TI8 Shanghai Travel Guide

Where should you stay and eat? What should you check out besides the arena? How do you get around without speaking Mandarin?! Ok, don’t panic. We’ve got you covered for some of the basics.To get more news about Shanghai travel advice, you can visit shine news official website.

1: MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A VISA!
This is the number one tip for a good reason... China is no joke for travel, and you won’t just walk into the country without good preparation. First, check your country to see the requirement for getting an entry visa.

For U.S. citizens planning to visit China's mainland, you must apply for an entry visa through the Chinese Embassy or Consulate General, which are located in 6 major US cities: Washington, DC, Chicago, Houston, New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

An appointment is not required for submitting your visa application, so you can just walk in during office hours. If you have all the necessary documents (application form, travel itinerary, airplane tickets, international tickets, financial proof) and a passport with at least six months validity and a blank page, it should take 4 business days for regular service, or 2-3 business days for express service. But definintely don’t wait until the last minute!
#2: How to get around in Shanghai
I highly recommend getting a pocket WIFI device that can be picked up at the Shanghai Pudong International airport (PVG) once you land, so you can have WIFI access during the visit. Download a VPN to access Google Maps and most of your usual sites, just in case you feel lost or need help.

Shanghai’s metro system is quite user friendly; it might be the easiest and cheapest way to get around. Just download the Shanghai Metro App (Android) (iOS). It’s also worthwhile to buy a Metro card - load around 50 to 100 RMB and you will be good to go.
#4: The Venue
Mercedes-Benz Arena, formerly known as the Shanghai World Expo Culture Center, hosted the opening ceremony for the Expo 2010. The indoor arena seats 18 000 people and there are restaurants/dining options available inside. As with all stadiums throughout history, the prices for anything will be higher inside.

The arena will have a security check before entering. Food, drinks, professional cameras, and lighters/explosives are not allowed into the venue, and there is no where to check a bag, so make sure to pack light.

You can leave the arena for food during matches, but make sure you don't have food or drinks when you are re-entering. Note that the time to enter the arena is not unlimited, so plan your breaks ahead. For more information, please check the arena’s site.

#5: Where to stay
Shanghai has many hotels, from International chains to local ones. You can choose base on your budget, but try pick a hotel either close to the arena or close to metro stops to make your trip convenient.

#6: Where to eat
Food options are limited inside or near the arena. There is a shopping mall called the River Mall which is about 14 minute walk from arena, where you can find numerous dining options.
#7: Communication
While you may find English signage and people who speak it, it’s not a bad idea to try out something like Google Lens on your phone for help translating. Just point your phone at Chinese text and Google will do its best to translate for you. Better safe than sorry, so queue up a few options if you’re lost or in a pickle.
#8: What to do outside the arena
After watching all the matches, you might be itching queue up for a few games of Dota. There are lot Internet cafés in Shanghai - just remember carry your passport with you, since you cannot play there without it.