International flights to Shanghai arrive at the Pudong Airport, which is 40 km from Shanghai's centre. Cheap flights to Shanghai can be purchased through a number of discount airlines that provide services to Pudong. It is a large and efficient facility with shuttles between terminals for fast transport. There are restaurants and shops as well as an hourly hotel for tired travellers. Travellers will need to produce their boarding pass for Shanghai flights when they book a room. Pudong also features three medical clinics, banking services and ATMs. You can access Wi-Fi Internet in a variety of spots including the business lounge and international departure gates.
It is always more convenient to arrange transport when you reserve airfare to Shanghai, but you will still have plenty of transport options. There are direct bus routes from the airport to the adjacent towns, and there are also plenty of taxis available. You should use official taxis from the stands outside the airport, and be aware that fares increase after 11 pm until around 5 am. The super-modern magnetic Maglev train is popular for travelling from the airport and around the city. You can also use the extensive subway or metro buses for travelling around whilst you visit Shanghai. You will save money as well as time by using the re-loadable Shanghai Jiaotong Card to pay fares.
There are a lot of places of interest in Shanghai, but most first-time visitors take a tour of The Bund, which is the main street that separates Old Shanghai and the more modern parts of the city. You can catch a ferry here to continue the tour to the ancient walled city of Nanshi. Here you can see the Yuyuan Garden, which offers a beautiful view of traditional Chinese landscaping from the Ming Dynasty. You can then take Nanjing Road to the People's Square where there are plenty of museums, as well as the Oriental Pearl Tower. The various exhibits range from Chinese history to modern art.
Nanjing Road is a popular spot to shop in Shanghai. The western end contains high-end shops, fashion boutiques, and trendy designer outlets. Those who want traditional local crafts and Chinese jewellery will want to visit the Yuyuan Bazaar located near The Bund. Many visitors take advantage of the discounted electronics and clothing items whilst in China. Shanghai cuisine is a blend of local Jiangnan delicacies and dishes from other parts of China. Most main courses are made with pork, but there are also quite a few dishes made with locally raised chicken and crab. You should try the steamed dumplings or shēng jiān bāo, a special Shanghai-style fried bun that you will not find in your local Chinese restaurants. Shanghai has a very busy night-life and there are many dance clubs and bars. The establishments can range from casual and affordable to the more posh and expensive. You will never be bored, hungry or idle in this intriguing Chinese metropolis.