After landing at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), follow the signs to baggage claim and head through customs. To get into the city, hop on the Maglev train, metro Line 2, or grab a taxi or DiDi if you have more luggage. Drop your bags at the hotel and get ready to explore!

Getting around: Metro for most journeys, DiDi for longer distances.
💡Shanghai's metro is fast, clean, and easy to navigate. Get a transit card at any station. For longer rides or late-night trips, use DiDi - it works just like Uber and most drivers accept in-app payments.

General and important information:

Best time to visit

The best time to visit China is spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when temperatures are mild and skies are clear. Avoid Chinese New Year (January or Febreary), Golden Week (October 1 - 7) and Labor Day Holiday (May 1 - 5) at all costs. Trains sell out, attractions are packed and prices spike significantly.

Getting around

High-speed trains are the backbone of this itinerary and they will genuinely surprise you. Fast, clean and punctual. Book through Trip.com for the easiest experience. Within cities, metro systems are excellent and DiDi covers everything else.

Payments

China is almost entirely cashless. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before you arrive. Both apps now allow foreign cards to be linked. Carrying a small amount of cash as backup doesn't hurt, but in every city on this itinerary, digital payments are the norm.

Staying connected

Most Western apps are blocked in China. Download a VPN before you arrive. For data, an Airalo eSIM works well or pick up a local SIM at the airport on arrival.

Book in advance

Forbidden City, Giant Panda Research Base, Tianmen Mountain and Great Wall at Mutianyu all have daily visitor caps and can sell out. Book as soon as your dates are confirmed. Same goes for train tickets.