100 RMB for 1 Day Challenge

For this trip, you'll be travelling to three stations by train: Jing'an Temple (静安寺), Zhongshan Park (中山公园), and Nanjing Road (南京路), all of which are accessible from the number 2 green line. You will also be travelling to and from the station closest to you. Be sure to have plenty of cash on your Shanghai Public Transportation card. Each ride will cost you roughly 3 RMB (0.43 USD). To be safe, I recommend adding 25 RMB (3.60 USD) to your card for the day. There's always the possibility of getting lost, so it’s better to have extra credit.

Another fun fact: trains in Shanghai are extremely reliable! If you miss your train, don’t worry—another will arrive shortly after. If you get lost, there are information desks at every station, and the staff will be more than happy to assist you.

¥100 – ¥25 (transportation) = ¥75 ($10.90) remaining

First stop, Jing'an!

Jing'an is one of Shanghai’s many fashionable districts, but what sets this one apart from the rest is its historic temple. The Jing'an Temple is over 780 years old, and it's truly a stunning sight to see. Be sure to exit the station at Exit 1. If you time it right, you can get in for free—but only on the 1st and 15th of every lunar month. Have your camera ready, as this is a perfect spot for photos! There are three main halls you'll want to explore: The Mahavira Hall, the Three Sage Hall, and the Heavenly Kings. Each one has its own majestic, unique style and intricate decorations. The atmosphere is generally very peaceful, making it a great place to reflect, wander, and appreciate the art. You'll experience various forms of art, whether it’s the architecture, calligraphy, paintings, or whatever else you discover in this beautiful domain of ancient Chinese culture. Even if you can’t enter the temple, there’s still plenty to enjoy from the outside. There are several shopping malls nearby, so if you have the time, it’s definitely worth exploring.

Breakfast

Feeling hungry? Great! There’s a fantastic spot right next to the English 1 Headquarters. If you work at English 1, you’ll find it easily, but if not, the address is 258 Tongren Road. Once you arrive, you’ll see a small outdoor shop to the left of the HQ building. This is a Jian Bing stand (煎饼摊), and you’ll find many of these scattered around the city. What you’ll want to order is a Jian Bing (煎饼), which is an egg-based crepe. You can fill it with a variety of ingredients like chicken, chili powder, onions—pretty much anything that suits your taste. Vegetarian? No problem! You can pick your own ingredients. The prices are incredibly cheap, and you’ll spend about 15 RMB (2.18 USD) at most for a healthy, delicious breakfast. And yes, the day is just getting started!

¥75 – ¥15 (breakfast) = ¥60 ($8.70) remaining

Do you love nature? Then Zhongshan Park (中山公园) is the place for you!

To get there from Jing'an, head back to the Jing'an metro station (Line 2). Take Line 2 to the Zhongshan Park stop. Once you arrive, take Exit 7, which will bring you closest to the entrance of the park. This beautiful park is a perfect spot for nature lovers, offering not only lush greenery but also a variety of outdoor activities. From kite flying to outdoor dancing and live music, there’s always something happening here. You can stroll through rose gardens or admire large sculptures scattered throughout the park. It’s easy to get lost in the vastness of the area, but it’s the kind of place where getting lost is a wonderful experience. Worried about time? Don’t be! The park is open 24 hours a day, and best of all—it’s free! Make sure to take your time and enjoy this gorgeous natural haven.

Lunch

Hope you’re ready for some noodles! Just a short walk from Zhongshan Park is a fantastic noodle restaurant called Changping Road Noodles (长平路面). It’s located on Changping Road, and although it’s a healthy walk away, it’s definitely worth the effort. When you exit the park, just walk in the opposite direction from where you came. You can enjoy their famous beef noodles for only 10 RMB (1.50 USD). The broth is delicious, and the service is quick. If you’re still hungry, you’ll have plenty of budget left for seconds. Don’t worry about time; this place is open 24 hours a day. If you’re a vegetarian, they also offer options, but be mindful of the broth, as it’s typically beef-based.

¥60 – ¥10 (lunch) = ¥50 ($7.27) remaining

Regardless of how long you stay, Shanghai's Nanjing Road and the Bund are must-see destinations.

These iconic tourist attractions are brimming with excitement and life. There’s so much to marvel at: the skyline, the lights, the stores, the river, and much more. Most importantly, both Nanjing Road and the Bund are free to visit and easy to reach. By now, you’re probably quite familiar with the number 2 (green) metro line. When you return to Zhongshan Park metro station, take Line 2 to West Nanjing Road (西南京路). From there, proceed to Exit 6. You’ll be right near the heart of this world-famous shopping district. Once you’ve had your fill of window shopping or sightseeing, head east, and you’ll find the Bund at the end of the road. Along the way, there are plenty of Family Marts where you can grab a snack. Baozi (包子) costs only 2-4 RMB (0.29-0.58 USD), or you can grab a refreshing drink (most drinks are under 10 RMB or 1.45 USD). Be sure to hydrate and snap lots of pictures during your walk—it’s a lot of ground to cover!

¥50 – ¥15 (snacks) = ¥35 ($5.10) remaining

(Assuming you’ve grabbed snacks from a Family Mart throughout the day.)

Dinner

Let’s be honest—you’ve been walking all day, and now you're tired and hungry. I know just the place for you! But first, head back to Nanjing Road Metro Station. Once you’re there, take the metro back to Zhongshan Park (中山公园). When you arrive, exit at Exit 2. Continue straight from the exit, and you’ll pass a large shopping mall called Raffles City. Further down the same street, you’ll find a wonderful spot called Beef House Village Soup and Noodles (牛家村浓汤拉面). Here, you can enjoy a hearty beef soup or a delicious beef sandwich of your choice. The food is filling, and since you still have 35 RMB left, you can treat yourself to a great dinner to end the day. What better way to wrap up your adventure in Shanghai? And since your metro card is pre-loaded, getting back home will be no trouble at all.

¥35 – ¥35 (dinner) = ¥0 ($0) remaining