<p>I’ll be making a business trip to China, flying in and out of Shanghai. I’m interested in extending the trip by a few days and exploring Shanghai. Business associates have expressed concern about me “being alone in Shanghai.” I am not an inexperienced traveller, though not the intrepid sort I would like to have had the experience to be. The prospect of “being on my own” does not faze me. </p>
<p>Anyone know Shanghai? Am I being naive? Should I be concerned?</p>
<p>I have been to Shanghai multiple times and would have zero concern. It is a lovely city that is growing dramatically. Well worth a couple of extra days.</p>
<p>I have been to Shanghai on a business trip, and it didn’t seem to me to be any worse to be “on your own” than any other large foreign city. It would help to have someone who can speak Chinese along with you, but you can certainly get by without one, especially if you are staying in downtown business hotels.</p>
<p>Thank you, scualum. Just as I thought and hoped!</p>
<p>Shanghai is a fun city and very safe. I suggest you check out shanghaiexpat.com and trip.advisor.com for ideas on places to see, eat, shop, etc.
Happy to answer any specific questions as well - we’ve lived here for 5 years.</p>
<p>Shanghai is a blast! Get up early and wander the streets. The street food is incredible! Better than restaurants in many cases. Take a side trip to Hangchou or Suzhou. Have a few things written out in Chinese, like your hotel name, and where you want to go for taxis. </p>
<p>I visited my S there last year, but was alone a good deal of the time. No worries.</p>
<p>Totally agree with Great lakes mom - first thing I do when I check into a hotel in China is get a card from the front desk with the name and address of the hotel written out in Chinese. I stick that into my wallet and use it every time I want to head back to the hotel. When going out sightseeing, I will also ask the hotel to write out the name of my destination. Never had a problem getting where I needed to go…</p>