Areas of Interest in Shanghai

The Hangpu River divides the older quarters from the modern business district. Most things of interest to travellers can be found west of the river.

There is the Bund promenade an arcade of British colonial buildings on one side and towers of modern Shanghai on the other, the main shopping street East Nanjing Road and just south of Huanpu many elegant concessions, bars, restaurants and boutiques. Xiangyang Market in the south represents the notorious counterfeiting industry. Stalls here sell everything from Armani suits to Ipods.

Jin Mao Tower should be visited for its stunning views and from that height even the Oriental Pearl Television Tower seems hugely reduced in size. Luckily there is a high-speed lift ride to the top observatory. Cloud 9 on the 87th floor offers expensive refreshments and fortune-tellers also work the tables.

The Jade Buddha Temple on Anyuan Road is open 8:00am to 5:00pm daily at a cheap admission fee. The temple is quadrangle and crowded with incense burners and bonsai’s.

Thousands flock to Renmin Park each day, and locals practising tai chi, ballroom dancing, sword-fighting and backwards walking can be seen here. Nearby the People’s Square is the city’s main parade ground.

The underground metro connects most places in central Shanghai running from 5:30am to 11:30pm. Tourist offices can be found dotted around the city.

Eating Out in Shanghai

Shanghai is known for its signature dish of ‘xiaolongbao’ which is steamed rice dumplings stuffed with vegetables, crab meat and pork. The Nanxiang Steam Bun Restaurant is the best place to enjoy this dish. They arrive on a trolley seconds after sitting down steaming as they reach your table.

The grandest breakfast spread is on offer at the Pudong Shangri-La. This buffet serves an awesome range of hot and cold dishes, freshly baked pastries and tropical fruit. Sunday’s brunch is much more extensive but only adds a small amount to the cost.

Huangpu’s ‘food streets’ are lined with banquet restaurants serving fantastic Chinese food, and at great prices. The most recommended choices are Zhaphu Lu, Yunnan Road and Huanghe Road. Remember that rice usually arrives at the end of the meal unless requested otherwise.

Night Life in Shanghai

The city’s scenery at night must be seen as it takes on another shape and feel when lit up by the colourful lights. Night cruises can be taken along the Huangpu River and is a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the night life on the Bund.

Younger clientele can be found at Discos, where Clubs are more upmarket. Disco’s usually charge for entrance, and although Clubs do not the drinks are much more expensive.

Open air bars are popular Shanghai Xin Tian Di, and this area is recommended for those on their first visit to Shanghai. Distinctive architectural buildings can still be appreciated at night, whilst the interiors are modern and full of entertainment. Two top recommended and popular places are ARK Live House music bar and restaurant and Ven Ice tea and coffee bar.

Room with a View is a bar of leather, glass and iron. The open gallery features local artists with traditional Chinese art and often nudity. Visit this bar for something different.

Free Soul may at first like a dingy bar, but offers good company and atmosphere. The managers aim to create a home away from home and customers often take over the music system choosing from an electric mix of sounds. This bar is increasingly attracting a range of different regulars.

Rojam is located on the fourth floor of Hong Kong Plaza shopping mall and boasts a sound system with a reputation to be possibly the best in Asia. This club challenges normal with its light and video effects. The sounds and crowds to be found here didn’t exist in Shanghai until recent years.

Hard Han Café Theatre offers an unusual mix of innovative drama and cheap beer. Tickets sell out quickly, and for the best seats head down early.

From the Airport to Shanghai

International flights touch down at Shanghai’s Pudong Airport just 30 kilometres south-east of the city. The Maglev train link services every 15 minutes and is the fastest scheduled railway in the world.