citydeluxe

Shanghai is the largest city by population in China and the largest city proper in the world. It is one of the four province-level municipalities in the People's Republic of China, with a total population of over 23 million as of 2010. Due to its rapid development over the last two decades it has again become a leading global city, with significant influence in commerce, culture, finance, media, fashion, technology and transport. Shanghai is now a major financial center and the busiest container port in the world.

Located in the Yangtze River Delta in eastern China, Shanghai sits at the mouth of the Yangtze River in the middle portion of the Chinese coast. The municipality borders  Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces to the west, and is bounded to the east by the East China Sea.

Once the ocean gateway to the Middle Kingdom for foreign travellers, Shanghai’s bustling port grew throughout the 19th century due to the expanding opium trade. An ignominious start led to a tremendous outcome, resulting in the treasure that is modern Shanghai. The heady mixture of money and mingling cultures gave rise to a city that became the byword for opulence, sophistication and decadence.

As China reopens to the world, its reputation hasn’t changed a jot despite intervening years of Communist austerity. Today, European splendour intermingles with modern skyscrapers in China’s largest city, while foreign merchants push luxury brands rather than narcotics. “The Paris of the East” and formerly “The Whore of the Orient” - Shanghai isn’t a gal who will be easily overlooked.

GO THERE FOR

History & Culture – In China’s long history, spanning thousands of years of civilization, Shanghai is a relative infant. But its short life has been anything but quiet, a story eloquently reflected in the city’s architecture. A combination of classic Chinese, belle époque European and ultra-modern fantasies of glass and steel makes this an urban sprawl that traverses a distinctive past, present and future.

The Food - A relatively new city, Shanghai adopts sauces and its emphasis on seafood from the surrounding Jiangsu and Zhejiang culinary traditions, but has developed a twist of its own. Nowadays local specialties have achieved world eminence, including Xiao Long Bao, Hairy Crab, Beggar’s chicken and thousand year-old eggs. Contemporary Shanghai has also been attracting chefs of international repute, with David Laris, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Stephen Wright and Paul Pairet all tucking into a slice of this hip and happening pie.

The Lifestyle - Whether it’s old-school early morning Tai Chi or partying into the wee hours with the young hipsters, Shanghai caters to a variety of lifestyles. At early mornings on the Bund, the elderly Chinese can be seen having their morning Tai Chi while the youth end their nights of drinking and dancing.

The Skyline - Shanghai’s futuristic skyline is unmistakable and rivals Hong Kong’s big city bright lights. A symbol of China’s burgeoning economy and rapid change, the skyline can be enjoyed from a number of the chichi bars and restaurants located on the Bund.

The Pace - China has awakened to the 21st century with a vengeance and Shanghai is the former sleeping beauty who’s set to work hard and play harder, evident in an endless procession of fairs, exhibitions and galas. Beijing may be the political capital, but Shanghai is very much the nation’s commercial and fashion hub.

DON’T MISS

The Bund - This prime waterfront location was the spot of choice for foreign companies in the early part of the 20th century to show off their wealth by experimenting with architectural styles. Today, it's a hub of fashionable dining and shopping, while visitors can really get a sense of old Shanghai by wandering through the collection of Gothic Revival, Baroque, Romanesque, Neo-Classic, Art-Deco and Renaissance style buildings. After 33 months of renovation, there is now a much wider promenade and the traffic has been diverted into an underground tunnel, while trees have been planted along the banks of the river and 2,000 park benches installed. The newly-built waterfront area boasts a spectacular orderliness and grandeur, offering a sweeping view of both sides of the Huangpu River.

Pudong & Shanghai World Financial Centre - On the east side of the Huangpu River, the World Financial Centre is made up of outstanding architectural skyscrapers accommodating offices, five star hotels, conference rooms, observation decks and shopping malls. Park Hyatt Hotel tower is one of the highest hotels in the world, surpassing the Grand Hyatt Shanghai on the neighbouring Jin Mao Tower. The highest view from the observation deck is at 474 m (1,555 ft) above sea level.

Yu Yuan Gardens – Yu Yuan is a famous classical garden dating from 1577, however there is virtually no original remains of that time and the area has been heavily renovated with retail stores selling all sorts of Chinese souvenirs, from tea to jade and pearls. The Huxinting Teahouse in the middle of the lake, which has been brewing tea leaves since 1855, is one of the few spots with a certain charm of the past. Usually it is flocked with tourists (which means a lot of Chinese who come from other provinces to visit).

People’s Square - Located in the very centre of Shanghai on the grounds of the once famous horse track, it is the largest square in this city. The Shanghai Grand Theatre, Municipal Government Building, Urban Planning Exhibition Centre, Art Museum and Museum of Contemporary Art are all situated in the square. Famous Nanjing road is to the north and Huaihai Road to its south. Around the area, expect to find shops, department stores, restaurants, recreational centres and modern hotels. During the early morning local elders gather to practice taiji, aerobics or waist-drum. Parents with children take a stroll in the evenings while couples sit on stone benches. On weekends there is a unique “fair” where parents post announcements of their “eligible” sons and daughters to find a matching bride or groom.

Shanghai Museum - Shanghai Museum could also be referred to as the Ancient History Museum displays the history of Shanghai in a chronological order through paintings, drawings, coins, jade, bronzes and pottery.

Museum of Contemporary Art - MOCA has earned its reputation as a pace-setter for contemporary art in Shanghai. Premier exhibits of foreign art regularly make their way into the gallery's modern People's Square digs.

Xintiandi – Not far from the south of People’s Square, Xintiandi remains a unique pedestrian enclave due to the concept of its construction. It retains the antique walls, tiles and exterior of the Shikumen housing of old Shanghai. Home to art galleries, bars, cafés and fashionable boutiques, it also houses the site of First Congress Hall of the Communist Party of China. Xintiandi encompasses both 1920’s Shanghai and the sonic modern lifestyle of 21st century urbanites.

French Concession - The plane trees brought by the French when this area was conceded to them after the Opium War remain a staple of the district. The concession may be the result of Western imperialism, but has long since been taken to the hearts of the Shanghainese – although the locals today never relate it to the French period. Parts of the area are busy with small retail shops, wet markets, restaurants, cafés, bars and bigger shopping brands are represented; whereas other parts are much calmer, with large villas, characteristic lane houses, hidden art galleries, charming Art Deco buildings and more restaurants and bars.

BASICS

GETTING AROUND 

From the Airport…

Pudong Airport, http://shanghaiairport.com.cn/index_pd.jsp

It takes over an hour to get from Pudong Airport and downtown Puxi; taxis cost CNY 150 approximately each way.

The Maglev train system is a much more economical way to get there, at CNY 50/way for normal seats, and CNY 80 for VIP. From the Maglev station a taxi is required to get into town and depending on the time of the day (or if it is raining) this can become rather difficult. For details, contact +86 21 2890 7777.

Hongqiao Airport, http://shanghaiairport.com.cn/index_hq.jsp

It takes 45 minutes or so to get to Hongqiao Airport from downtown, and it costs around CNY 50 by cab. The newly opened Terminal 2 is connected with various city transport links; including two subway lines (Line 2 connects to Pudong Airport, Line 10 which passes many of Shanghai’s tourist attractions, will open its Hongqiao Airport station later this year).

Around Town

It is incredibly inexpensive to travel around by taxi – the minimum fare is CNY 12 for 3 kilometres, plus CNY 2.10 per extra kilometre. Taxi drivers can understand very basic English, but it may be best to have your hotel write out the addresses you are looking for in mandarin. The underground (subway) system is much more efficient and predictable due to the city’s infamous traffic congestion. Fares are between CNY 3–4, depending on the destination and signs are English-speaker friendly.

WHEN TO GO 

Spring (April, May and June) and autumn (September and October) are the best seasons for visiting Shanghai, when the weather is mild (average spring high 23.6˚C/75˚F, warming throughout and average autumn high 25˚C/77˚F cooling). October is especially for gourmands as this is when the famous “Shanghai Hairy Crab” is in season, a local delicacy. Summer can be extremely hot, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 40˚C/100˚F accompanied by high humidity; winters are cold and humid (average low 1.7˚C/35˚F), leaving most non-Shanghainese chilly. However, modern Shanghai is equipped with air-conditioning and heating, alleviating any extreme weather.

Public Holidays: