Strolling Through Shanghai in the Rain: September's Magic City, The Bund at Night, and Our Disney Adventure – A Complete Travel Guide
Meta Description: Discover Shanghai in September rain with our ultimate travel guide. Explore The Bund at night, Tianzifang, Sinan Mansions, and Shanghai Disneyland. Perfect for budget travelers and first-time visitors.
Introduction: Why Shanghai in September is Magic
As the train home slowly pulled out of Shanghai Station and the scenery outside began to blur, I finally had a moment to sit still and weave the fragments of the past seven days into words. For an ordinary student like me, travel has never been something I can do on a whim—either I'm buried in coursework with no time to spare, or when a holiday finally arrives, I'm too exhausted to do anything but collapse into bed. This three-month break felt like a gift from heaven. Not to go anywhere would have been a waste of such precious time.
Although our dream trip to Taiwan didn't work out, I realized that Shanghai—this city of magic—might just be our best alternative. So, my three friends and I clicked instantly and set off on our own Shanghai adventure.
Instead of writing this travelogue in the old diary-style format, I've divided it into three sections—"Sights & Activities," "Food & Drink," and "Where We Stayed" —to help you feel the warmth and flavor of this city.
Meet the Squad: Your Travel Companions
Before we dive in, I have to properly introduce the three "boss ladies" who joined me on this trip. They were my roommates for all four years of college and the most precious "tough-love sisters" in my life.
- Zhizhi from Liaoning – stunning, talks a mile a minute, has ridiculous luck with romance, and has that classic influencer vibe.
- Qingyu, also known as "Mama Qingyu" – the ultimate nurturer who can run a household and work magic in the kitchen.
- Lao Tan from Dalian – a bundle of energy, sweet-and-silly princess with the most infectious laugh.
As for me? I'll let you get to know me through the words ahead.
"Just thinking about it makes me so happy—my favorite city with my favorite people." That was Lao Tan's line, and I think it's the perfect opening for this travelogue.
Part 1: Sights & Activities – Meeting the Magic City in the Rain
First Encounter: September's Rain Has a Temper
September in Shanghai marks the start of its most annoying rainy season. Staring at the weather forecast—a string of little raindrop and cloud icons—before we left, I have to admit, I was crushed. I've never been a fan of rainy days. Holding an umbrella while dodging puddles underfoot is hardly my idea of a good time.
But then I thought, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." Maybe Shanghai in the rain has its own unique charm?
As it turned out, Shanghai's rain really does have a "temper." The moment we stepped out of the subway station, the sky went from clear to pouring in seconds. The four of us fumbled for our umbrellas, looking a mess as we searched for our rental apartment. When we finally found the place, the self-check-in process was a whole other ordeal. By the time the key clicked in the lock and the door swung open, I was thrilled inside but could only stand there in silence, completely drained.
Ever been to an awkward meet-up with online friends? That was us—so disheveled that we only managed one half-hearted group selfie.
The Bund at Night: The Rain Gave Us a Private Show
When you think of Shanghai, the first thing that comes to mind is The Bund. Just as Beijing has the Forbidden City and Guangzhou has the Canton Tower, Shanghai has the Oriental Pearl. If you're visiting Shanghai, The Bund is an absolute must.
As we got close to The Bund, a sea of colorful neon lights and dense crowds hit us. Add in the drizzling rain, and the streets were filled with a bobbing sea of umbrellas. From above, it must have been a spectacular sight.
But The Bund in the rain has a beauty all its own. The sky still held patches of blue, and you could see the shapes of clouds. At some point, the surging crowds began to thin out—the rain had probably dampened most tourists' spirits. But not ours. Since our pants were already soaked, we decided to walk faster and enjoy the rare quiet of The Bund at night.
The colorful neon lights, the towering buildings—this was the Shanghai I'd seen in photos, the Shanghai that had left such a deep impression on me from countless movies and TV shows. The old Western-style houses across the street looked even more charming in the rainy night, as if telling the century-old stories of this city.
Pro tip: Visit The Bund after 9 PM for fewer crowds and a more intimate experience. [Link: Best time to visit The Bund]
Sinan Mansions: An Unexpected Rainbow
At the intersection of Sinan Road and Fuxing Road lies Sinan Mansions. Rows of garden villas are arranged in perfect order, creating a world apart from the hustle and bustle outside. There's a unique elegance here—you can sit and daydream in a bookstore or café, or simply wander through the area and soak in the rare tranquility.
As luck would have it, the day was sunny, and we even spotted a rainbow. We stopped and started, paused and moved on, completely lost in the moment. Later, I learned that this was once the residence of Mei Lanfang, the legendary Peking Opera master. One particularly distinctive building turned out to be the Sinan Open-Air Museum. We stumbled upon a burger joint where the mist from their cooling system was a welcome relief from the heat.
I loved the houses here, the streets, the quiet, and the way every step revealed a new scene.
Don't miss: The Sinan Open-Air Museum offers free entry and a glimpse into Shanghai's architectural history. [Link: Free things to do in Shanghai]
Tianzifang: Shanghai's Answer to Nanluoguxiang
One morning, we walked to Tianzifang in Dapuqiao. The weather was a bit muggy, threatening rain. We strolled slowly along the streets, taking in the roadside sights we usually rush past in our daily lives.
In my next life, I want to be a cat, spending an afternoon on a chair in front of a fruit shop—that's the feeling Tianzifang gave me.
Tianzifang evolved from Shanghai's most iconic shikumen (stone-gate) alleyways. Just as Beijing has Nanluoguxiang, Shanghai has its Tianzifang. Although the small shops in every corner and alley have become increasingly similar, with commercialization everywhere, the neighborhood itself still retains a strong Shanghai character. Compared to Nanluoguxiang, it's smaller, more refined, with more twists and turns—a labyrinth. Every time you find your way out, you want to turn right back in.
Fun fact: Clothes hanging overhead on lines are a common sight—probably another unique Shanghai scene.
1933 Old Millfun: A Labyrinth of Light and Lines
Originally the Shanghai Municipal Council Slaughterhouse, 1933 Old Millfun is a historic building that blends Eastern and Western architectural styles. With its square exterior and circular interior, crisscrossing bridges and corridors, walking inside feels like navigating a maze. The moment you step in, a chill hits you—almost "cold and gloomy" is the word—but when you step out onto the various spiral staircases, the atmosphere changes completely.
Contrary to what we expected, taking good photos here is no easy task. What the eye sees—a complex web of spiral stairs and bridges—doesn't translate well to the camera. The lines lose their impact. The four of us wandered around for ages, shooting from every angle—up, down, left, right—testing our photography skills to the limit. The steps were steep, making us hesitate with every careful step. Signs marked the cattle paths and confinement rooms, and my mind could almost picture what this place must have looked like as a slaughterhouse.
The twilight sky was beautiful, with patches of clouds tinged in pale blue. One cloud even looked like a little footprint.
Photography tip: Bring a wide-angle lens for the best shots of the spiral staircases. [Link: Best photography spots in Shanghai]
Chendian Film Park: A Step Back in Time to Old Shanghai
This wasn't originally on our itinerary. The night before, on a whim, we saw pictures of old Shanghai that made us change our plans. Chendian Film Park is a hidden gem that transports you back to 1930s Shanghai. The cobblestone streets, vintage trams, and period costumes make it feel like you've stepped onto a movie set.
We spent hours wandering through the recreated streets, posing for photos, and imagining what life was like in old Shanghai. The attention to detail is incredible—from the peeling posters on the walls to the creaking wooden floors.
Insider tip: Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds and get better photos.
Shanghai Disneyland: A Dream Come True
No trip to Shanghai is complete without a visit to Shanghai Disneyland. We dedicated an entire day to this magical kingdom, and it was worth every penny. From the moment you step through the gates, you're transported into a world of fantasy and wonder.
Must-see attractions: - TRON Lightcycle Power Run – one of the fastest roller coasters in any Disney park - Pirates of the Caribbean – Battle for the Sunken Treasure – a stunning dark ride - Soaring Over the Horizon – a breathtaking flight simulation
Pro tip: Download the Shanghai Disneyland app for real-time wait times and FastPass booking. [Link: Shanghai Disneyland tips]
Part 2: Food & Drink – Eating Through Shanghai
Breakfast: The Shanghai Way
Start your day like a local with jianbing (Chinese crepe) and soy milk from a street vendor. For around ¥10, you get a freshly made crepe filled with egg, scallions, and crispy wonton skin. It's the perfect fuel for a day of exploring.
Lunch: Soup Dumplings and More
No trip to Shanghai is complete without xiaolongbao (soup dumplings). Head to Din Tai Fung or a local favorite like Jia Jia Tang Bao for the best ones. We also tried shengjianbao (pan-fried pork buns) and congyoubing (scallion pancakes).
Dinner: Local Favorites
For dinner, we explored the food streets near Yunnan Road. The options are endless—from spicy Sichuan noodles to delicate Cantonese dim sum. Our favorite was a small noodle shop that served dandan noodles with a perfect balance of spice and sesame.
Dessert: Sweet Treats
Don't leave without trying tanghulu (candied hawthorn skewers) and mooncakes (if visiting during the Mid-Autumn Festival). We also discovered a hidden gem near Tianzifang that serves matcha soft serve—a perfect treat on a rainy day.
Budget tip: Street food is your best friend. You can eat well for under ¥50 per person per meal. [Link: Budget eating in Shanghai]
Part 3: Where We Stayed – Accommodation Guide
Our Rental Apartment
We booked a self-check-in apartment near the French Concession area. While the check-in process was a bit chaotic (thanks to the rain), the apartment itself was cozy and well-equipped. It had two bedrooms, a small kitchen, and a living area—perfect for four friends.
Pros: - Affordable (around ¥300 per person per night) - Central location - Laundry facilities
Cons: - Self-check-in can be tricky - Limited soundproofing
Alternative Options
If you prefer hotels, consider: - Budget: Hanting Hotel or Home Inn (around ¥200-300 per night) - Mid-range: Holiday Inn or Ibis (around ¥400-600 per night) - Luxury: The Bund area hotels like The Peninsula or Waldorf Astoria (¥1000+ per night)
Booking tip: Use platforms like Ctrip or Booking.com for the best deals. [Link: Best areas to stay in Shanghai]
FAQ: Your Shanghai Travel Questions Answered
Q1: Is Shanghai worth visiting in September?
Absolutely. September offers mild weather, fewer crowds than summer, and the chance to experience the city in its rainy season charm. The rain adds a romantic atmosphere to places like The Bund and Sinan Mansions.
Q2: What should I pack for a September trip to Shanghai?
Pack an umbrella, light rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and layers (temperatures range from 20-28°C). Don't forget insect repellent for outdoor areas.
Q3: How many days do I need in Shanghai?
5-7 days is ideal to cover major attractions like The Bund, Disneyland, Tianzifang, and the French Concession. If you're short on time, prioritize 3-4 days for the highlights.
Q4: Is Shanghai expensive for budget travelers?
Not really. You can easily spend ¥200-300 per day (excluding accommodation) on food, transport, and entry fees. Street food is cheap, and public transport is efficient.
Q5: What's the best way to get around Shanghai?
The Shanghai Metro is the most convenient and affordable option. A single ride costs ¥3-10, and you can buy a Shanghai Public Transportation Card for easy access. Taxis are also available but can be expensive during peak hours.
Conclusion: Your Shanghai Adventure Awaits
Shanghai in September rain is not just a trip—it's an experience. From the neon-lit Bund to the labyrinthine streets of Tianzifang, every corner of this city tells a story. Whether you're traveling with friends, family, or solo, Shanghai offers something for everyone.
Ready to plan your trip? Start by booking your flights and accommodation early, especially if you're visiting during the Mid-Autumn Festival or National Day holidays. Download offline maps, learn a few basic Chinese phrases, and most importantly—embrace the rain. It might just give you the most magical moments.
Share your Shanghai story in the comments below. What's your favorite memory from the Magic City?
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