How to Make the Most of Your Shanghai Visit  - Your Ultimate City Adventure

Shanghai sits on China's east coast and is one of the country's oldest port cities with a rich global history. Positioned where the mighty Yangtze River meets the sea, Shanghai has seen some incredible changes and boasts a rich history spanning centuries.

Now, this ancient city stands as a modern hub for technology and finance in China, drawing countless tourists with its historic charm and beauty. Notable landmarks like the Oriental TV Tower, Jinmao Tower, and Shanghai Tower contribute to Shanghai's stunning skyline. Over on the east bank of the Huangpu River, you have the Bund, often referred to as Shanghai's star attraction.

Moreover, Shanghai offers a rich array of accommodations, including the likes of lyf Hongqiao Shanghai. Whether you want to experience Shanghai co-living or stay at an upscale hotel, you’ll find what you’re looking for here.

First off, check your travel dates. Ideally, you'd want to visit Shanghai in the autumn, between September and November. The weather is cool and just right during this time, making it the best time to explore the city. But if autumn is a no-go, late spring, around April to May, is a good time for a visit.

Think about when you want to visit and start looking for a hotel or a co-living space as early as possible. If you’re visiting in the autumn, hotel rates might be a little too dear for your liking, but the low season always brings affordable prices.

You should also book flights in advance. Most airlines offer various discounts for early bird passengers.

Decide what you like seeing and doing in Shanghai. There's a bunch of amazing, guided tours tailored to what you're into.

Top spots in Shanghai:

• The Bund & Huangpu River: The Bund is packed with old-school art Deco buildings, and a river cruise on the Huangpu is a top shout to see the city.
• Shanghai Disneyland Park: It's the biggest Disneyland in Asia. Pop over for some fun and a bit of childhood nostalgia.
• Yu Garden & Old City God Temple: The Yu Garden is a proper South China-style garden with some really nifty designs. And nearby, there's a market with tasty local bites and some quirky finds.
• Zhujiajiao Water Town: It's the closest water town to Shanghai. The historic riverside buildings and old bridges are a sight to see.
• Nanjing Road: One of Shanghai's buzziest pedestrian streets, it's not just for shopping – take in some classic Western architecture while you're at it.

Sorting out your travel budget is a must, especially if you're travelling alone. Opting for a guided tour? Your costs will be more straightforward. If not, jot down a rough estimate of your spending and give yourself a bit of leeway. Better to be budgeted than to be caught short. If it's looking a bit steep, see where you can tighten the belt.

While most big shops and restaurants in Shanghai take credit cards, smaller places might need you to part with some Chinese cash. For on-the-go payments, give Apple Pay, Ali Pay, or WeChat Pay a try.

Brush up on China's visa rules – most travellers need to sort one out at least a month ahead of their trip. See if you're eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit; it lets people from 53 countries visit Shanghai for a brief visit.

Shanghai is a big city, and you can easily pick up daily essentials. So, there’s no need to bring everything with you. Here's what you really need:

• Travel essentials: Passport, visa, health documents, tickets, and a map or two.
• Tech: Phone, camera, chargers, power bank, a local SIM, and your laptop or tablet.
• Check the weather before you go and pack accordingly. Remember, it’s always handy to have an umbrella and raincoat in the bag.
• A basic first aid kit: You might need things like aspirin, vitamins, and any anti-inflammatories.