Free evening in Shanghai and Beijing

Question

Hi All, we shall visit China next monnth from India as part of a group who will organise all regular and iconic site-seeings in Beijing and Shanghai. However, we shall have free evenings when we can explore the cities on our own, getting a real feel of the places,having local cuisines,a bit of shopping etc. We shall stay at the Beijing River view hotel in Dongcheng in Beijing and the Park in by Radission in Jing'An in Shanghai. Please suggest.

Also, even after reading recent posts on payments, we are not sure whether small vendors will accept local currency. We cannot install Alipay or Wechat in India. Do comment on this also

Thanks for any suggestions

Answer

For your free evenings in Beijing and Shanghai, you can explore local areas that offer a mix of culture, shopping, and dining within convenient distance from your hotels.

In Beijing, staying at the Beijing River View Hotel in Dongcheng, you are well placed to explore:

Wangfujing Street: Famous for its night market, local snacks, and souvenir shopping. Walking here in the evening gives you a real sense of the local hustle and bustle.
Houhai Lakes & Nanluoguxiang Hutongs: Offers traditional alleyways with bars, tea houses, and local street food. Great for a relaxed evening stroll.
Local restaurants: Try a Peking Duck restaurant nearby or small local eateries for Beijing specialties like zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste).

In Shanghai, from the Park by Radisson in Jing’an, you can explore:

Jing’an Temple area: The vicinity has boutique cafes, local eateries, and small shops where you can enjoy a quiet evening walk.
Nanjing Road (East/West): Famous shopping street, bright lights, and plenty of food options. Good for souvenir shopping and local snacks.
The Bund: Iconic waterfront promenade, perfect for evening photos, watching the city skyline, and sampling riverside bars or restaurants.
Former French Concession: Offers a charming mix of tree-lined streets, boutique shops, and small restaurants serving local and fusion cuisine.

Regarding payments:

Small vendors and street food stalls may prefer or only accept mobile payments (Alipay or WeChat Pay). Since you cannot install these apps from India, carrying some local currency (RMB) in small denominations is essential.
Major restaurants, hotels, and larger stores usually accept cash and foreign credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.), but having RMB for small purchases will make things smoother.
ATMs are widely available in both cities for cash withdrawal, but check with your bank for international fees.

In summary, plan to carry sufficient RMB in small notes for local shopping and street food. Focus on nearby popular areas for evening strolls, light shopping, and authentic local food experiences to make the most of your free evenings.

Free evening in Shanghai and Beijing

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