Shanghai Transit 🛂

On my way from Singapore to Europe, I had a long layover in Shanghai — and instead of staying at the airport, I decided to explore the city.

I landed early morning around 5 am. After applying for the transit visa, clearing customs, and leaving my luggage in storage (this took about 2 hours), I hopped on the Maglev train. In just 7 minutes I was connected to the metro and on my way into the city.

☕ First stop: Starbucks Reserve Roastery – the largest in the world. It felt more like an experience than just a coffee stop, with the huge space, roasting stations, and buzzing atmosphere.

🌸 Yuyuan District & Yu Garden – wandering through Yuyuan was like stepping back in time. The narrow alleys, red lanterns, small shops, and traditional buildings felt completely different from modern Shanghai. Inside Yu Garden, you’ll find tranquil ponds, bridges, and classic Chinese pavilions – a peaceful contrast to the busy streets outside.

🌉 The Bund & Nanjing Road – no trip to Shanghai is complete without this walk. The Bund offers stunning views across the river to the skyline, while Nanjing Road is full of lights, shops, and the historic Fairmont Hotel.

🌳 Green Bund Park – a hidden gem with one of the best views of the towers. Perfect spot for photos and a short break.

🏙️ Lujiazui District – the heart of modern Shanghai with its skyscrapers and malls. I didn’t go up the towers but visited the famous circular pedestrian bridge — amazing for city views and photos.

📊 By the end of the day, I had walked nearly 31,000 steps! After some quick shopping, I returned to the airport with enough time to enjoy a shower in the lounge before my flight to Europe.

💡 Tips & things to know:
- Download city offline map and subway map.
- A 24-hour metro pass is convenient and cheap.
- Keep some cash for street food or temple entry. Cards work in most shops, but not everywhere.
- Many apps (Google, Instagram, WhatsApp) are blocked.
- Few people speak English, so be ready to use a translation app — though accents can still make it tricky.
- Be cautious with street sellers offering “designer brands” — they can be very persistent!

Overall, it was a busy but unforgettable layover. Shanghai gave me a taste of both its traditional soul and modern skyline in just one day.

#shanghaitravel #onedayinshanghai #layovertrip #chinaexperience #chinatransit