Business Travel to Shanghai: Around the Corner from the Pearl Tower

Our Local Expert Says:

This 50Rmb underwater transport from Puxi to Pudong is worth a try at least once if your stay in Shanghai is ongoing.

Description:

The psychedelic tunnel runs from the Bund in Puxi to the base of the Oriental Pearl Tower in Pudong, though one means of conveyance between the two banks it should not be expected to be anything other than an amusing and funny one-trip-wonder. Board a modern glass portal car that zooms at an impressive walking pace beneath the Huangpu River. From the glass case you see flashing lights, Christmas lights, frailing inflatable arm men and a giant projection of an underwater scene. Meanwhile, a voice spouts one liners in English that take the trip from amusing to hilarious. "Molten magma" escorts your exit into daylight. A bit overpriced for a joke, but worth going for the conversation it provides on the way out.

Description:

Brought to you by Kathleen of the KABB American bistro fame, this popular, unpretentious "just-the-drinks-ma'am" kind of bar has expanded in the last few years to seven locations, though the most popular are those at Tongren Lu and on Maoming Lu. Draft beers are reasonably priced and the grub is pretty good as well. The crowd starts off mostly foreign, which has a funny way of drawing in the locals. 11am to 2am.

Description:

The road to see and be seen on for shopping, eating, pub-crawling or simply absorbing Shanghai's famous modern feel.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best China cuisine and a must try before you leave the city

Description:

Located in the Luwan district, Di Shui Dong offers spicy Chinese cuisine. Chilies are imported from Hunan, the hometown of Chairman Mao, in order to give customers the authentic South China experience. Blue tablecloths, wooden ceilings and yellow brick walls give the place a casual and relaxed feel. Especially good are the spicy pork ribs and pickled green beans. For desert, fried buns in honey are a soothing way to treat the wounds in your esophagus caused by the imported chilies. A must-visit place for any tourist and a favorite of locals and expats alike. Make a reservation or plan to wait for a table.

Description:

Take your lady friends to DaGu Road (near Changdu Road) and treat yourselves to one of the many spas that dot the walkway. Afterwards, enjoy an hour of shopping for entertainment goods, foods and other necessities and then stop off at one of the many top-notch restaurants along the street, including an expat favourite Papa Mario's Pizza and Hayas Mediterranean Food. This street is an expat hiadas area, and many expats live in the apartments that look out over DaGu Road and its nearby park. After your lunch, work off the calories by strolling through the park listening to local musicians, watching the cascading waterfall and throwing bits of leftovers to the overweight coy in the park's miniature pond. This hidden gem is a favorite among the expat wives and you are sure to find something you enjoy along this delightful street.

Description:

This bar is a big favorite among expatriates and travelers alike. The Sky Lounge is perched on almost the top floor of the Jin Mao Building on top of Cloud nine as they say. Only the sightseeing platform is higher. It is cozy, warm and dimly lit, but with a modern and trendy décor. It has an extensive drinks list. Thai and other Asian snacks are also available. Sweet peanuts scented with lemongrass are usually served with drinks. Excellent wines can be selected by the glass.

Description:

This temple is directly outside the Jing'an Temple subway stop on line two, and is surrounded by shopping malls, boutiques and even a Burger King. The exterior of the temple houses shops in a wide array, from pirated DVD booths to jewelry and liquor shops-- it is a different scene than the interior of the temple. Step inside, light incense and stroll the rooms of this ancient temple while listening to the horns of nearby traffic and the whistle of sales girls from the nearby bars and malls. This is truly an experience worth the trip to feel torn between what you see (the interior of the temple) and what you hear (a modern city, bursting to move forward as quickly as possible).

Description:

Located in the famous Three on the Bund building, Laris is one of the most sophisticated eateries in Shanghai. The luxurious space has been compartmentalized into various sections - the main restaurant, seafood bar, vault lounge, and two private dining rooms. The intimate ambience and great views enhance the amazing cuisine by celebrity chef David Laris. Although the interior (white marble and gold) may not go down well with you, the food certainly will-extremely well, in fact! Try the Pan-Fried Red Snapper, which is highly recommended by patrons. Laris is one of the few places in Shanghai to serve quality raw seafood, and is the place to go to feast on delicious oysters and clams. There is an in-house chocolate who serves up the most creative home-made chocolates, including a fountain of chocolate. Martinis are the house drink specialty.

Description:

Direct your cab to DongPing Road and Hangshan Road and embark on an adventure into the local expatriate scene. For expats living in Shanghai this is their escape. Visit Sasha's pub and Zapatas bar for a true taste of the West, or stroll along DongPing Road and dine at any of the nearby cafes or classy restaurants, from Thai to Irish to local cuisine and even a German café, DongPing Road is a hidden gem that only the expats and locals know of. Peddlers stalk the streets selling a wide array of goodies, including giant stuffed teddy bears, ornamental dishes and trinkets like key chains and T-shirts. This is a nice retreat if you are homesick, prices are steep but the imported food is sure to meet your expectations.

Our Local Expert Says:

Located in Old Town, the Yu Gardens are a must see tourist shopping destination.

Description:

You can find almost anything you want in the Yu Gardens bazaar. With renovated old Chinese buildings, and winding streets full of shops and salespeople, you are sure to spend all day seeing everything. There is an antique mall that sells little trinkets, statues, jewelry, and paintings. Many restaurants can be found; among them are places for foreigners. There are also the many street food vendors for the curious. One of the most interesting shops is the 2RMB stores; the equivalent to an American dollar store.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best place to be seen in Shanghai

Description:

With superb Continental cuisine, an excellent wine selection and royalty service, the fashionable M on the Bund sets the standard for other haute cuisine restaurants in Shanghai. As the place to see and be seen, the much-touted eatery attracts its fair share of Shanghai's movers and shakers. Contemporary, airy and stylish decor complements sweeping views of the Bund. The food reaches equally high heights. Diners are recommended to try the Salt Crusted Leg of Lamb and the Crispy Suckling Pig. They should also leave room for dessert-the sinfully delicious Pavlova is rightfully legendary.