Our final full day in Shanghai before boarding Spectrum of the Seas perfectly captured why this city is one of Asia’s most exciting cruise gateways. From discovering a hidden underground market to cheering courtside at the Rolex Shanghai Masters Final, it was a day that mixed culture, sport, and authentic flavour in true Shanghai style.
🏙️ Starting the Day – Finding Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path
Shanghai rewards curiosity, but it also rewards patience. Many of the city’s most interesting places don’t appear clearly on Google Maps, and reviews on Western sites can be inconsistent.
Before this trip, I’d spent hours researching on TikTok, ironically, a platform that doesn’t actually work inside mainland China. The reason is simple: China runs on its own digital ecosystem. Instead of Google, Facebook, and Instagram, you’ll find equivalents built for Chinese users, and apps like Uber or Deliveroo are replaced by local services.
It’s not that China blocks everything; it’s that it built its own systems long ago. Once you understand that, travelling here becomes much less intimidating.
When I was planning, I still used Google Maps to bookmark cafés, bars, and landmarks — but when we arrived, it quickly became clear that some addresses didn’t match up. That’s because Chinese and Western mapping systems use different databases, and updates don’t always sync in real time.
💡 Tip: Apple Maps works perfectly in China, and for more local coverage, apps like Baidu Maps and Amap are popular alternatives. I downloaded AMaps and switched the language to English, but honestly, Apple Maps worked fine for most of our trip.
The only time we really struggled was verifying smaller or off-the-beaten-path places, like AP Plaza, the underground market we were heading to. I’d found it on TikTok, and while Google showed it in the right place, even some locals gave us conflicting directions; they were referring to a different underground mall nearby. It’s one of those moments that shows why local guidance—or joining an organised tour—can make such a difference.
📱 Travel Tech Tip:
China’s “Great Firewall” isn’t as restrictive as many imagine. The main difference is that Western apps often don’t have servers in China, so they simply don’t work.
- TikTok, for example, has a local version called Douyin.
- Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter don’t operate here, but in most cases an eSIM, data roaming, or VPN will allow you to keep using these apps whilst travelling in China.
- Alipay is the go-to app for payments and replaces Apple Pay or contactless cards in most local shops.
- Within Alipay, you can access Didi, China’s version of Uber, complete with built-in translation tools.
We used Alipay International, which lets you link your UK debit or credit card directly. It handled currency conversion automatically and worked seamlessly across shops, cafés, and taxis. In fact, our Didi rides across Shanghai, about 30 minutes each way, cost less than £4 per trip.
The key takeaway? Don’t be intimidated. The systems may be different, but they’re not difficult; they’re just built for a different audience. Once you embrace China’s own rhythm, it’s surprisingly easy to navigate and explore.
🔗 Related Read (coming soon): [Essential Apps & Tools for Travelling in China – How to Navigate, Pay, and Stay Connected]
💡 Travel Tip:
Download Apple Maps or Baidu Maps for navigation once in China, and set up Alipay before you leave home. You’ll need them for taxis, coffee, and even small-market purchases.
Discovering Shanghai’s Underground AP Plaza Market
Our morning began under the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, near Century Park, where we found one of the city’s best-kept secrets: the AP Plaza Underground Market.
At first, it seems modest, a handful of stalls selling souvenirs, but each corner opens onto another corridor until you’re deep in a maze of lights and voices. Trainers, handbags, electronics, art, toys, you name it, it’s probably here.
I’m hopeless at haggling, but luckily, one of our group, Sam, was brilliant. Watching him charm stallholders into lowering prices was entertainment in itself; even the locals were impressed. Sellers can be enthusiastic but friendly, and if you approach it with humour, you’ll have great fun.
You could spend hours wandering through the tunnels, discovering treasures or bargains you didn’t know you wanted.
The Chinese at these markets love to haggle.
Good to Know:
Replica goods are common. Buy small keepsakes freely, but avoid taking boxed designer items out of China, exporting counterfeit goods is illegal.
Despite the chaos, AP Plaza offers a fascinating glimpse of local life, a world away from the polished malls above ground. If you’ve got spare time before your cruise, it’s the perfect mix of cultural curiosity and lighthearted shopping, and a place to get a good deal, just have an eye for whats authentic, or authentic quality.
A VIP Day at the Rolex Shanghai Masters Final
After a quick change back at the hotel, we headed out for something truly extraordinary, the Rolex Shanghai Masters Final, held at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena in the Minhang District.
We’d been invited by Royal Caribbean China (read our Spectrum of the Seas from Shanghai guide) to attend the event as VIP guests, and it quickly became one of the highlights of the entire trip.
The Rolex Shanghai Masters is Asia’s premier tennis tournament, part of the ATP Tour Masters 1000, and every October, it transforms Shanghai into a buzzing international hub of sport, entertainment, and culture. The event runs for two weeks, with players, sponsors, and fans converging from around the world.
The venue itself is spectacular. The main arena’s roof opens like a blooming magnolia flower (Shanghai’s official city flower), symbolising the elegance and energy of the tournament. But the experience extends far beyond the court; the Masters Village outside is alive with music, food stalls, sponsor activations, and fan experiences that feel more like a festival than a sporting event.
Exploring the Masters Village
Before heading inside, we wandered through the brand village, where sponsors showcase interactive booths and activities. As Royal Caribbean’s guests, we had exclusive access to their pavilion, complete with fun photo ops with Captain Tennis, the cruise line’s mascot for their sponsoship of the Shanghai Masters
One of my favourite parts of the day was visiting the Royal Caribbean practice courts, which the brand had sponsored throughout the tournament. These are where players warm up and train before their matches, and for tennis fans, it’s a rare opportunity to watch top players up close, without having to access the main courts’ top tickets.
💡 Travel Tip:
If you’re visiting during the first week of the tournament, the practice courts are open to the public and can offer incredible photo opportunities with headline players before the main matches begin.
The Atmosphere Inside the Arena
Even if you’re not a die-hard tennis fan (and I’ll admit, I’m not), the energy inside the Qizhong Arena is infectious. The crowd’s excitement builds with every rally, every serve, every challenge replayed on the big screens. Watching elite athletes perform at this level gave me a newfound respect for the precision and strategy of the game, it’s far more gripping in person than on TV.
The Royal Caribbean Skybox made the day even more memorable. From our VIP suite, we enjoyed panoramic views of the court, unlimited drinks, and snacks throughout the afternoon. The hospitality was exceptional and relaxed, perfectly matching Royal Caribbean’s signature mix of elevated fun.
Between the live music outside, the buzz of the crowd, and the world-class tennis on court, the whole experience felt like a celebration. Seeing how warmly Chinese fans engaged with the Royal Caribbean brand was genuinely inspiring; it showed how seamlessly Royal Caribbean’s sense of fun, adventure, and community transcends borders.
Planning to Attend the Rolex Shanghai Masters
If you’re visiting Shanghai in October, this event is a must. Whether you’re a casual fan or just want to soak up the atmosphere, it’s one of the city’s most exciting annual festivals.
When: Early to mid-October each year
Where: Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena, Minhang District, Shanghai
Getting There: Take Metro Line 11 to Qizhong Station; it’s a short walk from there
Dress Code: Smart casual
Website: https://en.rolexshanghaimasters.com/en
A Perfect Partnership
The Rolex Shanghai Masters and Royal Caribbean share a lot in common; both celebrate excellence, passion, and experiences that bring people together. Spending the day courtside as a guest of Royal Caribbean was an unforgettable reminder of how travel, sport, and culture can connect people in surprising and fun ways.
It was one of those days that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of this trip: exciting, luxurious, and full of moments I’ll never forget.
Dinner at Sichuan Citizen – A Taste of Authentic China
After the trophy ceremony, we made our way to Sichuan Citizen, a traditional restaurant in Jing’an known for serving some of the most authentic Sichuan cuisine in Shanghai.
This was my first real encounter with genuine Sichuan flavours, spicy, aromatic, and full of depth. Each dish arrived family-style on a lazy Susan: fragrant beef, numbing peppercorn chicken, crisp vegetables, and cooling sides to balance the heat. One standout was a beautifully prepared fish dish, recommended by our local host from Royal Caribbean China (Happens to be the president of Royal Caribbean China, but I’ve been told off by my Podcast co-host for name-dropping on our latest episode), perfectly paired with fresh, zesty cocktails.
Ending what had been such an incredible day, from the Rolex Shanghai Masters Final to dinner at a local favourite, felt like the ideal balance of high energy and quiet satisfaction. Experiencing the famous numbing heat of Sichuan peppercorns firsthand was a true foodie highlight.
I even asked if we could add Mapo Tofu, a dish I’ve often enjoyed back home in the UK but had never tried authentically in China. It didn’t disappoint, rich, savoury, and layered with that unmistakable tingling spice that defines Sichuan cuisine.
Reflections – Why Shanghai Is the Perfect Pre-Cruise Destination
This day summed up everything I love about Shanghai: contrasts, surprises, and a sense of boundless energy. In one day we’d bartered underground, enjoyed courtside hospitality at a global sporting event, and finished with a feast of spice and flavour.
For UK travellers considering a Royal Caribbean cruise from Shanghai, days like this show just how much there is to explore before you ever set foot on the ship.
Travelling with local guides and Royal Caribbean’s support gave us the confidence to explore more freely while knowing help was always nearby. It struck the perfect balance between independence and reassurance, ideal for anyone curious about China but unsure where to start.
Shanghai may seem intimidating from afar, but once you’re here, it reveals itself as one of the most dynamic, welcoming cities in Asia. Whether you’re haggling in AP Plaza or cheering at the Shanghai Tennis Masters Final, this city delivers moments you’ll never forget.
Next up: Boarding Day – What It’s Like Joining Spectrum of the Seas in Shanghai’s Baoshan Cruise Port (coming soon)
Or, you can just head back and read about our first day exploring Shanghai, with a visit to Yu Gardens, The Bund and the tallest outdoor viewing platform in China.
Explore More from Our Royal Caribbean Shanghai Series
- How to Cruise from Shanghai Visa-Free – 240-Hour Transit Policy
- Pre-Cruise in Shanghai Before Royal Caribbean
- Spectrum of the Seas from Shanghai – Guide for UK Travellers
👍 Join the Facebook Group Now
Use this link to Join Our Royal Caribbean Facebook Group
Or sign up below to get our latest cruise offers and news straight to your inbox.
