Shanghai Travel Guide 2025: DIY Trip EP.1 with Real Experiences, Apps, and Must-Visit Spots

---

Lifestyle and Travel › Shanghai Travel Guide 2025: DIY Trip EP.1 with Real Experiences, Apps, and Must-Visit Spots

Traveling in Shanghai on Your Own — 2025 Update

Real trip experience with tips for using apps in China and must-visit spots!

 

Why We Chose to Visit “Shanghai” in Mid-October

We intentionally traveled in mid-October because the beginning of the month is China’s National Day holiday (Golden Week). Domestic travel surges nationwide, making attractions crowded, trains full, and hotel prices higher.

If you’re planning a trip to China, we recommend avoiding the first week of October — it’s much more comfortable afterward.

 

 

✈️ Kicking Off the Trip to “Shanghai”

We departed Thailand at 5:00 a.m. and arrived at a Shanghai airport around 10 a.m.

After immigration and baggage claim, we booked a ride via the Didi (滴滴出行) app — super easy!

Just request a car in the app and pay via Alipay; the system grabs your location and sends the driver to your pickup point automatically.

 

 

It took about 1 hour from the airport to Modena Putuo Shanghai. There were 4 of us, so we took a premium van. The distance was roughly 50 km.

 

 

Hotel: Modena by Fraser Putuo Shanghai

 

• About 1 hour from the airport (roughly 50 km).
• We were a group of 4 and chose a premium van — super convenient and comfy.

First impression upon entering the room: “It’s huge!”

A bunk-bed layout (upper–lower) with home-like amenities.

There’s a refrigerator, electric stove, sink, knives-plates-spoons, and a microwave.

Basically, you’re fully set if you want to cook your own meals.

 

 

 

First Meal in Shanghai

 

At around 14:00, we ate at Gooday Rice, located in the basement across from the hotel.

It connects directly to the Subway at Langao Road Station (orange line — Line 7).

 

The area has a supermarket and a variety of Chinese eateries.

Gooday Rice serves set menus that look great, but the flavors are on the milder side — typical of local taste.

If you prefer bold flavors, it might not hit the spot, but it’s still an interesting first bite.

 

 

 

 

Open the location in the Amap app:  Amap: https://surl.amap.com/2AIktwtDa5F

 

 

“Global Harbor Shanghai” Mall

 

From Langao Road Station (orange line) → transfer at Changshou Road → switch to the pink line (Line 13) → get off at Jinshajiang Road.

The destination is the massive Global Harbor Shanghai mall.

It’s known as one of the largest malls in Shanghai, with luxury brands, cafés, restaurants, and tons of photo spots.

 

 

 

 

The Bund — Romantic Riverside Night Lights

 

In the evening, we took Didi from Global Harbor to The Bund (外滩) — about 50 minutes.

We arrived right around 6 p.m. as the city lights came on — absolutely gorgeous.

 

One side has classic European-style buildings; the other is a glittering skyline.

If you’ve been to Hong Kong, the vibe will feel pleasantly familiar.

 

 

 

The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel — A Dazzling Light Show

 

Not far from The Bund is the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel.

It’s a small tram ride with colorful lights under the river.

The route is short — fun for casual viewing and photos, not super thrilling.

 

 

The entrance leads you to a cable-drawn tram through the tunnel. The ride isn’t long — enjoyable enough for a quick, light experience.

 

 

 

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street

 

After the tunnel, we crossed the street to Nanjing Road (南京路).

It’s Shanghai’s famous pedestrian street, lined with shops, malls, and bright lights.

Even though it’s not a street-food scene like in Thailand, the atmosphere is lively with lots of local youths out and about.

 

 

 

Day-One Summary

 

Our first day was packed with exploring a new city, tasting local food, and enjoying riverside lights that rival Europe.

If you’re planning to visit Shanghai in 2025, make sure The Bund and Nanjing Road are on your list.

 

Stay tuned for EP.2 — we’ll take you to more must-see places around Shanghai!

 

Read more >>> Review: Exploring Shanghai, China 2025 on Your Own — EP.2

 

 

 

---

Please rate your satisfaction with this article


Post a Comment
Your email address will not be displayed to others. Required fields are marked *

Your Feedback*

Email*

Name*

Comment

---

Recommended Content