Dabao's Princess Dream, My Magic City Dream

📍 Shanghai · 👁 4 reads · ❤️ 70 likes

D1: Chenghuangmiao – Huangpu River Night Cruise

D2: People's Square – Nanjing Road – Oriental Pearl Tower – Maixinge Boutique Hotel (Pudong Airport Branch)

D3: Shanghai Disneyland

D4: Maixinge Boutique Hotel – Shanghai Science and Technology Museum

Magic City – Shanghai. It’s not only home to modern skyscrapers but also hides charming garden villas of various styles. One moment you’re marveling at the century-old buildings on the Bund, and the next you’re ducking into a longtang (lane). Some love its daytime bustle, others adore its enchanting night. To truly feel Shanghai’s magic, honestly, a month isn’t enough.

Shanghai is a mysterious metropolis that deserves to be savored slowly!

Useful Tips (I)

Shanghai Transportation: By Air

Shanghai has two airports: Pudong and Hongqiao, namely Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport, about 40 km apart and connected by Metro Line 2. Domestic flights operate at both. Hongqiao Airport is closer to the city center (about 10 km), while Pudong Airport is farther near the sea, about 30 km away. Pudong mainly serves international flights and major domestic cities; Hongqiao serves more domestic routes. From Pudong International Airport, Metro Line 2 eastern extension and maglev train offer direct access to downtown. Hongqiao Airport is closely linked with Hongqiao Railway Station, forming an integrated air-rail hub. Hongqiao Airport is served by Metro Lines 2 and 10 to downtown.

Shanghai Transportation: By Rail

Shanghai Railway Bureau is the largest bureau of China Railway Corporation, with the highest annual passenger and freight throughput nationwide. Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station is currently one of the largest high-speed rail stations in China. There are four main railway passenger stations in Shanghai: Shanghai Railway Station (also known as New Passenger Station), Shanghai South Railway Station, Shanghai West Railway Station, and Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station. Shanghai Station is the primary hub, known to locals as the New Station, with over 70 pairs of trains daily to major and medium-sized cities. Shanghai South Station handles around 30 pairs daily, mostly long-distance trains to the south and short-distance services to Jiangsu and Zhejiang, plus a few to Yantai, Baotou, Lanzhou, etc. Shanghai West Station mainly accommodates intercity high-speed trains originating for Shanghai, Wuxi, Suzhou, and Nanjing. Shanghai Hongqiao Station operates high-speed EMU trains on the Shanghai–Nanjing, Shanghai–Hangzhou, Beijing–Shanghai, and Shanghai–Huzhou routes, as well as intercity high-speed trains to all directions.

Shanghai Transportation: Metro

The public transit in Shanghai is quite advanced; basically anywhere you want to go, the metro can reach. Currently, Shanghai Metro has 12 lines. Single-journey tickets cost 3–7 yuan depending on distance. Multi-ride passes are more cost-effective: a 1-day pass (18 yuan) and a 3-day pass (45 yuan) offer unlimited rides within 24 and 72 hours, respectively. If you'll be using public transport frequently, a 1- or 3-day pass is recommended, and even without it, a transportation card is handy for convenience.

A brief overview of frequently used stations on Metro Lines 1 and 2:

Line 1: Shanghai Railway Station, Xujiahui (Xujiahui Cathedral, Metro City and other shopping malls), People's Square Station (nearby: Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, New World Department Store, wax museum), Jinjiang Amusement Park.

Line 2: Hongqiao Railway Station (high-speed rail), Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2, Zhongshan Park, West Nanjing Road (Wujiang Road Snack Street), People's Square, East Nanjing Road (shopping malls like Landmark Plaza, 5-minute walk to the Bund), Lujiazui (Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, Riverside Promenade, etc.), Shanghai Science and Technology Museum (ticket 60 yuan), Century Park (ticket 10 yuan; international fireworks displays during National Day holiday), Longyang Road (transfer to maglev to Pudong Airport), Guanglan Road (transfer to a separate Line 2 train for Pudong International Airport; same station, same platform), Pudong International Airport Station.

Useful Tips (II)

Hotel prices in Shanghai range from a few dozen yuan to several thousand, even tens of thousands. Generally, good value hotels are usually in the 400–1,000 yuan range – decent environment, moderate price, convenient transport. Additionally, youth hostels, capsule hotels, guesthouses, and budget chain hotels abound; check online, they're top choices for backpackers.

Useful Tips (III)

As the saying goes, food is the first necessity. Situated at the center of the Yangtze River Delta, Shanghai’s local cuisine (Benbang) is closely linked to Jiangsu and Zhejiang cuisines, while dishes from all over China and the world are also widely available. So when in Shanghai, you have the chance to sample specialities from everywhere.

Shengjian: a traditional Shanghai snack, fried pork buns also called shengjian mantou.

Qingtuan: a signature Jiangnan snack, a green dumpling made with mugwort juice.

Xiaolongbao: for Shanghainese, these soup dumplings are not just food but a lifestyle, reflecting their refinement.

Congyou Banmian: scallion oil noodles, a Shanghai-style wheat noodle dish famous nationwide.

Babao Lajing: eight-treasure spicy sauce, made with diced chicken, pork, bamboo shoots, shrimp, peanuts, and broad bean paste, a well-known local specialty.

Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs: a classic dish delightful both hot and cold, often served as a cold appetizer in Shanghai.

Benbang Red-Braised Pork: ask a Shanghainese their favorite dish, nine out of ten will say Hongshao Rou.

Paigu Nian’gao: pork chop with rice cakes, a famous snack with over 50 years of history, a must-try.

Xiekehuang: crispy crab-shell pastries, a time-honored treat shaped like a crab shell with a deep red hue.

Soy Sauce Duck: a household name, embodying Benbang's “heavy oil, red sauce” style, also served cold.

You Dunzi: a deep-fried turnip cake, a popular street snack.

Yanduxian: a savory soup originally from Ningbo, now a representative Shanghai home-style dish.

Jiu’niang Yuanzi: glutinous rice balls in fermented rice wine, a classic traditional dessert.

About Disney—this deserves special attention. After all, most families with kids come here. For us, it was the absolute highlight of the trip!

Shanghai Disney Resort, the first Disney theme park in mainland China, is located in Chuansha New Town, Pudong. It opened on June 16, 2016, featuring seven themed lands: Mickey Avenue, Gardens of Imagination, Adventure Isle, Treasure Cove, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, and Toy Story Land. It’s the sixth Disney park worldwide. Blending Disney’s incredible creativity with authentic Disney charm, Shanghai Disney creates a fantastical “dream-making” paradise for all visitors.

1. [Tickets]

Ticket prices are everyone’s biggest concern. Shanghai Disney tickets are divided into 1-day and 2-day. A standard 1-day ticket costs 370 yuan on regular days and 499 yuan during peak periods (weekends, public holidays, and school summer/winter breaks).

1-day ticket: standard 399 yuan, children 299 yuan, seniors 299 yuan.

2-day ticket: standard 876 yuan, children 656 yuan, seniors 656 yuan.

Disney offers discounts for four groups: seniors (65+), 280/375 (regular/peak); children (height 1–1.4m), 280/375; disabled guests (proof required), 280/375; infants (under 1m), free both regular and peak.

There are also various annual passes, early entry cards, Premier Access, and VIP seating to choose from. Numerous purchasing channels exist online, often with package deals cheaper than official, such as 1-day + Early Entry + Premier Access combos, or 20% off 2-day tickets—great value.

2. [Accommodation]

Many hotels and B&Bs near Disney range from 100 yuan to over 1,000 yuan. They cluster around Xiuyan Road and Chuansha Station on Line 2. Most provide complimentary shuttle buses to/from the park, with a few morning departure times and return shuttles in the evening (around 9–10 pm, leaving when full).

The resort has two official hotels: Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and Toy Story Hotel, both priced 1k–2k per night. If traveling specially for Disney, an arrival-night stay allows extra sleep the next morning.

My stay at Maixinge Boutique Hotel was near Chuansha Station, about 500m from the metro exit, or the hotel could pick me up—very convenient. Two nights cost 500 yuan, excellent value.

3. [Entry Tips]

Disney still checks bags at entry, though not as strictly as before, mainly for fragile items and dangerous goods. Bring your ID for ticket exchange. A water bottle is handy (no glass, considered fragile); drinking fountains are near restrooms. Pack some snacks—a Disney visit is physically demanding, and on-site food is shockingly expensive. Many nearby hotels provide disposable raincoats, useful for Roaring Rapids.

A must-download: the “Shanghai Disney Resort” app. It allows ticket purchases, map viewing, daily show schedules, real-time wait times, and grabbing FastPasses (FP). I downloaded it a month ahead and practically memorized all attraction locations!

After entering, get your paper ticket by scanning your ID, then use the app to scan the QR code to link your ticket and invite fellow travelers into a group.

FP: FastPass. A special pass that lets you experience a selected attraction during a designated time window via a priority line, skipping the regular queue. Limited daily supply, first-come first-served. Seven attractions offer FP. After getting one, the app tells you when you can grab the next; typically, you can snag 3–4 in a day; by noon, they’re usually gone.

Seven FP attractions:

- Soaring Over the Horizon (Adventure Isle)

- Roaring Rapids (Adventure Isle)

- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (Fantasyland)

- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (Fantasyland)

- Peter Pan’s Flight (Fantasyland)

- TRON Lightcycle Power Run (Tomorrowland)

- Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue (Tomorrowland)

Plus one I found just as fun (rumored to be invested 30 million yuan by Jack Ma):

Pirates of the Caribbean – Battle for the Sunken Treasure (Treasure Cove)

4. [Seven Lands]

(I) Mickey Avenue

First stop upon entering. No rides, only shops and character meet-and-greet houses—great for shopping and photos. Many restaurants are here too. All parades pass the main avenue shared with Gardens of Imagination, so arrive early for a good spot.

(II) Adventure Isle

- Soaring Over the Horizon – ★★★★★

Hands down Shanghai Disney’s longest queue. Takes you on an aerial flight like a thunderbird, circling the globe in 15 breathtaking minutes. Absolutely worth a re-ride.

- Roaring Rapids – ★★★★

A whitewater raft ride, passing through caves, not fast, suitable for elders. Wear a disposable raincoat unless you want to get soaked!

- Camp Discovery – ★★★

No queue. Try the rope challenge course, cross a “single-plank bridge” on a precarious walkway—immersive hiking with views, close to waterfalls and caves. The indoor theater features a stage show; uncrowded and air-conditioned, a good break.

(III) Treasure Cove

- Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure – ★★★★★

No FP. A dark, mysterious undersea adventure on a boat, with stunning projection effects—a true audio-visual feast!

- Explorer Canoes – ★★★

Basically, a paddling experience around Treasure Cove, while cast members narrate nearby sights. You do the paddling—unique and fun.

(IV) Fantasyland

- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – ★★★★★

A classic outdoor wooden roller coaster, family-friendly thrills. Two seats per car, one per row. Among Disney’s few thrilling rides, this one delivers.

- Alice in Wonderland Maze – ★★★

A photo paradise of hedges, stone walls, giant flowers, and sculptures. At its heart stands the Red Queen. Nearby, the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. A delight for all ages.

- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – ★★★★

A ride great for kids, exploring Pooh’s wonderful world!

- Peter Pan’s Flight – ★★★★

Similar to Pooh—soar through the sky on a flying ship with Peter, battling Captain Hook. Perfect for families.

(V) Tomorrowland

- TRON Lightcycle Power Run – ★★★★★

The fastest Disney coaster on earth, and the most intense. You sit on a sleek lightcycle, blasting from 0 to 100 km/h in 3 seconds! Thrill-seekers, don’t miss it!

- Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue – ★★★

A kid-friendly shooting game, zapping targets from a spinning spaceship—relaxing and fun.

- Jet Packs – ★★★★

As each pack spins, its arm rises; you control your altitude. A souped-up Dumbo-style ride; families, don’t miss it.

(VI) Gardens of Imagination

- Enchanted Storybook Castle – ★★★★★

The largest Disney castle worldwide, and the park’s centerpiece. Magnificent day and night—snap photos from every angle.

1. Once Upon a Time Adventure: meet Disney Princesses privately and take photos.

2. Golden Fairytale Fanfare: a daytime show on the castle stage spotlighting each princess.

3. Storybook Court: interact with animated Snow White, strolling through her tale—a walkthrough with manageable waits.

- Marvel Universe – ★★★

Explore the Marvel world, meet superheroes up close and snap photos. A must for Marvel fans.

- Mickey’s Meeting Place – ★★★

Donald and Mickey represent many childhoods. Pose with various historical Mickeys.

- Dumbo the Flying Elephant – ★★★

A darling ride for kids; you can adjust the height. Very family-friendly.

- Fantasia Carousel – ★★★

Every girl’s childhood dream—especially at night, the lights create a magical, colorful carousel. Even if you don’t ride, snap plenty of photos.

Numerous other shows and parades run at varying times—check the app for details.

(VII) Disneytown

Outside the paid park, Disneytown and Wishing Star Park are free to enter. Disneytown offers more and better restaurant choices than inside; you can dine there and re-enter. It also features over 50 shops (Pandora, Watsons, etc.) and Asia’s first “World of Disney” store.

Day by Day

Tianjin West – Shanghai Hongqiao, G211 (9:28–14:41). By the time I exited the station it was nearly 3 p.m. I took Metro Line 2 straight to People's Square Station, Exit 17 (Raffles City), then walked south along Xizang Middle Road about 500 meters to the hotel (Sushi Light Luxury Hotel, People's Square branch). The hotel, from the second floor up, was pleasant; no time for photos. Family room 298/night – great value in Shanghai’s busiest area.

From the hotel I took a taxi to Chenghuangmiao, arriving after 4 p.m. Due to renovation at Yuyuan Garden in December, Chenghuangmiao was closing at 4:30 pm, so we decided to skip entry. We wandered around, stomachs rumbling, and looked for food.

I had pre-booked a Huangpu River night cruise (Pier 16) online. Since Chenghuangmiao is close to the pier, we walked. Waking after 9 a.m. the next morning, we got ready.

First stop: Madame Tussauds, on the 10th floor of New Century Plaza, West Nanjing Road. Tickets 170 yuan each; discounted on many websites. Afterward, we hit the start of Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. In Shanghai, you can’t miss Nanjing Road — all sorts of shops: department stores, food, cinemas, pharmacies; you’ll find everything. At its end lies the famous Bund. After strolling a while, reminiscent of Tianjin’s Heping Road, we had lunch and hopped on a double-decker sightseeing bus to Lujiazui.

On the bus, we learned about the Sightseeing Tunnel crossing the Huangpu to Lujiazui, so bought tickets (40 yuan each). Emerging right in front of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower — breathtaking. A circular skywalk beneath it makes a perfect photo spot, and there are professional photographers.

We stayed in Lujiazui until around 4 p.m., then took the sightseeing bus back to the hotel. Grabbing our luggage, we headed to the pre-booked hotel near Disney to rest up early for the park.

What? First time at Disney and you can hit 10+ rides and multiple shows??? Yes, you read that right. A month of research really paid off. The key: Early Entry Pass. Let in one hour early. Don’t underestimate that hour — it determines your entire day’s quality. Buy online a day ahead for 99 yuan each; same-day purchase is 149 yuan.

Here’s how my day unfolded:

Official opening is 9 a.m., but gates usually open around 8:30. Early Entry admission begins about 7:30. That day it was 7:40. To avoid being caught behind the crowds, I strongly recommend arriving at the gate before 7 a.m. Once inside with a paper ticket, I hurried toward Soaring Over the Horizon while linking my companions’ tickets on the app. Yes — go straight there, no photos, no stopping. You’ll pass Roaring Rapids but ignore it. Most people race to Soaring first. As I linked tickets, I immediately grabbed a Seven Dwarfs Mine Train FP for 10:30–12:30.

8:10 – Finished Soaring Over the Horizon. Indescribable.

From there, dashed back to Roaring Rapids. Very short queue.

8:30 – Done. Less thrilling than expected.

Next, Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure. Waited about 10 minutes.

9:00 – Finished. Super exciting, awesome.

Only 9 a.m., and with just one Early Entry Pass, we’d completed three of the eight major attractions — this pass easily saved 3–4 hours of queueing! Near Pirates is Shipwreck Shore.

9:10 – Quick photo stop at Shipwreck Shore.

Straight ahead, Winnie the Pooh. Passing Seven Dwarfs, the line was already long as day guests flooded in. Our FP for that was still 10:30.

9:35 – Pooh done. My daughter loved it.

Since it was still early, only 10 min wait. Next to Pooh: Hunny Pot Spin, like teacups.

9:55 – Done. Dizzy!

10:00, a half hour before Mine Train. Alice in Wonderland Maze next.

10:25 – Finished. Great for photos, and a maze.

Rushed to Mine Train for FP time.

10:45 – Mine Train done. Very nice.

The standby line was already 90 minutes — proof of its popularity. Even with FP, we queued inside about 15 min. Past 10:30, I could grab another FP. Snagged TRON Lightcycle Power Run for 12:30–14:30. (Some use the second FP to re-ride Soaring, which is possible — its visual impact is unmatched. If crowds aren’t overwhelming, FP for Soaring is obtainable before 11 a.m.)

After Mine Train, we were tired. Opposite was a snack kiosk, perfect for a break.

11:30 – Explored Enchanted Storybook Castle.

As the park’s icon, it’s magnificent. From the Mine Train, crossing a little bridge offers the ultimate photo spot.

11:40 – Storybook Court: listened to Snow White’s story inside the grand castle. A leisurely walkthrough, never an insane queue — a must if time permits.

12:10 – Woody’s Roundup. My daughter loves Toy Story.

Toy Story Land has three rides: Woody’s Roundup, Slinky Dog Spin, and Rex’s Racer (wait times ~20 min). While queuing for Woody’s, I dashed back to the entrance to rent a stroller (90 yuan/day — a wise move!). When I returned, they were just finishing Slinky Dog.

12:30 – Slinky Dog Spin done.

I wanted to try Rex’s Racer, but it looked too intense and my wife chickened out, so we skipped. The 1:30 Frozen sing-along was the last show of the day — but when we arrived, it was full. My daughter’s Elsa wouldn’t be seen… huge disappointment.

Time for TRON FP. Headed to Tomorrowland. I also grabbed a Peter Pan’s Flight FP for 14:30–16:30.

13:05 – TRON finished. Absolutely thrilling! The most intense Disney ride.

At the entrance, the screams scared my wife and daughter away. This time I wouldn’t miss it — they went to Buzz Lightyear while I rode TRON alone.

13:10 – Quick look at Chevrolet Digital Challenge: those supercars are so cool.

13:20 – Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue done. A fun shooting game for kids.

Stomachs growling — lunch time.

13:20–15:20 – Lunch and rest. Felt like wasting so much time in Disney!

15:30 – Mickey’s Storybook Parade. Greeting characters up close, the atmosphere hit a peak! Parades and the nighttime spectacular are the ultimate must-do’s.

When watching, take a spot on the north side of Mickey Avenue (near the castle and carousel) — so when it ends, you can dash to rides. Parade time sees relatively lighter crowds.

16:00 – Peter Pan’s Flight done. All eight major FP attractions completed!

Both Peter Pan and Pooh are kid-pleasers. Day nearly done, we headed to the castle for evening photos. Arriving, a show was on — Golden Fairytale Fanfare.

16:30 – Show finished. Photos with the castle. It was nearly 5 p.m., checked the app for other rides: Dumbo, Jet Packs, Carousel all 30+ min waits. Voyage of the Crystal Grotto had a short wait, so we went.

17:30 – Crystal Grotto done. A charming boat ride. Had wanted to choose between Dumbo and the Carousel, but lines were too long, and my daughter was tired. We strolled Disneytown while she napped in the stroller.

17:30–19:00 – Explored Disneytown.

Since it was Halloween season, another parade at 19:00. Learning from earlier, we stood near the carousel to snag a good fireworks spot afterward.

19:00 – Halloween parade, with Donald, Maleficent, the Evil Queen, and other villains.

After the parade (~19:20), we hurried toward the castle. Every patch of ground in front was already occupied by seated viewers… We squeezed into a tiny space near a pumpkin statue, a bit far but still central.

20:30 – Ignite the Dream: A Nighttime Spectacular of Magic and Light. The grand finale – a mix of childlike wonder and fantasy, with Disney’s top-notch special effects, simply stunning.

The light show actually starts warming up at 20:00, turning the castle into a gigantic 3D projector, with Disney stories and characters continuously appearing, accompanied by music and dazzling fireworks. So beautiful you can’t bear to blink, afraid of missing a single second.

I guarantee: this day will be exhausting, but when you realize you’ve experienced more – and more major attractions – than others, you’ll feel a sense of achievement and pride! It will reawaken your inner child and leave you with deeper thoughts…

A few reminders:

Must-see parade: get there early for a good spot.

Nighttime show: everyone’s most anticipated part. Stake out a spot at least an hour ahead on the square in front of the castle. By 7 pm for an 8:30 show, crowds are already sitting and waiting.

Recommended viewing: between Dumbo/carousel and the castle, not too close to avoid lamp post obstructions, and the castle fills the frame perfectly.

I was so stunned I forgot to take pictures.

Disneyland is a place for all ages, where young and old find joy. Whether with family, friends, or your partner, it’s a journey full of surprises, energy release, and childlike fun.

Shanghai Science and Technology Museum

Located on Pudong Century Avenue, it’s the city’s largest science education center. Modern devices, interactive exhibits, and an impressive science film theater let you explore natural science in depth. With kids, it’s a perfect edutainment stop.

Since we had to catch a high-speed train back to Tianjin on the afternoon of the fourth day, we chose something along Line 2 — exactly the Science and Technology Museum (Line 2 really strings together so many sights — a true blessing for tourists!). From exit 7 of the metro station, cross an underground plaza to the museum’s back door. First, grab a visitor guide from the service center on the 1st floor — it has maps, show times, recommended routes. Films can be booked via the museum’s official WeChat or website.

Shanghai, as a global metropolis, holds countless charms waiting to be discovered. Attractions dot the city; you could easily spend three to five days savoring its beauty.

Time always flies — soon it was time to say goodbye. Four days were quite rushed. Shanghai has so much to offer, a month wouldn’t be enough. But no matter how far or how long the trip, eventually we must return home. That’s life: we keep climbing and descending mountains, learning to let go and be content is a lifelong lesson.

I hope my travelogue helps you. The beautiful Shanghai is waiting for you to discover and explore.

Table of Contents

1. About Shanghai

2. About Disney

3. DAY1: Chenghuangmiao – Huangpu River Night Cruise

4. DAY2: Nanjing Road – Oriental Pearl Tower

5. DAY3: Disney

6. DAY4: Shanghai Science and Technology Museum

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