Shanghai Off The Beaten Path

In most cities where a massage on your arms and legs costs you an arm and a leg, Shanghai proves to be a pleasant surprise. In fact, China is probably one of the last cosmopolitan cities on the planet where massages are so affordable.

Some people might be wary that they are stepping into the unknown, but Chinese massage (sometimes known as tui-na) is really one of the most effective massages I've ever tried, and it can be very soothing as well. It works away the tension knots in your body, and I find it especially good on the shoulders after a long day thumping away on my laptop.

Though many massage places are fronts for more dubious activity, by and large the ones I've come across in Shanghai are still legitimate ones offering actual massages minus accessorial services.

Dragonfly is a prime example, and it's impressed me so much that I have to share this with fellow travellers. I've only been to one outlet so far (the one in DongHu Road), and can't speak of the experience in any of its other outlets. But the Donghu Road one is really out of this world.

The atmosphere can match that of any high-class spa and is entirely soothing, with tasteful dark wood furnishings, and soft low lighting. Once you step into the massage area, you find yourself in little cubicles separated by curtains. I didn't have any regular masseuse, but the one assigned to me did a fantastic job. Let's put it this way... My head was feeling so disconnected from the rest of my body, after putting in an all-nighter for a rush project. But after the massage, the world looked right again. :-)

If you've got time to try only one massage place, go to Dragonfly. I would go there every day if I could.

Oh, did I mention the price? It cost about RMB 120 (USD 15) for a 90-mins massage. Though it's not the cheapest in Shanghai, it's a steal.

For those who are interested in Sun Yat-sen, you can visit this place. Sun Yat-sen and his wife Soong Ching Ling stayed there from 1918 to 1924. After his death, she continued to stay there until 1937. Entrance fee is about RMB 8.

There was a guide who explained the various rooms etc in both Chinese and English.

The address is at 7, Xiangshan Road. (Near Huaihai Road)

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Located only 11 miles from downtown Shanghai and easily accessed via subway line 9; Qibao Station, Qibao ancient town is the only ancient town forming part of the greater Shanghai, you can visit this water town without the long distance travel if you only have limited time in Shanghai.

The town of Qibao is dating from the period of Five Dynasties, the town was built in Northern Song dynasty and grew into a business center and largely renovated during the Ming Dynasty. Aside from the waterway, bridges and architectures, there are a few museums around town, but I believe the best this town has to offer is the variety of sacks; from dumpling to sugar coated fruit, and from this looks good to what is this?

Qibao provided visitors with a feel of traveled back through the centuries through its history, culture, architecture and local people; a day spent in the unique and historic town is very rewarding and memorable.

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This is a small road in the north part of Shanghai which has an incredible density of artists. It seems to all be in a single block but we spent hours going in and out of small to medium sized galleries. Just about every one you go in has a sign telling you not to take pictures which is understandable but there were some great art for sale but most of it was more than I had prepared to spend during the duration of my trip.

Moganshan Rd also had the the only grafitti we found in the entire town. It wasn't the just some kids spraypainting scribbles on the walls either, these were actual artists creating something that you'd actually care to look at.

Anyway, if you have time and can get your taxi driver to understand (and I think he had to call someone for directions after he'd gotten close), I recommend making the trip.

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At the very beginning, i just wanna go and handle some personal affairs.
And the weather was so good. Then, i took out my camera and enjoyed a whole day tour on foot.

I'm working here since last September, and i've been to some places, such as the Bund, Yuyuan garden. So, it didn't take me long this time when i passed by. But for new visitors, be there in different days would be much more comfortable.

Destinations,
the Jade Buddha temple-also be called Yu Fo temple;
M 50 factory- an innovation place for art;
Lao Xi Men- the old street- and Yu Yuan garden;
the Bund
Ferry across Huang Pu river
the Super Brand Mall
Oriental Pearl Tower and the skyscrapers--JinMao Tower and the highest Shanghai World Financial Center.

Leave your email, i'd like to send u my maps.

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Even Shirley is not sure of the name, but a small village with one main street, somewhere between Shanghai and the West Lake near Haining, we stopped at a resteraunt for one of the best lunches i had enjoyed in China!!!! The free range chicken was just so delicious, oozes with flavour, falls apart, melts in your mouth and you cannot stop eating this untill there is nothing left!! Best i have ever eaten!!!!

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Qi Bao is one of the old preserved water towns in, or near Shanghai. It is actually not far from the subway line.

One Sunday I set out to try to find it by subway. It was all going well until I got to subway 3 and 4. They run on the same track, but one will go to the station that brings you to the subway to Qi Bao. I missed it and had to back-track one stop, change subways and get off at the next stop. It took about an hour to get to Qi Bao from Jing An station.

It is about a mile from the subway station to the entrance of Qi Bao. It consists of one street that is very narrow, like many typical old towns. There were many interesting foods on display, and an arched bridge over a canal. It was kind of interesting, but I would not go there again and I would not recommend it to anyone looking for something to do in Shanghai. There are many more interesting things to do there.

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Opposite of Peace Hotel, there's a tiny shop selling quite a variety of sex toys. They are local manufactured under a foreign license. Prices are cheaper than the developed countries.

Don't be surprised by the "professional" attire of the sales representative ;p

Have a nice tour!

p/s. This exotic shop has moved to somewhere nearby. Another new and upscale shop can be found in Hong Mei Road, www.hm3822.com (dated 5 Oct 09)