If you're planning a trip to Shanghai, here’s what I've learned after visiting the city. First, let's talk about transportation options within the city. Taxis are not always the best choice because traffic can be terrible—even when it’s not rush hour. The starting fare is 16 RMB, but you might end up spending more due to delays. Public buses are an option if you don't mind waiting and navigating routes, and you can easily get an electronic bus card through Alipay (ZFB). For convenience, though, the subway system is your best bet with 16 lines covering most tourist attractions and making travel smooth and efficient. Plus, stations are well-marked in both Chinese and English, which helps foreign visitors navigate easily. Now, onto some popular spots in Shanghai that require advance booking:

The Shanghai Museum costs 100 RMB per ticket and should be booked up to 14 days ahead. The iconic Oriental Pearl Tower starts at 180 RMB, so reserve at least three days before your visit. If you want to explore traditional architecture, the Yuyuan Garden and Chenghuang Temple area cost 40 RMB and need to be reserved seven days in advance. Animal lovers will enjoy the Shanghai Wildlife Zoo for 165 RMB, bookable nine days prior. Families may also like the Natural History Museum (30 RMB) or the Astronomy Museum (also 30 RMB), both needing reservations three days beforehand. Of course, no trip to Shanghai would be complete without visiting Disneyland, where tickets start from 415 RMB and must be booked ten days early. Lastly, the Shanghai Ocean Park offers thrilling marine experiences starting at 289 RMB, again requiring advance booking of ten days.

For foodies, check out authentic Hainan-style sour soup hotpot at Longzhi Dream Mall. It's tangy and refreshing, paired perfectly with durian shaved ice—a dessert hit among locals! Be cautious with directions as places like Jing’an Temple might have confusing signs, leading travelers astray.

Don't go to Xi Street; it's always incredibly crowded. It's just like those touristy snack streets you find all over the country. Locals rarely go to Xi Street; we prefer exploring the smaller alleyways.

Hello, fellow travel enthusiasts! I've just returned from a trip around Taiwan and I'd like to share some of my experiences with you for your reference.

The itinerary for this trip is as follows:

• Taipei (3 days)
• Taichung (2 days)
• Tainan (2 days)
• And finally I flew away from Kaohsiung. Initially, I had planned to spend an extra day in Kaohsiung but, having reached the limits of my strength, I decided to leave early.

Approximately how much did it cost?

• In total, including airfare and accommodation, I spent approximately 4,400 RMB (Chinese Yuan).
  • Round-trip air ticket: 800 RMB.
  • Accommodation cost: 950 RMB.
  • I stayed at hostels throughout, during the off-season when fewer tourists were around, so this price might not offer much reference value for those planning to travel during peak season.

Where did I stay?

• Taipei: I stayed at OwlStay Gushi Suo.
  • Amazing! When I was booking it was 150 RMB per night; now that I have experienced it, anything below 200 per RMB night is worth it.
  • It has bookstore-like common areas that serve as resting areas, it offers breakfast service, and there are laundry facilities available – all of its amenities are clean.
  • Its location is also very convenient.
• Taichung: I stayed at Drift Bird Grass World.
  • Its facilities were quite decent.
  • The only thing to be noted is that the room I was staying in had the scent similar to that of mixed air freshener and sweat – a bit peculiar.
• Tainan: I stayed at Hotel Leisure Tainan.
  • This place has the best public facilities.
  • But! There were a lot of beds in one room, which creates a noisy environment.
  • When people increase in number, there is a rush hour in the morning to brush teeth, use the restroom, etc., resulting in a somewhat crowded and dirty situation.

Everyday spending:

• Honestly, I’m not much of a buyer so my expenses aren’t particularly indicative for others.
• It feels like the prices in Taiwan are roughly on par with the larger cities in mainland China – like Beijing or Shanghai.
• Cash is key! I exchanged only 1000 RMB cash during this trip - truly recommended to exchange more.
  • Many small shops and stalls only accept cash and a local payment App named “Line Pay”.
  • Even the Google Pay or Apple Pay we often use isn’t widely accepted here!

Preparations needed before the trip:

• To be honest, I don't think there's anything particularly needed to prepare in advance - a lot of things can actually be settled after arriving in Taiwan.
• Having a bank card or credit card with international payment capability should suffice.

Travel experience and a few suggestions:

• Taipei: Three days in Taipei isn't enough!
  • I spent two days wandering around the city center, and then signed up for a one-day tour, going to Yeliu Geological Park, Jiu Fen Old Street, and Shifen Sky Lanterns.
  • The rocks at Yeliu Geological Park are truly unique and beautiful, and I believe I could’ve spent half a day there.
  • For the old towns like Jiufen and Shifen - to me they were only so-so. They may not be my cup of tea.
• Taichung and Tainan: The travel experience in these two cities wasn’t particularly great for me.
  • As I was traveling alone, mainly relying on public transportation, the attraction points in these two cities were relatively scattered, and the bus system wasn't quite efficient enough.
  • Reminder about transportation: If you do not plan to rent a car or take a charter van, and only rely on public transportation, it would be tough moving around between these two cities. I ended up taking Uber in most cases.
• Luckiest Day of the Trip:
  • I booked a day trip to Sun Moon Lake and Gaomei Wetlands on KLOOK (a travel activities reservation app) - everything was included in the fee of around 500 RMB.
  • It was a five-person small group, I sat front seat and talked with the tour leader大哥 along the way, which made me very happy.
  • And, throughout my week-long trip to Taiwan, there were only two clear days - the day of the Sun Moon Lake trip was one of those clear days, a rare stroke of luck!
• People in Taiwan:
  • Everyone I met was very warm-hearted. They have unique senses of humor and can really brighten up the atmosphere whenever they tell jokes.
  • While staying at the youth hostel, I became friends with some Chinese people from Southeast Asia. Though I’m usually introverted, now I have become more extroverted and active!
• If there was a regret: Not spending enough time in Taipei.
• Tips for solo travelers:
  • If you, like me, are an independent backpacker with limited travel time.
  • My recommendation would be to fully immerse yourself in Taipei. Then, consider spending two or three extra days in Taichung.
  • When in Taichung, consider booking a day trip to Sun Moon Lake or Ali Mountain (another famous scenic spot area) from KLOOK. It’s convenient and not too expensive.

Right at this very moment.

The regular ticket price isn't worth it. If there's a free event or activity, then it might be worth checking out.

OMG, if I hadn't seen your post, I would've booked it! I was looking at the same package, but it wasn't even as good as yours – it was over 4000 even without the Grand Circus. I saw it on the Chimelong app and honestly didn't think it was too pricey. After reading these comments, I realize I almost got totally ripped off! It's mainly because this is my first time.

What hotel? Please share!

Any recommendations for authentic spots?

OMG, and the Hangzhou government departments are working so hard! Right when I left the venue, I saw mounted police clearing illegally parked ride-hailing cars – it made me feel so secure. There were also staff guiding people in the subway. I thought the station would be swamped with so many people, but I was on the train smoothly in under 10 minutes. Such a great job, I'll definitely come back!

I think Hangzhou is a city where you need to slow down to truly appreciate its beauty.

Checked out Lai Lai Xiao Long Bao today, it was really delicious!

So outdated!!

Exactly!

Where's the most bustling part of Suzhou? I'd like to visit, and I also want to see the famous Hanshan Temple.

Hey, I've heard that taking a taxi in Hangzhou can be quite troublesome? Is it particularly difficult to hail a regular roadside taxi from the curb, or even the ride-hailing apps like Didi and Amap (major taxis apps in China similar to Uber or Lyft) not recommended either?

I'll tell you about it, helping you avoid potential pitfalls!

• Regarding Taxis (the ones you flag down on the side of the road):

  • Caution! Some drivers might charge tourists a high price for their trip without using the meter, or intentionally take a longer route just to get more money. This is most common at train stations or tourist attractions.
    • What to do:
      • Make sure to ask before getting in whether they will use the meter ("do you use the meter? - "Dǎ biǎo ma?")
      • It's best to write your destination in Chinese, or point it out on a map app
      • If something feels off, such as the fare being extremely unreasonable, consider choosing another taxi.

• Regarding Ride-Hailing Apps (Didi, Amap taxi, etc.):

  • Generally, they are much better! Prices are calculated in advance by the app, routes are navigated, everything becomes transparent.
    • However, keep these points in mind:
      • During peak hours (such as rush hour or rainy days), prices may increase, and waiting times may increase.
      • In some busy areas with heavy traffic (such as some streets near West Lake), drivers might find it difficult to navigate.

• Tips & Tricks:

  • Using the subway system in Hangzhou can be quite convenient! The system goes through many scenic spots, keeps clean, and runs punctually, making it a great alternative!
  • Public transportation is okay too, but first-timers may find it slightly difficult to figure out routes.

By the way, do you know any sweet treats worth mentioning? Is there any restaurant with desserts so scrumptious that people can't stop gushing about them? Please share your experience and recommendations with others!

Haha, well, I might be a bit better off. Not 'sour' yet, just sticky.

I have to shower the moment I get home from being out, otherwise I feel instantly grimy.

I really love Hangzhou too. My favorite thing is the abundance of dense, shady trees lining the streets. All that lush green is so relaxing.

Ugh, I'm speechless. He could have just refused the fare, couldn't he? And on top of that, he asked, 'Don't you know how to use your phone? Just book a ride-hailing service!'

We went to the Qiantang River on the evening of the 7th, and there was one then. We've already left Hangzhou today.