Today's Shanghai

What makes Shanghai, Shanghai? Is it the glitter and neon lights illuminating the night sky? Or is the Westernization of a Chinese city that makes it almost equivalent to New York City of America? Is it the amazing Chinese cuisine, from the expensive delicacies to the low-priced street hawkers? Is it the historical sites, the intricately designed temples, the beautiful gardens, the colonial buildings, the skyscrapers, or perhaps the Huangpu River, where the story of this metropolis actually began? Is it the people: the locals, the visiting Chinese, the tourists?

Shanghai was everything I ever dreamed it was going to be. It is vast and modern, but with that slight trace of Chinese historical aura still evident in the air. Caught up just looking at the high skyscrapers and up-to-date architecture, it is no wonder how tourists and visitors alike seem to miss the real Shanghai. If you just peek a little closer at the side alleys, at the back of the little shops, and the faces of the little children and beggars on the street, you may just find that small twinge of old China hidden and lost behind the tall and stylish buildings that is today’s Shanghai.

But Shanghai is new and modern in the eyes of the world. It has many buildings, and standing on a boat on the Huang Pu River, one can take pleasure in a panoramic view of the river and the city’s skyline, both the new and old Shanghai. At the Pu Xi side of the river (West Pu), constructed in diverse foreign styles, carefully preserved from as early as the 1920s, you will see the Bund which is the old city section of Shanghai. At the Pu Dong side (East Pu), you will see the stylish skyscrapers of banks and hotels, as well as the futuristic spaceship-like Oriental Pearl TV Tower, which symbolizes the modern side of new Shanghai.

There are so many things to see and do in Shanghai. For museum goers, there’s the much-talked-about Shanghai Museum. For the religious souls, there’s the most popular Buddhist Temple, the Jade Buddha Temple. For nature lovers, there’s the beautiful garden, Yuyuan Garden. For the avid shoppers, there’s the Nanjing Road and Xiang Yang Street. For gourmets, any restaurant here can satisfy your palate. There’s everything for everyone in Shanghai.

So what makes Shanghai, Shanghai? All those and more...

Quick Tips:

People from all over China come to Shanghai to not only travel, but to find work. There are many people in Shanghai, so do beware of pickpockets. They would go as far as using a blade to cut open your bag.

Also, when shopping, be sure to haggle for the best price. These street vendors tend to increase the price much much higher than it actually is, especially to Westerners and tourists. But only ask for the price of an item if you are really interested in buying it; you don’t want to anger the vendors, as they can get pretty mean and wouldn’t mind following and disturbing you.

At crowded areas, try keeping your balance. Push or be pushed. I had an experience while shopping at Xiang Yang Road where I was pushed forward and nearly fell onto a whole table of glassware. Thank God a friend stopped my fall. It would have cost me a fortune.

Never wonder around Shanghai alone at night. You never know who might just be hiding around the corner.

Best Way To Get Around:

Traveling around Shanghai wouldn’t be much of a problem. The subways are relatively new and claim to be the fastest in the world. Though it does not take you directly to certain tourist attractions, it can be rather fascinating taking a walk to wherever you’re going. There’s much to see in Shanghai, every turn is a new experience.

The taxis are expensive by local standards, but to tourists, especially Westerners, it is actually very cheap. Nevertheless, taking a taxi may be a challenge. The honking, the shouting, the screeches of breaks, and the unorganized traffic could give anyone a heart attack.

One might say that the Oriental Pearl TV Tower is just another tourist trap with its fancy names, like "the third tallest TV Tower in the world" or "Twin dragons playing with pearls." And though it really may be just another tall tower piercing the skyline of modern Shanghai, it truly symbolizes Shanghai today through its fascinating and unique architectural design. Traveling around Shanghai, the tower never fails to come into view, creating a sensation of awe and wonder, and, of course, the "I am finally in Shanghai!” thought that hits you, especially when you’re just arriving from the airport.

With its thoroughly calculated feng shui properties and elements, the tower is indeed the jewel, or, more appropriately, the Oriental pearl, of Shanghai. It looks like a spaceship about to take off with its large spheres and slanting stanchions. In truth, the tower’s spheres represents pearls, and the green grassland surrounding it is seen as a jade plate, supposedly bringing the city prosperity and wealth. Really, almost every building in Shanghai is designed according to feng shui to bring the utmost outcome in every aspect of the company involved.

Reaching the tower 10 minutes to closing time, we were able to avoid the extremely long queue that winds through the queue maze during the day. We had to go through an X-ray scan upon entering the tower, just right before taking the elevator to the main sightseeing floor. Inside the elevator, a guide dressed in red gave us a brief introduction of the tower, as well as the elevator (which holds up to 50 people and ascends at a rate of 7m per second), in both Mandarin and English. It was amazing how she started talking just as the elevator door closed and how she finished exactly on the dot when the elevator door opened on the 255th floor!

The view from the 468m tower was simply spectacular. It has a full 360-degree view of all of Shanghai: the splendid neon lights that light up the night sky, the Huang Pu River, the Bund, and the tiny flickering lights from the traffic far down below. You could just stare, and stare, and stare! All along the platform were glass displays selling TV tower souvenirs, such as key chains, postcards, chocolates, and miniature towers.

The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is really the best way to get a bird's eye view of all of Shanghai and beyond. And, in my opinion, it is definitely not something to be missed--you can say you've seen the "whole" of Shanghai then, eh?

You can get to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower by taking the Metroline No. 2 to Lujiazui Station or Public Transport Busses Nos. 81, 82, 85, 870, 871, or 872. To reach the Pudong area from the other side, the Bund Tourist Tunnel or the Taigong Line is available. The tower is open from 7:40am to 9:30pm every day.

There would never have been a Shanghai without the Huangpu River. Being the main source of living during the days when Shanghai was a mere fishing village, it has witnessed the city’s birth and growth and is now the only shipping artery of Shanghai. The river is 114km long, starting from the mouth of Yangtze River and ending 29km north of downtown Shanghai. Running through the remarkable metropolis, the Huangpu River separates the west Shanghai from the east Shanghai, creating two diverse worlds in one city.

The Huangpu River is no attraction itself. Yellow muddy waters run through it, thus its name, "huang," meaning yellow. When crossing the South Huangpu Bridge, the river is not exactly a sight to yell about, and the Chinese know it. But the river still flows proudly and peacefully through this great metropolitan and is no doubt the highest-grossing tourist spot in Shanghai.

So what exactly makes the yellow muddy river so popular? Well, it really is the boundless attractions, lights, and action surrounding it. Hordes of tourists and locals can be seen strolling along its never-ending riverbanks, at the famous Shanghai Bund, or waiting in line for a cruise along the serene river during the day, and even more during the night. This is the part of the city that never sleeps.

The Shanghai Bund, the famous symbol of Shanghai, is located on the west shore of the Huangpu River. It is a must-visit place, especially on the west side, known as the museum of international architecture. This side of the bund is lined with buildings of foreign architecture, making the place seem more European than it is Chinese. There is even a clock tower! Other than that, many other tourist attractions, like the Shanghai Museum, monuments, and statues, are also located at the Bund. Walking along the streets, the Bund offers an excellent sight of the other side of Pudong, with the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Jin Mao Tower clearly in view. Be sure to visit the Bund during the night, as it simply is a sight to remember! Beautiful lights illuminate the colonial buildings, giving the Bund a surreal and romantic atmosphere, perfect for sightseeing, picture-taking, or just a short stroll with a loved one.

The best way to experience the Bund and the modern Pudong is definitely from the river itself. Cruises are available every day, as are the shorter cruises that take tourists along the main waterfront area for approximately 45 minutes. Standing on the deck, the cool river breeze and the dazzling lights will simply take your breath away! I was leaving Shanghai the next day, so the cruise was the perfect farewell. Really, the view from the Huangpu River is definitely a must-see.

Just mention China and the very first thing that comes to anyone’s mind is shopping, food, shopping, and food! China is a shopper and gourmet lover’s paradise, where goods and food are in abundance and prices are despicably cheap. And well, Shanghai, being the metropolis of China, has it all. Famous designer brand names and the latest fashions; great "bargain for money" shopping streets; delicious food and local snacks as well as light products and specialties… simply anything the heart desires.

Upon turning the bend into Nanjing Road, I felt like I could shop forever. The street looked never-ending, seemingly miles and miles long: shopping malls, restaurants, and specialty shops lined on both sides of the street. The street was filled with people, foreigners, local visitors, and locals alike, all looking for something to buy, or somewhere to eat. Nanjing Road is the premier shopping street in Shanghai, offering not only traditional and specialty shopping, like choices of silk, embroidery, jade, jewellery, and more, but also world-famous upscale stores like Mont Blanc and Tiffany’s, as well as middle-class local selections such as Giordano, Bossini, and Samuel & Kevin. Sculptures can be found scattered along the street, with statues of shoppers and little children here and there. I guess the statues were placed to give a "shopping with family" ambience, but it was really weird seeing a statue with a shopping bag and a child, or a statue taking a picture!

Other than the strange statues, Nanjing Road provides the atmosphere for either a morning or an evening stroll, from the calming sounds of the street musicians to the blaring music from the stores, and additional brightly lit neon lights illuminating the skyline during the night. After a long time shopping or just walking, it is nice to just stop by for lunch or dinner at the different restaurants found all along the street. Variations range from popular food franchises like KFC and McDonald's to international selections such as Japanese, Korean, and Italian to local street vendors. Choices, choices, choices! And at the end of the day, when we get lost in the sea of stores and shops and don’t know how to return to the start point or the meeting point, there is always the sightseeing train traveling along Nanjing Road that might just pass somewhere familiar!

If a good bargain and drop-dead-cheap imitation goods are what you’re looking for, Xiangyang Market is just the place for you. It is a shopping mecca and the best shopping spot in Shanghai, simply heaven for all the shopping addicts out there! No wonder it is extremely jam-packed with people of all sorts, from anywhere in the world!

Entering Xiangyang Market, I was immediately assaulted by hordes of vendors promoting their goods and wares. Everywhere around me people were shouting, pushing, or waving about, eager to get my attention. Vendors were following me around, practically begging me to visit their shop--some even brought photographs to show me what they have! It was rather exasperating, but do trust me, once there, you’ll want to enter every single stall, so as to not miss out on any good buys and bargains!

Everything can be found here at Xiangyang Market: bags, shoes, clothes, watches, shirts, scarves, crystal, and wallets… just anything in any color, any shape and any size, or any brand! This includes the likes of Gucci, Prada, CD, Coach, etc. (Just bear in mind that these are imitations; however, they seem almost genuine and are a serious value for the money. After all, no one needs to know, eh?) Other than trying to chase the latest fashions, other fascinating memorabilia can be found at the market, such as traditional handicraft, cloths with oriental prints, handmade wood carvings, Chinese fans, and chopstick sets, which make very lovely souvenirs to bring back home.

The best thing about shopping in places like the Xiangyang Market is the haggling. Don’t be shy; haggling is a custom in China. Well, almost. My local guide told me that we could go as low as getting a third of the original price. Just don’t go overboard with the bargaining--you don’t want the vendor to start screaming at you in a language you don’t understand. Also, don’t take the bargaining too seriously, as the things in Xiangyang Market are already cheap as it is--it’s the fun of bargaining we’re after! And don’t worry about the language problem, as most of the bargaining will be done on a calculator, so just clack away and get ready to smell the sweet scent of victory upon winning the haggling battle!

A reminder note: Make sure you take extra precautions of your belongings; squeezing, pulling, and tugging is part and parcel of shopping in Xiangyang Market. There are so many people, it is a sea of heads. So do mind your step, as these hundreds of shoppers are simply too eager to spend, spend, spend and will just about push anyone to get ahead.

Remember, in Xiangyang Market, just indulge and enjoy!!!

When I first heard of Chenghuang Temple, I thought it was a temple… you know, a place of worship with statues of Buddhas and beautiful wall paintings. So upon arriving there, imagine my astonishment when I saw people streaming out of the entrance filled with stalls selling clothing! Chenghuang Temple is, in fact, a shopping market and food bazaar! There is even a Starbucks in the marketplace, and I must say, the big Starbucks sign looked simply out of place in this traditional Chinese teak-wood setting.

Chenghuang Temple is more famous for its food and delicacies, compared to the shopping (assorted selections of light products, specialties, and local handicraft). The restaurants and stalls here have enjoyed a long history of excellent reputation for their unique gastronomy that boggles the mind and ensnares the senses. But really, it’s just pure authentic Shanghainese food.

Ever heard of the Chinese steamed dumplings? Well, I have, and they say that the best dumplings are the ones found here at Chenghuang Temple. The Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant is a nationwide brand name, found on the third floor of one of the many Chinese structures in Chenghuang Temple, that has survived time and weather. All three floors of this particular building serve steamed dumplings, and they are easy to spot from the long queue outside... the really, really long queue!

The Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant specializes in steamed buns/dumplings, which are famous for their translucent cover and full filling of crab meat and luscious juice. They are in the shape of larger-sized Hershey’s Kisses and come in sixes in a Chinese bamboo bowl. These dumplings have to be relished in small mouthfuls or you will risk burning your tongue, and are so juicy, so succulent… need I say more? Just try it for yourself! Other than these dumplings, the restaurant also has other unique recipes, like the large steamed bun with crab ovary stuffing, shrimp balls, salty cashew nuts cake ,and various sets of light refreshments. The restaurant is so popular that in order to dine here, each individual has to order a minimum of RMB25 worth.

The Chenghuang Temple marketplace creates an ambiance of times past with its large wooden structures and seemingly hand-carved roofs. All the buildings surround a main square and a large pond filled with hundreds of white-and-orange Japanese carps, where crowds gather to feed the fish, take pictures, or simply to marvel at the delicate Chinese architecture. There is also a beautiful garden situated inside this large temple grounds. The Yuyuan Garden is worth visiting, with its serene and comforting setting beautifully illustrating its namesake, which means "peace and health" in Chinese.

When in Shanghai, you have to stroll along the shopping streets, visit the crowded markets, savor the authentic Shanghainese cuisines, and haggle! These are essential parts of Shanghai that should not be missed, so get fit, pump up your appetites, brush up on your bargaining skills, and Shanghai is all yours!