Pudong now...
by Amareyui
Pudong used to be mainly farmland and countryside until 1990 when Chinese government decided to set up a Special Economic Zone in the district. The western tip of the Pudong district was designated to be the new financial hub of the modern China called Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone. Several landmark buildings were constructed in Lujiazui during 1990s to raise the image and awareness of the area. These include the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the Jin Mao Building.
Waigaoqiao is the largest free trade zone in mainland China covering approximately 10 km² in the north-east Pudong. Jinqiao Export Processing Zone is another major industrial area in Pudong covering 19 km². Zhangjiang Hi-tech Park is a special area for technology oriented businesses covering 17 km² in central Pudong.
Pudong International Airport opened its doors in 1999, same year as Shanghai Metro line 2 opened service between Puxi and Pudong. Maglev train opened into trial service in 2002 moving passengers between the airport and Long Yang Road Metro station.
Pudong is connected to Puxi also by several tunnels and four major bridges. First of these major bridges were Nanpu Bridge (1991) and Yangpu Bridge (1993). Xupu Bridge opened in 1996. The latest of these is Lupu Bridge, which is the world's longest arch bridge and was completed in 2002.
Pudong's GDP reached USD $25.13 billion in 2002.
First Airplane bar debuts in Shanghai
by Tee99 about Departure 10 Ultra Lounge
Ever imagined what partying in an airplane with all the don'ts made possible? well here is one plane that you can do all that is forbidden in an airplane. Departure 10 ultra lounge its an airplane shaped lounge, first of its kind in Asia. Both the interior and exterior features are shaped like that of an airplane. The waitresses dressed as flight attendants and bar tenders as captains. Whenever u visit shanghai, check it out or google for more information. Definitely a must see. Upscale casual, chic & elegant. No flip flops allowed.
Spanish tapas - Azul has deteriorated & expensive
by crewrower about Azul
Azul is a Spanish tapas restaurant on Dong Ping lu, which is near the famous bar street on Hengshan Lu (e.g. Sasha's, Zapatas). A couple years back, Azul was quite good with equisite tapas.
As of July 2010, I can no longer recommend the place. The service and decor are still fine, but the food has become heavy and greesy. Had the seafood paella, oysters, Peruvian beef tapa, and grilled vegetables recently and they were all subpar, with the paella and beef tapa being notably bad. The fish on the paella was 'ok' but the rice and other ingredients were heavy and bland.
Had a pitcher of berry sangria which was good though not cheap (about three glasses per pitcher at RMB198/pitcher (US$30)).
Overall, I wouldn't recommend Azul.
Renmin Park (also called People's Park)
by mikelisaanna
Renmin Park (also called People's Park) is a pretty park located in the middle of Shanghai on the site of the former Shanghai Racecourse (which was demolished when gambling was outlawed after the 1949 revolution). The central section of the park contains pretty gardens that you can stroll through. The northern section of the park features a small amusement park that our daughter Anna enjoyed. At the southern end of the park is the Shanghai Museum, the city's outstanding museum of art and other cultural objects. Other notable buildings bordering the park include the Shanghai Art Museum and the Shanghai Grand Theater.
Ye Shanghai
by xiao
I flew to Shanghai by Malaysia Airlines on a super cheap ticket that was on sale during the launch of MAS's online booking. Was one of the few lucky economy passengers who got the seat upgraded to Business Class and I must say it was certainly very easy to cope with! The flight was fine, despite sitting with a group of 'tai-tais'* who has taken full advantage of the free flow champagne and wine the moment the fasten seatbelt sign was switched off. Food was marvelous, but I reminded myself that a heavy supper at 3 in the morning isn't very healthy for my body.
No hassles at all with customs or immigration, no queues and my baggage was one of the first in the queue. What a great start, i thought. YAY Shanghai, is probably more like it.
*From Wikipedia: Tai tai = a term used in Chinese circles, which translates in its strictest sense as 'supreme wife' where a man is wealthy enough (Tai-pan) to have several wives. The term implies respect but it is no longer strictly interpreted. It now applies to the wife of a wealthy man who does not need to work for money. A Tai tai is a privileged lady of means.
To qualify as a Tai tai, one has to have lots of leisure time, lots of money and lots of gossip to exchange!
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Pudong across the river from the Bund
tea houses
Queueing for food on Wujiang Road, Shanghai
The Bund and the crowds visiting during the day.
