Three Days in Shanghai: A Photography Otaku's Complete Guide to ChinaJoy & Solo Travel in the Magic City

Meta Description: Explore Shanghai in 3 days with this photography otaku's itinerary: ChinaJoy tips, hidden camera museums, Bund photography spots, and solo travel hacks. Perfect for gear enthusiasts and anime fans.

Introduction: Why This Shanghai Travelogue Matters

As a self-proclaimed photography gear enthusiast who's spent years navigating camera circles, I never thought I'd turn my travel snapshots into words. But after stumbling upon @嗯里's inspiring travelogue, I realized every journey deserves documentation—even if just for personal keepsakes.

Let me paint the picture: I'm a reliable fat otaku who hadn't taken annual leave all year. With September's busy season looming, I needed a quick August escape. Wallet feeling thin, overseas travel was out. My otaku buddies unanimously advised: "Go to ChinaJoy!" So, one plane ticket, three days off, and the Magic City adventure began.

This Shanghai travel guide covers everything from ChinaJoy 2018 highlights to hidden photography museums, solo travel tips, and budget-friendly hacks. Whether you're a photography otaku, anime fan, or first-time Shanghai visitor, this itinerary has something for you.

Shanghai Itinerary Overview: A Chaotic, Go-with-the-Flow Route

Day 1: Shenzhen Airport → Shanghai Pudong Airport → Tianzifang → Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street → The Bund
Day 2: Shanghai Film Park → Shanghai Old Camera Manufacturing Museum → Shanghai Science & Technology Museum → City God Temple Tourist Area
Day 3: 2018 ChinaJoy (Shanghai New International Expo Centre)
Day 4: Mercedes-Benz Arena → China Art Museum → Shanghai Pudong Airport → Shenzhen Airport

Honest confession: This route makes zero sense—pure whim. Since ChinaJoy was the main event, other days were just "browsing along the way." Take it with a grain of salt, and feel free to customize.

Day 1: First Arrival in Shanghai – Bund Photography & Anime Surprises

Shenzhen to Shanghai: First Ride on the Maglev Train

Summer vacation meant Shenzhen Airport was packed with elementary school kids on summer camps and families dragging children. I arrived early and boarded without hassle.

Shanghai Airport Choice:
- Hongqiao Airport: Closer to city center
- Pudong Airport: Farther (2 hours to People's Square) but offers the Maglev train experience

Maglev Train Tips:
- One-way ticket: 50 yuan (40 yuan with flight ticket discount)
- Round-trip ticket valid for 8 days
- Spacious seats, lightning speed, excellent experience
- Pudong Airport itself: Quiet, clean, efficient security checks—great first impression

Tianzifang: Old Shanghai Photography for Hipsters

My hotel near Dashijie Station on Metro Line 8 was perfectly located—convenient transport, right next to a food street. After dropping luggage, I headed straight to Tianzifang.

What to Expect:
- Artsy district converted from old neighborhoods
- Soft lighting and old Shanghai vibe
- Handicrafts, postcards, snack stalls (steep prices)
- Great for photo ops, but don't expect authenticity

[Link: Best photography spots in Shanghai]

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street: Eva Fan's Unexpected Treat

Nanjing Road's commercial strip buzzed with massive malls. The surprise bonus: a global dual exhibition of "Neon Genesis Evangelion" (July 13–August 19, 2018) at Shanghai's New World Daimaru Department Store. As a veteran anime fan, this was an unexpected Easter egg.

The Bund Photography: Crowds, Lights, and Lessons

The Bund is a must-visit for Shanghai photography. But that night brought two surprises:

Massive crowds: Traffic cops managed flow; sidewalks became one-way
Oriental Pearl Tower lights were off – I shot nothing but emptiness

Pro Tip: Return next morning for daytime shots. Still crowded with tour groups, but at least you'll capture the Pearl Tower.

[Link: Best time for Bund photography]

Day 2: Typhoon "Yunxian" Hits – Indoor Museum Alternatives

Shanghai Film Park: High Hopes, Hard Reality

Plan: Soak up classic old Shanghai vibes and visit TV drama locations.
Reality: A giant man-made set with far less dreamy atmosphere than imagined. Typhoon No. 12 "Yunxian" (Sparrow) hit that day—pouring rain within arrival.

Warnings for Photography Otakus:
1. Far away: 2 hours by car from People's Square
2. Expensive tickets: Adult 80 yuan, combo 90 yuan (discount tickets often rejected)
3. Mediocre content: No TV drama atmosphere; okay as photo studio on good days
4. Check official WeChat for celebrity filming schedules
5. Alternative: Disneyland (similar travel time, better value)

Shanghai Old Camera Manufacturing Museum: Photography Geek Paradise

Details:
- Free entry (registration required)
- Hours: 10:30 AM–8:00 PM (closed Mondays)
- Location: "IG Image Art Space" (white building, second floor)

Three Exhibition Sections:

1. Domestic Seagull Cameras (1950s–1970s)
China once had its own camera brands and production lines. Sixty years later, no Chinese brand exists in photography. These machines, which recorded China's development history, now rest silently in the museum.

2. German Leicas
From 1938 Leica III to 1992 M6, plus "legendary" cameras like Rolleiflex, Zeiss Contax, and Polaroid. Though film era is gone, these names still echo in photography circles.

3. Japanese Nikons
A small platform displays Nikon's classic rangefinders and film SLRs. Post-WWII history: from copying German designs to specializing in SLRs. Models on display: F2, F3, original F. Interestingly, that month Nikon announced development of a full-frame mirrorless camera—100 years on, making better cameras remains their reason for existence.

[Link: Shanghai camera museums guide]

Shanghai Science & Technology Museum: Family Fun, Solo Distraction

Details:
- Ticket: 60 yuan
- Hours: 9:00 AM–5:15 PM (closed Mondays)
- Recommended for families: fills holidays, strengthens parent-child bonds, teaches science

Tips:
- Some halls require separate reservations (plan ahead)
- Restaurant inside: mediocre taste and prices (bring your own food)

City God Temple Tourist Area: Avoiding the Infamous Scam

Many travelogues warn about City God Temple scams. Since I was staying nearby (1.2 km walk), I investigated.

What I Found:
- Most shops sell gold, jewelry, tourist souvenirs (classic tour group stop)
- "Snack city" resembles a packed cafeteria (skip it)
- One anime store selling figurines and model kits (mostly browsers, not buyers)

Verdict: Worth a quick look for photography, but don't expect authentic Shanghai culture.

[Link: Shanghai hidden gems for solo travelers]

Day 3: ChinaJoy 2018 – New Tech, New Entertainment, New Value

ChinaJoy Overview

As the most influential annual event in global digital entertainment, ChinaJoy 2018's theme was "New Tech, New Entertainment, New Value," covering games, anime, esports, smart hardware, and more. For most visitors, ChinaJoy's core remains: games, anime, and Show Girls.

ChinaJoy Ticket Prices (2018):
- August 3rd: 120 yuan
- August 4th–5th: 150 yuan
- August 6th: 100 yuan

Ticket Purchase Tips:
- E-tickets via Alipay
- Paper tickets on-site (collectible and good for souvenirs)
- Arrive early to avoid queues

ChinaJoy Photography Tips for Otakus

Best lens: 24-70mm or 70-200mm for crowd shots
Show Girl etiquette: Ask permission before photographing
Lighting: Indoor event lighting varies—bring fast lens
Time management: Plan which booths to visit (popular ones have long lines)
Battery backup: Bring extra batteries (you'll shoot all day)

[Link: ChinaJoy photography guide]

What to Expect at ChinaJoy

Game demos: Try upcoming releases
Anime merchandise: Limited edition figurines, posters, cosplay accessories
Esports tournaments: Watch professional gamers compete
Hardware showcases: Latest gaming PCs, VR equipment, smartphones
Cosplay parade: Hundreds of cosplayers in elaborate costumes

Day 4: Final Shanghai Adventures – Mercedes-Benz Arena & China Art Museum

Mercedes-Benz Arena: Architecture Photography

A modern architectural marvel worth visiting for photography enthusiasts. Check event schedules before going—concerts and sports events often take place here.

China Art Museum: Cultural Photography

Details:
- Free entry (some exhibitions may charge)
- Hours: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (closed Mondays)
- Former China Pavilion from 2010 Shanghai Expo

Photography Tips:
- Best for architectural and cultural photography
- Allow 2-3 hours for full exploration
- Bring wide-angle lens for interior shots

Return to Shenzhen: Final Travel Tips

Allow 3 hours for Pudong Airport check-in (security can be busy)
Maglev train to airport: 7-8 minutes (vs. 2 hours by car)
Duty-free shopping: Limited but decent for last-minute souvenirs

FAQ: Shanghai Solo Travel for Photography Otakus

1. Is Shanghai safe for solo travelers?

Yes, Shanghai is extremely safe for solo travelers, including at night. However, be cautious in tourist-heavy areas like City God Temple (watch for scams). Stick to well-lit areas and keep valuables secure.

2. What's the best time for Shanghai photography?

Golden hours: 6:30–7:30 AM and 4:30–5:30 PM (sunrise/sunset). The Bund is best photographed at sunrise (fewer crowds) or blue hour (30 minutes after sunset). Avoid typhoon season (July–September).

3. How much should I budget for a 3-day Shanghai trip?

Budget breakdown (per person):
- Accommodation: 300–600 yuan/night (mid-range hotel near metro)
- Food: 100–200 yuan/day (street food + casual restaurants)
- Attractions: 200–400 yuan (including ChinaJoy ticket)
- Transport: 100–200 yuan (metro + Maglev)
Total: 1,000–2,000 yuan (excluding flights)

4. Can I visit ChinaJoy without speaking Chinese?

Yes, many booths have English signage, and staff at major exhibitors speak basic English. Download a translation app for convenience. Cosplayers and fans are generally friendly to international visitors.

5. What camera gear should I bring to Shanghai?

Recommended kit:
- Wide-angle lens (16-35mm) for architecture
- Standard zoom (24-70mm) for street photography
- Fast prime (50mm f/1.8) for low-light indoor shots
- Tripod (for Bund night photography)
- Extra batteries and memory cards

Final Thoughts: Why This Shanghai Trip Mattered

This three-day Shanghai adventure wasn't just about ChinaJoy or photography—it was about embracing spontaneity, discovering hidden gems like the Shanghai Old Camera Manufacturing Museum, and learning that even a "chaotic" itinerary can yield unforgettable memories.

For photography otakus, Shanghai offers:
- World-class museums dedicated to camera history
- Iconic photography spots (The Bund, Tianzifang)
- Unique events like ChinaJoy for cosplay and tech photography
- Affordable solo travel options

Your Turn: Have you visited Shanghai for ChinaJoy or photography? Share your experiences in the comments below. Or better yet—book your ticket and create your own Magic City adventure.

Ready to plan your Shanghai photography trip?
[Link: Shanghai travel planning guide]
[Link: Best camera gear for travel photography]
[Link: ChinaJoy 2024 dates and ticket information]

Note: This article is based on a 2018 trip. Prices and event details may have changed. Always check official websites for current information.