Shanghai Travel Tips From Locals

Whether you’re going to Shanghai for the first time or you’re a returning visitor, there are plenty of things you should know about the city. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the best Shanghai tips from locals. Fly into Shanghai with Cathay Pacific and you are all set.

Mobile payment is the most popular way to pay for meals and goods in Shanghai

Using mobile payment is the most convenient way to pay for food and goods in Shanghai. It is also a great way to split bills. In fact, it has become the default payment method for e-commerce sites in China.

In fact, the number of mobile payments made in China increased by nearly two-thirds in the first 10 months of 2017. The Chinese government has taken a lax approach to regulation. This has resulted in mobile payments becoming ubiquitous.

While mobile payment is a fast and convenient way to make payments, it also brings with it some unique risks. For instance, you might be able to make a payment, but you may have to pay a fee for it. Moreover, there is the risk that your money may be stolen.

The most popular form of mobile payment in China is WeChat Pay. The app makes mobile payments simple. You can scan a QR code and make a payment using your phone. You can then choose how much to spend and send the money to the seller.

Alipay is also a good way to make a mobile payment. It is a Chinese mobile payment app operated by Alibaba Holding Group Ltd. Alipay was formerly an escrow service. However, it later became an important part of Alibaba’s sales strategy.

Aside from WeChat, the most popular Chinese mobile payment app is Alipay. It was first launched by Ant Financial Services in 2004. However, it was only five years ago that it migrated to mobile. This enabled it to become a must-have wallet for Alibaba. In 2017, Alipay supported 18 major foreign currencies.

In addition to mobile payments, Chinese consumers also have a number of other payment options, including internet banking. Internet banking makes it easy to make formal, repeat payments, while also providing a record of the transaction. It also requires you to input the payee’s bank account information.

Although mobile payments are widely used in China, they are not widely used in transportation or hotels. Some international e-commerce sites in China also offer liberal return policies. However, there are still limitations to using foreign credit cards. You may have to pay a fee for the transaction, or your credit card may not be accepted.

Avoid the month of May in Shanghai

Until recently, the city of Shanghai was locked down, which disrupted trade and supply chains around the globe. The government has been adamant about lifting the cloak and dagger in May, although no one has been able to confirm the plan, nor has the city’s mayor weighed in.

For a city that has endured a lockdown that lasted more than two months, the latest economic data is good news. Manufacturing activity in China rose in May. Although the city remains locked down, it appears the ebb and flow of the pandemic has slowed.

The city has also been tasked with the daunting task of determining how many people have been affected by the virus, a process known as nucleic acid testing. The government has announced that 14 million people in seven Shanghai districts will be required to go through the nucleic acid test. The results will be used to help determine the best strategy for the city’s nascent healthcare system.

While the lockdown has slowed China’s economy, its effects have been felt on a smaller scale by Shanghai residents. In particular, the city’s export-heavy manufacturing sector has suffered a significant hit. Companies and retailers have reopened their doors to help boost the local economy. The long-awaited reopening of Xi’an, Wuhan, and Shanghai has also helped, though the long-term impact on the city’s economy is still unclear.

The Chinese government has been pouring money into infrastructure projects, cutting taxes and increasing support for selected sectors of the economy. The central bank has also pumped more cash into the economy. The government is now attempting to boost the country’s economy through the use of tax cuts, cutting subsidies to businesses, and increasing financial support to key sectors such as manufacturing. While the government has a long way to go, the latest statistics show Shanghai’s manufacturing sector is finally regaining momentum. The city’s economy will be back to normal by the middle of the month, and residents can finally return to their regular lives.

The city’s health authorities have also warned that Covid’s resurgence is possible, and that it could be an even more catastrophic outbreak if they don’t act fast.

Eat like a local

During your trip to Shanghai, you should not miss out on the city’s culinary scene. There are many local restaurants serving Sichuan cuisine. In addition, there are several popular Western restaurants in the city. You can even order food delivery.

The Shanghai street food scene is also worth exploring. The city’s cuisine uses fresh local ingredients. These dishes are often sweeter than in other parts of China. A local favorite is steamed crab. It’s prized for its tender white meat and roes.

There’s also a big emphasis on seafood in Shanghai. Eel is a common ingredient in Shanghai dishes. You can find a variety of dishes incorporating eel, such as cold eel noodles or hot eel noodles.

Another popular Shanghai snack is pan-fried dumplings. These small noodle rolls are typically stuffed with pork, but you can also order shrimp. They’re best eaten hot, but they’re also delicious with sugar.

You can order these noodle rolls at several restaurants in the city. You can also order them at local food carts. You can find these food carts during the morning hours, when the city’s street vendors are thriving.

Shanghai is also known for its mouth-numbing peppercorn. It’s also known for its bamboo dishes. This cuisine is influenced by Southeast Asian food. It’s also known for its pork belly sandwiches, which are made with freshly baked pita. You can find a number of excellent restaurants in Shanghai, including the French M on Bund.

Whether you’re looking for a family-run restaurant or a trendy cafe, there’s plenty to choose from in Shanghai. You can find restaurants serving up traditional Sichuan cuisine, as well as dishes that are influenced by other Southeast Asian countries.

For a truly authentic experience, try the Shanghai Eat Like a Local food tour. This tour will take you to some of the best restaurants in the city. It will also provide you with a list of 100 local restaurants and iconic recipes. You can download the guide as a PDF or print it out for your trip.

Another Shanghai dish that is worth trying is steamed hairy crab. This dish is served at eateries in the French Concession.

Avoid the rush

During the Chinese New Year Travel Rush, you should allow extra time for travel. There are several ways to get around Shanghai, including the Shanghai Metro, which is a fast and efficient way to travel around. You can also take a taxi or Uber. However, you might have to pay a surcharge for your ride if you travel longer than 10 kilometers. Alternatively, you can use a bike sharing service. Ofo and Mobike are two popular choices.

The government has been waging a zero COVID strategy, which involves lockdowns and quarantines. This strategy has led to panic buying and a massive emptying of store shelves. Shanghai residents have had to fight to access emergency healthcare and food. Some have struggled to get to work or get their children to school.

A lockdown at an Ikea outlet in Shanghai prompted shoppers to rush out in panic, yelling and pushing past security guards. Videos on Chinese social media show customers trying to escape from the store. Several security guards were seen wearing PPE. The store closed its doors.

Shanghai’s health department had to close the IKEA store. It was discovered that the store was the source of contact between two potential COVID-19 cases. The two people were identified as a boy and a girl. They were told that they had to leave the store for 48 hours and undergo a health surveillance.

The city’s government has sparked anger and fear among its citizens. The city’s isolation has slowed international trade, hampered the manufacturing economy and caused stress for its residents. The two-month lockdown has also pushed up the cost of living, reduced incomes and disrupted supply chains. Shanghai’s isolation is expected to continue through February 15 and will only be lifted after a two-day break in the rush.

Shanghai residents will have to test for COVID every 72 hours, although the health department says there are no confirmed cases of the disease. People will still be required to undergo a two-day quarantine at a government facility. Shanghai residents who do not test positive will be required to stay in their homes.