Book Your Dream Flight with Airlinetickets
Home » Flights
Shanghai is an experience that swirls together old world charm, futuristic skylines, and nonstop energy. One minute you're sipping tea in a 400 year old garden; the next, you’re craning your neck at a building shaped like a bottle opener.
But for all its wonder, Shanghai can also catch you off guard if you're not ready for its quirks. What are you waiting for? Explore Shanghai with AirlineTickets. After a week of both awe and a few face palms,
1. Assuming Shanghai, China
First time visitors often think that by seeing Shanghai, they’ve “seen China.” In truth, Shanghai is not your average Chinese city. It’s more cosmopolitan, fast paced, and globally polished than most. Appreciate Shanghai for what it is. But don’t make the mistake of assuming all of China looks or works like this. If you want a fuller picture, pair it with a visit to Hangzhou, Suzhou, or even a rural village if time allows.
2. Skipping the VPN Setup
Yes, even Shanghai. Despite its global vibe, the Great Firewall is very much in effect. No Google, no Instagram, no Gmail, no YouTube, no Facebook. I learned this the hard way. Download and test a VPN before your flight. Once you're in China, it’s nearly impossible to install one. And double check it still works. Some get blocked randomly.
3. Trying to Rely on Cash or Foreign Cards
Here’s the truth: China is light years ahead in mobile payments. Locals pay for everything: noodles, taxis, even street bananas: with WeChat Pay or Alipay. Cash is fading fast. And most places won’t accept Visa or Mastercard. Good news: foreigners can now link international credit cards to Alipay or WeChat Pay, though it takes a few steps. Do it in advance. And still carry a small amount of yuan for backup.
4. Ignoring Local Apps
Trying to get around Shanghai with Google Maps or Uber? Not going to happen. They either don’t work or aren’t accurate. Download Dianping (like Yelp for China), DiDi (China’s Uber), and Baidu Maps or Amap. Also: Metroman for subways. Even if you don’t read Chinese, many apps now offer English interfaces, or you can navigate with trial and error. It’s part of the fun.
5. Only Visiting the Bund
The Bund is beautiful colonial buildings facing futuristic towers across the river, but many tourists barely leave this stretch. Explore beyond the obvious. Check out:
Shanghai has layers, and the best ones are off the postcard.
6. Expecting English Everywhere
While Shanghai is more English friendly than most Chinese cities, that doesn’t mean everyone speaks it. Especially in taxis, local markets, or small eateries, you’ll hit language walls. Screenshot your hotel address and major destinations in Chinese. Use a translation app like Google Translate (offline mode) or Pleco. Body language and smiles go a long way.
7. Missing the Local Food Scene
Shanghai has a thriving food culture, and it’s not just dumplings. Though you must try soup dumplings, aka xiao long bao. Eat at least one meal in a local restaurant with zero English signs. Try dishes like:
The best spots aren’t always on TripAdvisorthey’re where the locals line up.
8. Thinking You Can Walk Everywhere
Shanghai is deceptively massive. Even neighborhoods that look close on the map can take 45 minutes on foot, and heat or humidity can drain you fast. Use the Shanghai Metro; it's clean, efficient, air conditioned, and tourist friendly. Just avoid rush hour (7:30–9:30 a.m. and 5–7 p.m.) unless you want to experience a human sardine can.
9. Underestimating Air Pollution and Weather
While Shanghai isn’t as polluted as it once was, it still has smoggy days. Summer can be brutally hot and humid; winters are cold and damp. Check the AQI (Air Quality Index) daily. Carry a reusable water bottle and umbrella (trust me, it rains without warning). If you're sensitive to pollution, bring a mask just in case.
10. Overplanning Every Minute
Shanghai can be overwhelming, and trying to cram in every temple, market, and skyline can lead to burnout. Some of my favorite moments came from wandering with no plan. Leave space in your itinerary. Sit in Fuxing Park and watch locals dance. Take a spontaneous tea break. Get lost in the French Concession. The city rewards curiosity and slowness just as much as sightseeing.
Conclusion:
Shanghai is loud, sleek, ancient, gritty, polished, chaotic, and calm all at once. It’s not an easy city, but it’s a magnetic one. And if you arrive open minded and a little flexible, you’ll fall in love. Skip the rookie mistakes, go with the flow, and let Shanghai surprise you; it always does. Make unforgettable memories in Shanghai with AirlineTickets.
Read More:- Click Here
