Why Here

"23 hours in Shanghai"—a stopover on my way to Bali; Dec 2018

Getting There

China Eastern ORD to DPS with a stopover in Shanghai. My first business class experience.

Money Exchange

In the airport at an ATM

Visa

Going through customs, look for the 72-hour transit signs (24/144 transit). Now, this is something you need to research in advance because the 72-hour visa-free exemption has special requirements. 1. You need to be a passport holder of a qualified country (the USA is). 2. You must be transiting on your way to another country; thus, your final destination must be outside of China. 3. You can't leave the boundaries of the city you're visiting. 4. You only have 72 hours. 

Check before you go as these rules may change. 

I did have to collect my luggage.

I planned to get a taxi on arrival, but it was raining, and the taxi stand was outside, and after 16 hours straight on the plane and then going through customs, I was in no mood to search far and high for a deal.so I opted for a much overpriced private van (750 CNY). It took about 45 minutes to get to the Bund. If you have time, try the Maglev (40 CNY with your boarding pass). If you have phone data, order a Didi (Uber equivalent). 

Hotel

Westin Bund Shanghai

A large hotel that is perfect for conferences or families, but lacks any hip swank appeal. I choose this hotel in particular because; 1. It allotted me Marriot points, 2. Since I was alone, I wanted a centrally located hotel in a busy location. 

What to do

In advance, I made reservations via Viator for a half-day private tour with private transportation. My guide arrived on time the next day to meet in the lobby. Our private vehicle turned out to be the Chinese version of Uber that my guide would order after each destination. I was able to tailor the trip to see the things I wanted, but I hadn't planned much and went mainly off of her recommendations. 

We visited the Bund Waterfront to look at the unique Shanghai skyline.

Walked around town near the Bund and saw The Fairmont Peace Hotel (an art deco hotel famous for visiting world leaders; including Obama)—not pictured.

The Yu Garden (a large garden built during the Ming Dynasty)

Sun Yat-Sen's former house (now a small museum that details his life and contributions to the Chinese Revolution), The French Concession and Fuxing Park.