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Shanghai Visitor's Survival Hand
This brief details on Shanghai is intended for visitors who will just be spending a few days within the city. It aims to focus on the city's top attractions, provide basic orientation information, and warn about some potential gotchas (these are highlighted in red). From the extensive consumption of references, additionally it aims stay as up-to-date as possible, and supplies transparency about how up-to-date facts are. It's devised to be usable when printed out.
The view from the Bund( )
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Money The currency is your Renminbi (RMB), also called Yuan. Click the following links for current exchange rates:
Usd
Euro
British pound ATMs are everywhere in Shanghai, and there are plenty around the tourist hotspots which accept foreign bankcards. Venture further afield however and you also could have more difficulty finding one which uses your card. Chinese ATMs generally don't give you your card back automatically - you will have to indicate it. This helps it be so simple to go away your card within the machine.
At the airport
The maglev at
its top speed( )
International visitors reach Pudong airport (PVG), which is by the eastern suburbs. There exists 4 ways of signing up with town:
By metro - line 2 has recently been extended to the Pudong airport and is among the many simplest ways to obtain into town. Be warned, the saying will not be continuous - you should change trains at Guanglan Road. In case you have departure to catch, consider one or two extra minutes because of this. The Pudong airport extension is open between 6.30-21.00.[1]
By taxi - this might not cost you greater than 150RMB ($¬) to get a ride in to the city centre.
By maglev - the ultra-modern German-made magnetic levitation train will whisk you the main way into town for 50RMB ($¬) (40RMB if you show your flight ticket).[2] However if you're staying inside the areas of town most tourists lie in, you'll still need to take a taxi or metro ride to reach the goal your educational journey.
By bus - a quantity of city buses usually takes you to most locations by the city. They flies from the same place as the taxi rank. It is definately the cheapest option, but except if you can talk Chinese, and you are aware an appropriate bus to accept, forget it.
Of your various methods to begin your Shanghai experience,taxi is the most convenient option, maglev the most spectacular, and bus is your cheapest.
Getting about
Taxis
Taxis in Shanghai are more cost-effective than generally in most western countries. The smallest fare is 12RMB ($¬). This goes up to 16RMB ($¬) for journeys starting between 11 o'clock at nighttime and 5 o'clock just after waking up.[3] The per-mile cost also goes up by about 30% at the hours of darkness. Only a few Shanghai taxi drivers can chat English. In practice, this provides you two choices: utilize a phrasebook and say the destination yourself, or draw hotel to jot down your destination at the card in Chinese characters, and show that to your driver.
Metro
The metro system is cheap, efficient, and really new. It includes air cooling, frequent trains (at the very least around the major lines), and almost 100% reliability. Signage and recorded announcements are in each Chinese and English. The bare minimum fare since summer 2008 is 3RMB and the majority trips across the centre of town will surely cost not more than 5RMB. The metro has undergone rapid expansion recently, and some of your new lines are less convenient to use as opposed to the original lines, with smaller trains and also lesser frequent services.
Buses The most cost effective solution to getting around paris, but not for your faint hearted. Bring your phrasebook, watch your bag, and prepare yourself to face. At the plus side, they're a wonderful way to watch the genuine Shanghai.
Foot
China leads the modern world in eco-friendly, ultra-silent electric mopeds and bicycles. With the indisputable fact that many riders cycle on your pavement and break other traffic rules, this causes significant hazard to pedestrians. Be cautious about bikes silently whizzing up behind you after you least expect it.
Making yourself understood The primary difficulties of Chinese originating from a foreigner's perspective are its tonal nature, as well as the character-based writing system. However, taxi drivers is usually relatively beneficial at understanding common destinations as mispronounced by foreigners, with incorrect or missing tones, because they've talked to a number of practice.
The free and open-source mobile handset software Dictionary for MIDs consists of a Chinese-English version which could prove extremely useful, in the event you were to don't speak any Chinese. For instance within a shop, it is possible to lookup the item you're trying to find and show the characters applicable for it to an assistant. However, it will only work if your phone supports Chinese characters.
Staying connected Phone Foreign-made GSM phones work fine in China, and also the local mobile operators have roaming agreements with most major international networks. If you want to utilize a local SIM, you should purchase China Mobile "EasyOwn" SIM cards at newspaper kiosks, corner shops, and China Mobile offices. Outside your own home the package costs 110RMB, which blends 50RMB of call credit.[4] It's cheaper if you join a China Mobile office, but they'll want your passport to officially register you.[5] You are able to examine your balance by texting YECX to 10086.[4] Once your balance drops below 10 RMB you'll start getting regular text reminders automatically. You are able to buy top-ups from convenience stores and newspaper kiosks.
Internet Many fast food chains have free wifi - ask before you buy your cappucino. The notable exception is Starbucks which persists with making customers pay for access. A reliable chain for getting online will be the Coffee Bean Tea Leaf - there exists over 20 branches around town, including ones near People's Square, Jingan Temple, and Xintiandi. China Mobile SIM cards come pre-configured which has a GPRS profile for getting online, but it's pretty expensive to make use of. You could replace the price down by texting KTG5 to 10086 and then replying 1 to your confirmation SMS. This buys you 30MB of bandwidth for 5 RMB per month[6], still the package will simply take effect at the start of a typical next calendar month. You can find other packages an alternative for larger amounts of bandwidth: check the China Mobile website for SMS codes and charges.
Puxi and Pudong Puxi is west of those Huangpu river, Pudong is usually to its east. Almost all of the sights that the short-term visitor to the city will be fascinated by are in Puxi, but Pudong will have an extremely nice waterfront area in Lujuiazui with cafes and bars in the heart of the riverside, the Jinmao and SWFC towers, and the excellent Science and Technology museum.
Google Map
Fom left to right, the shaded areas are People's Square, the Bund, and Lujiazui.================================================================================
Websites to go, some things to look at
Shanghai Art Museum( )
People's Square Shanghai's foreign occupiers built a racecourse here in the course of the colonial era - the clubhouse now houses an art museum and fancy restaurant. Remaining traces of that equestrian past just been erased: the square is home to the massive Shanghai Museum, a brace of other cultural venues, several hotels and shopping centres, and People's Park. Watch the open-air double your dating event which takes place most weekends in the park, where anxious parents conspire to be one with off their offspring (who usually aren't present). The best place to catch your breath and become further from crowds is the peaceful roof garden at Starbucks, just next to the art museum.
Shanghai Museum
Shanghai Museum( )
What: Massive variety of cultural artifacts spanning China's 6000 year history. You are able to easily spend a full day just in this museum.
Admission: Free of charge, open 09.00-17.00 (no admission after 16.00), 7 days 7 days.[7][8] The admission charge has only recently been abolished, along with the ensuing increase in visitor numbers ways that sometimes the museum has to stop admitting visitors for safety reasons.
Getting there: People's Square metro station. Take exit 1[9] and head for the circular building involving the park and also the expressway (pictured).
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The BundWhat: Embankment at the Huangpu River built throughout the colonial era. Gives fine views of Pudong's 21st century skyline, and backs right into a distinguished assortment of colonial era buildings. New and improved to work around the Expo - the promenade continues to be widened along with the six lane highway replaced by using a traffic calmed road.[10]
Getting there: Nearest metro station is Nanjing East Road (Line 2). Turn directly out of exit 3 (i.e. within the other way into the skyscraper housing the Le Royal Meridien Hotel, together with the twin radio masts) and also keep walking until you reach the river. Spot that the Chinese don't say "The Bund" - they it is known as "Wai-tan", and i really few taxi drivers know the English name.
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Yu Garden (Yu Yuan)
The Bridge of Nine Turnings and the
Mid-Lake Pavilion tea house with all the
Yu Garden within the background( ) This peaceful formal garden sits in the center pertaining to an overcrowded department store. The Bridge of Nine Turnings zigzags along the lake before the garden, with all the famous Mid-Lake Pavilion tea house at the centre. Despite its tourist-trap location, the tea house could be actually very nice and definitely worth a call. Prices are between 40-60RMB to get a pot of tea.[11] The Taoist City God Temple is unremarkable but only costs 10 RMB to acquire into[12] (machine-translated website).
Getting there:
The new Yuyuan Garden station on metro line 10 is appropriate on the edge of the backyard.
The backyard entirely
This dates that come from the mid-sixteenth century, and was built since the private retreat of a Ming dynasty bureaucrat.[13] The admission charge is extremely reasonable compared to lots of other attractions in Shanghai.
Opening hours: 8.30am to 5.00pm
Prices: Adults 30RMB, children 10RMB.[14]
Hard in the workplace in the cooking area of those Nanxiang dumpling restaurant( ) Probably the best dumpling restaurant on earth
You will find dumplings. Then you can find the xiao long bao (steamed dumplings) made by the Nanxiang restaurant within the Yu garden. Many Chinese domestic tourists regard going to see this takeaway dumpling restaurant as a possible essential part of their holiday here, a reputation which guarantees an extended queue further from restaurant at almost any time. In the event you don't fancy queuing up, you could take a peek at the preparation process from the restaurant's plate glass windows.
Where: It's into the left of the Bridge of Nine Turnings as viewed inside the photograph above - though you can't really miss the queue.
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Tianzifang (ç°åÂÃ¥, Taikang Road Art Street)
Until recently by the 'Off the beaten track' element of this guide, this attractive, laid-back network of longtangs just off Taikang Road is already firmly at the tourist trail, aided by the brand new metro station directly opposite plus a new name. Lots of its advantages over Xintiandi still apply - these are also real Shanghai longtangs, not faux ones, there also are usually more bars and occasional shops than ever before to choose from. Nevertheless it can now get unpleasantly crowded on weekends. Make sure to visit during the week.
Getting there:
Exit 1 of Dapuqiao station on metro line 9 is directly opposite the gate. (¢)
Use taxi to the intersection of Ruijin Road and Taikang Road, then walk a couple of hundred yards up Taikang Road. The gate to Tianzifang is present in your left.
=================================================================================Lujiazui This enterprise district conversely of your river out of your Bund boasts Shanghai's tallest buildings (the Jinmao, SWFC, and Pearl towers), Asia's largest store (the Superbrand Mall), as well as a riverfront strip of bars and low shops which you could sip your cappucino as the container ships slide by. The world is becoming a victim of their own popularity and also the riverfront and Superbrand Mall are unpleasantly crowded on weekends. Make sure to visit at the weekday.
Getting there:
Lujiazui metro station on line 2. The Superbrand Mall and Pearl Tower are impossible to miss when you exit the station. The riverfront is beyond the Superbrand Mall - walk later on to its right.
The gloriously daft Bund Sightseeing Tunnel (aka Bund Tourist Tunnel). This is certainly has become toy train inside of a tunnel with psychedelic flashing lights. Entrance is contained in the underpass which connects the underside of East Nanjing Road in the Bund. A method ticket 40RMB, return ticket 50RMB.[15] The ticket office also sells various packages combining the tunnel with the Pearl Tower, aquarium, Jinmao Tower, and so on.[16]
Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) The SWFC Observatory opened at the beginning of September. It offers three viewing floors: the 94th, 97th and 100th. The even taller 632m Shanghai Tower is under construction in an adjacent lot.
Prices: For adults, 100RMB gets anyone to the 94th floor, 110RMB gets one to the 97th, and 150RMB into the 100th. Pensioners and students pay about two-thirds, and little ones be in for half price.[17]
Opening hours: 8am-11pm, last admission 10pm.[17]
Getting there: Take metro line 2 to Dongchang Road, take exit 4[18] and head west down Century Avenue.[19] Alternatively, walk up from Lujiazui metro station.
SWFC - the brand new block around the block( )
Jinmao Tower terrace Recently upstaged by the adjacent SWFC, the Jinmao also has an observation deck at the 88th floor. Of the clearest view, select a fine morning after it possesses rained overnight and get there early. Otherwise you may find there's very little to discover - even on a day that looks fine and clear at ground level.
Prices: 70RMB for adults, 35RMB for infants, 60RMB students and elders.[20]
Getting there:It's round the corner into the SWFC.
Oriental Pearl Tower Shanghai's original supertall building is really classified as a freestanding tower as an alternative to a skyscraper. It uses three large spheres suspended from its three structural columns.
Prices: 150RMB to crash all of them spheres, 135RMB for lower two, 100RMB for the middle level one (prices only accurate to August 2008).[21]
Getting there: Directly opposite Lujiazui metro station.
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium This is a short way under the road into the right of your Pearl Tower, as viewed when you exit Lujiazui metro station.
Prices:120RMB ($¬) for adults, 70RMB for senior citizens, 80RMB for kids.[22]
Opening hours: Chinese public holidays, and July and August: 09.00-21.00. All other times: 09.00-18.00.[23]
Dongchang Riverfront Garden
Dongchang Riverfront Property
While the Lujiazui riverfront staggers under the weight of visitors for the weekend, quite a few blocks over
flood
this newer waterfront development is pleasantly quiet and empty. There aren't exactly many eateries to pick - the pricey Rouge Morille is your only option. However a coffee there won't bankrupt you best can take advantage a fine view of the river without the crowds.
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Public education poster:
"A gentle warning from Hai Bao
(the Expo mascot). The road is not really your bedroom and night
clothes aren't good style. For your image
understanding that of the backdrop, please
dress in a civilised way,
and don't allow night
clothes and pyjamas to get the avenue 'view'."Shanghai Expo site The Shanghai Expo ran between May and October, 2010. Although over, the key roads through the site are now public roads and some of your larger structures have been left intact. The Lupu bridge viewing platform gives a commanding view of the site (see below).
Getting there:Metro Line 7 runs down the Pudong side of your Expo site.
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Attractions off beaten observe
1933Built to efficiently drive frightened bulls on their death, this former slaughterhouse is all angles, inclines, and ramps. It's being gradually redeveloped into restaurants and bars, and hasn't been discovered by the hordes yet as well as a good selection on weekends. The rooftop gives a fine view of the relatively undeveloped shikumen buildings of a typical surrounding district.
Lupu Bridge terrace Climb the staircase towards the viewing deck onto the world's longest steel arch bridge, and receive a 360 degree view of town (as the bridge's staff keep a wary eye in the car). Overlooks the Shanghai Expo 2010 construction site. If you have vertigo or whatever fitness difficulties, this attraction will never be for yourself. It's totally open-air so have a miss if the climate is less than excellent. Entrance fee 80RMB ($¬).[34]
Getting there: Take metro line 4 to Luban Road, and walk or use taxi south along Luban Road.[34]
Pudong's canals Not that in the past they had been industrial cesspools, but now a few of Pudong's canals are actually beautified. Consider the metro to Dongchang Road from internet 2, afterwards a taxi along Pudong South Road going south, and forestall besides the Pudong hotel. Bring the towpath from the bridge during the nearby canal. It'll take you all the way to Pudong's Century Park - although inside a variety of places you will have to cross an active road. During summer it's a very peaceful scene - couples strolling, old men and their grandchildren fishing, and not just a tourist in sight.
Pudong's plants
Praying mantis, Pudong
Clouds of dragonflies, vigilant bats patrolling car parks, a kingfisher watching over a canal, and swallows swooping down facing your bicycle and racing you - not exactly what you'd go with among the world's biggest cities. But these are all common sights in Pudong, because the downtown is de facto not which off from the countryside. There are plenty of dragonflies in the warm summer months around Century Park and the science museum. And bats might be found done Pudong - you can also see them on Century Avenue involving the SWFC and Donchang Road metro.
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Overrated destinations
Looking down East Nanjing Road
from People's Square( ) East Nanjing Road Overpriced and overcrowded, the stretch of Nanjing Road running between Bund and People's Square is touted as Shanghai's shopping mecca - but those within the know head elsewhere. Watch out for the many different tea shop and art exhibition scams along here, often perpetrated by smiling young "students" who claim to be "on holiday from Beijing".
Xintiandi Best when compared with London's Covent Garden, this district of cafes and bars is overpriced and uninspiring. Even architecture is fake - the buildings are meant to appear as if traditional longtang (lane) buildings, but it's all reinforced concrete below the brickwork. If ersatz culture is your thing, check it out. But if you are willing to want to use in a real Shanghai longtang, head for Taikang Road Art Street. The beers are cheaper there too, and you also won't be nestled amidst throngs of other tourists.
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Clothes shopping
As noted elsewhere within this guide, Nanjing East Road is a well-liked choice with tourists. Nevertheless for the real bargains, head for starters of them alternatives, and be prepared to bargain hard.
Xinyang Market Conveniently located inside Science Museum metro station from internet 2. The touts aren't too aggressive and can leave you alone should you politely rebuff them, and also the place within reason sterile and tidy. Furthermore, you could combine it with visits to your immediately adjacent Shanghai Science Museum and Century Park. The name is known as a play around the legendary Xiangyang market in Puxi, now closed.
Getting there: Shanghai Science Museum metro station on line 2.(¢) The market place is present in precisely the same underground area as the booking hall.
Qipu Street
Qipu Street
Pronounced similar to "cheap-oo" road, the niche is mostly a assortment of large and rather rundown shopping centres centred around the intersection of Qipu Road and Henan North Road (¢). It is definately the destination for the cheapest bargains in Shanghai, and truly many shops buy wholesale from here. Still the area is unpleasantly chaotic and dirty, along with the touts are so aggressive these cases will actually tail you from shop to buy.
Getting there: Take metro line 2 to Nanjing East Road, turn onto Henan North Road, and cross the Suzhou Creek. It's a 10-15 minute walk or possibly a short taxi ride.
Shanghai South Bund Soft-Spinning Material Market ("the aspects market") Located close to the Puxi side of the Nanpu bridge, this is actually the place to come for reasonable tailored clothes and, er, fabrics. It's lively but pleasantly lacks the touting at many of the other markets.
Getting there: 399 Lujiabang Road, on the corner of Nancang Street.[35]
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Where to stay - hotels and hostels
Captain's Hostel Which includes a bar and rooftop terrace overlooking the river, what's not to love? Prices start from 70RMB ($¬) per night.[36]
Getting there: Use taxi into the intersection of those Bund and Fuzhou Road (tell the driver "Wai-tan - Fuzhou Lu"), and walk a few yards up Fuzhou Road.
Park Hotel At one time the tallest structure among asian countries, its interior is surely an art deco masterpiece. Though you're not staying, play here to try out the exhibition on your second floor in regards to the building's history, along with the "ground zero" bronze plaque all through the lobby. Prices start from 600RMB ($¬) per night.[37]
Getting there: It's on the Nanjing Road side of People's Square, about halfway under the side of your square.
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Where to eat To have an excellent choice of restaurants at reasonable prices, and away from the tourist trap areas, head of the Superbrand Mall in Lujiazui (see Lujiazui section above for directions). The upper floors are full of restaurants offering plenty of conceivable style of cuisine, as well as some which includes a fine view of the river. Other shopping centres by using a great idea of restaurants are Raffles Plaza on People's Square, and Cloud 9 Shopping precinct at Zhongshan Park metro station on line 2.
Spicy ribs, Di Shui Dong
If you haven't tried Shanghai cuisine before, you're likely to see it quite different from your existing ideas about Chinese food, and possibly quite hard to be familiar with. On your plus side, its generally very low fat and healthy.
Di Shui Dong (æ»´æ°´æ´)Deservedly popular Hunanese restaurant. Spicy ribs are its signature dish, but you'll work hard enough to locate anything around the menu which doesn't set your oral cavity burning. Lashings of beer lay out the flames. Second floor, 56 Maoming Nan Lu, Puxi.[38] (Avoid the Dongping Lu branch - the location is incredibly slow).[39]
Smart Noshery Shows you to be Slobber (好é£é)Its English name has ensured a lot of free publicity for this Pudong institution (clients says he chose it this is because sounds "high class and distinguished"). A meals is great too, despite the modest decor. Don't miss the breaded beef. 1028 Nanquan North Road, Pudong.[40]
Bali LagunaWith a dining area which looks out at water level across peaceful Jingan Park's lake, this Indonesian restaurant's location are difficult to scientifically. However a variety of complacency appears to have affected both the food and service. Still, it's a smart decision for a romantic meal. 189 Huashan Road, inside Jingan Park, Puxi.[41]
Quick edibles
Should you really must, branches of McDonalds and KFC are scattered all over the city - while in neighbourhoods where foreigners rarely venture.
A more satisfying choice for semi-fast food is Ajisen Ramen, a franchised chain of Japanese-style noodle shops. Clean, efficient service and a healthy menu indicate that these restaurants are favored by local Chinese and foreigners alike. Don't be put off by way of the Chinese-only website: the menus in the restaurants are bilingual and to ask for from were you to don't speak any Chinese, and although the staff generally don't speak any English. Within the car of noodles or rice costs between 20-30RMB, with a starter intend to pay between 40-50RMB per head.
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Where to gulp
Time PassageTucked down a side street off Huashan Road, this can be among the many oldest bars in Shanghai, and one of the nicest. A house band on Saturday nights thumps out their signature tune, Xu Wei's anthemic Lan Lianhua. Catler the mustachioed house moggie prowls grumpily. 25 RMB per pint. 183, Lane 1038 Huashan Lu, near the intersection with Fuxing Lu.
Bar 88Bling bling! From the Captain Nemo styled interior to your princeling's Ferrari slung along the kerb outside, there's nothing subtle or tasteful here. However if you simply do naff, it's enjoyable. Bottled beer 50 RMB. 291 Fumin Lu close to the intersection with Donghu Lu.
(All photographs are by and copyright of those author)
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