As Shanghai evolves into a global hub, foreign travelers have been sharing their recommendations and tips to help others make the most of their visits to China's financial and fashion center.
Since China implemented a 144-hour visa-free policy for citizens of 54 countries in Shanghai and 19 other cities, a large number of foreign visitors have flocked to the country. Statistics show that in the first half of this year, the number of foreign nationals entering China through Shanghai ports reached 2.035 million, nearly 2.8 times the figure from the same period last year.
Traveling in China for a week, Melissa Gallego Quiroz, a Colombian tourist, highlighted the importance of obtaining a SIM card immediately upon arrival, calling it essential for "survival" in China.
After disembarking from her flight, Melissa headed straight to the inbound payment service desk at Pudong Airport Terminal 2. In less than five minutes, her mobile payment service was activated, ensuring she could navigate Shanghai with ease.
The airport also offers a one-stop comprehensive service center for foreign nationals, where visitors can directly obtain a Shanghai transportation card. Equipped with these essentials, travelers can start exploring the city at any time.
"So now I can use the metro and taxi and what is more convenient for you," Quiroz shared.
Filip Filipovic, a Serbian doctoral student at Shanghai's Fudan University, recommended a leisurely walking route.
Before setting out, he used his phone to order a coffee delivered by drone, adding an extra touch of sophistication to his trip.
"Let's go for a walk with a cup of coffee," Filip said.
As he walked along the North Bund in Hongkou District, taking in the urban scenery adorned with towering skyscrapers, Filip arrived at the Garden Bridge of Shanghai, which marks the confluence of the Wusong River.
"Here we have Shanghai's oldest buildings, and right behind us are some of the newest, representing Shanghai's past and future," Filip noted.
Filip's next recommendation was the largest historical district in central Shanghai, fully protected and home to the must-visit Wukang Mansion, a hot selfie spot for its unique architecture style and rich story.
The historical building, designed by a Hungarian-Slovak architect and completed in 1924, has been the residence of many celebrities.
"You can see that this building behind us looks quite old, but it has actually been renovated, using a faithful restoration approach to maintain the original architectural features. The changes in this whole area are reflected in the details, and these details are infusing the city with more vitality," he explained.
In Shanghai, visitors can not only experience the city's modernization but also gain insights into global cultures.
New Zealand businessman Eddie Court discovered that the CIIE Bazaar City Arena and the Greenland Global Commodity Trading Hub are perfect spots for travelers to enjoy a variety of foods and products from around the globe.
"I am confident that the market is going to get stronger and stronger. And we are looking forward to the seventh CIIE (China International Import Expo) expo in November," Court said.
First held in 2018, the CIIE is the world's first national-level expo dedicated to promoting imports. Over the first six expos, more than 10,000 overseas enterprises registered, showcasing over 2,400 new products, technologies, and services.
An exhibition area of over 350,000 square meters has been booked for the seventh CIIE, set to take place in Shanghai from November 5 to November 10 this year.
Foreign travelers share insights for navigating Shanghai, China's global hub
