Shanghai is stunning, but I honestly don’t recommend going in August because.............

In-depth Shanghai Travel Guide (Including Per Capita Budget Reference) Shanghai, this magical city blending history and modernity, East and West, boasts the Bund’s international architecture and Lujiazui’s skyscrapers; it has the lively atmosphere of its alleys and the avant-garde trends of its art galleries. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a traveler seeking a deep experience, Shanghai’s diverse charm will captivate you. Below is a 4-day itinerary combining classic attractions, unique experiences, and practical information, with a per capita budget of about 1800-2500 RMB (based on moderate spending, excluding round-trip transportation). 1. Preparation: Season and Budget Allocation Shanghai has a subtropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons. The best travel times are spring and autumn (March-May, September-November), with comfortable temperatures and less rain; summers are hot and humid, winters are damp and cold, requiring down jackets. Suggested budget allocation (for 4 days and 3 nights): Accommodation: 600-1000 RMB (from budget hotels to four-star hotels) Food: 500-800 RMB (local cuisine, snacks, cafes) Transportation: 100-150 RMB (mainly subway, some taxis) Tickets and activities: 400-600 RMB (attractions, exhibitions, performances) Others: 200-400 RMB (shopping, souvenirs, emergencies) 2. Classic Attractions and Activity Prices 1. The Bund and Lujiazui: Shanghai’s “Two-Faced Mirror” (1) The Bund Free admission, open all day. Recommended to arrive at dusk to enjoy the sunset glow on the international architecture, then turn to the opposite side of the Huangpu River to watch the Lujiazui lights come on (7:00 PM - 10:00 PM). Hidden gems: The European-style buildings at the Bund Origin (Yuanmingyuan Road) are less crowded and great for photos; the Customs House clock tower plays "The East is Red" on the hour, worth stopping to listen. (2) Shanghai Tower “Shanghai Summit” Observation Deck Located in Lujiazui, at 632 meters, it is China’s tallest building. Ticket: 180 RMB per adult (10 RMB discount for online advance booking). Sunset time is recommended to overlook the city skyline and Huangpu River night view. Nearby recommendation: The 118th floor of Shanghai Tower houses the world’s highest bookstore “Duoyun Bookstore,” entry to the observation area costs 50 RMB. (3) Huangpu River Cruise Price and experience comparison: Classic route (Shiliupu Pier - Yangpu Bridge round trip): 120 RMB per person, 1 hour, recommended to choose the open-air seats on the second floor. Cost-effective option: Take the 2 RMB ferry (Dongjin line, Dongchang Road Station - Jinling East Road Station), 10 minutes crossing the Huangpu River, experiencing local commuting. 2. Time Travel through History and Culture (1) Yuyuan Garden and City God Temple Shopping Area Yuyuan Garden: A Ming Dynasty Jiangnan garden, ticket 40 RMB per person, recommended to visit at opening time 8:30 AM to avoid tour groups. City God Temple: Free admission, but snacks inside are pricey (crab roe soup dumplings 38 RMB per basket), best to sample lightly. Nearby recommendation: Yuyuan Old Street has handmade and cultural creative shops, good for cost-effective souvenirs. (2) Zhujiajiao Ancient Town The most accessible water town near Shanghai, directly reachable by Metro Line 17. Ticket: Free (small attraction combo ticket 60 RMB, including Kecun Garden, Fangsheng Bridge, etc.), recommended to just stroll the main street and river without buying the combo ticket. Activity: Take a wooden boat (60 RMB per boat, seats 6), cruise along the river among Ming and Qing architecture, about 20 minutes. (3) Shanghai Museum (People’s Square) Free admission, advance reservation required. Features bronze ware, ancient calligraphy and paintings, ceramics; closed on Mondays. Hidden gem: The museum’s 4th-floor café has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the pigeons in People’s Square. 3. Collision of Art and Trend 1. West Bund Art District Along the Huangpu River waterfront, gathering institutions like Long Museum, Yuz Museum, West Bund Museum. Long Museum (West Bund): Tickets 60-100 RMB (varies by exhibition), the concrete architecture contrasts sharply with the river view, excellent for photos. West Bund Art Avenue: Free admission, regularly hosts public art installations, great for cycling tours (shared bikes available). 2. Wukang Road - Anfu Road Area Shanghai’s “internet-famous” neighborhood, condensing the history of the French Concession and artistic shops. Must-visit spots: Wukang Building (Baroque-style ship-shaped building), Duozhuayu second-hand store (books and clothes), BM clothing store (young trendsetters’ gathering place). Cafe recommendations: %Arabica (Wukang Courtyard store), Gathering (Anfu Road, 35 RMB per cup coffee with oil painting window view). 4. Food Map: From Local Cuisine to International Flavors 1. Classic Local Cuisine Lao Jishi Restaurant (Tianping Road branch): 150 RMB per person, recommended braised pork and crab roe tofu, reservation required. Lanxin Restaurant (Jinxian Road): 80 RMB per person, signature dishes include grass head circle in rich sauce and spicy eel paste. Xiao Yang Shengjian: 25 RMB per person, fresh meat pan-fried buns with beef vermicelli soup, best value. 2. Snacks and Night Markets Yunnan South Road Food Street: Fresh pork ribs with rice cake (20 RMB), Xiao Shaoxing white cut chicken (35 RMB half portion). Changli Road Night Market: Fried pork chop (15 RMB), scallion pancake (5 RMB), experience local street life. 3. High-end Experience Mr & Mrs Bund at No.18 The Bund: 500 RMB per person, French cuisine with Bund night view, suitable for anniversaries. Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet: The world’s first “immersive restaurant,” starting at 4000 RMB per person (reservation 3 months in advance required). 5. Transportation and Accommodation Guide 1. Transportation Subway: Covers major attractions, single trip 3-7 RMB, download “Metro Metropolis” app for QR code rides. Taxi: Starting fare 14 RMB (3 km), during peak hours subway + shared bike combo recommended. Shared bikes: Everywhere in the city, 1.5 RMB per 15 minutes, good for short trips. 2. Accommodation Recommendations Budget-friendly: Near Nanjing East Road/People’s Square subway stations: All Seasons Hotel (400-500 RMB/night). Hostel: Demba Hostel (80-120 RMB/bed, suitable for backpackers). Comfortable experience: Along the Bund: Hyatt on the Bund (1000-1500 RMB/night, river view rooms facing Lujiazui). Jing’an Temple: Puli Hotel (1500-2000 RMB/night, Chinese Zen design). 6. Practical Tips Ticket discounts: Student and senior cards get half-price tickets; for theme parks like Disneyland and Haichang Ocean Park, buy tickets online in advance. Free resources: Shanghai Library and Pudong Library offer free reading; Sinan Mansions host an open-air astronomy market every Saturday. Avoid pitfalls: Many “Shanghai specialties” in City God Temple shopping area are rebranded products; better to buy traditional butterfly pastries and pear syrup candies from old brands. Tianzifang is crowded and heavily commercialized; if short on time, replace with Xintiandi or 1933 Old Millfun. Safety tips: Strict subway security checks, do not carry prohibited items; avoid walking alone in remote alleys at night. 7. Sample Itinerary (4 days) Day 1: The Bund → Shanghai Tower → Nanjing East Road Pedestrian Street → Yuyuan Garden → City God Temple Night Market. Day 2: Zhujiajiao Ancient Town (all day) → Return and visit Xintiandi (Shikumen architecture + bar street). Day 3: Shanghai Museum → Wukang Road - Anfu Road Area → West Bund Art District → Xuhui Riverside Sunset. Day 4: Disneyland (all day, tickets from 435 RMB) or Tianzifang → Sinan Road → Dapuqiao Sun Moon Light Center. 8. Budget Control Tips Off-peak travel: Visit popular attractions (like Disneyland) on weekdays for fewer crowds and some ticket discounts. Local recommendations: Use “Dianping” to filter highly rated, low-cost restaurants, avoid overpriced tourist spots. Combo ticket discounts: Purchase the “Shanghai City Tourism Card” for discounts on some attractions and transportation. Free activities: Follow the “Shanghai Release” WeChat account for free exhibition, performance, and market information. Shanghai’s charm lies in its inclusiveness—you can spend a fortune dining at a rooftop restaurant on the Bund overlooking the night view, or spend 10 RMB on a steaming bowl of wontons at an alley entrance. With reasonable planning, you can check off classic landmarks and also dive deep into local life in the streets. This city always has new stories waiting to be discovered, and all you need is curiosity to start an exciting journey in the Magic City.