Introduction
Shanghai received a spruce-up for the 2010 World Expo, with a plethora of new subway lines, old brick homes painted a cheery red, and traffic islands beautified with palms and flowers. But the charm of the city remains its street life and traditional shikumen houses connected by alleyways draped in drying laundry. Take part in the shopping, eating and drinking the city has become famous for, but wake up early at least one morning for a baozi (steamed bun) from a street vendor and tai chi in the nearest park with the locals.
More from Shanghai PDF VersionEssentials
- Learn two phrases: “Ni hao,” a greeting, will earn you winning smiles from the locals. “Bu yao” (said repeatedly) will keep the hawkers at bay.
- Pedestrian crossings mean nothing - wait for the green man (and even then... ).
- Bargaining is part of the fun at markets. Start at a third of the asking price and walk away with faux indignation at least once.
- Taxi drivers generally do not speak English. Always carry the names of destinations written in Chinese characters.
- Baijiu (Chinese grain alcohol) is popular but extremely potent. Beer is an acceptable — and wise — alternative.
Two-hour tour
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Shanghai Sideways — Guided tours of the city in a 1930s replica BMW motorcycle sidecar with champagne.
+ 86 138 176 169 75
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China Cycle Tours — Guided cycling tours, day and night in the old French concession.
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M50 Art District — Peruse the galleries and studios in this creative cluster, Moganshan Lu.
Hotels
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The Waterhouse
1-3 Maojiayuan Lu (off Zhongshan Nan Lu)
+ 86 21 6080 2988
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Andaz Shanghai
88 Songshan Rd
+ 86 21 2310 1234
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The PuLi
1 Changde Lu
+ 86 21 3203 9999
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Dining
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Element Fresh
Shanghai Centre, 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu
+ 86 21 6279 8682
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Jing'An
1 Changde Lu
+ 86 21 2216 6988
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Baker & Spice
195 Anfu Lu
+ 86 21 5404 2733
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Din Tai Fung
2F, House 6, South Block Xintiandi Lane 123, Xingye Lu
+ 86 21 6385 8378
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Maison Pourcel
6F, 35 Shaanxi Nan Lu
+ 86 21 6215 8777
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Noodle Bull
291 Fumin Lu Lu (entrance on Changle Lu)
+ 86 21 6170 1299
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Jasmine Lounge, Peace Hotel
20 Nanjing Dong Lu
+ 86 21 6138 6886
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Goga
1 Yueyang Lu
+ 86 21 6431 9700
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8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana
6-7F, 169 Yuanmingyuan Lu (near Huqiu Lu)
+ 86 21 6087 2890
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Lynn Modern Shanghai Cuisine
99-1 Xikang Lu
+ 86 21 6247 0101
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Char Bar
585 Zhong Shan Dong Er Lu
+ 86 21 3302 9995
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Mr & Mrs Bund
6F, 18 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu
+ 86 21 6323 9898
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M1NT
24F, 318 Fuzhou Lu
+ 86 21 6391 2811
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Reading
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Garden Books
325 Changle Lu
+ 86 21 5404 8728
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Shopping
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Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre
Room B-OC, 868 Huashan Lu
+ 86 21 6211 1845
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Isetan
1038 Nanjing Xi Lu
+ 86 21 6272 1111
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Kid's Republic
262 Yuyuan Lu
+ 86 21 6248 9033
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Madame Mao's Dowry
207 Fumin Lu
+ 86 21 5403 3551
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Shang Xia
1F, South Tower, Hong Kong Plaza 283 Huaihai Zhong Lu
+ 86 21 6390 8899
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Transport
Limousine/car
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Limo Service
Shanghai
+ 86 21 5611 7687
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Fitness
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One Wellness
2F 98 Yanping Lu Block C
+ 86 21 6267 1550
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Boot Camp China
In People?s Square and Xiangyang Park
+86 21 3135 1791
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Yoga 109
3F 100 Fuxing Xi Lu
+ 86 158 2178 7822
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