Magic City Gets a Bit “Hot” | Foreign Tourists Flock to Shanghai to Visit Skyline, Wutong District and Taste Hot Pot Barbecue as Part of Their Travel Itineraries
【Editor’s Note】
As the year-end approaches and we usher in a new year, Shanghai, the “Magic City,” is experiencing a surge of excitement and liveliness. This “heat” is evident in the bustling streets, the vibrant nightlife, and the excitement generated by various commercial areas. It is also reflected in the enthusiasm of tourists from all over the world who visit Shanghai to explore its unique charm.
The澎湃新闻has launched a series of reports titled “Magic Shanghai is Heating Up,” presenting the vitality and enthusiasm bubbling on the streets and showcasing the “hot” side of this international metropolis.
The second article focuses on foreign tourists who have come to Shanghai to participate in the “China Travel” craze.
Wang Luyao Design
In Shanghai’s Yu Garden, a golden cat悠闲地漫步在屋脊上 as a Russian tourist Gelany captures the moment on camera. In Wukang Road intersection, fashionable young men and women gather from all directions, and a Korean girl, Song Lim, shares her newly purchased “Little Mermaid” ice cream with friends.
Along the Huangpu River, with the glittering skyline of Lujiazui in the distance, a Danish tourist Claus marvels at the beauty of Shanghai’s night. He has been to Shanghai for less than six hours but has already climbed to the top of Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China. The view from 546 meters high is breathtaking, with landmarks such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and World Financial Center up close, and ferries plying on the Huangpu River.
With the visa-free policy expanding and optimizing, “China Travel” has become a global phenomenon. China currently offers visa-free transit policies with 54 countries, with comprehensive mutual visa-free agreements with 25 countries and unilateral visa-free policies with 38 countries. Shanghai, with its numerous international flights, rich tourism resources, and convenient international services, has become the “first stop for China inbound tourism.”
The skyline of Shanghai is “stunning,” according to Claus, who is here for a three-day stay. He has visited many places in Shanghai and found it to be a city that blends old and new. The convenience of public transportation and efficient city management have left him impressed. He also plans to visit Hengfu Cultural District, which is known for its historical buildings and lively nightlife.
French student Eloe has spent a week in Shanghai exploring places like Nanjing Road, People’s Park, and the World Expo Culture Park. She finds Shanghai to be a lively city with a rich cultural heritage. She loves the city’s modernity as well as its historical buildings and culture.
Foreign tourists are also flocking to Shanghai to explore its food culture. From traditional dim sum to modern street food like hot pot and barbecue, there is plenty to savor in Shanghai.
As the number of foreign tourists increases, businesses in Shanghai are catering to their needs. Many restaurants now provide English menus, while shops offer various languages to communicate with customers. In addition, customized tour products are being launched to cater to the growing demand for unique travel experiences in Shanghai.
The Shanghai Immigration Inspection Station statistics show that in 2024, a total of 4.56 million foreign visitors were checked in, which is twice the number in 2023. Among them, the number of inbound foreign passengers at Pudong Airport reached 3.89 million, ranking first in China. With the continued release of visa-free policy benefits, Shanghai has become an attractive destination for international travelers.
According to Ctrip data, inbound tourism orders in 2024 have doubled compared to the previous year, with orders from the 54 countries that enjoy visa-free policies increasing by 189%. Shanghai, along with other cities like Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Beijing, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Zhuhai, Chongqing, Xiamen, and Xi’an, are among the top destinations for inbound tourism. Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, and Malaysia are major source countries for inbound travelers.
In addition to providing English services in restaurants and shops, Shanghai has also begun offering customized tour products. The city also provides convenient services such as a one-stop integrated service center for foreigners at the airport, which offers various services such as tourist brochures, maps, SIM card sales, transportation card sales, currency exchange, mobile payment services, and consultation in various languages.
Many foreign tourists who have visited Shanghai for a short time have left with positive and surprising impressions. They love the cleanliness of the city, its blend of old and new, efficient transportation systems, convenient payment methods, friendly locals who are willing to help with questions or photos. For some tourists like Chuck who has visited Hong Kong and Singapore before coming to Shanghai for work or travel purposes but speaks some Chinese are drawn to places like parks full of lively scenes or
