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Shanghai Tour 1

Updated: 3 days ago

Dive into the pulse of Shanghai—where dazzling malls meet a dynamic web of public transit. Come along as we explore the northern reaches of Minhang and the eastern charm of Qingpu, uncovering hidden gems and urban wonders along the way.


Total Distance: 8km (41.2 km personally) | Total Time: 5 ~ 6 Hours (Light Biking, Heavy Touring) 


Main Destinations: 

  1. Hongqiao Railway Station(虹桥火车站) 

  2. Hongqiao Tiandi(虹桥天地)

  3. National Exhibition and Convention Center(国家会展中心)

  4. Costco (开市客)

Map: 



Map of Shanghai Tour 1 Destinations
Map of Shanghai Tour 1 Destinations


Main Blog: 

On November 15th, Bike In Shanghai embarked on an exciting journey through one of the city's most developed areas — the Hongqiao Central Business District (CBD). This vibrant district is home to glittering malls, corporate headquarters, and major transit links, serving as a vital transportation hub for the people of Shanghai.


1. Hongqiao Railway Station(虹桥火车站)

Hongqiao Railway Station, the largest in Shanghai dedicated to bullet trains, is located adjacent to Hongqiao Airport and connected by four subway lines, underscoring its importance as a regional transportation hub.



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As soon as you enter the station, you’ll feel its dynamic energy—people constantly in motion. It always feels like rush hour, and if you're not paying attention, it's easy to get swept up in the crowd.



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Now let’s take a look at the layout of the train station. The main terminal features separate levels for departures and arrivals. If you're waiting for your train, you'll find a single, spacious waiting hall beyond the security checkpoint. The station is also lined with budget-friendly restaurants, most of which serve Chinese cuisine—perfect for travelers looking for a quick bite.


In addition to the subway, Hongqiao Railway Station is connected to a variety of transit options, including buses and taxis. One of its standout features is the direct access to both Hongqiao and Pudong airports. Beyond rail transit, a vast underground tunnel stretches from the airport to Hongqiao Tiandi, passing through the station. This tunnel is lined with convenience stores and restaurants, such as the beef noodle shop shown in the picture. Walking the entire length can be time-consuming, so I recommend taking the metro. Thanks to the newly opened Airport Link Line, reaching Pudong Airport is now much easier—it can get you there in just 40 minutes.


2. Hongqiao Tiandi (虹桥天地) 

As one of the few malls located within the Hongqiao Hub, Hongqiao Tiandi—alongside its neighbor Hongqiao Tianjie—sits at the heart of the Hongqiao CBD and draws visitors from across Shanghai.


As someone who frequently visits malls, I find Hongqiao Tiandi unique—not just for its curated selection of shops, but for its thoughtful design that enhances navigation and elevates the experience of a high-end mall.



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One standout area is Bada Street. While it may seem unremarkable to those uninterested in small souvenirs, it’s a magnet for young children, whose eyes light up at the sight of its charming stalls. Bada Street features unique toys, miniature plants, and even small pets—items you wouldn’t typically find in standard malls.



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When it comes to typical Chinese malls, certain brands and restaurants are almost guaranteed. Aside from international staples like Starbucks, McDonald’s, and KFC, you’ll almost always find popular Chinese chains such as Luckin Coffee, as well as widely recognized names like Saizeriya.


During our walk to the National Exhibition Centre, we came across some fascinating features that we’d love to share.


The area between the National Exhibition and Convention Centre and Hongqiao Railway Station is linked by a network of overpasses, allowing you to move from block to block without waiting at traffic signals. These elevated walkways also offer a pleasant spot for a stroll, where the cool, refreshing breeze gently awakens your senses.



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Green spaces nestled between the buildings offer a refreshing escape and are a must-visit for those working nearby. When I arrived, I wandered through the park and thought to myself, 'I’d absolutely come here every day just to unwind—even if only for a few minutes.' This pocket of tranquility not only provides a peaceful retreat for workers but also fosters a calming atmosphere, helping people momentarily disconnect from their daily tasks.



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The image below showcases rooftop tree plantations atop office buildings—an elegant approach to infusing greenery and shade into the urban landscape. Below, the streets are consistently lined with bike lanes, making sustainable commuting both practical and accessible. In fact, most roads in Shanghai feature dedicated bike paths.



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3. National Exhibition and Convention Centre (国家会展中心)

This is an imposing structure from every angle—a massive, four-leaf clover-shaped building spanning approximately 500 meters in both length and width.



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As its name suggests, the National Exhibition and Convention Centre (NECC) is the premier destination for hosting large-scale multinational exhibitions and performances. Companies from around the globe gather here to showcase their products, including electric vehicles and more. The National Exhibition and Convention Centre is easily accessible by metro, bus, car, and even on foot or by bike.



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The National Exhibition and Convention Centre can accommodate at least 18,000 people at once and is equipped to host multiple events simultaneously.


We walked to reach the venue and entered at the east entrance. From there, we managed to traverse the entire building. The National Exhibition and Convention Centre consists of three levels. As we walked along the paved paths on the first floor, a sparse line of people moved in the same direction. If we had come during an exhibition, the ground level would have been packed with crowds, booths, and trade shows. I definitely wouldn’t want to get caught inside the National Exhibition and Convention Centre when it's at full capacity.



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You can reach Level 2 via escalator or stairs. Serving as the mezzanine of the National Exhibition and Convention Centre, this level primarily features walkways, restaurants, conference rooms, and VIP lounges. Since no events were taking place during our visit, both Level 1 and Level 2 felt deserted, with darkness filling much of the space. To truly appreciate the grandeur of the National Exhibition and Convention Centre, it's best to visit when an event is underway.



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Upon reaching Level 3, you'll notice that the space is divided into blocks separated by wide walkways, with raindrops occasionally seeping through the high ceiling. During our visit, the Hong Arena—capable of seating up to 7,500 people—was hosting a series of talk shows. As you move toward the center of the building, you’ll encounter a circular road with paths branching out in all directions. We walked the full loop and discovered several dozen eateries, though most were closed due to the absence of a major exhibition.



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4. Costco Shopping Centre (开市客)

An out-of-town shopping centre located in western Shanghai brings vitality to the suburbs.


As we stepped inside, we were immediately greeted by an atmosphere entirely different from the outside. People wandered happily with friends and family, browsing for items that caught their interest. If you're in the market for new car tires, the Tire Centre is a great place to start. This area, stocked with a wide range of tire types and sizes, is set apart from the main shopping zone.



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From the image above, it's clear that the food corner offers a variety of moderately priced and delicious Western dishes. One standout treat is the Calpis Ice Cream—definitely worth a try if you ever visit Costco. It's also worth noting that while shopping at Costco requires a membership, the food corner is open to everyone.



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This marks the end of very first Shanghai tour, and I hope you all enjoy it as much as we did. Stay tuned for our bimonthly trip updates!






















































 




  


 






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Bike in Shanghai is a green travel guide for exploring Shanghai and nearby areas by bike. (EST 2023)

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