Solo Travel in Shanghai: How to Plan & 12 Best Things To Do

Are you planning a solo trip to Shanghai and looking for a guide to make the most of your trip? Look no further! In this guide, I share my experience as a solo traveler in Shanghai, provide tips on planning your stay, and include the best ways to explore and discover the many sides of this wonderful buzzing city!

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My Experience as A Solo Traveler in Shanghai

Shanghai is indeed real China, yet it stands out as one of the most economically developed and multicultural cities, with around 39% of its population being migrants. 

This diversity means you won’t experience the culture shock as intensely as in smaller cities. While the average Chinese person might not speak English, you’ll likely meet teenagers and expats who can help if needed.

I know that traveling to Shanghai alone may seem daunting. It’s a vast metropolis that never sleeps, with its bright lights always on, literally and figuratively. You might feel small against the backdrop of those infinite skyscrapers, where the lives of millions and the business of billions flow. 

However, I can offer you a new perspective. I’ve never felt tiny in Shanghai, Beijing, or Guangzhou. Instead, I’ve always felt part of something vibrant, full of life, humanity, and laughter.

What I love about China, and one reason I keep going back, is the palpable sense of safety that makes you feel like going out, meeting people, and being open to adventures.

You see girls casually strolling around in pajamas at night, stepping out of their dorms to grab something to eat at the nearby 7-Eleven. They don’t even glance over their shoulders; they feel secure, knowing nothing will happen.

For all these reasons, Shanghai is the ideal starting point for a first-time solo travel adventure in China. It allows you to gradually immerse yourself in Chinese culture and explore the many layers of what real China is all about.

Is Shanghai Safe For Solo Female Travelers?

​​I’ve always felt safe in Shanghai and China as a whole. While common sense is always helpful when traveling alone in big cities, the crime rate in Shanghai is low. 

By common sense, I mean avoiding less-frequented streets at night and keeping an eye on your belongings in major tourist areas—things you’d likely do anywhere. 

One of the advantages of traveling to Shanghai in terms of safety is the availability of taxis and Didi (the Chinese equivalent of Uber) at any time. So, if you’re uncomfortable walking back to your hotel, you can call a taxi for a very low price. 

Another plus is the subway system. While the trains can be crowded, they are filled with police officers and CCTV cameras, making pickpocketing uncommon. I’ve never heard of any petty crimes while living in China.

The only unusual thing you might experience is people staring at you or taking pictures without asking (though sometimes they do ask). I’ve come to understand that this is just curiosity.

While it can be unsettling to have people take pictures of you, they often don’t grasp the concept of privacy, so it’s completely normal to them. There’s not much you can do about it except politely ask them to stop, even if they might not understand you. Overall, solo female travel in Shanghai is considered safe.

Where To Stay in Shanghai?

As a solo traveler in Shanghai, you want to feel safe while being in the heart of the action. I recommend staying in two areas perfect for the central location, access to public transportation, and entertainment options.

The first and probably my favorite area to stay in Shanghai is Jing’an, which is often considered the heart of Old Shanghai. This area is ideal not only because it’s close to major attractions like Yuyuan Garden, Jing’an Temple, the Jade Buddha Temple, and the Bund, but also because it comes alive in the evenings. 

You can step out of your hotel and quickly find something to eat or discover a lively street to explore at night, truly feeling part of the city. There are so many restaurants, bars, shopping options, and entertainment options that attract both the younger crowd and the expat community. It’s the ideal area if you want to connect with other travelers and expats.

The second area to consider for your stay in Shanghai is Huangpu, where the modernity of new Shanghai meets the charm of its old ways. Huangpu is home to some of the city’s most famous sights: Laoximen, the buildings of the French Concession, and People’s Square. 

Here, you can feel the city breathing and living beneath you from your hotel window. However, I’d suggest steering clear of accommodations directly on Nanjing Lu. The city there is so lively that it might feel like the traffic and noise are hosting an all-night concert, making it a bit challenging to get a good night’s sleep!

Best Time To Visit Shanghai

Shanghai is best visited during two key periods: late September to October and April. If you’re considering September and October, avoid the first week of October due to the national holiday (everyone is traveling).

After that week, Shanghai will be less crowded than you would imagine, with neither rain nor hot weather. For a better experience, aim to visit the main sights on weekdays. 

As I always say, China has plenty of humanity, and you’ll notice this when visiting the main popular sights in a big city. 

April is another fantastic time to explore Shanghai. The city is adorned with blooming flowers, which add a special touch to its parks and gardens.

Flying to Shanghai: Airlines & Transportation

Traveling to Shanghai in September/October and April offers ideal weather and ensures lower flight and hotel prices, as these months are considered the shoulder season. 

Numerous airlines operate flights to Shanghai depending on where you’re departing from. From Italy, I typically fly with Chinese airlines, as they provide direct flights, and my experiences have been positive (though I’m not very particular about food and comfort).

Before the pandemic, I traveled with Hainan Airlines and flew with China Eastern and China Southern in 2024. Based on my experience, Chinese airlines all offer a comparable quality of service, and the guests are mainly Chinese with few foreign faces.

Best Way to Go from The Airport to Your Accommodation

Shanghai has two international airports, Hongqiao and Pudong. The options below are valid when landing at either airport.

Licensed Taxi

As a mid-level Chinese speaker who can quickly tell when someone is trying to scam me, I’ve always relied on taxis to get from the airport to my accommodation. For a 40-60 minute ride in a city like Shanghai, expect to spend around 200¥, which is about $27.

Once you grab your luggage, ignore the drivers offering rides and follow the marked taxi signs as you exit the airport. Have your hotel address written in clear Chinese characters for the driver to read, and check that the meter is turned on so you can see the final price.

When you board the taxi, you’ll notice a pre-set rate of around ¥10. After that, the ride should be seamless.

Be sure to have some cash on hand, as your phone might take its sweet time adjusting to being in China. It’s like it needs a couple of days to get over jet lag before deciding to work (this happened to me with Alipay—it didn’t work for two days, and then suddenly it did without any intervention). So, having cash is a good backup plan. Don’t expect drivers to have change.

Private Driver

Another option is booking a private car through Klook, depending on where you land. 

It might be slightly more expensive than taking a taxi (around $40 to downtown Shanghai), but it will save you the hassle of dealing with language barriers when you set foot on Chinese soil.

Visa Requirements & Travel Documents

Since the end of 2024, China has extended a unilateral visa-free policy for 38 countries, allowing their citizens to stay for up to 30 days without needing a visa until the end of 2025.

If you are not from one of these countries, you will need to apply for an L visa to travel to mainland China for a maximum of 30 days. I recommend applying for your visa a few months before departure to ensure everything is processed on time.

You can apply at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country or through an official visa application center. To apply, you’ll need the following travel documents: an original passport valid for at least six months, a completed visa application form filled out online, a recently taken colored passport photo, round-trip flight tickets, and proof of hotel reservation.

I suggest frequently checking the Chinese Visa Application Service Center website for the latest updates, as requirements can change depending on your nationality or local circumstances.

Packing Tips & Travel Essentials

When packing for Shanghai, you won’t need anything too specific. The weather in September, October, and April is generally warm, with a slight chill at night. 

If the temperatures drop, a light jacket and a sweater will be handy. A rainproof jacket is also wise, as surprise showers are not the norm but may happen. 

Comfortable walking shoes are a must—you’ll be taking plenty of steps and don’t want sore feet slowing you down. This packing list includes all the essentials you can’t miss while traveling to China. I have to highlight the low-power power bank so you won’t have to leave it at the first railway station you visit.

Useful Applications in China

E-Sim or VPN

For shorter stays, I highly recommend getting an eSIM. It’s the easiest option. Providers like Airalo and Holafly offer unlimited data and seamless installation. Just activate the eSIM before you land, and you’ll be connected and able to use your usual apps without a VPN once in China.

If your phone doesn’t support an eSIM, you can buy a SIM card at the airport, and the shop assistant will activate it. Activation can take a couple of hours, so you might be without internet (unless you connect to Wi-Fi) for the first day. 

If you go down this route, subscribe to a VPN before departing. Express VPN and Nord VPN have worked well for me, connecting without issues and allowing access to apps blocked in China.

Alipay

In China, digital payments are king. Shops and taxi drivers rarely have change, so being able to pay digitally is the best option and, to be honest, the most convenient. 

Alipay lets you link your account to your bank and withdraw funds. Look for the blue Alipay sign with the QR code (as opposed to the green one for WeChat) to scan and pay. If the merchant scans you, click your app’s second button (pay/receive).

WeChat

You’ll only need WeChat if you plan to communicate with locals, such as guides or hotel staff. In China, activating it might require help from a long-term user connected to WeChat Pay due to verification processes. 

It’s best to ask staff members for assistance; they’ve likely handled this before. If local communication isn’t needed, you can bypass WeChat and use Alipay to make payments, book Didi rides, and order takeout.

Pleco & Google Translate

These apps will be so helpful for communication. While I encourage learning a few basic phrases to connect with locals (they’ll be thrilled if you speak even a word of Chinese), translation apps are necessary. 

Pleco is great for translating individual words, so if you’re in a supermarket or restaurant and need to convey what you’re looking for, it can help. Google Translate is helpful for entire conversations, as Chinese people often use a similar version and are familiar with its functionality.

Baidu Maps, Metroman & Iphone Maps

I highly suggest downloading multiple map applications before departing, just in case you realize one of them is incorrect (Google Maps is an example). If you have an iPhone, you shouldn’t worry; the iPhone map works perfectly for street view and metro journeys.

If you don’t have an iPhone, Metroman can be helpful for subway journeys, and Baidu (a Chinese application) can help you move around the city.

Solo Dining in Shanghai

In Shanghai and China, you’ll generally notice many people eating alone during the day and at night, particularly the younger audience, such as students or collar workers who have just finished their shift. 

When living in China, I felt people eat whenever they get hungry without respecting the split of breakfast, lunch, and dinner unless they have a family dinner planned where they eat together.

For this reason, restaurants that are more like canteens than restaurants are generally open until late at night, around 9. And you’ll see people eating at all times.

When it comes to breakfast, Chinese people usually don’t stop at a coffee shop to have their coffee but stop at the corner street food vendor that prepares the Jian Bing, a savory Chinese crepe filled with vegetables, a kind of meat, and sauces.

In cities like Shanghai, particularly around the Jing’an and Huangpu districts, it is more common to find Western-inspired coffee shops where you can grab something for breakfast if it’s not included in your hotel offer. 

When it comes to lunch and dinner, finding something new to try every day is much easier.

The Yuyuan Bazaar and Huanghe Road near People’s Square offer excellent spots to discover canteens and street food stalls perfect for a quick meal.

However, if you don’t know what to eat or where to stop, follow your instinct. If the restaurant is filled with locals, it is probably good and worth a try.

Here’s a list of what you have to try when in Shanghai: Xiaolongbao, Baozi, Fried Dumplings and Soup Dumplings, Shengjian Dumplings, Shanghai fried noodles

12 Best Things To Do in Shanghai As A Solo Traveler

Shanghai is a big city. We all know that. After ticking off the most popular sights (that you can easily visit in three days), you could spend over a month diving into its art, urban planning, photography, and history museums, not to mention the politically and historically significant buildings along the Bund.

However, some experiences (more than others) transport you back to the essence of real China, or at least a slightly modern version of it.

While Shanghai’s skyline is striking—and it couldn’t be any other way—it’s also essential to get lost on the other side of the Yangtze River if you want to uncover some raw Chinese authenticity.

Discovering both sides of Shanghai is the key to fully experiencing this city, which is evolving at the speed of light, whether we want it or not.

The Authentic and Old Side of Shanghai

1. Street Food Tour at Yuyuan Bazaar

Yuyuan Bazaar, in the heart of Shanghai’s old city, is the perfect starting point for your Shanghai adventure. Located next to the popular Yuyuan Garden and the Taoist Temple of the Town God, this lively market area features traditional Chinese-style buildings. 

It’s one of the busiest spots in Shanghai and is worth visiting both in the morning and evening. The last time I was there, around 9 pm, the tourist crowds had already left, making it easier to soak in the atmosphere. While not all food stalls are open at that hour, you’ll still find something to satisfy your hunger if you’re not too picky.

This is the place to try out some of the best local dishes in town. At Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao, you can taste the delicious xiao long bao, which is considered the best in the country. Try the stuffed buns I adore, baozi, and Yangchun Noodles.

2. Discover the Artistic District of Tianzifang

I visited Tianzifang for the first time during my last trip to China. It’s a must-see if you’re drawn to the charm of artistic districts with a hippie vibe. I loved the flower decorations throughout the narrow alleyways.

Despite drawing in tourists now, families have lived here for generations, and you can sense the community spirit as shop owners and residents chat happily in front of their doorways, coffee cups in hand. 

The district is a network of three main north-south lanes intersecting with east-west alleys, making getting lost easily without a map.

Be sure to explore every corner. While the initial areas are packed with souvenir shops, you’ll also discover design studios, cozy cafes, bars like Kommune and Bell Bar, unique boutiques, and creative startups.

3. Day Trip to Zhujiajiao

When you’ve had enough of Shanghai’s skyscrapers and its nonstop energy, consider a day trip to Zhujiajiao. 

Located about 50 km from downtown Shanghai, Zhujiajiao offers a look into a completely different side of the city. It’s one of the closest and best-preserved ancient water towns near Shanghai, where life moves slowly, mirroring the waterways that wind through its narrow alleys. 

Here, people sit outside in the sun, leaving their windows and doors open, inviting you to witness the simplicity of their lives. 

While they’re used to tourists, the town retains its authentic charm. You can wander through the nine main streets, including Beidajie, the most preserved and popular with tourists due to its restaurants. 

I highly recommend exploring with a map, as getting lost and missing sights is easy. Some attractions, like the Kezhi Garden and the Ming Dynasty Post Office, require a separate entrance fee.

4. Visit One or More Buddhist Temples

Visiting Buddhist temples in China is a fantastic way to connect with another aspect of Chinese culture: religion and spirituality. 

Amidst the bright lights and shopping malls, Shanghai might seem all about excess, luxury, and modernity. That’s why I love visiting temples. 

Time seems to stop within the temples’ grounds, and the atmosphere is calm—a stark contrast to life outside, which never stops. 

The most significant temples in Shanghai are the Jade Buddha Temple, Jing’an Temple, and Longhua Temple. To truly experience the temples at their best, I highly recommend visiting early in the morning, right at opening time, usually around 7:30 am. 

By visiting these temples, you’ll appreciate the typical Chinese architecture, characterized by courtyards, adorned halls, and sloped roofs. You’ll also learn more about Buddhist philosophy and witness the majesty of some of the most beautiful Buddha statues. 

Personally, nothing brings me more peace than gazing at Buddhas—they have quite an impact on me. At the same time, I prefer visiting temples nestled in nature, but skipping these when you’re in Shanghai would be a missed opportunity.

5. Explore the Yuyuan Garden

The Yuyuan Garden is probably the most popular attraction in the Huangpu District, in the heart of old Shanghai. 

If you’ve never had the chance to admire the beauty of a Ming-style garden, like those in Suzhou, this one is worth a visit. 

To make the most of your experience, aim to go on a weekday and early in the morning. The crowds can significantly detract from the garden’s intended atmosphere of peace, calm, and rejuvenation, which will, in turn, affect your impression of it.

I’ve visited twice, and despite being in the same place, it felt completely different each time.

Although the garden isn’t massive, it features all the elements a classic Chinese garden should have. Among the standard features like the dreamy lotus pond, picturesque stone bridges, red-painted walls, and sloped roofs, the rockeries are particularly impressive.

Notably, the Jade Rock, standing at 3.3 meters tall with 72 holes, is considered one of the most significant in southern China.

6. Discover What’s Left of the Old Laoximen District

Laoximen is one of Shanghai’s oldest districts, but it is undergoing an urban development project to modernize it. 

In 2017, the long-standing communities that had lived there for decades were relocated to other parts of the city. Since then, the area has become almost empty, but you can still wander through its winding lanes and feel the history lingering in the air among the shikumen-style, low-stone buildings. 

You’ll notice it in the writings and drawings on the walls, in the shops—whether closed or still open—that have served these communities for years, and in the Art Deco architecture that hints at the past Western influences.

Some older residents remain. Although life here isn’t unfolding as it once did, it’s still very much alive in the villas, houses, and the names of the lanes.

If you are traveling to Shanghai, visit Laoximen. This is a carpe diem moment, and we don’t know how long visitors will have access to such a precious and authentic piece of China.

7. Witness the Marriage Market in People’s Park

The marriage market held in People’s Park is one of the most entertaining experiences in Shanghai. 

From a Western perspective, it might seem outdated, but it’s still highly valued in China. Here, parents and grandparents “advertise” their children and grandchildren with posters displaying personal information and highlights to attract potential partners. 

The fun part is that the actual people involved aren’t present—only their parents are there, discussing and negotiating with each other.

Make sure to go on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am when the Marriage Market is busiest. 

The Modern & New Side of Shanghai

8. Stroll Around the Bund

Strolling around the Bund is likely the first thing to do for anyone wanting to grasp what Shanghai is about: dynamism and modernity. 

The energy here is palpable as countless people chat and snap pictures of the Pudong skyline across the river.

The Bund is located on the left bank of the Yangtze River, where all the concession-era buildings stand. Today, you’ll find Shanghai’s most powerful banks housed in neoclassical buildings. This area is also home to upscale restaurants, boutiques, and hotels.

9. Sunset River Cruise 

Another way to soak in the Bund and skyline atmosphere is by booking a ticket for a river cruise. 

The ideal time is at sunset, after a long day of walking, just as the sky turns shades of red and the city lights begin to sparkle. The cruise lasts about 45 minutes and offers unobstructed views of both sides of the river.

I’ve done it for the first time in 2024, and it was probably one of the best moments I spent in Shanghai. You can truly appreciate the surroundings without the crowds you’d encounter on the Bund. It’s a perfect opportunity to relax and take in the views. 

This is the kind of moment where you stop walking and start realizing where you are and what a vibrant, alive city Shanghai is. And you’re part of it. This is the tour I took.

10. Go to the top of the Shanghai Tower

Another way to witness Shanghai’s view is to climb one of its famous skyscrapers.

While you have many options, I believe the spiral-shaped Shanghai Tower is the best choice. Not only is it the tallest building in Shanghai at 632 meters and the third tallest in the world, but it also features the world’s highest sky deck, reached by the fastest elevator.

From the top, you can enjoy stunning views of the Jinmao Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center, and the iconic Pearl Tower.

The ticket price isn’t low, so if you go up, ensure the weather is nice, and the sky is clear from clouds to get the best view possible. 

If I had to choose between the river cruise and the skyscraper climb, I’d still go for the river cruise. However, if you’re craving that adrenaline rush from scaling one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers and seeing Shanghai from above, it’s definitely worth it.

11. Stroll Around the Pudong District

The first time I explored the Pudong side of the river, I remember calling my mom to tell her how everything looked too perfect to be in China—it was so different from what I had gotten used to. 

I told her it felt like stepping into District 1 of the Hunger Games or New Greenwich from the movie In Time.

That said, a short stroll through this almost-too-perfect part of Shanghai is still worth it. It has nothing in common with the China you’ve seen on the other side of the river. 

The sleek skyscrapers and meticulously maintained streets create a scene that feels straight out of the future. Around you, businesspeople in dark-windowed cars, while tourists like you wander, half-wondering if they’ve somehow stepped into another city without realizing it. It’s almost a surreal experience.  

12. Shopping and Dining in Xintiandi

Located close to the Shanghai Museum, Xintiandi is an area where older shikumen-style buildings have been transformed to host modern commercial activities like bars, restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques.

It’s one of the most popular spots in Shanghai, and it is mainly visited by tourists who want to stroll around and indulge in some upscale shopping and dining.

Unlike Tianzifang, where people lived, Xintiandi was created with tourists in mind. However, it’s worth a short visit to see how traditional architecture has been reimagined into one of Shanghai’s most attractive shopping areas.

Where to Go After Shanghai

Hopefully, this solo travel guide provided helpful tips for tackling your Shanghai adventure. Now, you feel more empowered than ever to explore many other cities in China. This China travel guide collects all the necessary information to plan your trip.

Shanghai is a central enough location to allow you to visit other nearby (or not) corners of Eastern China.

The closer options include visiting the charming water town of Suzhou or discovering the classical Chinese beauty of Hangzhou. Both cities are so near yet so different from bustling Shanghai that they will seem like entirely different settings.

If you crave a deep dive into China’s most renowned historical sites, you can hop on a high-speed train to Beijing, just six hours away.

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