Radisson Hotel Shanghai Hong Quan

How to spend a layover in Shanghai

by crewrower

What do do if you have a 6 to 10 hour layover in Shanghai? Read on

The Pudong airport (PVG) in Shanghai is clean and modern, but a TERRIBLE place to hang out. There are no TVs, and the most interesting hang out in the whole airport is a KFC (which is very hard to find). Shopping is virtually non-existant.

The good news is is that you can get into the city and have a good look around in 8 hours. I suggest you take the magnetic levitation train (maglev). If you are holding a flight ticket for the current day, you can take the maglev round trip for RMB80. It gets up to 431km, so it is an experience in itself! Anyway, take the maglev to Longyang Rd. station (maglev only makes this one stop, so it's easy). At Longyang Rd., take the subway to "Lujiazui" station. In Lujiazui, you are in the heart of new Shanghai, and can spend the time by going to the top of the Pearl Orient TV tower (panaromaic views of Shanghai), or the top of the Jinmao Tower (observation deck on 88th floor, also great views of Shanghai). You can get lunch and do some shopping in the "Zheng Da Guang Chang", one of the largest shopping malls in China. In Lujiazui, you are also very near the Huangpu river, and can get a great glimpse of the "Puxi" side of Shanghai and its colonial architecture.

After spending about 4 hours in Lujiazui doing the above, you can get the subway and maglev back to the airport.

I've lived in Shanghai for 4 years and think this is the best possible way to use your limited time in the city.

Best
Chris

Street market

by Willettsworld about Dongtai Road Antique Market

Dongtai Road Antique Market is a market mainly dealing with the porcelains, jade wares, bronze wares, wooden wares, calligraphy and paintings and embroidery utensils. There's also some Mao memorabilia. However most of what you see is just rubbish that is made to look antique and has been mass produced. Be careful!

Gross Food

by Jim_Eliason about Grilled snake on a stick

It's true the chinese will eat almost anything. A common street food in Shanghai is grilled snake on a stick. It probably wouldn't be so bad if it didn't look exactly like a snake just skewered and cooked.

I will try almost anything but this was beyond my limit. I will spare you the photo.

Cruising the Huangpu Jiang

by jono84

There are numerous tour vessels that offer trips along the Huangpu Jiang. These can vary in direction, length and most offer morning, afternoon and night cruises.

I had an afternoon free, so i decided on the 3 and a half hour excursion, which left at around 2pm. This option took you north, to the point where the Huangpu River bleeds into the delta of the famous Yangzi River.

The vessel has a cafe and bar, and many different levels and classes (Y35-100). For the best views, pay for top class, and you'll be treated to great views over one of the largest ports in the world.

You'll see a massive variety of freighters, junks, bulk-carriers, and if your lucky, a Chinese navy vessel or two (although you're not supposed to take photo's hehe).

The Yangpu Bridge is another great sight to behold. Also, on a clear day you are supposed to be able to faintly see the other side of the Yangzi River delta, although i wouldnt hold your breath! You need powerful binoculars!!!

Shanghai to open a bank account

by Tadao

"Open a bank account in Shanghai"

I went to Shanghai primarily to open a bank account. It took two days to successfully open a bank account. Meantime I visited YuYuan, RenMinGongYuan, etc. Although the air was not clean, I liked the city very much.