Planning6 min read
Best Time to Visit Shanghai: A Season-by-Season Guide
Choose the right season for your Shanghai trip with a practical look at weather, crowds and the style of journey each time of year suits best.
Shanghai stories
Shanghai Travel Guide
Practical guidance and considered itineraries for seeing Shanghai beyond a checklist of sights.
Itineraries8 min read
3 Days in Shanghai: A Thoughtful First-Timer Itinerary
A well-paced three-day introduction to Shanghai, combining the Bund, Yu Garden, local neighbourhoods, cultural stops and modern Pudong.
Planning10 min read
First Time in Shanghai: Everything You Need to Know
A complete first-timer's guide to Shanghai — from arriving at the airport to finding your way around, paying for things, and making the most of your visit.
Practical9 min read
How to Pay in Shanghai: A Foreigner's Complete Guide
Cash, cards, mobile payments — what actually works in Shanghai, what doesn't, and how to avoid spending your first day hunting for ATMs.
Transport8 min read
Shanghai Metro Guide: How to Navigate Like a Local
Everything you need to ride Shanghai's metro confidently — buying tickets, key stations for tourist attractions, navigation apps, and practical tips.
Planning7 min read
Best Areas to Stay in Shanghai: Where to Book Your Hotel
A neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood guide to choosing where to stay in Shanghai — pros, cons, vibe, and who each area suits best.
Itineraries10 min read
Shanghai Itinerary 3 Days: The Perfect First Visit
A practical 3-day Shanghai itinerary that balances iconic sights with hidden neighbourhoods — designed by locals who know the city's rhythm.
Practical10 min read
Is Shanghai Safe? What Visitors Actually Need to Know
An honest, detailed safety guide for Shanghai visitors — crime, scams, food safety, traffic, nightlife, and what concerns are real vs. imagined.
Planning8 min read
China Visa Guide: How to Get Your Tourist Visa
A complete walkthrough of China's tourist visa application process — types, requirements, timelines, and practical tips for different nationalities.
Practical10 min read
Alipay for Foreigners: Step-by-Step Setup Guide
How to download, set up and use Alipay as a foreigner in China — linking international cards, troubleshooting common problems and practical tips.
Make it personal
Ready to turn an idea into a journey?
Use these notes as inspiration, then build a private Shanghai journey at the pace that works for you.