Shanghai is easily one of the most popular cities in China for backpackers across the globe. Every year, a large number of budget travelers and backpackers arrive in the city to experience China to the fullest. And rarely do they leave disappointed.
Getting Around
Once you are in the city, the first thing that is likely to strike you is the vibrancy and the colorful nature of life here. However, if there’s one thing about Shanghai that the budget traveler should be aware of it’s the traffic. Cars and buses ply the streets here in a heady mass, and using public transportation is often a step too far even for the hardiest of travelers. As a result, walking around the city is a great way of getting to know Shanghai.
Don’t plan to cover too much on foot however, as life here is fast and hectic, and you’ll soon feel weary if you take on too much.
Accommodation
As for staying in Shanghai, there is no dearth of Shanghai hostels in which the backpacker tired from a day spent exploring can soothe his or her flayed nerves. The Phoenix Hostel located on South Yunnan Road, for example, is a Shanghai hostel famous for its good food, decent services and great facilities. It’s also close to many of the city’s landmarks, making it a convenient option.
Plenty of other hostels in Shanghai are just as good: you merely need look around to find the impressive spread of budget accommodation here.
Things to See and Do
While in Shanghai a visit to the Bund has to be high on your list. This embankment has emerged as one of the most famous and the most important streets in the entirety of China, and it makes for great picture-postcard moments.
In order to get the best view of the Bund, you need to walk along the banks of the river and look at the two faces of Shanghai on either side. On one hand is vintage Shanghai, full of classic glamour and glory; while on the other side is a rising city of the future. This awe-inspiring sight that merges the past and the future is one that inevitably lives long in the memory.
A trip to Shanghai is not complete without a visit to the famed gardens of this city. The Yuyuan Garden, built in the ancient Chinese style, is a breathtakingly beautiful structure to look at that proves abidingly popular with visitors to the city. Spending time here is like relaxing in an oasis of calm in the eye of the city’s tumultuous storm.
After the enthusiastic backpacker has checked out most of the city landmarks, he or she can have a great time shopping in the city. Go to Nanjing Road and visit the wide range of shops on offer that sell just about everything you can possibly imagine.
After a tiring day of visiting landmarks and shopping, sitting down and having a cup of tea in any of the famous Shanghai tea houses is an absolute must. Tang Yun is one of the most famous tea shops here – it’s definitely worth a visit.
