Things You'll Need:
- Passport and VISA
- Adventurous spirit
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Step 1
Obtain your Passport and VISA.
A passport and a visa is required for entry to and travel within China. United States citizens may obtain passports by going to their local post office and filling out the necessary paperwork. It may take a month or so to obtain your passport and then another month to obtain your visa so plan accordingly. US citizens may obtain a visa by going to www.visanetwork.com. -
Step 2
Travel to China.
United Airlines and American Airlines fly daily routes to Shanghai, China. United flights connect through San Francisco, CA direct to Shanghai China (PVG airport). The flight is 12 hours there and 10 hours return. Reading, sleeping, watching movies, and playing games are all good ways to pass the time. Noise-cancellation headphones are a must on this trip. They will allow you to concentrate and reduce the fatigue associated with cabin noise.
Jet lag is very manageable going from the USA to China. You will leave San Francisco around 2pm and arrive around 7pm local time the next day in Shanghai. Try to stay up as late as you can that first night to reduce the effects. You should be lag free in about 2-3 days. -
Step 3
Travel in Shanghai.
Travel in Shanghai is very convenient. There are numerous taxis, an expansive Underground Subway, and bus-stops to numerous to mention.
Taxis are probably the easiest mode of transportation for foreigners unfamiliar with the area. While relatively expensive for most locals, taxis are bargains compared to their counterparts in the US. About $10 USD will get you to most places in the city.
There are a few things you should know about taxis, though.
First, there are four main taxi companies that are reputable and trustworthy. They are most easily recognizable by the color of their cars: light green (ba shi), light blue (da zhong), white (jin jiang), and yellow. Avoid they dark, maroon red taxis altogether; they are independently operated and you run a greater risk of getting ripped off.
Second, always ask for a receipt when leaving the taxi. If you left something behind, you can call the taxi company to get it back.
Third, most taxi drivers do not speak English. Some speak only sparingly. Therefore, it is best to print out the address of your hotel from the web before you go and ask the concierge at your hotel for the addresses (written in Chinese) of the places you wish to visit. -
Step 4
Jin Mao Tower and Hyatt HotelStay in a Hotel.
There are many fine hotels in Shanghai. The Shangri-La resides downtown near the river and offers easy access through the subway to the city's attractions. This is my preferred hotel but it is also one of the more expensive. For an inexpensive but nice hotel, I recommend Diamond Court on Biyun Rd. They are $60 USD per night and offer western-style amenities. An added bonus is the complimentary shuttle service that runs four times a day to the Shangri-La where you can get the subway. -
Step 5
Beijing Roast DuckEnjoy the Local Cuisine.
China is famous for its food. The different regions and ethnicities have contributed greatly to China's food culture from the very spicy Sichuan and Hunan dishes to the mellow if somewhat sweet tastes of the Shanghai flavors.
Here are a few highlights:
Hot Pot - Hot pot is a very popular and social meal event. One selects a broth with perhaps some meat on the bone and other basics thrown in to make a nice soup. This is brought to your table. Next, people in your group order additional vegetables and types of meat to be cooked and eaten at the table in the broth. This is similar to Fondue but on a grander scale. It is nice to talk with friends and have a leisurely meal. Oh, and that broth, it is now a wonderfully flavorful soup to enjoy!
Xiaolongbao - Pronounced "show" as in "shower", "lone"-g, bow (as in the part of the boat), these are small pockets of flour noodles stuffed with pork and a broth. Yummy! Just be careful not to burn your mouth when the soup squirts out!
Hairy Crab - These small crabs are famous in the area. Some that are raised in a specific lake are even stamped with ID numbers to note authenticity! Although they are small, the meat is buttery tasting and well worth the effort.
Beijing Roast Duck - Go to a place called Chuanjude (show this to a local and they will know). Roast Duck is famous in China and this place will bring a whole duck to your table and artfully carve it into pieces of meat and baked skin. Don't miss the taste or the experience!
The possibilities are endless, so do yourself a favor and explore the tastes as much as the sights while you are in China. But, if you must, Pizza Hut, Papa John's, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and McDonald's are about the same as they are in the states (if not better). -
Step 6
Yu Garden at NightShop in Shanghai.
There are more shopping malls in Shanghai than I could count. However, the most productive souvenir and clothes shopping can be had at a few places.
YuYuan (Yu Garden) is a famous shopping district and tourist destination. It was once the residence of a local government official and has since been converted to shops and restaurants. A local Buddhist temple remains there as a juxtaposition to the free flowing capitalism. At Yu Garden, you can find food, silk clothing, and various Chinese arts and Crafts for purchase. While you are walking around, don't neglect to stop into a tea store for some authentic tea. Ask for a demonstration of the GongFu Tea service. I highly recommend this place.
580 W. Nanjing Rd - This is a four story building housing numerous shops selling bags, fashions, toys, electronics, luggage, etc.
Subway Stop at the Science and Technology Museum - Similar to the stores in 580 W. Nanjing Rd, but more convenient if you are already on the subway.
Now, don't forget to bargain the price or you will be ripped off! Start at about 25% to 30% of their initial asking price. Don't worry. This is the norm. If you've set your price and they won't agree, simply walk away. If they really want your business, they'll come get you. If not, another shop not to far down the hall will have similar items. -
Step 7
The Bund at NightVisit the Sites in Shanghai.
While in Shanghai you must visit these places.
The Bund - The west side of the bund is the most famous. In earlier days it was the promenade where young lovers would go to gaze at the river and hug and kiss out of the sight of their parents. Today, it affords great views of the city and you can buy tickets for a short cruise on the river.
YuYuan (Yu Garden) - This was mentioned in Step 6. Go there at night to enjoy the lighted building and the architecture as well as the shopping.
Shanghai Culture Museum - Located in People's Square, this building houses watercolor paintings, bronze and stone sculptures, bronze artifacts, and pottery from the different eras in Chinese history. A must see and only $10 entrance fee to connect with the culture.
Jin Mao Tower - Once the third or fourth tallest building in the world, the 88th floor offers spectacular 360 degree views of the city. The picture at the top of this article was taken there. Additionally, the 55th floor contains three great restaurants; the Grill serves up some great Kobe steak with the view！
After all your walking around, your feet are sure to be aching. So, visit a foot massage parlor. I've been to many and found that the DragonFly parlors are the most consistent. The routine goes something like this. First, you are taken to a dimly-light room with soft music, perhaps with a water fountain. There, place your feet in a hot water and medicinal solution they bring you. While your feet soak, your masseuse massages your neck and shoulders first and the moves to your arms and hands. Now you are set for the foot massage beginning with the drying of your feet. In all, the cost is about $20 USD for an hour of pure relaxation! -
Step 8
Take in the Bar Scene.
The bar scene is alive an well in Shanghai.
Three areas stand out in particular.
One that is more popular to new visitors is called XinTianDi (translated means New Heaven and Earth).
Two other areas are HengShan Rd and TongRen Rd. These areas cater more to the veteran visitors whereas some would call XinTianDi more "touristy". Take you pick. Just don't forget to tip the waitresses. This is one place where your tips are welcome since the pay they received is probably just short of offensive.
Keep in mind that many of the waitresses are keen to learn English. And, unlike your traditional drinking establishment in the US where you hardly ever see the waitress after she's brought your drinks, the waitresses there welcome the conversation. So, relax, have a drink, play some dice, or shoot some pool. -
Step 9
Chinese Garden in SuzhouVisit Destinations Outside Shanghai.
While one could easily spend two weeks in Shanghai and still not run out of things to do. But, there are other places to go.
Beijing is just a short two hours by plane. There you can see the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and take in a Chinese Opera. A great experience!
Hangzhou is famous for the beautiful West Lake and a local Buddhist monastery and grotto. It is about 3 hours by taxi or you can book a train.
Suzhou is about two hours from Shanghai is famous for its beautiful and elaborate Chinese gardens. Imagine private gardens at home once owned by the affluent or local officials that are the size of some small city parks. Simply magnificent.
Finally, two cities with thousands of years of history called Zhujiazhao and Zhouzhuang like just an hour outside Shanghai. These are known as river cities and sometimes called the Venice of China. There you will see life in a small town forgotten by time.
Comments
stocklipro said
on 10/29/2009 Great article, thanks for the info. I didn't know about shopping and the Science and Technology station. I'll that next trip.
jujudy said
on 5/24/2009 Thank you for the advice and the virtual tour of Shanghai. I feel much more knowledgeable and better prepared for a visit to this marvelous city. Your article was great fun to read. 5*s