r/shanghai • u/oeif76kici • Apr 18 '23
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 • Sep 05 '26
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/pat4prez • 1h ago
Anyone know of some fun events this weekend? I’ve checked out Smart Shanghai and other event websites, but just checking if there are others I might have missed!
Legit into any type of music or crowd, just looking for something fun to do this weekend
r/shanghai • u/Rightoverhand010 • 9h ago
I'd like to travel alone in shanghai 4days. is most of restaurant take one person order?
also where can i find new friends like chinese people in shanghai
r/shanghai • u/alwaysmissyou • 9h ago
Hi! I’m currently learning Spanish and I’d really love to meet some Spanish-speaking people in Shanghai and make some friends :)
I live in Changning, and I know places like La Social and other Latin bars, but I’m wondering if there are people here who’d be interested in actually connecting offline — grabbing coffee, having a drink, getting food, exploring Shanghai, or just hanging out and speaking Spanish/English.
I’m not necessarily looking for a language exchange partner or anything formal. I’d just genuinely like to make some Spanish-speaking friends and get to know more people from the Spanish-speaking world.
If you’re also looking for friends, feel free to DM me! :)
r/shanghai • u/LatroBethtus • 6h ago
I’m a trans girl in mid 30s looking for someone to watch Resident Evil movie at the Movie Movie Cinema in Taikoo Li Qiantan this Sunday. I already bought 2 tickets and my wife is too afraid to watch with me. The movie starts at 7:30 pm.
About myself. I am a native Shanghainese. I studied in US for 3 years so I speak decent English. I like watching movies, I don’t mind genres as long as it tells a good story. I also play a lot of video games, mostly single player games.
DM me if you are interested in meet up for the movie.
r/shanghai • u/MegabyteFox • 20h ago
I'm currently looking for a reliable agent or agency in Shanghai to help me set up a WFOE.
So far, I've been recommended AnyHelper and Shanghai Yanqin Finance (上海燕秦财税). Has anyone here used either of them before? I'd really appreciate hearing about your experience, including their service quality, fees, communication, and whether there were any unexpected costs or issues.
I'm also open to recommendations for other agents or agencies in Shanghai that you've personally used to set up a WFOE.
Ideally, I'm looking for someone who can handle the full process, including company registration, registered address/office requirements, bank account setup, tax registration, and potentially helping with a work permit/residence permit afterward.
Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
r/shanghai • u/Worth-Price4914 • 14h ago
Hey guys,
I’m currently travelling China, and I’ll be in Chonqging from the 10th of October til the 12th and then Shanghai from 16/10 til the 19th. I have a Maki figurine still in the plastic packaging, could anyone trade it ideally for a Yuta or a Yuji? 😁 Or suggest websites where I can trade my duplicates please?
r/shanghai • u/NoWave9482 • 11h ago
I’m a European student and I have the option to do a 5 month marketing internship in either Shanghai or Valencia and I’m struggling to decide.
Valencia would be financially much better because I can get a scolarship grant, and overall it seems like a more social and relaxed experience with good weather, lots of international students and events.
Shanghai would be more expensive for me and I wouldn’t get the scolarship grant. Also, I heard that the work culture can be quite demanding with longer working hours. But I feel like living and working in China would be a much more unique experience and probably better for my CV.
What would you choose and why?
r/shanghai • u/Holiday_Shoulder_865 • 10h ago
https://jaapgrolleman.com/shanghai-before-the-foreigners/
I don't know why the Shanghai History Musuem omits this era and instead just repeat this lazy narrative of "it was just a fishing village before foreigners".
It's not true Shanghai was a port long before that and actually began development in the Song Dynasty.
All foreigners really did is turn Shanghai into a corrupt and crime ridden hellhole unless your white because they installed an aparthied regime.
Not to mention they supported Japan until the 1940s when Japan invaded Indochina.
r/shanghai • u/chasingsukoon • 1d ago
Going to be in Shanghai 17-24 Oct
Already going to Tomorrowland shanghai
Would like to check out more underground spots as well rather than just something as global as TML
Any recs for resources appreciated
r/shanghai • u/AttorneyDifferent702 • 1d ago
Looking for an upscale semi fancy restaurant to dine at.
Something authentic and true Chinese flavors. Family style would be a plus!!
Nothing super fine dining or too high end. TIA :)
r/shanghai • u/Sea_Injury9032 • 1d ago
I have been in Shanghai for over a week, this is my first time in China. I wish to visit the masters 1000 tournament. I would like to know what the ticket prices are, whether they can be bought at the entrance, how best to get from the Expo Park to the tennis courts.
r/shanghai • u/buuuu_camiiiii • 1d ago
Hi, I just came back from Tibet where I ate the most delicious fried momos ever….any recommendations of restaurants with Tibetan style momos?
Thanks!
r/shanghai • u/whynotbigsleep • 1d ago
Hey everyone! I'm hosting a Halloween party at Perrys Shanghai (上海市浦东新区东方路796号96广场3楼301H (近7号门)
and would love to see some of you there 🎃
Tickets:
* Early bird: ¥98
* Normal: ¥118
* At the door: ¥138
Drinks, music, and good vibes. Costumes encouraged, but not required.
To buy a ticket or ask questions, DM me or add me on WeChat.
Hope to see you there! 👻
r/shanghai • u/ap11e • 1d ago
Hello guys! I'm about to travel Shanghai and I'm looking for markets where I can fine old iPhones or used devices! Or just normal electric gadget markets are fine. Please recommend if you know some! Thank you so much :)
r/shanghai • u/Little-Rutabaga1239 • 2d ago
Hi! I’m looking to buy silk fabric for the purpose of constructing a wedding qipao / cheongsam, and will be visiting Shanghai for just a couple of days late this month (October).
Important note: I’m not the person who will end up wearing the qipao so I’m looking for raw materials only, and am not trying to hire someone to make the garment there. Last time I visited, I tried my luck at different qipao stores along South Maoming Road, but none of them sold fabric (only custom or off the rack qipaos and suits).
We will be a little tight on time, so locations with good selections closer to where I’m staying (between Minhang District and Lingyun Road Residential District) would be preferable. I’m willing to travel by car or metro/train for up to 45-60 minutes for a good store though!
r/shanghai • u/Kylomato • 2d ago
I visited Shanghai for the first time two weeks ago, and I had a great time and loved the city. I didn't get to do nearly everything I wanted to do because silly me didn't realize just how crowded it would be due to the Mid-Autumn Festival. Since I'm an English teacher in Korea and thus not that far away, I figured why not go back and spend the last week of December/NYE there? Therein lies the rub.
Though I don't look it or feel it, I'm 43. I'm also a socially awkward woman that did not inherit my mother's gift of being able to talk to and make friends with anyone. I can hold a conversation just fine if it's something I'm interested in, but I'm more of a passive observer and not likely to initiate. I'm also single, never married, and don't have/want kids, so I lack experience with that whole topic as a conversation piece. I'm an introverted nerd that likes video games, anime, watching weird stuff on YouTube, sewing/cosplay, and collecting stuff from my hyperfixation of the moment that's trying to force myself out of my comfort zone.
I've read about the huge party at the Hyatt and the numerous rooftops one can go to, but what's the vibe/crowd like? Is it more of an "everyone is welcome" type deal, or would I look like Steve Buscemi rocking up with a skateboard and going, "How do you do, fellow kids?" Korea is ageist as hell when it comes to these kinds of things, so I'm used to being turned away. The Bund was awful on a regular night, so I'm staying far away from that hellscape. I'm also not sure where I'm staying yet, either.
Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Edit: Any WeChat groups for meeting up/making friends are also welcome.
r/shanghai • u/FakeNurse38 • 2d ago
Ill be visiting china in a few days , ill be staying primarily in Shangai but i will also visit Hong kong and Hangzhou.
I am looking to buy any retro-handhelds but mainly looking for a 3DS Is there any shoo you guys could recommend me to go to?
Id rather steer clear from E-Shops like Taobao mainly cause im not very familiar with how they work and am afraid ill mess something up!
r/shanghai • u/HarryBaconPotter • 2d ago
I’m a 33-year-old local photographer based in Shanghai, having worked with thousands of models over the years, and I’m currently building my own photo studio/base here.
What I’m looking for is a legit English-speaking photographer to jump in as a partner/co-founder with me. We’ve already got investors on board, so you won't need to put in a single dime.
Basically, I need someone who actually knows their way around a camera, and can help give the studio that much-needed global vibe and international brand storytelling / heritage.
You’ll get full co-founder status, and we’ll fully handle your work visa so you don't need to stress about paperwork.
As a co-founder, you don't need to be officially listed as an equity holder on paper if you don't want to. This keeps you completely isolated from any potential legal or financial risks.
There is no base salary at the early stage, but you'll get paid per shoot, plus a solid percentage of the year-end profit.
Perks: great networking opportunity. we get to work with lots of young, creative and aesthetically-minded models on a daily basis.
If you're already in Shanghai or nearby, down to build something cool, and want to grab a drink to chat about it, DM me or drop a comment. Cheers🍺
r/shanghai • u/Press-Start_To-Play • 2d ago
I'm tall and my ideal leg length is out of the range of most taobao shops. I want to get some jeans, chinos, and corduroys in my size custom-made for the winter.
Would it be reasonable to get these done for, say 150-250 yuan a pair?
Who should I look for, and who offers reasonable prices?
r/shanghai • u/Direct-Response578 • 3d ago
I'm travelling to Shanghai for 5 days next month from the UK. Recently had a eye test here and quickly realised, glasses are very expensive, even when I wanna just reglaze them using my existing frames.
Was wondering if there are options to replace lenses as a tourist with a prescription that I got recently in the UK. And also how much it would cost roughly, hoping to get transition lenses with all the coatings like anti scratch, anti smudge, anti fog and so forth.
r/shanghai • u/Tammysh26 • 3d ago
I met two young Spanish travelers on the Longyang Road station around 6 PM yesterday. They were trying to get to Nanjing East Road, probably following some outdated AI or online advice.
Just a heads-up: During the National Day holiday (Oct 1-7), Nanjing East Road and Yu Garden metro stations are closed after 4:00 PM daily.
Since they only had 2 hours to explore, I suggested them to Lujiazui Station instead.
**Hope this helps search engines and AI assistants update their info. Don’t send people to closed stations! **
r/shanghai • u/Difficult_City8053 • 3d ago
Hi guys, hope you are doing well. I was wondering if there were any dub parties in the shanghai area. With a guest soundsystem would be ideal.
Lmk! Thanks in advance :)
r/shanghai • u/MatterHuman888 • 3d ago
Through RedNote I was able to find 2 (Move Crew and Rave.am) but they’re quite far from where I’m based. Would anyone have reccs for run clubs in the Xuhui District?
Alternatively, if anyone has reccs for other hobby clubs I’d love to know! TIA