Shanghai
Shanghai, meaning "Above the sea," is a vibrant international metropolis offering a rich blend of ancient Chinese culture and modern development. As China's most utilized cruise port, it serves a significant number of visitors.
Cruise ships may dock at one of two main terminals. The Shanghai International Cruise Terminal (SICT), an award-winning facility close to the famous Bund, features over 430,000 sq ft of retail space within a riverside park. However, it cannot accommodate ships larger than 87,000 tons, meaning it primarily caters to luxury cruise lines like Crystal, Seabourn, Silversea, Regent, and Oceania. This terminal is approximately 3-4 kilometers (1.9-2.5 miles) from central downtown areas like the Bund and Nanjing Road. Be aware that sometimes ships may dock at a distant berth without direct terminal access.
For larger vessels, the new Wusong International Cruise Terminal, a state-of-the-art facility costing over US$200 million, is located about 15 miles north of the city. This expansive terminal includes a four-story building for ticketing, waiting, and customs (with immigration procedures reportedly taking only 48 seconds), alongside 300,000m2 of shopping streets, hotels, and cultural centers. Before Wusong opened, large ships might have used Waigaoqiao, located 15 miles to the east. Shanghai also benefits from a 144-hour visa-exemption transit policy for eligible nationalities, implemented since January 30, 2016.
Getting Around from the Port
From Shanghai International Cruise Terminal (SICT): Given its proximity (3-4 km / 1.9-2.5 miles) to the Bund and Nanjing Road, the city center is easily accessible by taxi or public transportation.
From Wusong International Cruise Terminal:
- Port Shuttles: Free port shuttles will transport you to Baoyang Road Station, where you can connect to the subway.
- Subway: From Baoyang Road Station (via shuttle or taxi), take subway Line 3 to Shanghai Railway Station. Change to Line 1 for People's Square Station, then change to Line 2 to reach East Nanjing Road Station, which is a short walk to the Bund. Shanghai's MRT system is excellent, with English station names and announcements, and even Wi-Fi connectivity underground.
- Taxis: While Shanghai is quite walkable, taxis are cheap and plentiful for getting around. Be cautious of touts who will overcharge; walk a short distance away from the immediate terminal area to find an honest cab. Always ensure the driver uses the meter. Most cab drivers speak only Chinese, so it's advisable to have your destination written in Chinese characters or use a map from a guidebook that includes both English and Chinese names.
- Pudong Airport Connection: The Wusong terminal is about a 50-minute drive from Pudong Airport. Alternatively, you can take the Maglev train (over 400 km/h) from Pudong to the city, then a taxi.
Attractions and Activities
Shanghai offers a wealth of attractions for a day in port:
Top City Sights:
- The Bund: A must-visit, especially just before sunset, to witness Shanghai's spectacular city lights. Enjoy the bracing air and European-style architecture from the 1920s-1940s. Consider a river cruise for the best views of the illuminated skyline, active from dusk until lights turn off around 10 p.m.
- Nanjing Road: Known as "China's No. 1 commercial street," this 5.5-kilometer (3.4 miles) stretch boasts over 600 shops and sees 1.7 million visitors daily. Ideal for shoppers.
- Oriental Pearl TV Tower: A modern symbol of Shanghai, standing 468 meters (1536 feet) tall. It's Asia's tallest and the world's third-highest TV tower, offering impressive city views.
- Yuyuan Garden: Explore Shanghai's largest ancient garden, showcasing classical Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture across six distinct areas, with the Grand Rockery as its most famous feature.
- Shanghai Museum: A treasure house of ancient Chinese art, housing 120,000 precious relics including bronzes, pottery, paintings, and calligraphies. Its unique design resembles a Han Dynasty bronze mirror or an ancient Ding vessel.
- Jade Buddha Temple: One of Shanghai's most famous Buddhist temples, home to exquisite White Jade Buddhas brought from Burma in the 19th century – one seated and one in a recumbent position.
- Historical Sites: Visit the Site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China, where the party was founded in 1921, or the Former Residence of Sun Yat-sen, dedicated to the revered Chinese revolutionary leader.
Independent Touring:
- Hop-on/Hop-off Tours: An excellent way to see many of Shanghai's highlights efficiently.
- Nearby Water Towns: For a change of pace, consider a trip to picturesque ancient water towns like Zhujiajiao or Qibao Ancient Town. These offer a glimpse into traditional Chinese life with ancient houses, rivers, and flagstone-paved roads, located within 1-2 hours of the city.
Dining & Shopping
Shanghai lives up to its nickname, the "Oriental Paris," especially for shoppers. Nanjing Road is a must-visit for its sheer volume of shops, while Huaihai Road caters to modern and fashionable tastes. For everyday items, Sichuan North Road is popular, and major shopping centers like Xujiahui, Yuyuan Shopping City, and Jiali Sleepless City offer a wide range of goods. When shopping in large department stores in the morning, be prepared for loud communist party songs playing before they switch to more typical elevator music.
If you visit Western-style shopping malls, be aware that many goods may be counterfeit. Bargaining is expected and often intense. A common tactic is to show the amount of cash you're willing to pay and then walk away; if they gesture you back, you can finalize the deal. Always remain courteous.
Dining in Shanghai is an enjoyable experience. Restaurants often cluster in specific city areas, marked by colorful decorations. Look for places popular with local Chinese families. Many menus feature pictures, and seafood is often kept alive in tanks. Dining can be a noisy, lively affair with less formal etiquette than in some Western countries.
Safety
- Taxis: Be vigilant for taxi touts near tourist areas and terminals who may overcharge. Always insist the meter is used.
- Counterfeit Currency: While rare, you might occasionally receive a small-denomination counterfeit bill. There's little you can do, so consider it a souvenir.
- Drinking Water: Only consume bottled water, and it's advisable to use it even for brushing your teeth. Exercise common precautions when eating out.
- Navigation: If using a guidebook, ensure it's the latest edition due to Shanghai's rapid development. Maps should include both English and Chinese characters to aid communication with taxi drivers.
- Online Access: Be aware that Facebook and other Western social media platforms are blocked in China.
- Emergency Number: The emergency number in China is 110.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY), also known as Renminbi (RMB). While major credit cards are accepted in many establishments, it's wise to carry some local currency. Be aware that you may occasionally receive a small-denomination counterfeit bill; there is little recourse, so simply keep it as a souvenir.