Home Inn (Shanghai Yan'an West Road)

Packing List

by lexnrena

You are limited to the number of bags and their weight so check the airlines rules and pack acordingley. Shanghai has a climate similar to Vancouver, that's why I like it so. In the winter, it is relativly cool and a good chance of rain and fog. While we were there it actually snowed. So I recommend you have light rain gear and some warm sweaters if winter is the time you are there. Out of all the cities in China, I found that Shanghaihad stores with more worldly suplies than anywhere we had traveled.
But I must make two recomendations:

Most of the medication you buy over the counter in China is FAKE. I was told that if you really need medication in China get it from a hospital, not a despensary. So, in other words, if you require perscription drugs bring them from home.In cities like Shanghai and Beijing, there are Watson drug stores. This is a Hong Kong chain and is pretty reliable. It's also about the only place in China you'll find deodorant and dental floss. Expect to pay western prices. Most toiletries, includign Crest, Colgate, Tampons, etc. can be bought in China, so don't weigh down your bags bringing extra.

Most restaurants do not have clean hot water to wash your hands so we brought sterile napkins, like Wet Ones, Handiwipes, PDI nice clean towelett to name a few brands. These are great to keep your hands clean during the day when you are away from your hotel, and before meals.

Run and grab that taxi or someone else will get it

by aukahkay

Taxis are plentiful in Shanghai. Normally, it is easy to flag down a taxi from the roadside. However, during rush hours and during rainy weather, it could be difficult to find a taxi. You need to be aggressive in grabbing an empty taxi because if you don't run towards that taxi, someone else will beat you to it and leave you high and dry! I had to compete with an elderly Chinese woman of 60+ for a taxi in the rain during evening rush hour. Mind you - there is no rule of queuing for a taxi - the fastest to reach the taxi gets it!

Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall

by angelochka

it has a total floor space of 19 thousand square meters, tourists can see the changes of the leased territory, the achievements of Shanghai in urban planning and construction since the reform and opening-up of the country, in particular, since the 1990s. Also they can see the bright future of Shanghai there. The main model of urban planning, which is in the proportion of 1:2000, exhibits the urban geography and scenery and that's very fascinating.. It is the world's biggest model of urban planning. but please dont be lazy and go upstairs till last floor, because this huge model is displayed there, and on the first floor there is a small model..not so impressive...some people just see that small model and go away..thinking what is it all about?

People's Square - Ren Ming Guang Chang

by imstress

People's Square was formerly a race-course and a sports arena. It was converted to the People's Square after the war.

Renmin Guangchang is a vast green area including plants and trees and surrounded by buildings on all sides.

The Second Day-September 12

by AVSENT

"Pearl Tower"

"Day Two"

Well, I got up early and got a quick snack at the Club Room. Then, I headed to the gym since it was included(free). I got signed in and grabbed a towel and made off into the locker room. I guessed the gym was on the other side. Well, first I found the sauna then, the steam room then, the locker room then, the showers and then, finally I saw some outdoor light and thought for sure that this was the way. Except, I had to step over a cement thing on some rocks that had a shower head over it. I thought how strange to put this here leading to the gym-well then, I realized it led to the outdoor pool. OK, so back to the desk clerk and she pointed around the corner of the entrance. So, back out I go and down the hall and sure enough there it was. I got a good maintenance work out in; and headed back to the room. I had to change and get ready for breakfast with one of the girls from Shanghai. I had invited her over since breakfast for two was included in the rate. It was quite a buffet and I filled up for the day ahead. She wanted to be my tour guide but, could not go. So, we looked at a map I had and she pointed out all the things to do. We parted and I went to the room to get my camera. It was late morning so, it was not a good idea to go to the EXPO late. So. I chose alternate plans.

"Super Brand Mall"

Well, I went out of the hotel to the subway and it was cloudy. I got on the metro line #2 and headed to the Century Blvd. stop in Lujiazui the Shanghai financial district. This is across the Huangpu River from the Bund. When I got off the metro, I took the #1 exit and saw the Pearl Tower overhead. I went in this direction to get to the Super Brand Mall.
This is one of the biggest malls I've seen. It was more than 10 levels of shopping mall. I went to all the levels and had a snack lunch at McDonalds(cheaper than in the USA-about 4.50 USD for a Mac combo).

"Level after Level"

Well, I wandered around for hours in this place. The best part was that it was free. I checked out their Best Buy Store, their Apple Store, McDonalds, Kentucky Fried Chicken, etc. It was very interesting to see their culture absorbing americana(to see the cultural barriers vanish).

"McDonalds"

It was always busy at this McDonalds. I had lunch here (Just like in the USA).

"Over to the Pearl Tower"

Well, then I left the mall and went over to the Pearl Tower by using the elevated pedestrian bridge over the streets below. I took the tour. There was hardly a line at the ticket booth so, I got a ticket to the top(About 25.00 USD). There were cheaper tickets for lower levels but, I wasn't going to spend that much and not go to the top. It was the highest tower in China until 2008. The Shanghai World Financial Center opened in 2008 to become the tallest in China.
I went inside and there was this massive line of people all wanting to go to different levels. My line was short but, the line for the elevators was long. Lots and lots of people trying to get on elevators. But, after awhile we went up and I got to the top. The view was great even though it had gotten dark out.
It was getting late so, I went back to the hotel.
Of course I was getting tired from all the walking but, went over to the club lounge and ate a late night snack. Great food, and the desert was a good finish. So, I went to my room and checked my e-mail since the internet was included, also. Afterwards, I got some rest for the next day (the third day).

"The Top"

They called the top level the Space Cabin.

"Bus With Lights On It"