Shanghai on a Budget 预算有限的上海
Over my four years in Shanghai 上海, the city has experienced a significant cost of living increase in accordance with economic growth, global pandemics and other external circumstances. However, when arriving here in 2018, a low salary still equated to a high standard of living for any expatriate. Despite many reports describing Shanghai 上海 as one of the most expensive cities in the world, this is not always the case. With cheap transportation, accommodation, food and travel, foreigners have long been drawn to China 中国 and its endless opportunities for savings and investment. As such, the city can undoubtedly be enjoyed on a low budget.
Take a comparison with fellow major city London 伦敦. A one-way ride on the tube, taken from the example of a ‘simple pay-as-you-go ticket’ between two stations costs around £2.50 (20.16¥) for only a short trip. The cost is even higher when travelling during peak times. Average rent prices sit around £1868 per month and can only be lower when roommates, size and location are considered to be less desirable. You would pay £3 (24.19¥) for a simple cup of coffee and £160 (1290.28¥) for utilities. As widely discussed in the media, London salaries do not equate to the huge cost of living and this has been of consideration for all professionals and students moving to this city. Shanghai 上海 is a far cheaper and more attractive option for those looking to both save money and enjoy a high quality of living.
So, does Shanghai 上海 compare to other major cities around the world? Recent studies have labeled Shanghai 上海 to be one of the most expensive cities in the world but this is not always the case. Here are some options for a cheap day!
So, how can you spend a day in Shanghai 上海 on a budget?
Travel in Style 时尚旅行
Shanghai 上海 is renowned for extremely cheap and efficient transportation. With a one-way metro fare costing a mere 4¥, it is the easiest and most budget-friendly way to get around. With a timely schedule and breadth of locations across the city, you can travel with reliability on this transit system. From each corner of the city, you can make your way around all the sights Shanghai 上海 has to offer without dipping into your funds. On a beautiful day, you may not want to be stuck far underground. So, when the sun is shining, you can hire a Meituan 美团网 or Alipay 支付宝 bike for only 1.50¥. This is the perfect way to incorporate travel and sightseeing.
Shanghai Street Eats 上海街头的美食
With some of the most delicious and affordable street eats in the world, Shanghai 上海 offers many local cuisine options for the budget-friendly traveller. Try jianbing 煎饼 for breakfast, xiaolongbao 小籠包 for lunch and hotpot 火锅 for dinner. Local chains and street stalls offer these delicacies starting at only 5¥. You can find unique food carts and Shanghai-founded restaurants dotted around the city. All offer an array of Chinese cuisine options for both your spicy and non-spicy needs! In Shanghai 上海, some affordable specialities include steamed crab 大闸蟹, fried pork buns 生煎包 and braised pork 红烧肉. Delicious and cheap!
Sightsee Like a Local 像当地人一样看风景
What’s one of the best things about Shanghai 上海? The abundance of free attractions. Explore Yu Garden 豫园, The Bund 外滩, East Nanjing Road 南京路, French Concession 上海法租界 and Suzhou Creek 苏州河 for free. Visit the trendy M50 Art District M50 艺术区 or relax at West Bund Riverside 西外滩. Sightsee over Lujiazui 陆家嘴 from the newly-developed North Bund 北外滩 or explore back alleyways in Tian Zi Fang 田子方. Admire either Jing’an Temple 静安寺 or Longhua Temple 龙华寺 and photograph the stunning architecture. The best thing about these options? All are completely free. No catches. Join a walking tour around the quaint lanes or cycle until you get lost. You’ll be surprised at the beauty you can find.
Explore the Museum Culture 探索博物馆文化
Shanghai also offers many free or low-cost museums. Start with the iconic Shanghai Museum 上海博物馆 for a taste of China’s rich history. For incredible architecture, do not miss the China Art Museum 中国艺术博物馆. If you are searching for immersive experiences, both the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum 上海科技馆 and Natural History Museum 上海自然历史博物馆 are worth a visit. Some uniquely fun museums include The Museum of Ice Cream and TeamLab Exhibit. To learn about Shanghai’s future plans, explore the Urban Planning Museum 上海城市规划馆. This city truly offers something for everyone.
Find Fun in Free Activities
Find a biking route and cycle around
Wander along The Bund
Explore the alleyways of Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
Shop on East Nanjing and West Nanjing Road
Learn about Chinese history at the Shanghai Museum
Walking tours
Relax in one of the cities many parks
Admire architecture around the city
And so much more….
