Best Hacks for Travelling in China - Shanghai & Hangzhou

Planning a trip to China? Shanghai and Hangzhou are two of the most popular destinations offering a perfect blend of modern marvels and traditional Chinese culture. Here's everything you need to know to travel smart and save money.

🛫 Before You Go - Essential Preparation

Visa Requirements

• Singapore passport holders: 30-day visa-free entry (as of 2024)

• Other nationalities: Apply for tourist visa (L visa) in advance

• Required documents: Passport valid for 6+ months, return flight booking, hotel reservations

Must-Have Apps (Download Before Arrival)

App	Purpose	Why Essential
WeChat	Payments, messaging, mini-programs	Can't survive without it
Alipay	Payments, transport, services	Backup payment option
Amap (高德地图)	Navigation	More accurate than Google Maps
Didi	Ride-hailing	Chinese Uber/Grab
12306	Train tickets	Official railway booking
Trip.com	Hotels, flights, trains	English-friendly booking

Setting Up Mobile Payments

This is CRITICAL - China is almost entirely cashless!

1. WeChat Pay: Link international credit card in WeChat > Me > Services > Wallet

2. Alipay: Register with passport, link international card via Tour Pass

3. Tip: Both apps now support international cards for tourists (updated 2024)

4. Backup: Carry some RMB cash for emergencies (small vendors, rural areas)

🏙️ Shanghai Hacks

Getting Around

Metro System (Best Value)

• Cost: ¥3-9 per ride depending on distance

• Hack: Get the Shanghai Metro mini-program in Alipay - no physical card needed

• Hours: 5:30 AM - 10:30 PM (varies by line)

• Best lines for tourists: Line 1, 2, 10 (covers most attractions)

Taxi & Didi Tips

• Always use Didi app - safer and shows fare estimate

• Screenshot your destination in Chinese characters

• Peak hours: Add 30-50% to normal prices

• Hack: Didi's "Express" option is cheapest, "Premier" for nicer cars

Must-Visit Attractions

Attraction	Cost	Best Time	Hack
The Bund	Free	Evening (7-9 PM)	Go on weekdays to avoid crowds
Yu Garden	¥40	Morning (8-10 AM)	Skip weekends - extremely crowded
Shanghai Tower	¥180	Clear day	Book online for ¥20 discount
Nanjing Road	Free	Anytime	Walk from The Bund for full experience
French Concession	Free	Afternoon	Rent a bike for better exploration
Tianzifang	Free	Weekday afternoon	Less crowded, better bargaining

Food Hacks

Street Food Must-Tries:

• Xiaolongbao (小笼包): ¥15-30 for 8 pieces - try Jia Jia Tang Bao

• Shengjianbao (生煎包): Pan-fried dumplings - Yang's Fried Dumplings

• Cong You Bing (葱油饼): Scallion pancakes - ¥5-8 from street vendors

Budget Eating Tips:

• Avoid restaurants in tourist areas - walk 2-3 blocks for 50% savings

• Look for restaurants with picture menus or use WeChat translate

• Local chains: KFC/McDonald's have China-exclusive items worth trying

• Hack: Use Dianping (大众点评) - Chinese Yelp for local restaurant reviews

Money-Saving Shanghai Tips

1. Skip the Maglev - Metro to Pudong Airport is ¥7 vs Maglev ¥50

2. Free Bund views - Don't pay for observation decks, walk along the waterfront

3. Lujiazui at night - Take the ¥2 ferry across for iconic skyline photos

4. Buy water at convenience stores - ¥2 vs ¥15 at tourist spots

🏯 Hangzhou Hacks

Getting from Shanghai to Hangzhou

Option	Duration	Cost	Booking
High-speed train	45-60 min	¥73-93	12306 app or Trip.com
Regular train	2 hours	¥48	12306 app
Bus	2.5-3 hours	¥60-80	Bus station
Didi/Car	2-2.5 hours	¥400-500	Didi app

Hack: Book train tickets 2-3 days in advance - same-day tickets often sell out!

Navigating Hangzhou

Public Transport

• Metro: ¥2-8 per trip, use Alipay mini-program

• Public bikes: Free first hour, ¥1/hour after - stations everywhere

• Hack: Rent shared bikes (Hellobike, Mobike) via Alipay - ¥1.5 per 30 min

West Lake Tips

• Cost: Free entry to the lake area

• Best time: Sunrise (5-6 AM) for photos without crowds

• Boat ride: ¥55 for the official boats, includes island visit

• Hack: Walk or cycle - the 10km loop is manageable and scenic

Must-Visit Hangzhou Attractions

Attraction	Cost	Duration	Insider Tip
West Lake (西湖)	Free	Half-full day	Rent a bike, cover more ground
Lingyin Temple	¥75	2-3 hours	Go early morning for peaceful experience
Longjing Tea Village	Free	2-3 hours	Buy tea directly from farmers
Hefang Street	Free	1-2 hours	Good for souvenirs, bargain hard
Xixi Wetlands	¥80	3-4 hours	Take the boat for full experience

Longjing Tea Hack

Save money on famous Dragon Well tea:

• Tourist shops: ¥800-2000 per 500g

• Direct from farmers: ¥200-500 per 500g

• How: Take bus K27 to Longjing Village, walk into the tea fields, look for families selling

• Tip: Ask to see them make it - many offer free tastings

Hangzhou Food Specialties

Dish	Where to Find	Price Range
Dongpo Pork (东坡肉)	Lou Wai Lou	¥68-88
Beggar's Chicken (叫花鸡)	Local restaurants	¥88-128
West Lake Fish (西湖醋鱼)	Lake-view restaurants	¥78-108
Longjing Shrimp (龙井虾仁)	Tea restaurants	¥88-128

Hack: Lou Wai Lou is touristy but authentic - go for lunch to avoid queues

💰 Budget Breakdown

Daily Budget Estimates

Style	Accommodation	Food	Transport	Activities	Total/Day
Budget	¥150-250	¥80-120	¥30-50	¥50-100	¥310-520 (~S$60-100)
Mid-range	¥400-600	¥150-250	¥80-120	¥150-200	¥780-1170 (~S$150-225)
Comfortable	¥800-1500	¥300-500	¥150-250	¥200-300	¥1450-2550 (~S$280-490)

Money-Saving Summary

Top 10 Hacks:

1. Set up WeChat/Alipay before arriving - avoid forex fees

2. Take high-speed trains instead of flights for short distances

3. Use metro + shared bikes for city transport

4. Eat where locals eat - follow the queues

5. Book attractions online for discounts (10-20% off)

6. Visit popular spots early morning or late evening

7. Buy tea/souvenirs from source, not tourist shops

8. Use Didi Express instead of taxis

9. Carry a power bank - you'll use your phone constantly

10. Download offline maps in Amap before going

🚨 Important Tips

Language Barriers

• Hack: Use WeChat's built-in translator - point camera at Chinese text

• Download offline Chinese language pack in Google Translate

• Screenshot important addresses in Chinese before going out

• Hotel business cards are lifesavers - take one when you check in

Internet Access

• VPN: Essential for Google, WhatsApp, Instagram (download before arrival)

• SIM card: Buy at airport - China Mobile tourist SIM ~¥100 for 7 days

• Pocket WiFi: Rent from airport or book online (¥30-50/day)

• Hack: Many international hotels have unblocked WiFi

Safety Tips

• China is extremely safe for tourists

• Keep passport photocopy separate from original

• Register at local police station within 24 hours (hotels do this automatically)

• Emergency number: 110 (police), 120 (ambulance)

📅 Suggested 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1-2: Shanghai

• Day 1: The Bund, Nanjing Road, Yu Garden, evening river cruise
• Day 2: French Concession, Tianzifang, Shanghai Tower, dinner in Xintiandi

Day 3: Travel + Hangzhou

• Morning train to Hangzhou (book in advance!)
• Afternoon: Hefang Street, evening walk along West Lake

Day 4: Hangzhou

• Morning: Lingyin Temple
• Afternoon: Longjing Tea Village (buy tea!)
• Evening: West Lake boat ride at sunset

Day 5: Hangzhou + Return

• Morning: Xixi Wetlands or cycle around West Lake
• Afternoon: Train back to Shanghai
• Optional: Shopping at Hangzhou train station area

With these hacks, you'll navigate Shanghai and Hangzhou like a seasoned traveler while keeping your budget in check. The combination of modern convenience and traditional culture makes this route perfect for first-time visitors to China!

Have a great trip, and remember - flexibility and a sense of adventure will serve you well in China!