Must-Save Guide for Summer Vacation Travel to Shanghai

Pre-Trip Essentials - **Documents**: Bring necessary IDs like ID cards and student cards for ticket purchases and discounts. - **Clothing**: Pack lightweight, breathable outfits, sun-protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, swimwear, and a light jacket for cooler mornings/evenings. - **Daily Essentials**: Toiletries, skincare, makeup, sunscreen, umbrella/raincoat. - **Medications**: Common meds like cold/flu pills, stomachache relief, motion sickness meds, heatstroke prevention, and mosquito repellent. - **Miscellaneous**: Phone, camera, power bank, chargers. Download the Shanghai Metro App and ride-hailing apps in advance. **Transport Guide** - **Getting to Shanghai**: Choose flights, trains, or long-distance buses based on your departure city. - **Local Transit**: - *Metro*: Extensive network covering major attractions. Use the Shanghai Metro App for routes/tickets. - *Buses*: Affordable but slower. - *Taxis/Ride-hailing*: Convenient but may face traffic during peak hours. **Must-Visit Spots** - **Historical/Cultural**: - *The Bund*: Iconic skyline views of colonial architecture and Lujiazui. Stunning at dusk. - *Shanghai Museum*: Free entry! Treasures like ancient bronzes and the *Dake Ding* artifact. - *Yu Garden*: A Jiangnan-style oasis with zigzag bridges and *Dianchun Hall*. Try *shengjianbao* and soup dumplings at nearby City God Temple. - **Modern Landmarks**: - *Oriental Pearl Tower*: Ascend to the 263m observatory for panoramic views. Dare the glass-bottomed walkway! - *Shanghai Tower*: The 118th-floor "Top of Shanghai" observatory offers sunset photo ops. - *Lujiazui Financial Zone*: Skyscraper hub showcasing China’s economic vibrancy. - **Theme Parks**: - *Shanghai Disneyland*: Must-rides: Tron Lightcycle Power Run and Soaring Over the Horizon. Don’t miss Mickey’s Storybook Express parade and nighttime *Ignite the Magic* show. - *Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park*: Dolphin shows, penguins, and shark encounters. - **Leisure**: - *Tianzifang*: Artsy alleyways with indie shops and Thai milk tea. - *Wukang Road*: Literary charm at Wukang Mansion and Ba Jin’s former residence. Café-hop for a lazy afternoon. **Food Recs** - **Street Eats**: Juicy soup dumplings, crispy-bottomed *shengjianbao*, sweet-and-sour spare ribs, fragrant smoked fish. - *Local Cuisine*: Try *hongshao rou* (braised pork) at *Lao Jishi* or *Lübolang*. - *Night Markets*: *Pengpu* or *Changli Road* for stinky tofu, fried chicken, and candied hawthorns. **Accommodation** - *Luxury*: Pudong’s Four Seasons or the historic Peace Hotel. - *Budget*: Home Inn/Hanting chains—family and backpacker-friendly. - *Hostels*: Shanghai Youth Hostel for social vibes. **Sample Itinerary (5 Days)** - **D1**: Arrive, check in near The Bund. Evening stroll + local dinner. - **D2**: Full day at Disneyland (book passes early!). - **D3**: Shanghai Natural History Museum → Tianzifang for crafts/tea. - **D4**: Morning at Chenshan Botanical Garden → Yu Garden + night market. - **D5**: Shop on Nanjing Road → depart. **Tips** - Beat the heat: Hydrate + sunscreen! - Book popular attraction tickets (e.g., Disney) ahead. - Avoid metro/bus rush hours (7–9am, 5–7pm).