Ni Hao! Or should I say, hello! Hehehe! If you're planning a trip to Shanghai, I hope this Shanghai Travel Guide Blog with DIY Itinerary help you have a memorable trip to Shanghai!
In this Shanghai Travel Guide 2024 Blog, I will help you in planning a trip to one of China’s most progressive cities. Although Shanghai isn’t China’s capital city (that honor goes to Beijing), it is China’s largest and most developed city. Being one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Asia, it is also China’s financial center. And there’s no better way for me to start my adventure in mainland China than to explore this vibrant city that offers a unique blend of the old and new.
There are so many districts in Shanghai, and it’s so impossible for such a huge city not to have something to enjoy for any kind of traveler. If you’re traveling to Shanghai any time soon, you don’t need to worry. I will guide you to make your trip as convenient and budget-friendly as possible. I have listed below some of the best things to do in Shanghai that you’ll surely enjoy without breaking your wallet. More to that, I also shared some budget hotels, sample itinerary and breakdown of expenses to help you estimate the budget needed for a trip to Shanghai.
Shanghai Travel Guide Blog 2024 for First-timers
Okay, let's get started!
VISA REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER CHINA
Filipinos or Philippine passport holders must get a visa before traveling to China, except when visiting Hainan Province. You can get a tourist visa from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Makati City. Processing time takes about 4 days and visa fee is 1,400 pesos for single entry visa. Applying for a tourist visa is quite simple and straightforward. Check out my blog post for the list of requirements and step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Chinese Tourist Visa in the Philippines.
For other nationalities, please check with the Chinese embassy in your country if you'll be needing a visa to travel to mainland China.
IMPORTANT TRAVEL TIPS: To avoid any inconvenience upon arrival in Shanghai, be sure to be ready with your return/onward ticket, proof of confirmed hotel booking, and activity vouchers or booked tours in case the immigration officer asks for these documents. This way, it’s easier to prove that you’re there just as a tourist for a holiday or vacation.
Getting a travel insurance is highly-recommended when traveling abroad. Travel with confidence anytime, anywhere you go! Get a travel insurance with Covid-19 coverage for your peace of mind!
FLIGHTS TO SHANGHAI
Airlines such as Cebu Pacific Air fly from Manila to Shanghai. The flight takes around 2.5 hours and lands at Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
HOW TO GET OUT OF THE AIRPORT?
The Shanghai Pudong International Airport is located at Pudong District which is around 40 kilometers away to Shanghai City Center. To get to the city, you may take the subway, the Maglev, shared bus, or a private airport transfer.
Shanghai Metro Subway - the airport is connected to the Shanghai Metro Subway Line 2. First, you need to find the nearest subway station to your hotel. From Line 2, just transfer to the line where the nearest train to your hotel is. Taking the subway is ideal for solo travelers without huge luggage. Please note that the regular operating hours of the subway is from 06:00 am to 12:00 mn. So, if you're arriving in Shanghai during day time, I recommend taking the Shanghai Metro.
Maglev - this is another type of train which is faster than the subway. From the airport, you may take the Maglev and alight at Longyang Road Station. From there, it is connected to the Shanghai Metro Subway Lines 2, 7 and 16. The the Shanghai Metro Subway and get off to the station near your hotel. PURCHASE A MAGLEV TRAIN TICKET & METRO PASS HERE.
Shared Bus Transfer - this is what we took from the airport to our hotel in Shanghai City Center. What I love about the shared bus transfer is that, it brought us directly to our hotel. Travel time takes about an hour, and it's more convenient for first-timers in Shanghai. We booked it via Klook for ₱ 467 per person. RESERVE A SEAT HERE.
Private Airport Transfer - this is ideal for groups and families traveling with small children or senior citizens. This is also a convenient way to get to the city if you have luggage with you or if you're arriving in Shanghai late at night. RESERVE HERE.
HOW TO GET AROUND SHANGHAI?
Shanghai is one of China's most developed and international city, which makes it a breeze to travel to. With Shanghai’s top notch public transport systems, it is so easy and convenient to travel between the city’s many districts.
Going around Shanghai, you may take the taxi, bus, or subway. The taxis are quite expensive. The buses are confusing if you don’t know the bus stops and the routes. What we did is we fully utilized the Shanghai Metro Subway. The subway is so convenient to use and very affordable (fare is from 3-10 RMB). What we did is we use google maps to find the nearest subway station to the tourist spots we want to visit and took the subway to go there. We also walk when needed and just use google map to guide us with the directions. Google map works fine even in China. Just be sure you use a VPN when needed.
To help you understand the subway train routes, be sure to download the Shanghai Metro App. This is what we used in navigating through Shanghai's so many train lines. With the help, you just enter the name of the subway station you're coming from and enter the name of the subway station you're going to. It will give you the line/s you need to take, the travel time, how many stops, and if transfers are needed. You can download the app for free on Google Play or Apple App Store.
HOW TO STAY CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET IN CHINA?
To stay connected to the internet, you can rent a portable wifi device or buy a sim card. For groups or families traveling together, a portable wifi device is recommended. If you’re traveling alone, you may just buy a travel sim card. We got ours from Travel Sim PH (you can find them on Instagram @travelsimph). What I love about this sim card from @travelsimph is that, you don’t need a VPN to connect to Facebook, Instagram, and Google.
But if you need a VPN when connecting to your hotel’s wifi, I recommend VPN Shield. You can download it for free on Google Play or Apple App Store. This is what we used when connecting to our hotel's wifi.
WHERE TO EXCHANGE MONEY?
The Chinese currency is called Chinese Yuan, abbreviated as CNY or RMB. Exchange rate is around 7.41 PHP for 1 RMB during our trip. I highly recommend that you bring in US Dollars (USD) to China and exchange it to RMB upon arrival at Pudong International Airport. You can find money changers at the arrival hall of the airport.
Based on our experience, it's hard to find money changers at the city center. If you ran out of Chinese Yuan, you can change your money in some big hotels that offer currency exchange service or withdraw from the ATMs. Just be sure that your card allows international withdrawals. Inform you bank before leaving your country to be assured that you will be able to withdraw from the ATMs in Shanghai.
WHERE TO STAY? HOTELS IN SHANGHAI
Before traveling to Shanghai, I read online that the best places to stay in Shanghai are the The Bund and People's Square areas. I did a quick search on Agoda, and found 24K International Hotel People's Square.
I recommend this hotel because of the following reasons:
- Good location. It is near subway stations: People's Square and West Nanjing Stations.
- Room rates are quite affordable. We got it for 1,500 pesos per night for a twin room.
- Staff are nice and can speak and understand English.
- Room is clean, spacious, and well-kept.
- 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour front desk, currency exchange, and luggage storage are available.
- There are many convenience stores, grocery, restaurants, milk tea shops located just 2-5 minutes walk from the hotel.
Here's a photo of our booked room for 1,500 pesos per night.
24K International Hotel People's Square
Address: No.20,Lane 155 Weihai Road, People Square and South Bund Huangpu, Shanghai, China, 200003OTHER HOTELS IN SHANGHAI
Here are the other top-rated hotels in Shanghai with very good to excellent ratings and reviews from previous guests.
- The Bund Riverside Hotel
- Green Court Residence City Center
- Campanile Shanghai Natural History Museum Hotel
- SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund
- Guxiang Hotel Shanghai
- Sweetome Boutique Apartment Shanghai East Nanjing Road
- Central Hotel Shanghai
- Jinjiang Metropolo Hotel Classiq Shanghai Bund Circle
TOP THINGS TO DO IN SHANGHAI (TOURIST SPOTS AND ATTRACTIONS)
Shanghai Disneyland
Opened in 2016, Shanghai Disneyland Park is the first Disney theme park in mainland China. Located in Pudong District, it features different attractions, entertainment, restaurants, shops and more! To know more about the top things to do in Shanghai Disneyland, please check out my previous post. I also included some travel tips and reminders to help you plan your trip.
For ease, convenience and to avoid the long queue, I highly recommende that you book your tickets online.
HOW TO GET THERE: Shanghai Disneyland Park is located on the eastern part of Pudong district. It is actually closer to the Shanghai Pudong Airport than the city center of Shanghai. If you're coming from the city center, take the Shanghai Metro Line 11 which provides convenient and fast access to Disney Resort via the Terminal Station "Disney Resort." Travel time is about 30-40 minutes and fare is around 5-6 Yuan depending on where in the city center you'll be coming from.
If you’re traveling with family or in a group, I recommend that you get a private car transfer for a hassle-free experience. Book a car transfer here. You may also consider a cheaper alternative such as the Shared City Transfers from Shanghai to Shanghai Disneyland Resort.
Shanghai Tower
Located in Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China. Also called the "Top of Shanghai," it holds the record of being the world’s 2nd tallest building (next to Dubai’s Burj Khalifa). Shanghai Tower stands at 632-meters high (2,073 ft) with 127 floors above the ground and 5 floors below. Here, you can also find one of the worlds’s fastest elevators that will bring you to the tower’s observatory. This elevator travels at an amazing speed of 18 meters per second and will bring visitors from the basement floor 2 to the 118th floor in less than one minute. Read more about our experience HERE.
TICKET PRICES: The ticket to the observatory costs ₱ 1,221 per person. We bought our tickets online via Klook.
HOW TO GET THERE: You may take a taxi or take the Dongjin Line or Dongfu Line ferry from The Bund for 2 Yuan. Upon arrival at the Dongchang Ferry Terminal, just walk for about 5 minutes to the Shanghai Tower. If you want to take the subway, the nearest subway station is Lujiazui Station on Metro Line 2. Take exit 6 and walk for about 500 meters to the south.
By bus, you may take bus numbers 583, 799, 939, or Lujiazui Financial City Line 2 and get off at Huayuan Shiqiaolu Dongtailu Station. You may also take City Sightseeing Bus Line 2 and get off at Jin Mao Tower.
To get to the Observatory, take the main entrance located near the corner of Huayuan Shiqiao Lu and Yincheng Zhong Lu Roads.
TRAVEL TIP:
The other skyscrapers in Shanghai situated in Pudong District that also have an observation deck are the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and Jin Mao Tower. You may also consider visiting these skyscapers when traveling to Shanghai along with Shanghai Tower and take in the picturesque panoramas of the cityscape from these skyscrapers in Shanghai.
The Bund
One of the most visited places in shanghai, this is where many tourists converge to see the colonial buildings and the famous Shanghai skyline. Also called “Waitan,” this waterfront area in Shanghai is regarded as the symbol of the city. It offers a unique charm as it combines the bustling metropolis and the city’s vibrant past, making it a must-see destination in Shanghai.
The best time to visit The Bund is in the late afternoon until the evening where you can enjoy the amazing skyline across Huangpu River and the clusters of old colonial buildings. The evening is also the time when The Bund really gets busy and sometimes overly crowded with a lot of tourists enjoying their time at the waterfront.
If you want to experience the Huangpu River Cruise, the Bund is the place where the cruise starts. You can enjoy a delicious meal while admiring the scenery aboard a cruise ship along Huangpu River.
If you want to experience it with lesser crowds, visiting it during day time is also quite good.
HOW TO GET THERE: Take the Shanghai Metro Line 2 or Line 10 to East Nanjing Road Station. Then walk along East Nanjing Road for about 10 minutes.
Waibaidu Bridge
Also known as Garden Bridge, this is one of the landmarks of the old city of Shanghai, and is considered as the earliest and largest steel bridge in the city. You can find this bridge on the north end of The Bund. It has a walkway on both side where pedestrians could walk and enjoy the bridge. It's also a good spot to watch the sunset.
HOW TO GET THERE: The bridge is located at the north end of The Bund. You can walk going here from The Bund. If you're coming from other places in Shanghai, you may take bus 33, 37, 55, 65, 305, 307, 317, 330, or 860 to Zhongshan Dongyilu Station, and then walk towards Waibaidu Bridge.
Shanghai Old Street
Exploring Shanghai Old Street is a great way to discover what Shanghai was like in the old days. Lying adjacent to the Yu Garden, it is filled with many shops and food kiosks making it a popular destination among local and foreign tourists.
Walking along the old street will make you feel the history of old Shanghai with its many old buildings and structures built more than a hundred years ago. For me, this is one of the best places in Shanghai to go for shopping and to try out some of the local snacks.
HOW TO GET THERE: Take the Shanghai Metro Line 10 and alight at Yuyuan Garden Station. Take exit 3 and walk south for about 5 minutes.
Yuyuan Garden
With over 400 years worth of history, Yuyuan or simply Yu Garden, is a huge classical garden located beside the City God Temple in the northeast of the Old City of Shanghai. Yu Garden is believed to have been built in the Ming Dynasty, more than 400 years ago. Must-see here are the magnificent architectural masterpieces, sculptures, paintings, calligraphy and many more. This a great place to visit for nature lovers as well as if you just want to slow down and take a break from the city’s busy streets.
OPENING HOURS: Yu Garden is open daily from 9:00 am-4:45 pm, with last admission at 4:15 pm. Entrance fee is 40 RMB if if you buy it at the gate of Yu Garden.
For ease, convenience and to save on entrance fee, I highly recommend that you book your tickets online. We got it from Klook for only ₱ 223 pesos or 30 RMB.
HOW TO GET THERE: Take the Shanghai Metro Line 10 and alight at Yuyuan Garden Station. Take exit 3 and walk south for about 5-8 minutes. It is located beside Shanghai Old Street.
Shanghai Museum
Located in Huangpu District near the People’s Square, Shanghai Museum is a museum composed of eleven galleries and three exhibition halls. It is a huge museum of Chinese arts, artifacts, bronze wares, olds currencies, ancient ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, among many other items from different Chinese dynasties.
OPENING HOURS: It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm with last admission at 04:00 pm. It is closed every Monday, except if it falls on a public holiday. The best thing is, admission is FREE! But there are some special exhibitions where you need to purchase a ticket for about 20 RMB.
HOW TO GET THERE: Take the Shanghai Metro Line 1, Line 2, or Line 8 and alight at People's Square Station. Take Exit 1 and walk south for about 5 minutes.
People’s Park
A huge public park in Huangpu District, Shanghai, People’s Park is where people go to unwind and enjoy the scenery. Built in 1952, it is near Shanghai Museum and Nanjing Road which makes it one of the popular tourist destinations among the local and foreign tourists.
HOW TO GET THERE: Take the Shanghai Metro Line 1, Line 2, or Line 8 and alight at People's Square Station. Take Exit 1 and you will arrive at the People’s Park.
Nanjing Road
Do you love to shop? Don’t miss visiting Nanjing Road. This is “haven” for shop-a-holics!
Named after the city of Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu province, Nanjing Road is considered as the main shopping street in Shanghai. So huge, it is composed of 3 sections: West, Middle, and East Nanjing. It stretches for almost 5 KM from the Bund all the way to Jing'an Temple. You’ll find here a myriad of shopping destinations, from modern shopping malls, to specialty stores, as well as theaters, and hotels. No visit to Shanghai will be complete without a trip down the pedestrian part of Nanjing Road.
The best time to visit is during the evening, after visiting The Bund. At night, you can walk along the streets comfortably and also enjoy the bright neon lights illuminating the buildings.
HOW TO GET THERE: If you want to go to the East Nanjing Road, take the Shanghai Metro Subway Line Line 2 or Line 10 and get off at East Nanjing Rd. Station. If you want to go to the West Nanjing Road, take Line 2, Line 12 or Line 13 and get off at West Nanjing Rd. Station. If you want to go to the Middle Nanjing Road, take Metro Line 1, Line 2 or Line 8 and get off at People's Square Station.
M&M's Chocolate World
This one is for kids, for the "kids at heart" and M&Ms Chocolate lovers! The M&M's Chocolate World in Shanghai is Asia's first “M&M Chocolate World” flagship store filled with colorful and yummy M&M's chocolate candies located at Shimao International Plaza in Shanghai. They also sell merchandise including apparels, home goods, and a variety of souvenirs. You should not miss the 2nd floor where you could find the "Great Wall of Chocolates," with a huge wall filled with chocolate candy dispensers that you can mix and match.
Opening Hours: M&M Chocolate World Shanghai is located along Nanjing Road, Huangpu, China and is open from Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM. Admission is free.
China Art Museum
Another must-see museum in Shanghai, the China Art Museum is a huge museum housed in an impressive red building. It showcases many works of art by Chinese artists such as traditional Chinese paintings, calligraphy, sculptures, prints, and a lot more. To fully enjoy your tour, go to the top-most floor first, and then visit the exhibition halls on a top-down route.
The best thing about visiting this museum is that admission is free. But there are some special exhibitions that you need to pay extra for around 20-30 RMB.
OPENING HOURS: It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm with last admission at 04:00 pm. It is closed every closed on Monday, except if it falls on a public holiday.
HOW TO GET THERE: Take the Shanghai Metro Line 8 and alight at China Art Museum Station. It is just a short walk from the exit.
Jade Buddha Temple
This Buddhist Temple in Shanghai founded in 1882. It is home to two jade Buddha statues from Myanmar (Burma) - one is a sitting Buddha and the other is a reclining Buddha.
It is a huge complex of halls such as Hall of Heavenly Kings, Daxiong Grand Hall, Jade Buddha Chamber, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva Hall, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Hall, Manjusri Bodhisattva Hall, Reclining Buddha Statue, Copper Buddha Hall, and more. It is a good place to visit for a spiritual experience.
OPENING HOURS: The Jade Buddha Temple is open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm from Tuesday to Sunday. Admission fee is 30 RMB.
HOW TO GET THERE: Take the Shanghai Metro Subway Line 13 and alight at to Jiangning Road Station. Take exit 4 and walk southwards for about 5-8 minutes to the temple.
Jing’an Temple
Located at West Nanjing Road, Jing’an Temple is a Buddhist Temple with a history of more than 780 years. Considered as one of the most famous temples in Shanghai, it is a nationally protected site of China and is definitely a must-visit when in Shanghai. When visiting this temple, don’t miss its 3 main halls, such as The Mahavira Hall, the Hall of Heavenly Kings and the ThreeSage Hall. Jian’an Temple is also where the Sakyamuni Statue is enshrined and worship, which is considered as one of the biggest jade Buddhas in mainland China.
OPENING HOURS: The temple is open from 08:00 am to 05:00 pm. Admission fee is 50 RMB.
HOW TO GET THERE: Ride the Shanghai Metro Subway Line 2 or Line 7 and get off at Jing'an Temple Station and take Exit 1.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery Shanghai
For coffee lovers and Starbucks fans, visit the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Shanghai. With a total square-footage of 30,000 square feet, it used to be the "biggest Starbucks Coffee in the world" until it was replaced by a bigger Starbucks Reserve in Tokyo which opened this year. Don’t miss to witness how they roast their own beans in their in-house roasting facility, enjoy their 3 coffee bars, and their special Teavana tea bar at the shop’s 2nd floor.
OPENING HOURS: Located in Nanjing Road which is dominated by high-end luxury stores and shopping malls, it’s a good place to hangout while enjoying your favorite cup of coffee or tea. It is open daily from 07:00 am to 11:00 pm.
HOW TO GET THERE: Ride the Shanghai Metro Subway Line 2 and alight at West Nanjing Road Station.
SAMPLE SHANGHAI ITINERARY - 3 DAYS & 2 NIGHTS
DAY 1 - ARRIVAL + CITY TOUR PART 1
- 12:10 am - Arrive at Pudong International Airport.
- 01:00 am - 06:00 am - Sleep at the airport’s arrival hall or proceed to the city center.
- 06:00 am - take the shared bus transfer, subway or Maglev going to the city center (we took the shared bus - pre-booked via Klook).
- 07:30 am - Early check-in at the hotel (if allowed) or leave your bags.
- 08:30 am - Take the subway to Yuyuan Station (4 RMB).
- 09:00 am - Arrive at Yuyuan Station and walk to Shanghai Old Street.
- 09:30 am - Explore, eat, and shop (Brunch 10 RMB).
- 11:00 am - Visit Yuyuan Garden (pre-booked).
- 01:00 pm - Lunch (20 RMB)
- 02:00 pm - Walk to The Bund.
- 02:30 pm - Arrive at The Bund and take the ferry to the other side of Huangpu River (2 RMB).
- 02:45 pm - Arrive at the ferry terminal and walk to Shanghai Tower.
- 03:00 pm - Go up to Shanghai Tower’s Observatory (pre-booked ticket).
- 04:30 pm - Go down and walk towards the ferry terminal to cross the river going to back to The Bund (2 RMB).
- 04:45 pm - Arrive at The Bund.
- 05:00 pm - 09:00 pm - Explore The Bund and Waibaidu Bridge, enjoy Huangpu River Cruise, take photos of the skyscrapers and old buildings, and dinner (20 RMB - dinner).
- 09:30 pm - Walk to East Nanjing Station and take the subway to your hotel (4 RMB).
- 10:00 pm - Back at the hotel and sleep.
DAY 1 TOTAL EXPENSES = 62 RMB / 459.69 PHP
DAY 2 - SHANGHAI DISNEYLAND + NANJING ROAD
- 06:00 am - Breakfast (8 RMB).
- 07:00 am - Travel to Shanghai Disneyland (Take Subway Line 11 and get off at Disney Resort Station) (6 RMB).
- 08:00 am - Arrive at Shanghai Disneyland.
- 09:00 am - 6:00 pm - Enjoy Shanghai Disneyland (pre-booked ticket / lunch 100 RMB).
- 06:00 am - Depart for Nanjing Road. Take the subway Line 11 towards Jiangsu Road Station. Transfer to Line 2 and get off at East Nanjing Road. (6 RMB).
- 07:00 am - Arrive at Nanjing Road.
- 07:00 pm - 10:00 pm - Shop, eat, enjoy Nanjing Road. Don’t forget to also visit M&M’s World. (Dinner 20 RMB).
DAY 2 TOTAL EXPENSES = 140 RMB / 1,038.01 PHP
DAY 3 - CITY TOUR PART 2 + DEPARTURE
- 06:00 am - Breakfast (8 RMB).
- 07:00 am - Early hotel check-out. Take your bags or leave bags at the hotel.
- 08:00 am - Go to People’s Park. Take subway line 2 and alight at People’s Square Station. (0 RMB, we just walked from our hotel).
- 08:30 am - Explore People’s Park (Free entrance).
- 09:00 am - Visit Shanghai Museum (Free entrance).
- 11:00 am - Travel to Jing’an Temple. Take subway line 2 and get off at Jing’am Station. (4 RMB).
- 11:30 am - Visit Jing’an Temple. (50 RMB entrance fee).
- 12:15 pm - Lunch (20 RMB).
- 01:00 am - Go to Jade Buddha Temple. Take subway line 7 towards Changshou Rd. station. Transfer to line 13 and get off at Jiangning Road. Walk towards Jade Buddha Temple (4 RMB).
- 02:00 pm - Visit Jade Buddha Temple (30 RMB entrance fee).
- 03:00 pm - Go to China Art Museum. Take subway line 13 to Hanzhong Road Station then transfer to line 1 towards People’s Square Station, then transfer to line 8 and get off at China Art Museum Station (4 RMB).
- 03:30 pm - Explore China Art Museum (Free entrance).
- 05:00 pm - Go back to your hotel to get your bags or proceed to the airport for your flight (10 RMB).
- To get to the airport from China Art Museum, take the subway line 8 towards People’s Square Station then transfer to line 2 to Pudong International Airport. You may also take the Maglev from Longyang Road station for faster travel to the airport.
- 07:00 pm - Dinner at the airport (20 RMB).
DAY 3 TOTAL EXPENSES = 150 RMB / 1,112.16 PHP
NOTE: This is just a suggested itinerary. Times are just estimates. Feel free to adjust this itinerary depending on your flight schedules, the number of days you want to explore, and the tourist spots and attractions you want to visit in Shanghai.
SHANGHAI BUDGET TRIP AND EXPENSES
If you will follow the above 3D2N DIY itinerary, here is the detailed breakdown of expenses. Please note that this assumes the following:
- You will be traveling in a group of two to share some of the expenses.
- You will be staying in a hotel near People's Square Station. We booked our room at 24k International Hotel People's Square for PHP 1,500 per night.
- You will be using a travel Sim Card from @travelsimph for 900 pesos.
- Your budget for breakfast is around 8-10 RMB for breakfast, and 20 RMB for lunch and dinner.
- Conversion rate used is 1 RMB = 7.41 PHP.
PRE-TRAVEL EXPENSES
- Hotel Accommodation (2 nights) - ₱ 3,000 / 2 = ₱ 1,500 per person [ BOOK A ROOM HERE ]
- Shared Bus Airport Transfer - ₱ 467 per person [ GET DISCOUNTED TICKETS HERE ]
- Travel sim card - ₱ 900 per person
- Shanghai Disneyland Ticket - ₱ 2,662 per person [ GET DISCOUNTED TICKETS HERE ]
- Shanghai Tower Observatory Ticket - ₱ 1,223 per person [ GET DISCOUNTED TICKETS HERE ]
- Yuyuan Garden Ticket - ₱ 223 per person [ GET DISCOUNTED TICKETS HERE ]
TOTAL - ₱ 6,975
BREAKDOWN OF EXPENSES
- Pre-travel expenses - 6,975 PHP
- DAY 1 - 459.69 PHP
- DAY 2 - 1,038.01 PHP
- DAY 3 - 1,112.16 PHP
TOTAL ₱ 9,584 per person
Not included in this budget are the following:
- Round trip airfare Manila-Shanghai-Manila
- NAIA terminal fee and travel tax
- Food expense for snacks
- Budget for pasalubong, souvenirs and shopping expenses
Please note that budget and expenses for a trip to Shanghai will heavily depend on your spending habits. It also depends on how many are you in the group, what is your preferred accommodation, where you want to eat, and the places you want to visit. The above ticket prices, hotel rates, and other expenses are subject to change and depend on the season and on the date of your booking.
SHANGHAI TRAVEL TIPS AND REMINDERS
- The immigration law of China requires all foreigners to register with the police. If you’re staying in a hotel, the hotel will do it for you. If you’re not staying in a hotel, you should register yourself at a nearby police station within 24 hours upon arrival in China.
- Always bring your passport anywhere you go. The police might ask you and you need to show them your passport.
- Use a VPN to access Facebook, Instagram and Google apps. I highly recommend a sim card (like what we used) that will not require you to use a VPN. To save your allocated internet data, use your hotel’s wifi and use VPN as well.
- Communication could be your biggest problem when in Shanghai. You may use Google Translate to communicate with locals who doesn’t speak English.
- Wear a comfortable footwear because you’ll be walking a lot. To save on travel expenses, walk if you can.
- If you’re visiting during summer, wear light breathable clothes. Also bring an umbrella for the occasional rains.
- Traveling on a tight budget? You can enjoy a good meal at the convenience stores for as low as 10 RMB.
- If you’re visiting Shanghai Disneyland, bring an empty water bottle and just refill it at the drinking fountains found inside the park. This will save you a lot on travel expenses.
- Use the subway because it very cheap.
- Always bring coins and 5/10 yuan bills to buy single journey train tickets. The ticketing machines only accepts 1 yuan coins and 5/10 yuan bills.
- To fully utilize the Shanghai Metro Subway, choose an accommodation near a subway station.
- If you’re visiting Beijing, take the hi-speed train. It’s cheaper than taking a domestic flight and can bring you to Beijing from Shanghai in less than 6 hours.
- Always be cautious with electric motorcycles that are so many and very popular in China. They are very silent and you can barely notice it while walking along the side streets. It might hit you if you’re not cautious.
- Before packing your bags for your trip to China, be sure to check the electricity in China, as well as its plugs and socket system.
- China generally uses 220V, 50HZ. There are three types of plugs used in China – three-pronged angled pins, two flat pins and two narrow round pins. Always bring a universal adaptor to be sure.
- To save on travel expenses, book discounted tickets, join group tours, take the subway, walk if you can, stay in hostels or budget hotels in Shanghai, and take advantage of flight seat sales and promos.
SHANGHAI TRAVEL BLOGS
For more inspiration, you may also check out my other Shanghai Travel Blogs.
- How to get to Beijing from Shanghai?
- SHANGHAI TOWER, "The Tallest Building in China and 2nd in the World!"
- Top Things to do at SHANGHAI DISNEYLAND in China
SHANGHAI VIDEO BLOG
You may also watch my Shanghai Video Blog below. Please don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel! :)
I hope this Shanghai Travel Guide Blog for First-timers help you in planning a memorable adventure in China! Enjoy, have fun and don't forget to SHARE this to your friends! Xie xie!
How to get to Beijing from Shanghai? Please watch my video blog below.
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Hi how did you use Google, FB and IG while in China? We are highly dependent on google maps for navigation
ReplyDeleteHi can I bring 30000mah power in airport?
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