Shanghai is a city of contrasts. It is both a business hub and a modern, hip hangout. In addition to its many famous attractions, Shanghai is also a shopping mecca. Here are some Shanghai travel tips to make the most of your visit. First, take a taxi. A cab from the airport after Cathay Pacific flights to Shanghai to the city center costs around 200-250 yuan each way. It is also highly recommended to take a cab if you have a lot of luggage.
It’s a business hub
With the influx of foreign investment, Shanghai is re-establishing itself as Asia’s financial powerhouse. Wall Street is eying the commercial hub, and leading US financial institutions are taking advantage of bold new government measures to liberalize the financial industry. In March, Morgan Stanley completed a $1 billion buyout of a Shanghai fund management company.
Shanghai has a robust financial market system. This includes the stock, currency, and foreign exchange markets. In the last year, the city’s imports and exports totaled RMB 4.06 trillion. The EU was Shanghai’s largest trading partner in 2021, accounting for 15.8 percent of Shanghai’s total trade. The United States, Japan, and Germany were Shanghai’s second and third-largest partners.
The city has taken measures to make its environment more sustainable. Various energy-saving strategies have been implemented, including solar hot water, greywater recycling, and co-generation from the central district plant. This has made it possible for more than half of the Hub’s buildings to achieve a three-star rating from the China Green Building standard.
Shanghai has also invested in its infrastructure. The city has one of the largest underground railway networks in the world, spanning nearly 250 miles. It also has a modern metro system and high-speed rail hubs. Shanghai’s infrastructure will be easier to use, which will help increase its competitiveness.
It’s a trendy hangout
Shanghai’s trendy hangouts are plentiful and include such infamous bars as Bar Rouge, the city’s most renowned nightclub. The glitterati are known to congregate here, and it’s worth visiting the bar’s roof terrace for its incredible views. The club is a must-see for those traveling to Shanghai, but be sure to dress accordingly, as the entrance fee is usually RMB100.
If you’re looking for a posh, upscale hangout, look no further than the city’s former French Concession. The area has several hip bars and trendy hangouts, from upscale wine bars to bouncy dance clubs. It’s the perfect place for a romantic date and a night out with friends.
A recent addition to the Shanghai bar scene is Wonderland, an Alice in Wonderland-themed bar. The interior is adorned with a mural of the fictional character. You can also purchase merch here, and on weekends, live music is held. It’s a great spot for a date or a late-night drink after work.
Ye bar is hidden in an old-lane house near the Xuhui District, but if you want a more relaxed hangout, you can go to the former French Concession. The bar features a cozy atmosphere and an extensive selection of American whiskeys. In 2016, it was named Shanghai’s best cocktail bar and it’s definitely worth a visit. The cocktails served here are creative, and the staff is friendly and hospitable.
It’s a shopping mecca
Shanghai is a shopping mecca for visitors from all over the world. The city boasts a wealth of high-end boutiques, as well as international brands such as Chanel and Louis Vuitton. Most of these establishments are located in malls that are easily accessible from the city’s main thoroughfares.
You can find any type of clothing you are looking for in Shanghai. The city’s famous Yong’an Department Store has more than 500 shops and stretches across more than 4.7 acres. Prices are affordable, and many of the stores have tailor shops for bespoke work. Founded in 1918, Yong’an is one of the first department stores in China to carry international brands. It also reflects the prosperity of old Shanghai during the 1920s.
A visit to Shanghai is not complete without a stop at a local market. You can purchase anything from crickets and fish to antiques and clothing. Shanghai also has markets for children’s clothes and flowers. Some of the more quirky items include pirated movies, pirated music, and severed duck heads.
For high-end fashion, you can also make a stop at the Nanjing Road pedestrian mall. It features some of the city’s oldest department stores. It’s also home to a wide range of local specialty shops and traditional eateries.
It’s a cashless society
A few small Chinese banks have recently announced no cash services, marking the latest step in the country’s move toward a cashless society. The Beijing-based Zhongguancun Bank will cease accepting cash by the end of April, and the NewUp Bank of Liaoning will follow suit in March. The move is an effort to reduce the reliance of Chinese citizens on cash for offline purchases. However, the move also has a more serious implication.
China’s largest cities are increasingly turning into cashless cities. Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Beijing have all made the transition to mobile payments, with some cities achieving near-cashless status. Beijing’s development in this area is particularly encouraging, and experts refer to Beijing as a prototype for a cashless society.
In addition to using mobile payment services, more restaurants and shops are switching to these methods. While this has numerous advantages, it also creates a financial divide between those who can and cannot pay. While many businesses in China have moved toward a cashless society, many others are hesitant. Moreover, older people, rural residents, and visitors from other countries find it difficult to pay using cash.
Despite the broader benefits of a cashless society, some are wary that it will leave some communities behind. For example, not everyone has access to a debit card or a smartphone with a mobile wallet.
It’s a cultural melting pot
With the influence of western culture and architecture, Shanghai is a city that is both unique and familiar. Its famous Bund district is home to many beautiful buildings. Legendary warlords and merchants built grand mansions on tree-lined avenues. Several foreign countries have their own history in Shanghai, and their heritage is evident in its buildings and architecture.
As a result, the city’s interior design is a fusion of old and new. The city has struggled to balance traditions and modernity, and has successfully blended the two into a unique blend of styles. Some buildings are influenced by Art Deco, while others are more traditional and modern.
Shanghai’s cultural curation has increased significantly in recent years, and a number of museums have been established to promote local and regional art. The city has several world-class museums, including the Shanghai Museum, which has the largest collection of Chinese artifacts. The China Art Museum, located in the former China Pavilion of the World Expo, and the Shanghai Power Station of Art are two other noteworthy museums in the city.
Shanghai’s diversity and cultural identity have made the city an international financial center. The city is also home to the world’s busiest port. When China forced the city to open its borders to foreign trade in 1843, many foreigners chose to settle in Shanghai. This allowed the city to become one of the hottest and most voguish cities in the world. Jazz and nightclubs became popular, and Shanghai residents became fashionable and sophisticated. A wide variety of Western-style chain restaurants are also readily available.