Due in large part to the large number of expatriates and multinational corporations based in the city, Shanghai is like no other city in China. With such an international and cosmopolitan atmosphere, it is sometimes easy to forget that you are, in fact, in China.
Despite the many similarities and comforts that life in a big city can bring, there are a few key differences. Being prepared for these will make your trip to Shanghai even more enjoyable. With that in mind, below is a list of 5 Must-Have Items for exploring the city.
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A small umbrella or a rain jacket
Even if it appears to be a sunny day when you leave your hotel early in the morning, making sure you have a small umbrella or rain jacket with you is a very smart move – as sudden rain showers can quickly ruin a leisurely walk around the city. Whether summer, spring, autumn (or even winter), making sure you have an umbrella will help keep you comfortable and prepared for whatever the day might bring.
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Your address written in Chinese characters
While many of Shanghai’s main streets are very easy to follow and logically laid out, venturing off into the side streets (which are often the most interesting streets to find) may get you a bit turned around. If you become confused, tired, or hopelessly lost in an unfamiliar part of town, having a business card or piece of paper with the address of your hotel written in Chinese will make hailing a cab and getting back to your hotel hassle-free.
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Tissues
Packets of tissues are essential while visiting Shanghai for many reasons, but most importantly, because visitors quickly discover that toilet paper is not a commonly found item in most restrooms. Having tissues with you before you realize you need them will obviously make your trip more pleasant. They also come in handy in restaurants, as napkins are also a scarce commodity.
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A map
Just as mentioned above, while most streets are easy to navigate, if you should find yourself side-tracked while sightseeing in Shanghai, having a map will prove crucial, as asking for help from people on the street is quite difficult if you don’t speak Chinese. With most street signs written in both English and Chinese, a map should help you to find a main street or landmark and get you pointed in the right direction again. If you don’t bring one with you, small maps can be found in most major hotels or western-style bars and restaurants, often inside one of the monthly expat magazines.
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Patience
Having patience is key while walking around a city centered on a different culture and way of doing things. The cultural norms in Shanghai are much different than you will find in cities like New York, London or Rome. Personal space is not something that is valued here, so you will have people standing very close to you, pushing you on the subway and/or skipping in front of you in line. In addition, bikes, scooters and sometimes even cars use the sidewalks just as much as people do, so be sure to pay attention for a quick moving scooter as you walk. Having the patience to understand and accept these differences will help you enjoy your time in this exciting city even more.
Photo of Shanghainese umbrella seller originally posted by hafka4prez
One response to “5 must-have items for visiting Shanghai”
Report an inappropriate commentMarch 18th, 2008 at 8:53 am
As a Shanghainese, I do agree with the points mentioned above, and would like to add one point. For your Chinese address, you might want to have your hotel staff write down the name of the nearest cross road. It’s more direct and useful than a street number followed by a name for taxi drivers or people on the street you stop to ask for directions.
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