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Great
Things to do in Amazing Shanghai
Text
and Photos by Sandra Scott
In
the 1920s Shanghai was part of the Roaring 20s – it was stylish,
it was decadent, it was international. Today it is modern, stylish, and
very cosmopolitan. Shanghai is home to China’s largest stock exchange,
the world’s first commercial magnetic levitation train, more than
three thousand skyscrapers (more than New York) with two thousand more
in the works.
- Big
Bus Tour: The best way to get acquainted with a city of more than 20
million is to get an overview from the top of the hop-on, hop-off double-decker
bus. A two-day ticket is best because the price includes a one-hour
boat ride on the Huangpu River, plus entrance to the Jade Museum and
the Jim Mao Tower Observation deck with an incredible view of the city.
- Stroll
the Bund: For years the Bund has been the place to be seen. And, it
still is. The strip along the Huangpu River has impressive colonial
buildings, a wide pedestrian walkway, a visitor’s center, and
the entrance to the multimedia Sightseeing Tunnel under the river to
Pudong plus great views of the futuristic Pudong Island with the iconic
Oriental Pearl TV tower.
- Shanghai
Museum: The museum is one of the best, if not the best, museum in all
of China. Most of the displays have English labels but next to the entrance
of each gallery are explanatory printouts in several languages. There
is too much to see in one visit but there is no entrance fee so pick
the galleries that most tickle your fancy be it jade, bronze, furniture
or the ethnic diversity of China.
- Park
time: Shanghai has some lovely parks with beautiful landscaping. Parks
are great places to relax and see the local people at rest and play.
People’s Square Park in the heart of the city has hundreds of
doves representing peace plus a musical fountain that puts on a display
at various times. Get a takeout lunch and enjoy it in the serenity of
a park.
- Yu
Gardens: The gardens were created in the 16th century to honor the designer’s
parents. Every twist and turn is a photo opportunity with pools, rockeries,
arches and walkways. On the way to the gardens new shops built in the
traditional Chinese style sell just about everything.
- Buddhist
temples: The Jing’an Temple is located near some high-end shopping
and even though it too has a new and gleaming look the original temple
dates from the third century. There is a golden statue of the Laughing
Buddha, China’s largest seated jade Buddha, and a room devoted
to Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy.
- Dining:
Shanghai is China’s culinary hotspot with everything from restaurants
with celebrity chefs to street vendors hawking local favorites to international
chains. Try dim sum, those small flavor-filled buns steamed in a wicker
container. For an elegant dining experience check out the restaurants
at the Peninsula.
- Shopping:
Shanghai is a shopper’s delight. There are the ubiquitous knock-off
items which, of course, one should pass on but many do not. There are
many malls with high-end stores like Prada and Rolex. Need a suit? No
problem there are tailors just waiting to be of service. Tip: for a
proper fit at least three fittings should be scheduled.
- Tea
and spa time at the Peninsula: Every trip should include something very
special. The elegant Peninsula Hotel, located on the Bund, offers delectable
afternoon teas with live music. Make the visit even more memorable with
a massage at their Espa.
- Side trips: There are several great trips to visit the nearby towns
located on a canal. A day trip to these quiet, quaint towns of Zhouzhuang,
Xitang, Tongli offers an escape from the city. Tour buses leave from
Shanghai Stadium Metro in the morning and return in the afternoon.
By 2020 Shanghai is expected to be the richest economic region in the
world. Most visitors spend three days but it takes at least a week to
take in the highlights. Tipping is not expected as most places add 15%
service charge. The subway system is huge and inexpensive but taxis are
metered and reasonable.
There are a plethora of affordable hotels. Consider the Holiday Inn Downtown
where even an upgrade to Executive Level that includes breakfast, internet,
evening cocktails and laundry is affordable. For that very special occasion,
stay at The Peninsula Hotel on the Bund where everything from the limousine
pickup that has internet connection to the full-menu Espa to their restaurants
to their service is unequaled.
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