During my recent work trip to China, I had the opportunity to explore and discover Shanghai, the largest city and financial capital of China; located in the east on the Pacific; one of the largest ports in the world. I have been reading various articles on China and how it is taking onto the world, and that is exactly what you experience the moment you land in Shanghai. However, there is some familiarity to it; there is an instant feeling of Déjà vu in the city; crowded streets, street vendors trying to make a good deal, over friendly and excited people etc.. What overwhelms you is the amount of development that has taken place in Shanghai over the last 10 years or so. Great Road, highways, bridges, metro stations etc have all come up in the last couple of years. However, a distinction between the “New Shanghai” and the Old Shanghai remains. The New Shanghai boasts of high rise buildings, high end shopping streets, and a younger generation with their new found money flaunting their Gucci’s and the Prada’s, where as the old Shanghai has the traditional tea houses and the old shopping streets.
How to reach Shanghai:
There are direct flights to Shanghai from Mumbai or you can connect via Hong Kong to Shanghai. If you happen to be in Hangzhou on a work trip, it is just an hour and 30 minutes away from the main Hangzhou station. It should cost you about 63 RMB, one way, for a first class ticket (train starting with the letter D). It is quite convenient and frequent, with trains leaving every hour. Last train to depart, is at 1010 pm.
Moving Around in Shanghai:
Shanghai is well connected by the metro. It has 8 lines which connect you to all major destinations in Shanghai. During peak hours it gets overcrowded and it is best to avoid a ride around that time. Taxis are not too expensive either, hence during the rush hour; it makes more sense to use taxis to get around the city. . There are no passes available for a tourist. You have to buy the tickets at various vending machines. One way tickets typically cost you around 4- 6 RMB. It is recommended that you carry exact change, as you may end up using a machine that does not return any change.
Convenient Hotel
I stayed in a hotel which is right in the heart of the city. It is called Park Hotel, Shanghai. It is connected to all major destinations within walking distance. A per night’s stay should cost approx 1200 RMB However, there are cheaper hotel options available as well. Google can give you some really good recommendations.
Language Tips:
Take Left- Jo Bien
Take Right- Yo Bien
Hello - níhăo
How are you? [Good/Okay/Bad]-níhăoma? [wŏ hén hăo/hái kéyĭ/wŏ bù hăo]
Bye-zàijiàn
Thank you [You're welcome] - xièxiè [búkèqi]
Excuse me (sorry) [No Problem]- duìbúqì [méiguānxì]
Excuse me (I have a question)- qĭngwèn
Where's the toilet? cèsuŏ zài nálĭ?
How much? (money)- duōshăo qián?
Inspite of being a cosmopolitan city, local citizens, are not fluent in English at all. This is a big deterrent as a tourist. Tip: Take help from the hotel staff, who can write your destination ( or anything that you want to talk about) in Chinese characters or keep a phone number of a local Chinese speaking friend/ colleague handy in case you need their help to converse with the shopkeepers/taxi drivers.It is helpful if you can learn basic conversation in Mandarin: Some key words are mentioned below
Bund Area
This is where the old and the new meet. River “Huang Pu” separates the two opposites. A walk by the Bund is a must on a sunny day. On the other side of the river, you can see some famous high-rises, such as the Pearl Tower and Jin Mao Tower. On the west side of the river by the bund, are 52 various buildings of different architectural styles. This is an interesting sight, and a must to click pictures.
Huangpu River Cruise
Huangpu River Cruise on River Huangpu, before the sun sets, is another must if you are ever inShanghai. There are various cruise liners which can take you on 1/2 hour cruises. During this cruise, you can see different buildings between the east bank and the west bank. On the west bank you can see all the western type buildings while on the east, few skyscrapers and other modern buildings.Oriental Pearl Tower
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is located in Pudong Park. It stands 468 meters tall.It has a unique design and that is what makes it very attractive. The pearl at the top tower has restaurants, shops and a sightseeing floor. The view of the Shanghai from the tower makes it a beautiful view. This is the right time to click some pictures, and take back with you some beautiful memories.
Xin Tian Di
If you are up for some fun and a great night life, Xin Tian Di is something you cannot afford to miss. It is slightly heavy on the pockets, but worth it!! This is a pedestrian street which has retained the old charm of brick walls, tiles and exterior of the old Shanghai. However, what you experience is a world of international gallery, bars and cafes, boutiques or theme restaurants. When you walk into Xin Tian Di, you will get the taste of both Shanghai in the 1920's, and Shanghai from the 21st century.
Maglev Train
If the speed of 180 kmph has thrilled you so far, get ready to experience the adventure journey of your lifetime, at a whopping 430kmph. This is Maglev (Magnetic Levitation), the world's fastest, most futuristic passenger line. This is a train ride from Pudong Airport, not exactly an "attraction", but it gives you a special experience in Shanghai. After all, speed thrills! It only takes 8 minutes for a 30-kilometer-long trip, between Longyang Road Station (Metro Line 2) and Pudong Airport, hitting a maximum speed of 430 kilometers per hour.
Fake Brand Shopping
From Paul Smith to Dolce & Gabbana, iPod to iPad , adidas to Jimmy Choo – everything you aspired for but couldn’t afford, can be bought in these markets at 1/8th the cost of the original. Unless someone has a discerning eye, no one can make out the difference between the original and the fake. This includes fake watches, bags and shirts. Make sure you bring your bargaining skills from India with you. It is located on the underground metro station called “Science and Technology Museum”. Personally, fakes are not my thing but it is a good place to have some fun and see what the Chinese are capable of doing to the originals.
Nangjing Lu
This is the very famous shopping street running upto 3.4 miles. It starts at the Bund and ends in at the junction of Jing’an and Yanan street. Nanjing road has shops of all the famous designer brands, with superior quality and latest fashions. If you like to buy these high end fashion brands like Guess, Diesel, Gucci, Paul Smith - this is the street to go to. Similarly, there are traditional stores and specialty shops that still provide silk goods, jade, embroidery, wool, and clocks.
YuYuan GardenThis is my personal favorite, though very touristy. This garden was built 400 years ago during the Ming Dynasty. You need almost half a day to explore this old town of China. There are souvenir shops, food stalls, and of course, the beautiful garden which symbolizes tranquility and peace.
Fake Meat at Vegetarian Lifestyle
It is tough to be vegetarian in China. There are many Indian restaurants in Shanghai and if you want to play it safe, then I suggest you stick to Indian cuisine. However, if you are up for some adventure and experimentation, then I suggest you try the restaurant called Vegetarian
Lifestyle. They have several branches in Shanghai, but I recommend the restaurant on 258 Fengxian Rd, West Nanjing Road. You can be assured to try any dish on the menu, without going wrong! The menu is both in English and Chinese with visuals. You will see names like Spare Ribs, Chicken Rolls, Beef Salads etc., but remember this is all fake meat! Enjoy a hearty “Non Veg” meal and yet remain a vegetarian!Vue Bar at Hyatt by the Bund:
Lastly, how can I forget the folks with high spirits? Expensive and pretentious, but what the heck! Get onto the 32nd floor and experience a great view of both the Bund, and Pudong. Intimate and sophisticated and if you don't mind self indulgence, then the cocktails at Vue bar is a must do.
If you have any questions and queries on Shanghai, please feel free to email me ravjain@gmail.com
