchy, while the filling remains sweet, fragrant, and tender. This dish is often sold as a street food breakfast for locals.
Hairy Crab
Hairy crab is a delicacy of Shanghai. The crab meat is sweet and rich in flavor. Typically, the crabs are steamed to preserve their natural sweetness and the tender, aromatic white meat.
Shanghai Noodles
Shanghai noodles are a simple yet flavorful dish. Thick, chewy noodles are combined with finely chopped pork, cabbage, and mushrooms, creating a well-rounded and balanced taste.
Rice Cake with Pork Ribs
With a history of over 50 years, rice cake with pork ribs is a must-try dish when visiting Shanghai. Its enticing flavor, featuring large, tender ribs and chewy rice cakes, creates a harmonious taste that leaves a lasting impression.
Golden Crab Shell Pastry
Despite its name, this is not a crab dish but a pastry often enjoyed with tea. The pastry shell is coated with golden sesame seeds, resembling a cooked crab shell. The filling can be savory or sweet, depending on personal preference.
Braised Pork Belly
Anyone who has visited Shanghai has likely tried braised pork belly. The pork is carefully cleaned and slow-cooked for hours with caramelized sugar and a signature brown sauce (made from Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, and black bean paste). This results in a subtly sweet flavor and an irresistible amber-brown color.
Eight-Treasure Duck
The uniqueness of this dish lies in its name, as it requires stuffing the duck with eight ingredients before stewing. These include bamboo shoots, dried scallops, glutinous rice, minced pork, Mandarin mushrooms, mixed nuts, chestnuts, and duck gizzards. The dish is then simmered until tender and flavorful, ready to be enjoyed.
Shaokao (Grilled Skewers)
Made from a variety of ingredients such as meat, seafood, vegetables, and spices, each Shaokao skewer comes out with a golden, glossy appearance and a bold, spicy flavor. Don’t forget to pair it with fresh vegetables to enhance the overall taste!
Shanghai Hotels
To choose accommodations, travelers can check prices and book Shanghai hotels in advance HERE.
InterContinental Shanghai Ruijin
Grand Mercure Shanghai Hongqiao
Grand Mercure Shanghai Hongqiao is located in the heart of the Hongqiao commercial district, surrounded by entertainment venues, shopping centers, and business complexes. The hotel offers easy access to the city center and major tourist attractions.
Hyatt Regency Shanghai Global Harbor
Hyatt Regency Shanghai Global Harbor is an ideal place for work, relaxation, and cultural exploration. With 314 modern rooms, including 26 suites, it serves as your 'second home' in Shanghai. Guests can also enjoy amenities such as a swimming pool, fitness center, and exquisite dining at the hotel's restaurant.
Tips for Traveling to Shanghai
To ensure a smooth trip and a harmonious blend of traditional and modern cultural experiences, keep the following tips in mind:
Identification and Related Documents
Visa: Make sure you have obtained a Chinese visa before traveling to Shanghai. Some nationalities may qualify for visa-free or e-visa policies, so check the latest updates from the Chinese Consulate or Embassy.
Identification: Always carry your passport and copies of important documents when going out.
Culture and Customs
Respect and politeness are integral parts of Chinese culture. Always be courteous and show respect to others, especially elders.
Dress appropriately for each location, avoiding revealing clothing when visiting temples or shrines in this country.
Currency and Payments
Currency: The Chinese Yuan (CNY) is the official currency in China. Exchange some money before your trip or at the airport, and familiarize yourself with the exchange rates to avoid high fees when shopping.
Digital Payments: China is a cashless society with widespread use of WeChat Pay and Alipay. However, foreign travelers may face limitations using these methods without a Chinese bank account.
Transportation
Getting Around: Shanghai boasts a well-developed public transportation network, including subways, buses, and taxis. Purchase a Jiaotong card, a convenient transportation card, to easily access these services.
Driving: If you plan to rent a car and drive, ensure you have an international driver’s license and a good understanding of local traffic laws and conditions.
Language
Mandarin remains the primary language in Shanghai. To enhance your travel experience, consider learning some basic English phrases for communication.
By Mytour.vn
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Reference: Mytour.vn Travel Guide
Mytour.vnApril 9, 2024
