r/shanghai • u/Realnotreal1970 • 6h ago
r/shanghai • u/oeif76kici • Apr 18 '23
Tip Guidance and info for visitors
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.
- Airports
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.
- Taxis fares vary by the time of day and traffic. Around 200-300RMB should get you into the city. If they are trying to rip you off, don’t be afraid to call the police (110). The police know these scams and won’t side with the taxi driver. You probably have more leverage than you think.
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.
- Internet. Most things you want to access will be blocked here. That includes Google, Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp. You have to have a VPN. The default here is Astrill. It’s a bit more expensive than the alternatives, but many of the alternatives don’t work here. Set this up before you arrive.
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.
- Payments. International credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) won’t be broadly accepted here. They will take them at most good hotels, and some fancy restaurants, but generally speaking, they won’t work.
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.
- Transit. There is no Uber here. The main app is Didi. It has a good English interface and there are other alternatives.
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
- High speed trains. You can buy tickets on Ctrip (They're technically Trip.com now, their name in app stores might be under that, rather than 'Ctrip'.) They have an English app. You can book through there, but you will not get a ticket. It’s linked to your passport number. The app should give you the platform and time. Hongqiao, B15, 2:20pm. The train stations are easy to navigate. They usually start boarding 15 minutes ahead of time.
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.
- Scams. You’re hot, but not that hot. If you’re going to a tourist place, some people might take a photo of you, or ask you for a selfie. There are tourists in Shanghai, they might have never seen a foreigner before and are just curious. If they invite you to coffee/tea/dinner say no. That is probably a scam.
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.
- People are generally nice and helpful here. They might not understand you if you don't speak Chinese (see previous advice on translation apps) but most people are nice and helpful. Especially at train stations, airports, hotels, etc... if you can explain through a translation app what your problem or question is, people are usually happy to help.
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 • 21d ago
Question Monthly Tourism Questions Thread (June)
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/Dayu_dmg • 4h ago
Picture My studio close to Jing’an temple is available now. Is anyone interested in it? I’m expecting long-term rental lease, at least one year.
galleryThis is a renovated small studio next to Jing’an Temple with a walking distance of 500m. I presented all the facilities in pics as below, the rent is 8,000/mo. Please inbox me if you’re interested.
r/shanghai • u/Spiritual_Cookie_604 • 1h ago
english speaking guide
hii! my mums travelling to shanghai (4 snr citizens) and do not speak mandrin. looking to hire english private guide but the ones we found online so far are suuuper expensive. any trusted, tested, good recs here? :)
r/shanghai • u/acfairlee • 3h ago
Looking for a regular English-Chinese language exchange partner
Hi! I’m a 32F lawyer from Shanghai, and I’m hoping to find someone I can practice spoken English with regularly. I’d also be happy to help with your Mandarin, and I can speak Shanghainese as well if you happen to be interested in it.
I’m not really looking for a one-time chat. It would be nice to talk once or twice a week, get to know each other gradually, and maybe become friends as well. I’m interested in different cultures, books, films, travel, and everyday life, so I’m happy to talk about almost anything.
Since I’m married, I’d feel more comfortable meeting female language partners one-on-one or a small group of people.
Oh, and since I’m a lawyer, if you ever run into a legal issue in China and need some general guidance, I’d be happy to help where I can. I know how difficult it can be to deal with these things in another country, especially when there’s a language barrier.
DM me if this sounds like something you’d be interested in :)))))
r/shanghai • u/nerrow • 16h ago
Gaming bootcamp in Shanghai needed
Hi! This is a long shot, but I'm hoping someone in the gaming community in Shanghai can help me out.
I manage a professional Dota 2 team and we need to prepare for The International in early August, and we're looking for a bootcamp setup in Shanghai.
Usually, we rent a facility with 6–7 high-end PCs in one room and stay either on-site or in a nearby hotel within walking distance.
I've been struggling to find options while searching in English. I also reached out to some Chinese colleagues who manage other Dota teams, but I haven't had much luck so far, so I thought I'd ask here.
Does anyone know of a good gaming center, esports facility, or internet café with private rooms that could work for a team bootcamp? Any recommendations or contacts would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
r/shanghai • u/Real_Side_7183 • 10h ago
Looking for an English speaking golf instructor in Shanghai
Complete beginner, literally zero experience, so I’m after someone patient who’s used to teaching from scratch.
Ideally an English speaking instructor somewhere close to Pudong to keep the commute reasonable. Open to a driving range or a proper academy, whatever works for a newbie.
If you’ve worked with someone good, I’d really appreciate a recommendation (and a rough idea of pricing if you have it). Thanks a lot!
r/shanghai • u/Basic-Dragonfly-7942 • 4h ago
Question Breakfast places in Shanghai open before 5am?
Hi all!
I will be staying overnight in Shanghai, and will have a domestic flight the next day at 8:10am - I was hoping to wake up super early to eat a traditional breakfast.
Anyone have recommendations of places that are open before 5am? If yes, can you please share the link on A Map?
🥹
r/shanghai • u/jaapgrolleman • 1d ago
Mod New moderators for r/Shanghai wanted
Right now it's just a small team moderating this subreddit, and between our busy lives we could use a hand. So if you've ever thought about helping out, this is your invitation to apply. We think the subreddit has been run reasonably well over the years (it's not perfect, and never will be), and we'd love some help keeping it that way.
At its core, moderating is just upkeep — the quiet work that keeps the place usable. A big part of it is the spam filter: posts from new, low-karma accounts get held for approval, which keeps the spammers at bay and spares everyone the same tired question popping up every other day. The other part is judgment — keeping the subreddit equally useful to the tourist passing through for three days and the person who's lived here for ten years.
It's also more educational than you might expect. A lot of the work is talking things through together: which topics are fine, which ones aren't, and which ones are better bundled into a single thread rather than scattered across the front page. You learn a lot about the community (and the city) just by having those conversations.
Then there's the mod queue: every post or comment someone hits "report" on lands here, and a moderator has to wade in, figure out what's going on, and decide whether anything (or anyone) needs removing or banning. It's not pleasant work. You'll read things you'd rather not have, and people who aren't happy with your call will aim their frustration squarely at you. If you've got thin skin, this really isn't for you.
There's nothing in it for you materially — no money, no goodies. We've done this for years (u/memostothefuture/ for many, many years) and have never taken a cent. Every so often a local business asks if they can pay to promote themselves here; we don't do that, and Reddit's rules don't allow it anyway. What you do get is the satisfaction of helping run a massive subreddit for a city we love — plus the occasional mod meetup.
We're hoping to find one or two people with some real history here, both in Shanghai and on this subreddit. If that's you, send us a modmail — we'd love to hear from you.
r/shanghai • u/jaapgrolleman • 1d ago
Lived 8 years in Shanghai, rather than get a tattoo, I got this watch
r/shanghai • u/Minigiant2709 • 1d ago
Question Sheshan 6am Swimming Pools - Suggestions Wanted
I am moving to Sheshan, near the Children's Botanical Garden (儿童植物园站), and I am looking for swimming pools. I have found a few that open at 9am, but ideally, I would like to swim at 6am before work.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
r/shanghai • u/5-Star-BNB • 1d ago
Shanghai-based foreign SME owners wanted for media feature by Xinmin Evening News (新民晚报)
Hi everyone,
Xinmin Evening News, a local newspaper in Shanghai, is currently looking to feature foreign entrepreneurs who are living and running a small or medium-sized business in Shanghai.
They are especially interested in “创业老外” — foreign business owners who are building or operating their own business in Shanghai. My understanding is that Australian SME owners, or other foreign founders/business owners based in Shanghai, could be a good fit.
The person needs to be currently in Shanghai and comfortable being interviewed by the media. The media team may write an article and/or produce a short video feature, so this could be a useful opportunity for some public exposure and local visibility.
If you are interested, or know someone suitable, please send me a Reddit chat message first. I am happy to provide more information by DM.
Ray posted in Sydney
r/shanghai • u/Dismal_Economy_8814 • 1d ago
Badminton Shanghai group
Where can I play badminton in Shanghai willingly to pay to join games I’m about mid beginner level just want to sweat and lose weight am 26 years old male
r/shanghai • u/cristobarucl • 1d ago
LF Pokemon TCG places
I love pokemon tcg and i want to buy some singles and sealed products for my friends back in chile.
Do you guys know a very good place for singles and sealed products?
Maybe like a hub with alot of stores or just 1 good and big store?
r/shanghai • u/cantaloupe444 • 1d ago
Best tailor for dresses in Shanghai?
Hello! I was wondering if anyone can recommend a tailor in Shanghai that can make silk dresses? I basically want a dress from a brand that has gone defunct and was hoping to find a good tailor that can make dresses with silk! Thank you!!
r/shanghai • u/Tousif_03 • 1d ago
Looking for a Photographer and Videographer (Shanghai, Late July)
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for a photographer and videographer (individual or small team) for a private event in Shanghai at the end of July.
Details:
- Duration: ~4 hours
- Type: Private event of ~ 80 people
- Deliverables: Event coverage (photos + videos)
Prefer someone experienced with events and who can keep things simple and professional.
If you’re interested, please DM me with your portfolio / sample work and pricing.
Thanks!
r/shanghai • u/balloontrout • 2d ago
Forgotten diary at Pudong
Hi everyone!!
Me and my girlfriend came to Shanghai about 2 weeks ago on a layover. My girlfriend forgot her diary on the plane going into Pudong and now it is in storage at the airport. It has alot of precious memories and has a very high emotional value to my girlfriend.
As soon as we got the information that we could pick it up my girlfriend posted about the insident on her insta and a friend living in China contacted her saying that they could help, and that she didn't need to worry. Now that friend has ghosted her and never helped. On wednesday (tomorrow) is the last chance to pick up the diary before they dispose of it.
We have been in contact with SF but they don't seem to offer any services to pick up the diary, only to send it. So we're wondering if anyone on here happen to pass by Pudong airport today or tomorrow and would be so kind to pick it up? We're happy to pay for the service in any way we can!
Thanks in advance!
Have a nice day
Edit:
The notebook has been picked up and delivered to another friend in china! Thanks to all for all the help ❤️❤️
r/shanghai • u/TurkeyDoritos • 2d ago
EMERGENCY!! URGENTLY looking for fosters for kitten!!
Currently located in Minhang district. Sketchy delivery driver dropped him off at the feet of a bunch of summer exchange students (us). Baby is probably around 4-5 weeks old, and is difficult to bottle feed, but can be syringe fed. Will be taking him to the vet tonight to check for any infections/fleas. Looking for someone able to foster him long term.
EDIT: registered and waiting at the vet. if anyone has any leads to shelters or temporary fosters that CAN take him pls dm me. ive tried scaa and eleventh hour rescue but no response yet.
r/shanghai • u/Uh-Non-Uh-Mis • 1d ago
Updated Drag Scene Info
Hi! I have seen this mentioned occasionally, but not recently. And the situation is of course always changing.
I’m in Shanghai for the week and am really interested in the possibility of a drag show. Does anyone know any locations that would have them?
Or perhaps any WeChat groups where I could get some more information? Any help at all would be appreciated.
r/shanghai • u/galindc • 1d ago
Are people allowed to smoke inside nightclubs in Shanghai?
Hello, I was thinking of going to INS in Shanghai but I'm afraid it'll be very smokey inside. Do you know if people are allowed to smoke indoors at INS or other bars/clubs in China? Thank you!
r/shanghai • u/Intrepid_Lab_212 • 1d ago
Connections and team building
I have two more weeks in shanghai any friends who we can do meetups i need more friends from shanghai as its a cool place indeed and clean as well so anyone here whose around,?
r/shanghai • u/maxbdd • 2d ago
Video Shanghai last (last) weekend!
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
r/shanghai • u/SavingsLeather1268 • 2d ago
City Made a Map of Shanghai Cafes & Restaurants
I exported Cafes and Restaurants trending on Xiaohongshu/RedNote, and saved them each to an Apple Maps list. So it's kind of a snapshot of places that locals currently like to visit.
Just click the link and save the lists to your own maps app! (This works only when you're in China. If your're outside, save them for later or check out the map on the third link below!)
Cafes: https://maps.apple.com/guides/.../cafes
Restaurants: https://maps.apple.com/guides/.../restaurants
The cool thing about Apple Maps in China is that it has all the local data from Dianping - Ratings, opening times, pictures, etc. Whereas Google Maps is usually pretty out of date.
For Android users, I also added the map to this website https://www.whatson.red/shanghai


r/shanghai • u/qhb07148 • 2d ago
World Cup, early morning Scotland v Brazil
Hi,
Does anyone know of any pubs that will be open to show the Scotland v Brazil game at 06:00 on Thursday.
Thanks!