Travelling to China, anything to know?

[Andeh1]

Per title, flying out on business into shanghai for a week next week.

Visa all sorted, alipay sorted, planning on getting a vpn.

Any general advice, tips or warnings? I'm used to traveling, but first time to a country quite like China!

Thanks

[gotoPzero]

We were meant to fly tomorrow, but Virgin cancelled our flights.

Have a good time, sounds like you boxed off the main things.

[MrBig]

Whereabouts are you staying?

Take a ride on the Maglev if you get a chance, it's quite an experience. I'm quoting myself from a different thread now, but the same applies:

I'd definitely get over to PuDong and go up the Oriental Pearl TV Tower or the World Financial Tower. Have a walk up the Bund and check out the architecture, the European influence is fascinating. Nanjing Street East is where most of the shops are, but obviously are lot are western brands now which you'll be more than familiar with!

Yu Garden and the JingAn Temple are good for a glimpse of the old China. Try and find some Xiaolongbao if you can. Steamed dumplings with gravy and meat inside, good ones are amazing.

If you fancy a modern take on Chinese food or even their take on western food then there are plenty of options in the New World area, near Tai Ping Qiao Gong Yuan park.

The subway is pretty easy to navigate, very cheap and the tickets machines have an English option which is very useful! I can't recommend any good night spots now as all my favourite places closed down during covid and never reappeared frown

[BoRED S2upid]

Maglev rather than normal train I presume you are male but my wife felt very uncomfortable on the standard train so we stuck to the maglev.

Hope you like rice

[MrBig]

BoRED S2upid said:

Maglev rather than normal train I presume you are male but my wife felt very uncomfortable on the standard train so we stuck to the maglev.

Hope you like rice

I don't think I've ever had rice in Shanghai!

Not being female I can't comment on that aspect of feeling uncomfortable on the subway, but I am used to being in parts of China where a Western face is very much a novelty! I would say though that I'm infinitely more comfortable there than on the New York subway!

[BoRED S2upid]

MrBig said:

BoRED S2upid said:

Maglev rather than normal train I presume you are male but my wife felt very uncomfortable on the standard train so we stuck to the maglev.

Hope you like rice

I don't think I've ever had rice in Shanghai!

Not being female I can't comment on that aspect of feeling uncomfortable on the subway, but I am used to being in parts of China where a Western face is very much a novelty! I would say though that I'm infinitely more comfortable there than on the New York subway!

Never had rice? It was served in our hotel 3 times a day including breakfast. I really didn’t want egg fried rice for breakfast.

Yeah she’s blonde hair blue eyes very creepy Chinese men on the trains.

[daqinggregg]

Add to Mr. Big, caution when eating Xiaolongbao, do it sitting, with the neck crained forward to avoid a juice spillage down the front of your attire, taste great.

Have a walk around the ‘French Concession’ a real contrast to the rest of Shanghai, some absolutely beautiful art – deco buildings.







Very safe city, easy to travel around on the excellent subway.



Xiaolongbao for reference.