Arriving in Shanghai around 17:00 and taking a flight at 14:00 the next day
So, picture this: I landed in Shanghai around 5 PM, with just enough time to stretch my legs after a long flight and dive into the
city’s vibrant energy. My mission? To squeeze in as much of Shanghai as possible before my flight the next afternoon. Spoiler alert: I overplanned, over-snacked, and had the best time anyway.
Interested in visiting the Bund and riding the Maglev train
First things first—I had to see the Bund. If you’ve never been, it’s this iconic waterfront area where old-world colonial buildings meet the futuristic skyline of Pudong. It’s like stepping into a postcard. I arrived just as the sun was setting, and the sky turned this magical shade of pink and orange. I may or may not have taken 100 photos of the same view. But here’s the funny part: I got there way too early. Like, embarrassingly early. I thought sunset was at 6 PM, but it was actually closer to 7. So, I wandered around, people-watched, and accidentally stumbled into a street food stall selling these little fried dumplings. Let’s just say I ate way too many and had no regrets. After the Bund, I hopped on the Maglev train. If you’re a speed junkie like me, this is a must. It hits speeds of up to 430 km/h (267 mph)! I felt like I was in a sci-fi movie, zipping through the city in minutes. Pro tip: If you’re heading to Pudong Airport the next day, the Maglev is a super convenient option.
Where to Stay and Eat
Since I was short on time, I stayed at the Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World, which is super close to People’s Square and the Bund. The location was perfect, and the rooms were comfy—exactly what I needed after a long day of exploring. For dinner, I wandered into Jia Jia Tang Bao, a tiny spot known for its soup dumplings (xiao long bao). The place was packed, but the wait was worth it. I may have burned my tongue a little because I was too impatient to let them cool down. Oops.
Other Spots to Check Out
If you’ve got a bit more time, here are a few spots I’d recommend: – Yu Garden: A beautiful traditional Chinese garden with stunning architecture and a bustling market nearby. – Nanjing Road: A shopper’s paradise with tons of stores and street food. – Shanghai Tower: If you’re into sky-high views, this is the tallest building in China and offers an insane panoramic view of the city.
Final Thoughts
Shanghai in 24 hours? Totally doable, but it’s a whirlwind. I left with a full camera roll, a happy stomach, and a slight regret that I didn’t have more time. But hey, that just means I’ll have to go back, right? What about you? Have you been to Shanghai? Any hidden gems or must-try foods I missed? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories!
