Pick your path
Choose what you’re planning right now.
A realistic, first-timer itinerary with neighborhoods and easy transport rules.
The best nearby cities and water towns—how to go, what to see, and how to time your day.
Two ready-to-use itineraries that connect Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou (plus Nanjing & Huangshan).
High-speed trains, metro basics, payments, SIM/eSIM, and ticket booking rules for foreigners.
Start with these Hub guides
Fast routes to the most important planning pages:
- → Day Trips from Shanghai
- → East China Itinerary (7 Days)
- → East China Itinerary (10 Days)
- → High-Speed Train Guide
- → Payments in China (Tourists)
- → SIM/eSIM in China (Tourists)
- → Booking Tickets + ID Rules
Destinations
Shanghai
Your best base for a first trip—walkable neighborhoods, iconic skyline, and the easiest transport connections.
East China (Suzhou • Hangzhou • Nanjing • Huangshan • Wuzhen)
Classic gardens, lakes, history, mountains, and water towns—connected by fast trains.
Most useful right now
Easy day trips from Shanghai
About Explore With Shanghai
I’m an East China travel blogger. I write practical, step-by-step guides to help foreign visitors travel in China more easily—especially the parts that usually feel hard: apps, tickets, transport, and what actually works in real life.
New to China? Start here.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, this page will guide you step-by-step.
Browse by topic
- → Itineraries
- → Transport
- → Travel Tips
- → Where to Stay
Latest Guides
- How to Get to Shanghai Disneyland
- Shanghai Disneyland Metro Guide: Easy Route, Prices, and Line 11 Explained
- Pudong Airport to Shanghai Disneyland: Best Transport Options for Travelers
- How Many Days in Shanghai Disneyland: Complete Itinerary Planning Guide
- Best Rides Shanghai Disney: Top 15 Attractions Guide
- Shanghai Disneyland Ride List: How Many Rides in Shanghai Disneyland
- What to Do in Shanghai Disneyland
- What to Eat at Shanghai Disneyland
If you’d like to learn more about Shanghai, click Shanghai (Wikipedia).