shanghai for the first time

[bigjobs]

Off to Shanghai on Sunday for the first time. I'll have a busy schedule for 5 or so days that I am there, but I will have some spare time also.

What are the first time visitor things to do in Shanghai? I don't mind a good hop on hop off bus tour of the city to get a quick look around. are there any particular places, sights, areas, eateries etc etc. that I can consider.

Thanks in advance for advice.

 

[JK1964]

Try Xintiandi French concession, Nanjing Road (just for people watching over a drink), Yu Gardens, evening cruise on the river for the light show. You could also walk under the river from The Bund to the Pudong side.

 

[bigjobs]

Try Xintiandi French concession, Nanjing Road (just for people watching over a drink), Yu Gardens, evening cruise on the river for the light show. You could also walk under the river from The Bund to the Pudong side.

yeah thanks. I am staying and working in the New Pudong area actually.

 

[DontGetMeStarted]

We had 9 days in Shanghai but it was too long, got so tired of being approached in the streets to buy stuff but we did go to Lost Heaven for a few meals and it was lovely, close to The Bund -
Lost Heaven on the Bund
We stayed at The Sofitel near Nanjing Road and that was fabulous, also did some bus tours and the French Concession. Husband got pretty sick though and collapsed in Marks & Spencers in the loo, it was not fun trying to get help and then get him into a taxi back to the hotel, we think it was from dumplings he had at another recommended dumpling place.

 

[Hvr]

A trip on the MagLev is always worth it.

 

[Wanderlust_tim]

Try Xintiandi French concession, Nanjing Road (just for people watching over a drink), Yu Gardens, evening cruise on the river for the light show. You could also walk under the river from The Bund to the Pudong side.

I have to agree on the Yuyuan Gardens, i absolutely loved it. Perhaps a little off the radar, but i also quite enjoyed the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall.

China Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall: Price, Hours

 

[auriga]

If it is a clear day, consider a visit up the Shanghai Tower. Views are spectacular.

 

[bigjobs]

thanks. did the touristy sites today, nanjing road, the bund, Yu Gardens, a tea house and a great lunch of spicy chinese food.

Caught the Mag Lev from the airport and then a taxi last night to the hotel

seems like a legit nice place. work for the next 3 days now. hope to get out and about in the evening a bit, maybe back into downtown to see it at night time.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

thanks. did the touristy sites today, nanjing road, the bund, Yu Gardens, a tea house and a great lunch of spicy chinese food.

Caught the Mag Lev from the airport and then a taxi last night to the hotel

seems like a legit nice place. work for the next 3 days now. hope to get out and about in the evening a bit, maybe back into downtown to see it at night time.

How'd you go with the taxi from the maglev station to the hotel? They used to have a very bad reputation for overcharging. Wondering if they've cleared that up now?

The Bund at night is worth a visit. Looks fabulous when lit up. You could drop by the Long Bar at the Waldorf Astoria for a drink (restored to 1920s original), or wander around the downstairs of the Peace Hotel where they might have live jazz playing in one of the bars.

 

[bigjobs]

How'd you go with the taxi from the maglev station to the hotel? They used to have a very bad reputation for overcharging. Wondering if they've cleared that up now?

The Bund at night is worth a visit. Looks fabulous when lit up. You could drop by the Long Bar at the Waldorf Astoria for a drink (restored to 1920s original), or wander around the downstairs of the Peace Hotel where they might have live jazz playing in one of the bars.

yeah the taxi was ok. I did have a local guy with me from our company, so that may have made a difference. the taxi rank itself smelt like a used diaper ... that was a bit off putting. the locals tell me that the taxis are reliable, safe and not a rip off. They also tell me not to worry about using them and the the 'Chinese Uber' is much better, cheaper and cleaner. I have been using this 'Chinese Uber' while here, mainly because each time I go somewhere there is a local that is going with me.

I think I am going to head over to The Bund this evening. Last night in town tonight. I'll just take the metro for that though.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

yeah the taxi was ok. I did have a local guy with me from our company, so that may have made a difference. the taxi rank itself smelt like a used diaper ... that was a bit off putting. the locals tell me that the taxis are reliable, safe and not a rip off. They also tell me not to worry about using them and the the 'Chinese Uber' is much better, cheaper and cleaner. I have been using this 'Chinese Uber' while here, mainly because each time I go somewhere there is a local that is going with me.

I think I am going to head over to The Bund this evening. Last night in town tonight. I'll just take the metro for that though.

Yes, a local would make all the difference.

Taxis are generally pretty good. Safe, clean, and almost always honest. But that excludes the maglev station unfortunately (unless they really have cleaned up their act there).

Try the Long Bar tonight. It's a taste of the history of Shanghai. If you haven't tried it, Lost Heaven (just across the road on the side of the Waldorf/Long Bar) is a good easy place for dinner.

 

[bigjobs]

Yes, a local would make all the difference.

Taxis are generally pretty good. Safe, clean, and almost always honest. But that excludes the maglev station unfortunately (unless they really have cleaned up their act there).

Try the Long Bar tonight. It's a taste of the history of Shanghai. If you haven't tried it, Lost Heaven (just across the road on the side of the Waldorf/Long Bar) is a good easy place for dinner.

thanks for the tips.

at the taxi rank there was a barrier to queue for folks getting off the train, a rank marshall (security guard type) and a boom gate that allowed taxis out. there was a channel for the taxis to queue up in as well. it was all very orderly and smooth. Was it like this when you went through there last?

 

[amaroo]

Keeping an eye on this thread. Have a Shangers family trip coming up. Been a dozen or so times for business, but never for leisure.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

thanks for the tips.

at the taxi rank there was a barrier to queue for folks getting off the train, a rank marshall (security guard type) and a boom gate that allowed taxis out. there was a channel for the taxis to queue up in as well. it was all very orderly and smooth. Was it like this when you went through there last?

Yes. And the taxi marshal would stand by while the 'mafia' demanded 400RMB 'flat rate' to the city. The honest taxi drivers would get caught up and be left there while the crooks would drive over a curb to skip their place in the queue. If they've put up barriers to stop taxis jumping the queue that would make things better.

For a year or so while they were doing building works the taxi queue was dismantled, that was even worse. Regular taxi drivers didn't bother to go near the place and you'd have to stand out on the road to hail one.

 

[Isochronous]

THe Bund is a must - I would also recommend the Jazz Bar at the Peace Hotel.

For something a bit out of the way and different, the Glass Museum was pretty decent.

 

[earlyriser]

I found eating at the Flair Rooftop at the Ritz Carlton to better value than going to one of the various observation desks.