First Time in Shanghai Guide
Description:
Shanghai. Few cities evoke such emotions of exoticism and mystery. Yet, this is China's fastest growing fashion and fortunes hub.
The city is divided in half by the Huangpu River. The eastern bank, Pudong, is China's future while the western bank, Puxi, is China's past. You'll find exotic flower and animal markets, men pushing carts and ancient shopping arenas on the western shores while men in business suits work at the Shanghai Stock Exchange on the east bank. Fashion shows and techno rule the nightlife while traditional restaurants with lanterns and age-old family recipes are the restaurant favorites.
Before the exoticism gives way entirely to modernity, experience Shanghai as it was meant to be-- a world divided between the past and present.
The city is divided in half by the Huangpu River. The eastern bank, Pudong, is China's future while the western bank, Puxi, is China's past. You'll find exotic flower and animal markets, men pushing carts and ancient shopping arenas on the western shores while men in business suits work at the Shanghai Stock Exchange on the east bank. Fashion shows and techno rule the nightlife while traditional restaurants with lanterns and age-old family recipes are the restaurant favorites.
Before the exoticism gives way entirely to modernity, experience Shanghai as it was meant to be-- a world divided between the past and present.
Author: shanghailulu
Day 1 - Shanghai
Day one in Shanghai, the east's most exotic and relevant city. Start off by taking a tour down the Huangpu River, a body of water that literally divides China's past and present. When you disembark, head for Renmin Park on the west bank. Its a short walk down fantastic old lanes that will leave you in awe of old architecture and modern advertising. Try some local delights at Di Shui Dong, a Hunan restaurant with traditional food to wet any apatite. Afterwards, head to O'Malley's Irish Pub, the best place in town to see expats and children playing around an open courtyard. This is a great place to get local tips and a lovely imported beer. Afterward, if you are the party type, a tour of Latina for drinks would end the night on a high note.
1
MAO
Location:
view in google maps46 Yueyang Lu
Near Dongping Lu
200040 Shanghai, China
Phone:
86 138 1609 56602
Huangpu River Cruise
Location:
view in google maps239 Second Eastern Zhong Shan Road
(Exterior Zone, Eastern Jin Ling Road)
200002 Shanghai, China
Phone:
86 21 6374 44613
O'Malley's Irish Pub
Location:
view in google maps42 Tao Jiang Road
Between Heng Shan Road and Wu Lu Mu Qi Road
200031 Shanghai, China
Phone:
86 21 6474 4553 (Reservations) / 86 21 6474 45334
Latina
Location:
view in google maps59 Mao Ming Nan South Road
Jin Jiang Hotel
200020 Shanghai, China
Phone:
86 21 6258 2582 / 86 21 6472 27185
Renmin Park
Location:
view in google maps231 Nanjing Road West
200003 Shanghai, China
Phone:
86 21 6327 16946
Di Shui Dong
Location:
view in google maps2/F, 56 Maoming Nan Lu
Near Changle Lu
200020 Shanghai, China
Phone:
86 21 6253 2689Day 2 - Shanghai
Start your morning with a walk around the Shanghai Museum. This will help you get in touch with China's past and artistic talents. Afterward, take a tour of TaiKang Rd, a lovely old village converted into a plethora of shops, restaurants and bars. You'll find modern art and clothing for sale as well as tasty local and imported grub. No trip to Shanghai is complete without a stop at an old hutong, and TaiKang Rd is the best in Shanghai. You can catch a lovely dinner at DinTaiFung for a chance to sample Taiwanese Xiaolongbao, a food many Chinese love the way Westerners love pizza. Finally, a trip to Bar Rouge will show you how the wealthy of Shanghai live and drink. Dress to impress and don't be surprised if there is a line outside-- you've found Shanghai's best.
1
TaiKang Road
Location:
view in google mapsTaiKang Road
Tai Kang Lu
200025 Shanghai, China
Phone:
+86 21 2311 5527 (Tourist Information)2
Bar Rouge
Location:
view in google maps18 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu
7/F, Bund 18
200002 Shanghai, China
Phone:
86 21 6339 11993
Shanghai Museum
Location:
view in google maps201 Renmin Da Dao
People's Sq., Huangpu District
200003 Shanghai, China
Phone:
86 21 6372 35004
DinTaiFung
Location:
view in google maps12-20 Shuicheng Road
Peace Square (near Hongqiao Road)
200336 Shanghai, China
Phone:
86 21 6208 4188Day 3 - Shanghai
One of the best ways to see the dichotomy of Shanghai is to start the day at Yu Gardens. This used to be the central hub of Shanghai, including the old execution grounds, shopping center, market and government office hub. Today it is rebuilt into a lovely shopping complex with a garden tea house in the center. Its not to be missed! After your stroll head to the Pudong Bund, which is on the east bank. You'll see skyscrapers and men in suits shuffling around on their cell phones. There is no better way to feel the change in China than these two contrasting places in one day. Finally, round off the afternoon with a trip to every local's favorite eatery-- Dongbei Ren. This northern cuisine is spicy, lively and fun and its an experience full of culture and memories, not to be skipped. A nightcap at Glamour bar is the only way to really end the night in style. You'll rub elbows with some of Shanghai's government and business elites as well as every wealthy expat in the region.
1
Yu Gardens
Location:
view in google mapsZhongshan South Road & Renmen Road
200000 Shanghai, China
Phone:
86 21 6355 50322
PuDong Bund
Location:
view in google mapsBinjiang Dadao, Pudong New Area
Shanghai, China
3
Glamour Bar (The)
Location:
view in google maps6F, 5 Guangdong Lu
near Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu (The Bund)
Shanghai, China
Phone:
86 21 6350 99884
Dongbei Ren
Location:
view in google maps1 Shanxi Nan Road
Shanghai, China
Phone:
86 21 5228 9898Day 4 - Shanghai
Today is all about fun. Get up early and head to Hangzhou, a nearby town that China's lead magazines rank as "the happiest place in China!" You'll enjoy a stroll around West Lake, and this center of silk distribution offers prime shopping and photo taking. Grab the train back to Shanghai in time to take a tour of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. This magnificent and iconic structure offers a panoramic view of the city, a museum and even a snack lounge. Finally, relax away the afternoon at Zapatas, where the best Mexican food in China is served amid lively music and local dance-offs. M on the Bund is a hot spot for romance and low-light chatter with a great view of the river and soft music. For a bit more fun, head to Laris, where an award-winning chef makes the best meals (for a stuffed wallet) in town. Their martini specials are especially awesome!
1
Laris
Location:
view in google maps6/F, 3 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu
Near Guangdong Lu
200002 Shanghai, China
Phone:
86 21 6321 99222
Hangzhou
Location:
view in google mapsHangzhou
Shanghai, China
Phone:
86 21 6333 2226 (Tourist information)3
Oriental Pearl TV Tower
Location:
view in google maps1 Shiji Dadao
Lu Jia Zui Road
200120 Shanghai, China
Phone:
86 21 5879 18884
Zapatas
Location:
view in google maps5 Hengshan Lu
Near Dongping Lu
200031 Shanghai, China
Phone:
86 21 6474 61665
M on the Bund
Location:
view in google maps7/F, No. 5 The Bund
Guangdong Lu
200002 Shanghai, China
Phone:
86 21 6350 9988Day 5 - Shanghai
Its your final day in Shanghai, and I know you want to pack up your belongings and move here full time. Let's enjoy the last day in style! First, a morning expedition to nearby SuZhou, China's primer city for garden sculptures and water towns. If you don't know what those are, its worth a trip to find out. Back in Shanghai, a trip across the Huangpu on the Psychedelic tunnel is an experience you'll be chatting about back home for years to come. Dining at Crystal Jade (famous among locals and Japanese expats in the city) is a great way to enjoy Asian cuisine in style, or, if you are a high roller, head to the Oyama Sushi bar instead, Shanghais' best sushi and that isnt an easily won title! Finally, relive your whole Shanghai trip at the Cotton Club under the stars. If you are looking for a quiet bar with a patio, outdoor lighting and decently mixed drinks, then this is the best way to end a trip in Shanghai-- sitting under the stars looking back over your trip!
1
Crystal Jade Restaurant (Xin Tian Di)
Location:
view in google maps2-7 2nd Floor, 123 Xin Ye Lu, South Block Xintiandi
Near Madang Lu
200021 Shanghai, China
Phone:
86 21 6385 87522
Cotton Club
Location:
view in google mapsFùxing Xi Lù 8
Huáihai Zhong Lù
200031 Shanghai, China
Phone:
86 21 6437 71103
Psychedelic Tunnel
Location:
view in google maps300 Zhongshan Dong Yilu
Shanghai, China
Phone:
5888 60005
Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall
Location:
view in google mapsRenmin Da Dao 100
Huangpu (northeast of the Shanghai Museum; entrance on east side)
200003 Shanghai, China
Phone:
86 021/6372-20776
Oyama Sushi Bar
Location:
view in google maps20 Donghu Lu, 2F
Near Huaihai Lu
200003 Shanghai, China
Phone:
86 21 5404 7705