Shanghai, China: a massive city with plenty to do, plenty to eat, and even more plenty to shop.
Being someone who had never visited China before, I came home from my Shanghai trip with the realization that it isn’t for those without street smarts or a plan to make the most out of one’s time there. As one of the biggest cities in the world, Shanghai can get overwhelming pretty quickly, especially when you don’t know where to go, what to do, and how to get around. Once you do, though, I guarantee that it will bring you exciting and memorable experiences you wouldn’t have expected to have in your lifetime. (It did for me, after all.)
Now, I may not be an expert yet on Shanghai travels, but I’ve created this mini guide of tips and recommendations that fellow first-timers can follow to make their trip easy, painless, and hassle-free!
BEFORE YOU FLY
Here’s a checklist of things you’ll need prior to your trip to Shanghai, China:
1. Chinese Visa: We recommend visiting your trusted travel agency to help you compile and submit all the needed documents as well as answer the application form (which you can find here.)
2. A VPN or an eSIM: Many social media apps and websites we use on the daily are banned in China, so installing a VPN or purchasing an eSIM (with a built-in VPN) would help you access these apps while you’re there.
3. Have a translator app: Having this always ready can help you overcome the language barrier.
4. Load up your GCash: Most of the stores and restaurants accept mobile payment through Alipay+, which means it’s even more convenient because you can pay using your GCash. (More on this later!) No need to purchase local currency beforehand; just load up your GCash and you’re good to go.
WHAT TO DO
I was in Shanghai just for four days but was able to see and do a lot of things, and the best part about these places is that I was able to use GCash as my mode of payment for anything, whether it’s food, entrance fees, and pasalubong!
Here’s what we did that we highly recommend you to add to your itinerary too!
1. Visit Shanghai Disneyland
This is a MUST-DO when in Shanghai! This magical place features rides and attractions that are so different from other Disney Parks and can only be found there. Zootopia, to be precise, is the newest land which has been open just for a year now and it’s so immersive, larger-than-life, and fun for those who are big fans of the film.
As mentioned, Shanghai Disneyland’s rides are unique and should not be missed. A handful of them make use of state-of-the-art technology that really pulls you into their worlds, as though you’re in the middle of all the action.
And the variety of merch around the park is spectacular! I had to stop myself from buying so much stuff.
2. Stroll around Yu Garden
Yu Garden is a traditional Chinese garden located beside the City God Temple which is a beautiful place with peaceful scenery, lush greenery, and areas to sit down and relax.
One of the highlights for me too is that right at the exit of the Yu Garden is a huge, bustling market where you can shop for souvenirs, street food, and so much more! It’s here where you can try one of the best baos you can ever sink your teeth into, and check out a POP MART shop that’s less crowded than its flagship branch.
3. Eat, eat, eat the local cuisine
Whether it’s at fine dining restaurants or street food stalls, you have to indulge in local cuisine. I’m not exaggerating when I say that it’s in Shanghai where I got to try possibly the best xialongbao I’ve ever had. I also couldn’t stop myself from getting warm tea everywhere I went; they were just so good!
4. Shop ‘til you drop!
From luxury malls to local markets, there’s no limit to where you can shop in Shanghai. The places I went to in particular were The Bund Finance Center where I bought pastries, a book, and tons of blind boxes and cute anik-anik; New World City Mall where I bought anime merch, accessories, and more cute souvenirs; and the entirety of Nanjing Shopping Street which had tons of international brands and local products from end to end, including the POP MART flagship, an Apple Store, and the largest Starbucks Reserve in Asia.
Fortunately, it was easy to pay for everything I bought using GCash. I just had to tell the cashier that I would be paying via Alipay+ and then open my GCash app to click the center “QR” button on the dashboard. I then choose “Pay abroad with Alipay+” and then generate a QR Code for them to scan. So seamless and hassle-free!
I appreciate too how it didn’t charge any service fee, had a low forex rate, and offered exclusive discounts and promos. Plus, I instantly got in-app notifications per transaction where I could already view the Peso equivalent of every purchase. It was much more convenient for me to keep track of my budget this way!
FINAL THOUGHTS
I know I barely scratched the surface of what there is to see and do in Shanghai, China and I look forward to the day when I get to come back here to experience even more. Truly one of the most memorable trips I’ve had and surprisingly easy for first-time travelers, especially when you use GCash to pay for everything.
Do you have stories and tips to share with fellow first-time travelers to Shanghai? Share them in the comments!
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