Top 10 Travel Tips for Visitors in Beijing & Shanghai
Traveling to Beijing and Shanghai can be one of the most exciting experiences in China — two cities that combine ancient heritage with world-class modern living. However, for first-time overseas visitors, navigating these megacities can feel overwhelming: unfamiliar language, busy transport systems, local customs, digital apps, and differences in daily travel habits.
This guide is designed to help international visitors travel comfortably and confidently in Beijing and Shanghai — with practical, friendly, real-world advice based on how people actually experience these cities today.
Plan Your Itinerary Smartly
Both Beijing and Shanghai offer far more attractions than most first-time visitors can cover in a single trip. Planning well will help you avoid spending time in queues or commuting unnecessarily.
Some helpful principles include:
- Group attractions by area to avoid multiple cross-city trips (e.g., in Beijing: Tiananmen Square + Forbidden City + Jingshan Park in one walkable route)
- Avoid peak hours — mornings from 9–11am and weekend afternoons are busiest
- Pre-book timed tickets for popular landmarks like the Forbidden City or Shanghai Tower
- Factor in walking time, especially in historical sites that cover large areas
Tip for first-timers:
In Beijing, historical and cultural spots are spread out. In Shanghai, major spots cluster along the Bund, People's Square, and the Former French Concession — plan accordingly to save time.
Use Public Transport Efficiently
Both cities offer some of the most efficient metro systems in the world — clean, safe, punctual, and English-friendly at major hubs. For most journeys, the subway is faster than taxis due to traffic during busy hours.
Key tips:
- • Metro is usually the fastest choice during 8am–10am and 4pm–7pm
- • Taxi apps (like DiDi) are convenient but may require a Chinese payment method (WeChat Pay or AliPay)
- • Airport to city
- ◦ Beijing: Airport Express + metro is reliable; taxi can be long queues
- ◦ Shanghai: Maglev + metro works well from Pudong Airport
Light local example:
In Shanghai, Line 2 connects most key stops for tourists (Pudong Airport → People's Square → Jing'an Temple). In Beijing, Line 1 and Line 2 are great starting points to move around major districts.
Choose Accommodation Strategically
Where you stay dramatically affects how convenient your trip feels — especially in megacities where travel time can consume half of your day if you choose the wrong location.
When choosing your hotel or rental:
✓ Prioritize access
Near metro lines, especially for first-time visitors
✓ Pick safe & well-connected neighborhoods
- Beijing: Sanlitun (modern, nightlife), Guomao (business district), Wangfujing (tourist-friendly)
- Shanghai: The Bund/People's Square (central), Jing'an (expat area), Xintiandi/French Concession (walkable dining)
✓ Hotels vs short-term rentals
- Hotels: easier check-in, English support more likely
- Rentals: more home-like, but some buildings have check-in restrictions for foreigners
✓ Check if accommodation helps with travel questions
Concierge-level support can remove stress
Local insight:
Staying too far from metro lines or tourist clusters means paying more in time and taxis every day — something many travelers only realize after arrival.
Stay Connected with SIM Cards & Apps
In China, the digital ecosystem is extremely advanced — from booking taxis to restaurant menus to paying small vendors. Having smooth mobile connectivity is essential for effortless travel.
How to stay connected:
eSIM or local SIM
- • eSIM is the easiest for short-term visitors
- • Airport counters in Beijing/Shanghai usually offer tourist SIM packages
Wi-Fi alone is not enough — many services (taxis / ticket scans / restaurant ordering) require mobile data
Essential apps for travelers
- • Maps / navigation: Apple Maps or Amap (Amap would be better)
- • Translation: DeepL or Google Translate (offline pack recommended)
- • Ride-hailing: DiDi (English mode available)
- • Payments: Alipay / WeChat Pay (can now bind foreign credit cards)
Quick example:
If you want to visit a popular restaurant, you'll often scan a QR code to view the menu or join the waiting list — this requires mobile data + a translation app.
Explore Local Cuisine Safely
China is a food paradise — but first-time visitors may worry about ordering, ingredients, or food safety. The good news: major restaurants in Beijing and Shanghai are safe, and menus often include photos or English translations.
Helpful tips:
- ✓Choose reputable restaurant areas
- ◦ Beijing: Sanlitun, Taikoo Li, Wangfujing
- ◦ Shanghai: Jing'an, Xintiandi, Yu Garden area (for local snacks)
- ✓Street food: choose busy vendors with high turnover
- ✓Avoid over-ordering — portions can be larger than Western norms
- ✓Spice levels vary — you can say "bù là" (not spicy) when needed
- ✓If you have dietary restrictions (vegan/halal/gluten-free), ask early — not all kitchens are used to special requests
A light "comfort zone" rule:
If unsure, start with well-known modern restaurants first — then gradually explore deeper local spots once you're familiar with the flavors and dining process.
Respect Local Customs & Etiquette
Knowing a few cultural basics can make your journey smoother and help you connect more easily with locals.
Some helpful etiquette reminders:
- • Queueing is important — follow lines at metro, shops, and security checks
- • Volume — try to avoid loud conversations in crowded areas
- • Cashless culture — people expect QR payments
- • Dining — sharing dishes is normal; individual plates are for rice/soup
- • Respect religious/cultural sites — modest clothing may be expected
Tiny gestures that locals appreciate:
- • Offering or receiving items with both hands
- • Saying a simple "xièxiè" (thank you) goes a long way
Manage Health & Safety While Traveling
Safety levels in both Beijing and Shanghai are generally very high — especially in tourist areas. Still, a few practical habits can protect your comfort and wellbeing.
Good habits to keep:
- • Stay hydrated, especially when walking long distances outdoors
- • Air quality in Beijing can vary — check AQI if you're sensitive
- • Carry basic medication for stomach discomfort or colds
- • Avoid counterfeit taxis — stick to apps or official taxi lines
When you need quick help:
- • Some large hospitals have foreigner service desks
- • Pharmacies are easy to find, but some staff may not speak English
- • If you don't speak Chinese, navigation inside medical facilities can become confusing — even locals rely on guidance for hospital processes
Know Emergency Contacts & Services
While Beijing and Shanghai are generally very safe, it's smart to be aware of essential contacts for peace of mind.
Helpful points:
- • Local police: 110 (emergency), 122 (traffic)
- • Embassies & consulates: Keep your embassy number saved on your phone
- • Hospitals: Large hospitals have international service desks
- • Taxi & transport apps: DiDi or official taxi hotline for quick bookings
- • Tourist hotlines: Many cities have 24/7 tourist support lines
Example tip:
If you get lost or face a minor emergency, having the embassy number, DiDi app, and nearby hospital contact saved can save precious time.
Discover Hidden Gems
While major landmarks are must-sees, the real charm of Beijing and Shanghai is often found in less crowded areas.
Suggestions:
- • Beijing: Hutongs around Gulou, hidden tea houses near Nanluoguxiang, small parks off the main streets
- • Shanghai: Former French Concession alleys, Jing'an neighborhood cafés, small riverside parks
- • Experience: Try local weekend markets or a quiet early morning walk by the Bund — away from the tourist crush
TCM Cultural Experience (optional)
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an integral part of daily life in China, reflecting a rich cultural heritage. Visiting a TCM clinic or experiencing a wellness treatment offers a unique, authentic glimpse into Chinese culture. This is more than wellness — it's a window into the philosophy and lifestyle of the local people.
If you are interested in exploring TCM during your trip, friendly guidance and arrangements are available through ChinaMed Waypoint.
Tip:
Walking around local neighborhoods not only avoids crowds but gives you authentic glimpses of daily life in China's megacities, and exploring TCM culture adds a deeper dimension to your visit.
When to Seek Local Guidance
Some parts of travel can be tricky, especially navigating complex areas, busy transport hubs, or language barriers. Having someone knowledgeable on the ground can save time and reduce stress.
Benefits of local guidance:
- Faster navigation and scheduling for sightseeing
- Insider tips to avoid long queues or closed areas
- Optional support with translation, app usage, and unexpected situations
For particularly complex itineraries, local guidance can help you maximize your day without feeling rushed — a small investment for a smooth experience.
Beijing and Shanghai offer unforgettable experiences
Following these Top 10 Travel Tips can help you explore safely, efficiently, and enjoyably. Planning and preparation make all the difference.
If you're interested in experiencing Traditional Chinese Medicine culture or need guidance with medical care during your stay, we're here to help.