SHANGHAI ¨C If you¡¯re dreaming of an escape from city life, then a 25-million-strong Chinese metropolis might not be the first place that springs to mind. But if you¡¯re happy to explore beyond its admittedly crowded tourist sites, Shanghai offers pockets of tranquility backed up with charmingly dressed-down neighborhoods, awe-inspiring architecture, and some of the best food in Asia.
The best time to visit Shanghai is in spring, a bright and breezy sweet spot between the city¡¯s smog-shrouded winter and shirt-soaking summer months. Frequent direct flights make the three-hour hop from Narita and Haneda airports into Shanghai Pudong International Airport every day. You¡¯ll pay around ?50,000 for the privilege.
Strict visa requirements for most travelers, however, make Shanghai a less whimsical travel destination than other East Asian cities. Allow at least three weeks to obtain a tourist visa or make Shanghai a stopover between Japan and a second destination outside of mainland China to qualify for the 144-hour transit visa, which can be applied for when you land in Shanghai.
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