She imagined China as a massive, bustling place. She was nervous about the language barrier, fearing she’d struggle to communicate and navigate. She also worried about culture shock and feeling out of place. Her mental picture of China was somewhat overwhelming but filled with curiosity.

Upon arrival, she was pleasantly surprised by how modern and clean Shanghai was. The mix of traditional and contemporary architecture impressed her. Locals were friendly. She found the city vibrant and welcoming, contrary to her initial worries.

Preparation Before Your Adventure in China

The Maglev Train is an advanced high-speed transport system operating in South Korea, Japan, and China. The Shanghai Maglev Train, also known as Shanghai Transrapid, is the world’s first and fastest commercial Maglev line. Operating since 2006, it connects Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) with Longyang Road in downtown Shanghai. Reaching speeds of up to 431 km/h, it covers the 30 km distance in just 8 minutes, providing a swift and unique travel experience.

Pudong International Airport Station (浦东国际机场站): It is located between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of Pudong International Airport, next to the station of Shanghai Metro Line 2, about 43 km, 1 hour’s drive to Shanghai city center.

The operating hours is: 07:02 – 21:42

Longyang Road Station (龙阳路站): It lies in East Baiyang Road, South Longyang Road, Pudong New Area. The station is also the transfer center for Shanghai Metro Line 2, Line 7 and Line 16, about 12 km, 30 minutes’ drive to central Shanghai.

The operating hours is: 06:45 – 21:40

Built by the British in the 1800s, the Shanghai Race Club once hosted horse races south of Nanjing Road. Opened to the public in the 1950s, this serene spot features traditional gardens, a pond with fish and lotus flowers, and is perfect for people-watching. Locals gather here for card games and the Marriage Market (Spouse Shopping), where parents display notes about their children in hopes of finding suitable spouses.

Got some free time during weekend when you statyed in Shanghai? Head to People’s Park for a unique matchmaking experience. Here, concerned relatives post bios listing age, height, job, income, and property status of potential matches. The candidates themselves are rarely around. It’s like a traditional version of online dating, offering a fascinating peek into Chinese matchmaking culture. Grab a coffee and stroll through the many ads lining the pathways – you never know what you might find.

The Address? Here You Go – A.P. Plaza Yinyang Market at the Science and Technology Museum (Inside Kejiguan Station Subway Line 2, No.2002 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China)

At AP Plaza, an underground market, you’ll find tons of stalls selling knock-off goods. You can score deals on items like Uggs and Vans for around $30 a pair, or designer bags for under $50. The quality of fakes is usually high, but some items, like Lululemon wear, are obviously not real. When bargaining, set a price in your mind, be ready to walk away, and the vendor will often agree to your offer. It’s all part of the experience!

Huanghe Road, a lively 755-meter street, became a food paradise in the early 1990s, housing over a hundred restaurants. Located north of People’s Square, it stretches from Nanjing West Road to Xinzha Road, in a prime area. The street is known for its blend of 1930s brick-wood houses and towering modern buildings. As Shanghai modernized, many locals moved out, making Huanghe Road a nostalgic memory. Today, it’s a popular spot for tourists, especially for Citywalks. Don’t miss Jiajia Soup Dumplings at No. 127, a must-visit!

In its heyday, Huanghe Road attracted wealthy diners every evening, becoming one of Shanghai’s most famous food streets. The area is a mix of old-style housing and modernist theaters, apartments, and hotels. Despite urban renewal pushing locals out, Huanghe Road remains a beloved culinary landmark. Now, it’s more of a tourist attraction, offering a taste of Shanghai’s rich food culture and history.

Nanjing Road is Shanghai’s premier commercial street, much like New York’s Fifth Avenue. Spanning 5.5 km from the Bund to Yan’an West Road, it runs through the Jing’an and Huangpu districts. This vibrant road attracts millions of visitors with its blend of historical charm and modern luxury. With over 600 shops, including high-end brands like Tiffany and Mont Blanc and traditional stores offering silk, jade, and unique crafts, Nanjing Road is a shopper’s dream. It’s the perfect place to experience the dynamic mix of Shanghai’s past and present. Also, enjour the local snacks and street food there!

The Bund, or Waitan, is a must-see spot in your China adventure tour, seamlessly blending history and modern charm. Originating in the 19th century, it became the heart of the international settlement with its grand colonial buildings. As you stroll along the Bund, you’ll encounter iconic landmarks such as the Customs House, Peace Hotel, and the Bund Bull, each reflecting its rich past.

By night, the Bund transforms into a dazzling spectacle. The historic buildings glow warmly, while across the river, Pudong’s skyline lights up, creating a breathtaking view. It’s the ideal place to wrap up a day in Shanghai. Wander along the illuminated promenade, capturing the vibrant cityscape. For an unforgettable evening, relax at a riverside bar or rooftop lounge. Enjoy a cold beer or cocktail as you admire the shimmering reflections on the Huangpu River.

The Bund not only offers a deep dive into Shanghai’s history but also provides a contemporary urban experience. Its architectural beauty and lively atmosphere make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Ending your day here, with the city lights sparkling around you, is a perfect way to absorb the essence of Shanghai.

Jianbing (煎饼果子) is a traditional Chinese street food, akin to crêpes, often enjoyed for breakfast. Made from a batter of wheat and grain flour, it is cooked on a large frying pan or flat hotplate. Common ingredients include eggs, thin crispy fried crackers (baocui), ham, pickled mustard, scallions, coriander, chili sauce, and hoisin sauce. The jianbing is folded several times before serving, allowing for a variety of fillings and sauces to suit personal tastes. It’s widely celebrated as a favorite street breakfast in China

Scallion oil noodles feature soft, chewy noodles in a sweet, savory scallion-infused sauce, topped with crispy scallions. This simple yet flavorful dish uses common Chinese pantry ingredients and is perfect as a quick comfort food. Enjoy them alone, with a fried egg, or as a side with your favorite Chinese dishes like soups, dumplings, or steamed fish. Originating from Shanghai, the dish showcases the rich, complex flavor of caramelized scallions mixed with thin wheat noodles, emphasizing simplicity and taste.

Soup Dumplings are delicate parcels filled with pork and a savory broth encased inside. Traditionally made with pork mince and aspic (a meat stock jelly), the dumplings are wrapped in a thin wheat flour wrapper and steamed, melting the aspic into a rich liquid. To eat, gently pick up the dumpling with chopsticks, place it on a spoon, nibble it open, and slurp the broth before eating the rest. Be careful – Resist the urge to pop a whole soup dumpling into your mouth – you run the risk of burning yourself when the hot liquid spurts out! For extra flavor, dip in black vinegar with ginger.

Chuan’r (串儿)

If you’re a fan of BBQ, you’ve got to try Chuan’r, China’s take on skewered grilled meat. Often made with lamb, these skewers are seasoned with cumin and chili, giving them a distinctive, mouth-watering flavor. The meat is juicy, with a perfect balance of spicy and savory notes that make each bite incredibly satisfying.

Chuan’r is a street food staple in China, especially popular in northern regions. You’ll find vendors grilling these skewers over open flames, creating an inviting aroma that’s hard to resist. The seasoning sets Chuan’r apart from Western BBQ. While BBQ often relies on sauces and a variety of marinades, Chuan’r keeps it simple yet flavorful with a few key spices.

What makes Chuan’r special is its simplicity and the social experience that comes with it. In China, it’s common to see friends and family gathering around street vendors, enjoying these skewers hot off the grill. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the communal atmosphere and the joy of sharing a delicious snack.

So next time you’re in China or at a Chinese street food market, look for Chuan’r. Grab a few skewers, savor the flavors, and enjoy a taste of this beloved Chinese tradition. It’s a delightful twist on BBQ that you won’t want to miss!