Getting there

Planes

Shanghai is the only city in China with two international airports – but you’re likely to arrive in Pudong. Don’t pay more than 200RMB for a cab to get downtown.

Boats

Strictly for sightseeing: a Huangpu River Cruise – sounds tacky but the views of Shanghai’s space age architecture overlooking the harbour are spectacular.

Trains

The Maglev (magnetic suspension) train is an exhilarating way to enter Shanghai from the airport….even if it only hits its top speed of 400km/h for a few seconds. The subway system is crowded but thankfully air-conditioned in summer.

Automobiles

Don’t hire a car unless you’re feeling daring: the concept of giving way doesn’t exist. Road signs are in Chinese and English. The Chinese drive on the right hand side of the road – most of the time.