Your Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Shanghai on a Budget
Getting Around from the Airport
✈️ Pudong International Airport (浦东 Pudong) – 18 Miles from Downtown
- Maglev Train: Runs from 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM. The fastest way to get into the city!
- Airport Bus (after 10:30 PM): If you arrive late, the airport bus is a reliable option.
- Popular Destination: 延安东路浙江中路公交站 (Yan'an East Road - Zhejiang Middle Road Bus Station).
- How to Use: Purchase your ticket directly at the counter. Staff will direct you to the correct bus number.
- Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour and 2 minutes, get off at the 4th stop. From there, you can walk or grab a Didi (Chinese Uber) to your hotel.
- Fare: 22 RMB (about $3 USD).
✈️ Hongqiao International Airport (虹桥 Hongqiao) – 11 Miles from Downtown
- Subway: Operates from 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Fare: 7 RMB (about $1 USD).
- Extra Late-Night Trains (Line 2) to The Bund:
- Monday - Saturday: Two additional trains at 11:04 PM and 11:30 PM.
- Sunday: Four trains at 11:04 PM, 11:30 PM, 11:45 PM, and 12:00 AM.
- Night Bus Route 316 (if you miss the last train):
- Drop-off Point: 延安东路中山东 (Yan'an East Road - Zhongshan East).
- Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes (makes many stops).
- Fare: 2 RMB (less than $0.30 USD!).
🏠 Recommended Budget-Friendly Hotels (Clean, Close to Subway, Great Value)
✨ Hanting Hotel (Shanghai East Nanjing Road Metro Station)
- Less than 300 feet from East Nanjing Road subway station – super convenient!
- Prices start from: $180 USD/night.
✨ Yitel Premium (People's Square - Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street)
- Just over a quarter mile from People's Square subway station.
- Prices start from: $220 USD/night.
❌ Note: Choosing a hotel on Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is convenient for exploring, but it can be difficult to call a Didi (you'll need to walk outside the pedestrian zone to book one). When planning your trip to Shanghai, consider transportation!
❤️ Essential Tips for Traveling Shanghai on Your Own
- ✔️ Location, Location, Location: Choose a hotel near a subway station for easy and stress-free travel. Always take a photo of your hotel address in case you get lost; you can show it to a taxi driver.
- ✔️ SIM Card & Internet:
- Buy a Chinese SIM card before you arrive in China. This will allow you to access Facebook, YouTube, and Google without VPN issues. If you buy one locally, access to these sites will be restricted, and VPNs can be unreliable.
- ✔️ Payment:
- You must install Alipay (even if people say you can use cash; don't risk it!).
- How to Activate:
- Go to Account & Security and ensure your ID (passport) is verified.
- Top up your account with 1,000 - 2,000 RMB beforehand, as almost everywhere only accepts Alipay.
- Cash is rarely used, and often, vendors won't have change.
- ✔️ Useful Apps:
- Xiaohongshu (小红书): Helps you find the best photo spots and stay updated on the latest information about your destinations.
- ✔️ Must-Try Experiences:
- Take the ferry across the Huangpu River: Only 2 RMB for stunning views!
- Hop on a sightseeing double-decker bus: A worthwhile experience for exploring the city!
🍜 Must-Try Dishes
- Hairy Crab Noodles: 蟹黄鱼 (Xie Huang Yu), 蟹上黄 (Xie Shang Huang).
- Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings): 鼎泰豐 (Din Tai Feng), 莱莱小笼 (Lai Lai Xiao Long - Michelin-recommended, expect a crowd).
- Hot Pot with Divided Pot: 珮姐老火鍋 (Open until 2-3 AM, perfect for late-night outings!).
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