bring a guide book
by marora99
Bring a guide book. I took the frommers guide to shanghai and it was a life saver. We used it to guide us through the subway system because everything was in chinese. We used the translation section in the back to get us to our hotel and help us find restaurants. It is important to have a translation book with phrases and words in english, chinese, and pin yin the form of chinese using english alphabets. Language barrier is a huge problem. Almost 99% of the people we encountered didnt know how to speak english
Update-Maglev
by anoum
I visited Shanghai in Nov-Dec 2008. Sat on the Maglev 4 times! At the beginning, I thought we better try the Maglev in case we don't get the chance again as we might travel by the shuttle bus the next time. It turned out to be so convenient and fast that we used it again and again!
There are many clear signboards leading the way to the Maglev platform at Shanghai International airport now.
We showed our print-out electronic ticket and were able to buy the Maglev tickets at the discounted price of 40 yuan one-way.
Be ready for the security checks (luggage and body scan), both ways, before boarding.
Stroll along the Bund
by mortin21
Make sure to stop by and see this area in Shanghai as it is very scenic. All types of ships from tankers to older military ships and even advertising vessels sail along in front of an amazing backdrop of architecture that maks up the Bund. The area is overly bustling with Chinese tourists running about trying to get good pics, so it can be a little chaotic at times. Just take a moment and stroll along the walkway and maybe even stop at one of the little restaurants for a bite to eat.
Day trip out to Suzhou
by xuessium
Suzhou is barely 1 hour away from metropolitan Shanghai by train but it is already world's apart. Not that Suzhou is not modernising mind you, this is after all, China, where everything old and antiquated that do not deliver cash is making way for everything spanking new and 'gigan-normous' in size.
Together with nearby Hangzhou, both locations were famed since ancient China as heavenly spots on Earth, with its meandering rivers, water ways and scenic prowess. The power of commercialism means that some of these ancient charms and beauties have been preserved, kept and maintained for you and me to have a glimpse what life was like in the olden days when poets were able to wax lyrical about the sultry beauty of these locations and matching them to Oriental beauties which blossoming allure would bewitch even the most astute of monarchs.
For some of the highlights of Suzhou, please see my addendum link here: SUZHOU
MEGA-METROPOLIS
by Gnome
Shanghai is a bit of a spin out, especially if you have not travelled much before. It has a long and turbulent modern history, as it is China's largest city and undoubtedly the commerical capital of modern China. Early this century, Shanghai was also a major trading city, with several foreign communities, before Communism brought the party to a halt. But you can still see some of the wealth and extravangance that existed in the 1920's - there are lots of very kewl art deco buildings in the older parts of the city. However, the most prominent sights in Shanghai nowadays are huge contruction sites, and lots of bright gleaming towers that display modern building techniques unlike anywhere else in the world. As home to around 18 million people, this place is very easy to get lost in...
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Now that looks great!
the condos
tea House
Century Park
