Going to Shanghai in September - any tips?

BagaholicAnon · Jun 18th, 2008, 12:59 AM

I'm Chinese, but born in the U.S. (I can speak Mandarin, though). This will be my first trip to China with SO. Any advice or suggestions for places to go? We're planning on staying at the Westin Bund Center and walking or catching a cab everywhere.

Thanks!

miamialli · Jun 18th, 2008, 10:30 PM

I just found out today that DH and I may go in October! I'm all ears....

Schmodi · Jun 19th, 2008, 04:25 AM

Let me email my friend on this forum as well. She was just living there and I'm sure would love to give you some pointers.

cchan83 · Jun 19th, 2008, 06:47 AM

You should take some day tours out of shanghai. Places like suzhou and hangzhou is very nice.

Schmodi · Jun 19th, 2008, 03:36 PM

Here is my friend's response:

First of all , the weather in September could be either good or bad. Early September it'll be really hot and late September it'll be pretty nice (may still be warm).

If you can speak Mandarin you should have no problems at all. Cabs are mega cheap and the metro/subway is really cheap and efficient too (in case you can't get a cab (usually 6-9am, 5-7pm) OR if it's raining).

The obvious thing is the Oriental Pearl Tower. That futuristic spaceship looking thing. You can go up it, or what I prefer is to go to the Jinmao tower/Grand Hyatt instead. That way you can see the whole tower as well as the rest of the city. Of course do this at night, not the daytime. The view over the Bund is spectacular at sunset and night but pretty blah during the day time.

You could take a cruise on the Bund (but I've never tried this).

There is the Shanghai Museum which has a really cool model of the whole city (you'll be amazed - it's huge) and lots of fascinating stuff in a nice air-conditioned building.

If you are into museums or you are a kid at heart the Science and Technology Museum is a must-see/do. It is actually one of my favorite places in Shanghai. There is so much to see and do and it is really hands-on. The exhibits are really good and interactive. There is also a 'ride' inside, and an Imax theater.

There is the aquarium (near the Pearl Tower, but I have not been).

Shopping and eating is pretty much everywhere, depends on your tastes and budget I guess. Anything foreign and your favorite name brands.. forget it! It will be much more expensive than the US due to high import taxes. Just buy the generic stuff. Usually gadgety things like mp3 players or memory cards are cheap though. And you don't have to go to a special store to get them. They have stalls in the subway. There are 2 main gadget/camera places. 1 in Metrocity in Xujiahui and the other in Hong Kong Plaza on Huaihai Lu near Huangpi nan Lu.

There is good food everywhere and lots of different cuisines and pretty much everywhere is really affordable except maybe 5 star hotels and those on the Bund. The bars on the Bund are really nice. The things with restaurants though is that most of them allow smoking which you should be wary of.

If you want simple cafe style food Element Fresh and Wagas are both good.

Yuyuan Bazaar/Chenghuang Miao (temple) is a must see. There are so many alleyways and quaint little shops there selling chinese crafts and gifts to bring back home. There is also the famous xiaolongbao (dumplings with soup inside). The zig zag bridge, the park, the temple.. LOTS to see and do here. But it is always very crowded so plan your time well.

Jing'An temple is another temple if you like them. It's about a 10-15min walk (or 1 stop on the bus) to Shanghai Plaza/Portman Ritz Carlton/Plaza 66 for famous foreign branded stuff. There is also a Zara store there.

Massages and manicures are a must! They are so ridiculously cheap. :)

888mmc · Jun 19th, 2008, 09:08 PM

wow thanks for the post! i'm going to shanghai end of october to first week of november. do you guys know the weather that time of the year there? i think it should be autumn.

BagaholicAnon · Jun 20th, 2008, 07:01 PM

Thanks for the tips Schmodi (and your friend of course)! Has she been to the Westin Bund Center? That's where we're planning on staying.

ophy · Jun 22nd, 2008, 03:23 AM

This probably doesn't help whatsoever in terms of advice or suggestion but it's just something to share.

When I went to Shanghai at 13, my family and I were caught in a rainstorm. We took refuge under the awning of a local grocery store. Under the shade, an old man was hawking his "meat mooncakes". (Mooncakes are traditionally a pastry dessert made with a sweet dough, lotus filling, and whole egg yolks. Shanghai culture has one that is made of meat and puff pastry.)

I still remember the taste of that mooncake and how the pocket of soup burned my tongue while I scoffed it down with my cousins in that tropical storm.

I really suggest that you be adventurous. Shanghai is about old world glamour. The requisite cocktail on the top floor of the Hyatt in Putong and seeking out the perfect tailor should be on your must-do list. But to be honest, you can do that kind of activities in every metrolopolis.

Oh, the cabs have fleas. Be careful, don't wear shorts. Even if it will be humid and hot in September.

Schmodi · Jun 22nd, 2008, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BagaholicAnon

Thanks for the tips Schmodi (and your friend of course)! Has she been to the Westin Bund Center? That's where we're planning on staying.

I don't know but when I look at hotel reviews I usually find blogs, use Flyertalk or occasionally tripadvisor.

redney · Jun 24th, 2008, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BagaholicAnon

Thanks for the tips Schmodi (and your friend of course)! Has she been to the Westin Bund Center? That's where we're planning on staying.

When I travel to Shanghai for business, I stay at the Westin Bund. It is a lovely 5 star hotel with great facilities/amenities (I LOVE the gym!!) in a great location.

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin...ropertyID=1379

It has a chrysthanthmum (spelling?) structure on its roof that makes it recognizable from all over the surrounding area so you can't get too lost whilst on foot.

BagaholicAnon · Jun 25th, 2008, 02:31 AM

Thanks! I'm so excited now, can't wait!

cakelover · Jun 27th, 2008, 03:08 AM

ITA with the point about massages and manicures, you should definately get them!

BagaholicAnon · Jun 28th, 2008, 04:58 PM

We decided to go in Oct instead now for the crab festival. Has anyone tried these crabs before? They sound similar to the Maryland blue crabs. Can't wait!

Thanks for all the tips! For the massages and mani/pedi, do we look for the small shops or hit the spas?

fashionaholic4u · Jun 28th, 2008, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BagaholicAnon

We decided to go in Oct instead now for the crab festival. Has anyone tried these crabs before? They sound similar to the Maryland blue crabs. Can't wait!

Thanks for all the tips! For the massages and mani/pedi, do we look for the small shops or hit the spas?

I have lived in Shanghai for 10 years. Anyways, there is a restaurant on the first floor of Westin called 海上阿叔 (Shanghai Uncle). They have really good Shanghainess food and they will also offer crabs in Oct. If you like jazz clubs, there is this really awesome jazz club on the top of Westin called CJW. You should also visit xintiandi. It's a area where they have many restaurants and stores inside all the buildings that were built during the colonial time. Also as Schmodi's friend mentioned, Xujiahui is worth a visit, just to see Shanghai's shopping area and development. At Element and Wagas you get food like what we get here, such as, burgers, pancakes, etc. I would definitely suggest you go explore the cusines. If you are interest I can send you a list of restaurants. Also Yu Garden (Chenghuanmiao) is also a famous place for the little steam buns (xiaolongbao). However, don't go to the ones on the first floor though. There is this one on the second floor which definitely tastes better. Actually the best that I have tasted was this little store close to where I live. There are many small restaurant/bistro-like that offers them. Hm....what else.....well if you have the time you should definitely go for a day tour to hangzhou or suzhou. O as for the massage places, there are tons in Shanghai nowadays and the more popluar ones are foot massages. There are also many spas around. I usually go to the one call 美丽田园, not sure what the english name is. If you have any questions feel free to contact me. Hope you'll have a great trip!

Mikan · Jun 28th, 2008, 10:58 PM

Definitely eat some xiao long bao (soup dumplings)! We were in Shanghai in 2003 and had some delicious xiao long baos at Nanxiang Mantou Dian. No place in NYC even comes close to the xiao long baos you can get in Shanghai.

It's good that you speak Mandarin, I am Chinese and when I was there, locals would come up and speak to me and I had no idea what they were saying. I got a lot of weird looks.

Jun 18th, 2008, 12:59 AM	#1
BagaholicAnon Hopelessly Addicted! Joined: Jul 2007 Location: Honolulu, Hawaii Posts: 771	Going to Shanghai in September - any tips? I'm Chinese, but born in the U.S. (I can speak Mandarin, though). This will be my first trip to China with SO. Any advice or suggestions for places to go? We're planning on staying at the Westin Bund Center and walking or catching a cab everywhere. Thanks!

Jun 19th, 2008, 04:25 AM	#3
Schmodi Member Joined: Feb 2007 Location: Greater San Diego Posts: 1,907	Let me email my friend on this forum as well. She was just living there and I'm sure would love to give you some pointers. __________________

Jun 19th, 2008, 03:36 PM	#5
Schmodi Member Joined: Feb 2007 Location: Greater San Diego Posts: 1,907	Here is my friend's response: First of all , the weather in September could be either good or bad. Early September it'll be really hot and late September it'll be pretty nice (may still be warm). If you can speak Mandarin you should have no problems at all. Cabs are mega cheap and the metro/subway is really cheap and efficient too (in case you can't get a cab (usually 6-9am, 5-7pm) OR if it's raining). The obvious thing is the Oriental Pearl Tower. That futuristic spaceship looking thing. You can go up it, or what I prefer is to go to the Jinmao tower/Grand Hyatt instead. That way you can see the whole tower as well as the rest of the city. Of course do this at night, not the daytime. The view over the Bund is spectacular at sunset and night but pretty blah during the day time. You could take a cruise on the Bund (but I've never tried this). There is the Shanghai Museum which has a really cool model of the whole city (you'll be amazed - it's huge) and lots of fascinating stuff in a nice air-conditioned building. If you are into museums or you are a kid at heart the Science and Technology Museum is a must-see/do. It is actually one of my favorite places in Shanghai. There is so much to see and do and it is really hands-on. The exhibits are really good and interactive. There is also a 'ride' inside, and an Imax theater. There is the aquarium (near the Pearl Tower, but I have not been). Shopping and eating is pretty much everywhere, depends on your tastes and budget I guess. Anything foreign and your favorite name brands.. forget it! It will be much more expensive than the US due to high import taxes. Just buy the generic stuff. Usually gadgety things like mp3 players or memory cards are cheap though. And you don't have to go to a special store to get them. They have stalls in the subway. There are 2 main gadget/camera places. 1 in Metrocity in Xujiahui and the other in Hong Kong Plaza on Huaihai Lu near Huangpi nan Lu. There is good food everywhere and lots of different cuisines and pretty much everywhere is really affordable except maybe 5 star hotels and those on the Bund. The bars on the Bund are really nice. The things with restaurants though is that most of them allow smoking which you should be wary of. If you want simple cafe style food Element Fresh and Wagas are both good. Yuyuan Bazaar/Chenghuang Miao (temple) is a must see. There are so many alleyways and quaint little shops there selling chinese crafts and gifts to bring back home. There is also the famous xiaolongbao (dumplings with soup inside). The zig zag bridge, the park, the temple.. LOTS to see and do here. But it is always very crowded so plan your time well. Jing'An temple is another temple if you like them. It's about a 10-15min walk (or 1 stop on the bus) to Shanghai Plaza/Portman Ritz Carlton/Plaza 66 for famous foreign branded stuff. There is also a Zara store there. Massages and manicures are a must! They are so ridiculously cheap. :) __________________

Jun 22nd, 2008, 03:23 AM	#8
ophy Member Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 87	This probably doesn't help whatsoever in terms of advice or suggestion but it's just something to share. When I went to Shanghai at 13, my family and I were caught in a rainstorm. We took refuge under the awning of a local grocery store. Under the shade, an old man was hawking his "meat mooncakes". (Mooncakes are traditionally a pastry dessert made with a sweet dough, lotus filling, and whole egg yolks. Shanghai culture has one that is made of meat and puff pastry.) I still remember the taste of that mooncake and how the pocket of soup burned my tongue while I scoffed it down with my cousins in that tropical storm. I really suggest that you be adventurous. Shanghai is about old world glamour. The requisite cocktail on the top floor of the Hyatt in Putong and seeking out the perfect tailor should be on your must-do list. But to be honest, you can do that kind of activities in every metrolopolis. Oh, the cabs have fleas. Be careful, don't wear shorts. Even if it will be humid and hot in September. __________________ Please let me know if you see sightings of!!! A scrumptious 05 Grey Twiggy A beautifully distressed 06 Lilac Work Recent purchases <3 08 RH Argent City 06 Blue India City 07 Vert D'Deau WE

Jun 28th, 2008, 10:58 PM	#15
Mikan Member Joined: Aug 2006 Location: Connecticut Posts: 466	Definitely eat some xiao long bao (soup dumplings)! We were in Shanghai in 2003 and had some delicious xiao long baos at Nanxiang Mantou Dian. No place in NYC even comes close to the xiao long baos you can get in Shanghai. It's good that you speak Mandarin, I am Chinese and when I was there, locals would come up and speak to me and I had no idea what they were saying. I got a lot of weird looks. __________________ My travel photos: www.LouwPhotography.com

Jun 18th, 2008, 10:30 PM	#2
miamialli Member Joined: Sep 2006 Location: Sexy South Beach, FL Posts: 659	I just found out today that DH and I may go in October! I'm all ears....

Jun 19th, 2008, 06:47 AM	#4
cchan83 "Cat" Joined: Nov 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 523	You should take some day tours out of shanghai. Places like suzhou and hangzhou is very nice.

Jun 19th, 2008, 09:08 PM	#6
888mmc Member Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 8	wow thanks for the post! i'm going to shanghai end of october to first week of november. do you guys know the weather that time of the year there? i think it should be autumn.

Jun 20th, 2008, 07:01 PM	#7
BagaholicAnon Hopelessly Addicted! Joined: Jul 2007 Location: Honolulu, Hawaii Posts: 771	Thanks for the tips Schmodi (and your friend of course)! Has she been to the Westin Bund Center? That's where we're planning on staying.

Jun 25th, 2008, 02:31 AM	#11
BagaholicAnon Hopelessly Addicted! Joined: Jul 2007 Location: Honolulu, Hawaii Posts: 771	Thanks! I'm so excited now, can't wait!

Jun 27th, 2008, 03:08 AM	#12
cakelover Member Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 188	ITA with the point about massages and manicures, you should definately get them!

Jun 28th, 2008, 04:58 PM	#13
BagaholicAnon Hopelessly Addicted! Joined: Jul 2007 Location: Honolulu, Hawaii Posts: 771	We decided to go in Oct instead now for the crab festival. Has anyone tried these crabs before? They sound similar to the Maryland blue crabs. Can't wait! Thanks for all the tips! For the massages and mani/pedi, do we look for the small shops or hit the spas?