What to Expect
The Baoshan International Cruise Terminal is in the Baoshan district of northern Shanghai, approximately 30–45 km from the Bund and the historic city centre. Shuttle buses to nearby Metro Line 1 stations (Gongfu Xincun or Fujin Road) are typically arranged by the cruise line; alternatively, taxis from the terminal run CNY 80–120 (approximately USD 11–17) to the Bund area. Total journey time: 45–60 minutes by Metro, 50–80 minutes by taxi depending on traffic. Shanghai's Metro system is excellent and covers the entire city. Visitors from many Western countries may use China's 72-hour and 144-hour transit visa exemptions without a full visa — verify your nationality's eligibility and apply the policy strictly before the trip.
Getting Around
Metro: line transfers at key stations (People's Square, Lujiazui) connect the northern port area to all major destinations. Single rides CNY 3–7 depending on distance. Day pass available at station machines. From People's Square station: the Bund is a 15-minute walk east, the French Concession is a 10-minute Metro ride south to Changshu Road or Hengshan Road stations. Taxis: metered, flag fall CNY 18; most drivers do not speak English — have your destination written in Chinese characters. Didi (Chinese Uber) is more reliable for non-Chinese speakers; payment requires Chinese bank card or WeChat Pay, which international visitors can now set up with a foreign card. The Shanghai Metro app (in English) shows real-time trains and routes.
The Bund, Pudong, and the French Concession
The Bund (Waitan) — the 1.5 km waterfront promenade of 1920s–1930s European neoclassical and Art Deco buildings facing the Huangpu River — is Shanghai's defining image. Across the river: the Pudong skyline of Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower (632 m, the second tallest building in the world), and the Jin Mao Tower. The Shanghai Tower observation deck (CNY 180, Level 118) offers the definitive aerial view. The French Concession (Frenchtown) is a neighbourhood of plane-tree streets, 1930s villa architecture, boutique cafés, and bar streets (Yongkang Lu, Dongping Lu) — 45 minutes by Metro from the Bund, worth an afternoon. The Yu Garden (Yu Yuan, CNY 40) in the Old City is a 16th-century classical garden surrounded by a bazaar of tea houses and souvenir stalls.
Tipping and Currency
Chinese Yuan (CNY/RMB). Cash is less useful in Shanghai than almost anywhere — WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate, and most local restaurants and shops do not carry change for large bills. International visitors can link a foreign Visa/Mastercard to WeChat Pay or Alipay (setup requires the app and a few minutes at a linked banking location). ATMs at major hotels and Bank of China branches accept international cards. Tipping is not part of Chinese culture; it is not expected and is occasionally refused. At high-end hotels and cruise-oriented tourist restaurants, tipping awareness is growing — but it is never obligatory.