Shanghai Tourism
Getting There
As Shanghai is one of China's major travel hubs, both domestic and international flights travel there often. Domestic flights land at Hongqiao airport, located about 18 km from the center of Beijing, while international flights are served by Pudong, about 40km east of the city.
Pudong is a modern airport - arrivals are on the first floor, and departures are on the third, as well as the ATMs. The best way to get downtown from the airport is by taxi, unfortunately, it's almost the most expensive (150 yuan). The trip will take an hour, while buses take an hour and half but only cost about 15-22 yuan. Also, they stop running at 9 pm. There's also the 430 km/hr Transrapid maglev train, but you'll still have to trek from Longyang to downtown which takes an additional half hour. If you can afford it, your best bet is a taxi.
Getting Around
Subway
There are two underground metro lines in Beijing, as well as a light rail line, but they're incomplete. It's still a great way for foreigners to travel, but it won't be able to get you everywhere you want to go. Fares range from 2 yuan to 6 yuan, and you'll need 1 yuan coins for the ticket vending machines.
Taxi
Probably your best bet for getting around. It's only 10 yuan for the first 3 kilometers, but you'll need to have your destination written down on a piece of paper in Chinese or else you'll find communications with the driver difficult. Insist on using the meter. There are three colors of taxis in Shanghai: the turquoise are Dazong and are probably the best, dark red taxis are independent companies who aren't very trustworthy, and bright red taxis are unionized and generally safe.
Buses
Sightseeing buses leave from Shanghai stadium's east bus station, serving areas like Shanghai Zoo and Oriental Pearl TV Tower.
What to Do
If you're into Chinese history, you'll want to check out the Yuyuan Gardens for a look at Imperial China, or for 1930s Shanghai, take a tour around the Bund. You'll find modern Shanghai towering over you in Pudong. Also, the Shanghai museum is home to many Chinese arts and crafts from many time periods.
Shopping
Shanghai's premier shopping district is Nanjing Road, where you'll find cheap but busy shops on the east end. The locals shop at Huaihai Road, which is more upscale, while the west end of Nanjing Road is home to the most upscale. You can also check out Xiangyang Road Market for Shanghai's version of Silk Street, where you'll find authentic-looking knock-offs, but the government is reportedly beginning to crack down so get there fast.
What to Eat
Shanghai is seafood city. The food is generally sweet and oily, and local dishes include xiao long baozi (dumplings full of broth and meat), dazha xie (crabs), and xiefen shizitou (pork meatballs with crab inside). You'll find cheap joints in Wujiang Road, while nicer places are located in Xintiandi.
Tap water is undrinkable - boil it first. When out drinking, beware of tourist traps that will charge 40 yuan for a 10 yuan drink.
Travel Tips
Shanghai is very safe, even in the poorest neighborhoods. There has been a rise in petty crimes like pickpocketing, so mind your belongings as you would in any big city.
If English is your only language, you are out of luck. No one speaks English except in the touristy areas. You'll want to have whatever you need to say (hotel name, etc) written down in Chinese characters so people can understand you. And it's best to have the Chinese written by someone who knows what they're doing.
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