Yan Zhou
What's Inside
Three hours. That’s how long my clients waited in the sun at the South Gate last week. Forget the glossy brochures—if you don't know the exact WeChat mini-program trick, you aren't getting in. I've been guiding in Shanghai for years, and every week I see backpackers lose cash on overpriced tours and skip the real gems. Here's the truth: backpacking Shanghai is amazing once you dodge the traps. Let me show you how.
Why Most Backpackers Waste Money
I get it—you want to see the Bund, eat xiaolongbao, and maybe catch a glimpse of old Shanghai. But following generic blog advice will leave you broke and frustrated. Common mistakes:
- Buying attractions tickets at the gate – Almost every major site (like the Pearl Tower or Jin Mao) charges 20-50% more if you queue.
- Using taxis without Didi – Taxis often refuse short rides or overcharge foreigners. Download Didi (it has an English version).
- Eating on Nanjing Road – That food street is for tourists. Walk 5 minutes into a side alley for real deals.
Where to Stay: Budget Hostels That Actually Work
You don't need a fancy hotel. Here are three hostels I personally recommend based on location and vibe:
| Hostel | Area | Dorm Price (per night) | Why It Rocks | Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mingtown Shanghai | French Concession | 80-120 RMB | Clean, social common area, English-speaking staff, free walking tours | No elevator but they help with luggage |
| Blue Mountain Bund | Near the Bund | 70-100 RMB | Rooftop view of the skyline, cheap beer, lockers | WiFi sometimes slow in dorms |
| Captain's Hostel | People's Square | 90-130 RMB | Historic building, great location for subway, includes breakfast | Noisy at night, bring earplugs |
All three accept international credit cards (some only via booking.com). I always tell my clients to book at least a week ahead—especially during Chinese holidays.
Must-See Sights (Without the Crowds)
Let me save you hours. Here are the spots worth your time and how to hit them right:
The Bund: Go at Sunrise
Most tourists flood the Bund from 10am to sunset. Show up at 5:30am—the light is golden, the air is fresh, and you'll have the promenade almost to yourself. After 8am, it's a zoo. Take Metro Line 2 to East Nanjing Road, walk east. Free admission.
Yu Garden: Skip the Main Garden, Explore the Bazaar
The actual Yu Garden costs 40 RMB (30 RMB for students) and gets packed. Instead, wander the free bazaar around it. It's way more authentic. My trick: enter from the north gate (Fuyou Road) to avoid the main entrance queues. And don't buy tea there—it's triple the price.
Shanghai Tower: Book at 8pm
The observation deck costs 180 RMB but the view at night is worth it. Book online via Trip.com (often 15% off). Avoid weekend afternoons—the elevator wait can hit 1 hour. Tip: go on Wednesdays around 8pm, you'll see fewer crowds.
M50 Art District
Free entry, all galleries open to public. Take Metro Line 13 to Jiangning Road. Wander the old factory buildings. Perfect for budget travelers—no ticket needed. The art is hit or miss, but the vibe is cool. I always stop at the coffee shop on the third floor for a cheap Americano (18 RMB).
Eating Like a Local on a Backpacker Budget
Street food is your best friend. A hearty meal costs 15-25 RMB. Here's my go-to list:
- Yang's Fried Dumplings – 4 RMB per piece, juicy pork filling, crispy bottom. Address: 269 Huanghe Road. Queue moves fast. Pay in cash only.
- Lanzhou Beef Noodles – 12 RMB for a big bowl. Any shop with a hand-pulling window is legit. Try the one at 123 Fuxing Road.
- Shengjianbao (pan-fried buns) – 8 RMB for 4. Go to Da Hu Chun on 16 Yunnan Road. They've been open since 1930s. Warning: the soup inside is hot—bite carefully.
- Night market at Changshou Road – Opens around 6pm. Try the grilled skewers (5-10 RMB) and cold noodles. Most vendors accept WeChat Pay, but cash works.
3‑Day Backpacking Shanghai Itinerary
This is my tested route that balances coverage with rest. Adjust based on weather and your energy.
Day 1: The Bund & Old City
6:30am – Sunrise at the Bund (free). Walk from Waibaidu Bridge to the Customs House.
8:00am – Breakfast at Yang's Dumplings (Huanghe Road).
9:30am – Explore Yu Garden Bazaar (free). Skip the main garden.
12:00pm – Lunch at a local noodle shop near Yunnan Road.
2:00pm – Head to M50 Art District (free). Spend 2 hours.
5:00pm – Metro to East Nanjing Road, walk to the Bund for sunset.
7:00pm – Dinner at Changshou Road night market.
Day 2: Modern Shanghai & Skyline
9:00am – Visit Shanghai Tower (book for 10am, arrive at 9:30 to skip queue).
12:30pm – Lunch at Lanzhou Beef Noodles (near Century Park).
2:00pm – Walk around Century Park (free, or rent a bike for 20 RMB).
4:00pm – Take Metro to French Concession. Stroll along Huaihai Road and the tree-lined streets.
7:00pm – Dinner at a local shengjianbao shop.
Day 3: Culture & Hidden Gems
8:30am – Visit Shanghai Natural History Museum (free on certain days? Actually 30 RMB, but worth it).
11:00am – Longhua Temple (20 RMB, quiet).
1:00pm – Lunch at vegetarian canteen near the temple.
3:00pm – Explore Tianzifang (free, but avoid the main alleys; wander the residential lanes).
5:00pm – Grab a drink at a rooftop bar on the Bund (skip the fancy ones, try Barbarossa on a budget—beer 40 RMB).
7:00pm – Final dinner at Shengjianbao shop.
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