Travelling in Shanghai, China

Shanghai is the most populous city in all of Asia as well as the most populous city proper in the world. It is the second most populous of the four direct-controlled municipalities in mainland China, with a population of more than 24 million as of 2014. It is a global financial center, and a transport hub with the world's busiest container port.

Shanghai is a popular tourist destination renowned for its historical landmarks such as The Bund, City God Temple, Yu Garden, the extensive Lujiazui skyline, many skyscrapers, and major museums including the Shanghai Museum and the China Art Museum. It has been described as the "showpiece" of the booming economy of mainland China.

Shanghai will be fascinating if you are a night owl. A night cruise on the Huangpu River is highly recommended. For those seeking relaxation, the ideal choice would be the Hengshan Road and Xin Tian Di which are thronged with a variety of nightclubs, discos and bars.

Known as the 'Oriental Paris', Shanghai is a shopper's paradise. There are various bustling commercial streets and shopping centers waiting for the shopaholic. One of the musts for visitors is the Nanjing Road. Huaihai Road intrigues those with modern and fashionable tastes, while North Sichuan Road meets the demands of ordinary folk. Xujiahui Shopping Center, Yuyuan Shopping City and Jiali Sleepless City are also thriving and popular destinations.

Shanghai's restaurants are among the finest in the country, offering quality food and superior service. The city has a plethora of food delights focusing on the traditions of Beijing, Sichuan, Hunan, Guangzhou and of course the local Benbang dishes. If visitors are homesick for Western food, this is also available in the downtown area.

Transportation

The frequent flights, trains and buses make one's visit easy to handle. The urban transportation is also quite all right despite the traffic jams that do happen occasionally.

Public transportation is cheap, comfortable and convenient, with rides on the city's modern metro system starting at $0.50, and rides on the downtown city bus having a flat fare of $0.30. Metered cabs are available, but not many drivers speak English. Chinese Yuan is the currency used in the city.

Weather

January and February are the coldest months with daily highs of around 43F (6C). July and August are the hottest and rainiest months, with daily highs of around 86F (30C).

Internet

Many websites, such as Google and Facebook, are blocked in the country, thanks to the "Great Firewall of China." If you really need access to these websites while in China, it is best to buy a VPN before you travel.

Teaching in Shanghai, China

Upon graduation of the 4 week TEFL course in Shanghai you can expect to make from 12,000 to 17,000 RMB per month and be able to save a ton of money while living very comfortably.

The cost of living is much lower in China than in the West. Meals in China can be had for under a dollar, taxi-rides for a fraction of what you're used to, and buses and subway tickets are less than 50 cents. For entertainment, food, transportation and daily activities it is very low. Housing in Shanghai as in all major cities varies based on how close you live to the city center. Living in China is cheap!

Rent for a two-bedroom in downtown Shanghai is at least 5000 RMB ($850 USD) a month. You can get the same deal for half that in the suburbs and a two-bedroom in a smaller tier: 3 city can be as low as 600 RMB ($100 USD).

On top of its modernization, the city's multicultural atmosphere awards it with an exceptional glamour. You will experience a perfect blend of modern and traditional, as well as western and oriental fusing together.

Shanghai travel is noted for its shopping; it's the city's favorite pastime. Visit Nanjing Road, the world's longest shopping district, at nearly three and a half miles long. It attracts more than one million visitors daily.

Note that there are two week-long "Golden Week" national holidays in China each year, one for Chinese New Year, which is dependent on the lunar calendar, and the other beginning on the 1st of October; these are great times to visit, but expect crowds. Although many people in Shanghai speak English, it is always best to carry a name card from the hotel or apartment just in case.