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From travelers in China right now — answered by expats and our team. No marketing fluff, no AI guesswork.
Shanghai questions
13 questionsWhat should travelers expect regarding the cost and typicality of Chinese New Year dinners?
Budget 300 to 500 yuan per person for a standard restaurant reunion set in Shanghai 2026; premium venues run 2,000 yuan and up.
Is British Airways worth the additional cost compared to China Eastern for flights to Shanghai?
Budget 1,150 GBP round-trip on BA versus 580 GBP on MU for London-Shanghai economy in 2026; the gap is roughly 50%.
Where can I find well-preserved old lane houses in Shanghai?
Walk Wukang Road and Fuxing Middle Road for the densest cluster of protected lane houses — 37 listed buildings on Wukang alone.
Which hotel is better for sightseeing and shopping in Shanghai: Marriott Marquis City Center or Conrad Shanghai?
Pick the Marriott Marquis for sightseeing and shopping — it sits on Nanjing Road and People's Square with Metro Lines 1, 2, and 8 in one block.
When is the best time to see cherry blossoms at Gucun Park in Shanghai?
Peak bloom 2026 runs March 21 to April 9; the early-bloom phase March 9–20 is sparser but quieter.
Can I use cash or credit cards in Shanghai or do I need Alipay
Install Alipay before flying and link Visa, Mastercard, JCB, or Discover; verification can take 24 hours.
Where exactly is this viewing spot located and how do I get there?
Take Metro Line 12 to Tiantong Road, Exit G, then walk 10 minutes north on Qinyuan Road; entry is free and 24/7.
Can I use cash in Shanghai or do I need Alipay
Install Alipay before departure and verify your passport over Wi-Fi at home; in-China verification can stall for 24 hours.
How to transfer between Hongqiao and Pudong airports Shanghai
Take the Airport Link Line for ¥26 — 40-minute transfer between Pudong and Hongqiao, versus 90+ minutes on Metro Line 2.
What is the fastest transportation option from Shanghai PVG Airport to the cruise terminal when facing a tight boarding deadline?
Use a metered airport taxi or Didi; budget ¥220 to ¥280 and 60 to 90 minutes from PVG to Dongdaming Road.
How can I avoid smoky taxis and rude drivers when using ride-sharing in Shanghai?
Pick Didi Premier (¥21 base) or Luxe over Express to cut smoking incidents — premium drivers lose payouts after complaints.
Can a married tourist share a hotel room with a local Chinese citizen in Shanghai without legal issues?
Verify on Trip.com that the hotel accepts both 'Mainland Chinese ID' and 'Passports/Foreign Guests' before booking — single-listing properties reject mixed groups.