China Part 2 (Shanghai)

If you look at a detailed map of China, you'll see that much of the land consists of deserts and mountains which are not compatible with humans.  As a result, most of the population lives along the eastern shoreline from Shenzhen in the south to Harbin in the north.  Of course there are cities south and north of those mentioned, but these are the furthest southerly and northerly cities I've visited.  Furthest west is Urumqi - actually Dushanzi - in Xinjiang province.

The Bund (viewed from a river tour boat deck)

 As with all the Chinese cities, Shanghai is crowded and huge.  The Huangpu river flows through Shanghai along the English built Bund.  The Bund has many grand old buildings that display the vast wealth of the old British Empire.  Thank goodness the communists didn't destroy these building when they took over in '49.  Take some time to check out the Peace Hotel with its exquisite architecture and enjoy a cup of coffee in their coffee shop.

Peace Hotel coffee shop

Across the river is Pudong.  This area has grown much in the past 10 years with many tall office buildings and hotels.  The famous Pearl Tower in located in Pudong as well as the large Pudong International airport.  Depending on traffic the airport is an hour long taxi ride or a 10 minute bullet train ride.  Take the train to the terminal in Shanghai than a taxi to your hotel.

If you overnight in Shanghai and have another  flight from Pudong the following day, choose the Ramada Inn next to the airport.  Literally a 3 minute taxi ride to the Ramada.  However take the Ramada shuttle. Once a young taxi driver drove past the Ramada heading toward downtown.  After pounding on the glass separating me from the driver, the driver finally turned around and got me to the Ramada...............an hour later!  This has only happened once, so don't shy away from the taxi.  Just make sure he takes you to the Ramada next to the airport - not downtown.   Get the address in Mandarin off the Ramada website. The Ramada is very nice unlike the dumpy rundown Ramada hotels in the States.  Make sure you have the correct airport for you next flight. Many domestic flights leave from the old Hongqiao hotel located in downtown Shanghai.  This airport is literally downtown and is pretty decent.

Pudong (Shanghai PRC)

The shopping is OK at the various markets within the city.  Skip the malls as they are the same as any mall in the world.  The Fashion Market (copy cat market) is fun, but be ready for high pressure sales, especially just before you enter the market.  It is surprising how many of these Chinese salesman are your best friends.  In negotiations, offer 10% of the given price and negotiate from there. If you want a halfway decent "Rolex" or "TAG" watch, ask to see the top quality watches.  These are kept behind a curtain.  I bought a decent TAG copy for USD 25.00.  The starting price was USD 150.00  25 bucks for a watch is fair and the watch works well.  My good Chinese friend does not like these markets.  It is an embarrassment to him to see his people hawking this "junk". We eventually end up in a park enjoying the scenery over a few cups of tea.  I can't find my photos of this ancient shopping area near the Bund.

A small park in Shanghai

There are many hotels in Shanghai with a wide range of prices. The Crowne Plaza, Westin and Grand Hyatt are very nice, but not for the price conscience. For a great experience, stay in the Donghu Hotel. This hotel translated East Lake Hotel was operated by the Chinese Mafia prior to the communist takeover. The main hotel is very nice but very expensive. I stayed at the lower priced section of this hotel located 75 meters away.  The price is much better and still offers access to the main hotel with its coffee shop, ambiance and park like grounds.  A brisk 30 minute walk from the Donghu Hotel brings you to the Xintiandi (New Sky and Land) area.  If you have a craving for western food, this area has a nice selection of restaurants.  The food and service is good and the surrounding area is very nice.

Barge on the Huangpu River

 There is much to see in Shanghai and I have only seen a small portion.  Shanghai for me is really a place to catch a train, bus or plane to another city.  Someday I plan to take a boat trip up the Huangpu river to destinations unknown.

Before you go to Shanghai, watch the movie Empire of the Sun and pay attention to the scenes in Shanghai.  Especially the Bund and English owned mansions.  Those mansions must still be there and would be interesting to tour.  Get yourself a decent hotel downtown.  Then, go to the lobby and ask for a decent map of Shanghai.  Generally the staff are college age students who are happy to help with directions and offer suggestions on what sites to see.  Most hotels have small pamphlets with the site description in English and the directions and address in Mandarin.  Make sure you bring a few address cards from the hotel to insure you make it back to the hotel. I've had only one taxi driver who spoke English. 

I will follow up this story with additional posts on Beijing, Shenzen, Harbin, Xian, Urumqi, Wenzhou, Hong Kong, Quindao...........................................

The Bund