Happy Monday traveler!

This week, we’re taking you to where future meets tradition. Get ready to explore Shanghai, China.

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A message from Passport Inspiration

Looking to plan an inspiring adventure right now?

Planning an international trip can be overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be.

How?

You just need a plan for your plan.

It’s important to prepare with enough time for things like:

• Visas

• Dining

• Lodging

• Passports

• Excursions

• Travel Arrangements

  If you want a head start planning, we can help you prepare for an amazing trip.

🙌🏼This Week’s Inspiration

Shanghai should be at the top of your list if you’re planning a trip to China. It’s known as one of Asia’s most dynamic cities, with glittering skyscrapers standing alongside ancient gardens and temples.

This city is where Trisha’s sister and family lived for many years. We have fond memories of our visits there. Let’s dive into how to explore this incredible city!

Shanghai is split by the Huangpu River into two main districts: Puxi ("West of the River") is the historical and cultural heart of the city. It’s where to see colonial architecture, art deco buildings, narrow alleys, and buzzing markets.

Pudong ("East of the River") is the modern face of Shanghai, home to towering skyscrapers, luxury malls, and high-tech developments. Both sides offer unique experiences, so plan to explore both for a well-rounded visit.

This city is inspiring because it perfectly blends the past and the future…where centuries-old temples and gardens sit just blocks away from some of the tallest, most futuristic skyscrapers in the world. The energy is electric, driven by innovation, creativity, and a deep cultural heritage.

What to Do in Pudong:

You’ll find some of the tallest buildings in the world here:

• Oriental Pearl Tower: This iconic structure features 360° views, a revolving restaurant, and even a glass-bottom skywalk for thrill-seekers.

• Shanghai Tower: China’s tallest building - ride the world’s fastest elevator to the observation deck!

• Shanghai World Financial Center: Nicknamed the “bottle opener,” this skyscraper offers stunning views and a skywalk bridge.

• Jin Mao Tower: Admire this stunning fusion of traditional Chinese architecture and modern design - don’t miss the Grand Hyatt atrium.

What to Do in Puxi

Dive into Shanghai’s rich heritage:

• Yu Yuan Garden: A peaceful oasis in the Old City, this 16th-century garden features koi ponds, pavilions, and traditional tea houses.

  

  Yu Yuan

• The Bund: Stroll along this historic waterfront for epic views of the Pudong skyline.

• Tianzifang & Xintiandi: Explore artsy lanes filled with boutiques, galleries, cafes, and nightlife.

Puxi is perfect for wandering, discovering, and photographing.

How to Get to Shanghai:

Getting to Shanghai is easy, with direct international flights arriving daily at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Hongqiao Airport (SHA).

Once in the city, the Shanghai Metro is the most efficient and affordable way to get around—clean, safe, and with English signage.

Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive, though Didi (China’s version of Uber) is a more convenient app-based option.

For day trips or regional travel, China’s high-speed trains from Hongqiao Railway Station connect Shanghai to cities like Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Beijing in just a few hours.

Where to Stay:

The Shanghai EDITION - located on the Puxi side with stunning views of Pudong’s skyline

The Middle House Shanghai - voted one of the best places to stay by Trip Advisor

Pudong Shangri-La - perfect location right on The Bund

J Hotel Shanghai Tower - talk about a room with a view, this is inside China’s tallest skyscraper

Where to Eat:

Street food in Shanghai is a flavorful adventure, offering everything from crispy scallion pancakes and juicy soup dumplings to sizzling skewers and sweet red bean pastries. You'll find bustling night markets and alleyway vendors serving up authentic, affordable bites that reflect the city's rich culinary traditions. It's one of the best ways to experience local life. If you’re looking for restaurants, here are some recommendations:

• Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet – A multi-sensory Michelin-starred dining experience like no other (book early!).

• Fu He Hui – Elegant vegetarian fine dining inspired by Buddhist cuisine.

• Jesse Restaurant (老吉士) – A local favorite for authentic Shanghainese dishes.

• Din Tai Fung – Famous for consistently delicious soup dumplings.

• Lost Heaven – Yunnan-inspired cuisine in a beautiful setting.

  *Din Tai Fung and Lost Heaven were always our favorite restaurants to dine at when we’d visit Shanghai.

What to Pack:

You’ll definitely want comfortable walking shoes. The streets can be uneven, especially in older sections of the city.

Shanghai weather can be unpredictable, especially in spring and autumn, so pack some layers of clothing.

You’ll want a portable charger and travel adapter.

A VPN is highly recommended because many western websites and apps (like Google & Instagram) are blocked.

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network and it creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet, protecting your data from hackers and surveillance. It also allows you to bypass regional restrictions by masking your IP address, making it appear as if you're browsing from another location.

👋 Have an Inspiring Week

Here are a few of our affiliate links to help you when in Shanghai. It’s no extra cost to you and helps us keep this email free for everyone. 😀

• Huangpu River Evening Cruise - beautiful views of the Shanghai skyline lit up

• Shanghai Tower Observation Deck - you’ll feel like a bird this high up

• Disneyland Park Entrance Ticket (& Skip the Line for 8 Attractions)

• This phone tripod for capturing pictures along The Bund

• NordVPN Basic - good for up to 10 devices

See you next week,

Trisha & Bob