Historical Shanghai

Description:

Hangzhou is home to scenic West Lake, a mirror-perfect pool of water surrounded by weeping willows, beautiful stone arch bridges and botanical gardens. What makes the lake so memorable, however, are the people. Arrive at the lake around 6:00am and you will meet such an array of kindly elderly people that you'll want to relocate to the city permanently. These happy individuals descend on the lake every morning for tai chi, dancing, aerobics, sword play and more. In addition, meet locals having their morning tea at many of the lake-side cafes as they play checkers, cards or just chat about old times. Aside from West Lake, Hangzhou has vast silk markets, rolling scenic hills for hiking and a beautiful temple full of practicing monks and mountain-side rock carvings. Plan to spend the entire day here but do not be surprised if you end up spending more than just one.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best place for group parties

Description:

From the bright red and green floral fabric everywhere to the customers and the wait staff, Dongbei Ren is loud. The décor is Chinese Revolutionary retro with pictures of liberators hugging every wall, while staff in pigtails or even military costumes shout out orders. Customers may sit at kangs or in themed rooms such as a North Korean room. Comfort food prevails with plenty of dumplings, breads, noodles and big caveman-like lamb shanks with an endless supply of tea and beer. One fish dish even comes with an accompanying song sung by staff members. Popular, so get there early to avoid missing out on a local favorite and a tourist must!

Our Local Expert Says:

In addition the Shanghai Literary Festival, Glamour Bar also hosts cultural lectures and events on weekend afternoons. A swanky place to enjoy Bund views day or night.

Description:

Now a Bund classic, the Glamour Bar is an elegant space for an evening cocktail or to take a date or a visitor. Wooden floors, leather chairs, velour ottomans and sparkling deco lamps combine for a feminine, chic interior, while huge, arched and paned windows provide a view over the Huangpu River and the futuristic Pudong area. Service is mixed as is the quality of the drinks. However, besides the view, the other draw card is the selection of random live acts and events from cabaret to book launches that take place on a semi-regular basis. The Glamour Bar is also home to the annual Shanghai Literary Festival.

Description:

Want royal treatment and impeccable service? Don't think twice and reserve a room at the Westin Shanghai Hotel. Strategically located next to the major shopping areas, tourist hot-spots and other attractions, this hotel makes sure that all its guests are given the best treatment. Pick any of the rooms and avail of top-notch facilities, such as wake-up services, Jacuzzi, coffee/tea maker, ironing board, and much more. The bathroom is where you can spend hours and make yourself feel like a million bucks! It is spacious with a separate shower area. Those here for important business deals need not fret, as the hotel has state-of-the-art meeting rooms with special amenities to meet the needs of a discerning businessman. There is a fully equipped fitness room and a jogging track for fitness freaks. The on-site restaurants serve various cuisines to match all taste buds. And ladies, just forget the blues and enter the spa while your kids are in the playhouse and your hubby is making millions!

Description:

Even though most Chinese residents consider these morning tai chi gatherings as nothing more than "life in general," most foreign visitors are drawn to them. It represents the rare chance to witness Chinese culture without the gleam of tourist hype. Hundreds gather each morning along the Bund, a rebuilt hump of land overlooking the Huangpu River, to practice the disciplines of tai chi and kung fu. Some even take it one step further by practicing ballroom dancing, an odd sight at dawn. All "practices" are open to the public.

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.

Description:

Considered the forerunner of the revolution, the home of Doctor Sun Yat-sen and his wife, Soong Qing Ling, has been lovingly preserved. Open to the public, the beautiful, 1920s home is still furnished and decorated the way it used to be. Visitors enter through the kitchen, where they are required to wear slippers over their shoes to protect the old flooring. An extensive photo exhibition is set up in the first room with information available in English and Chinese. A little bookstall offers literature and postcards featuring the famous couple. A larger gift shop sells more souvenirs.

Description:

Much like the entryway to any international government office, buy your ticket and scale the stairs to a wide array of pictures and artifacts of the early days of the Shanghai Communist movement. One of the most impressive life size models of Chairman Mao and the original founders of the CCP is immortalized on the second floor. You can also learn the history of every early founder along with detailed biographies, images and wax heads. Again, if you will be in Shanghai for an extended period there is no excuse not to swing by the museum. Though the building has been completely refurbished and renewed, it gives one an interesting feeling of being in an important location, as well as a plethora of valuable historical information.

Description:

This maze-like hutong offers every dining, drinking and entertainment possibility and is home to the artistic underbelly of Shanghai. During the daytime, explore the hutong for its creative scene with galleries, photography exhibits and a sprawling honeycomb of organic shops, design houses and modern furniture and fashion for sale. You can easily spend an entire evening wandering the maze while munching on Italian ice cream, French baguettes or Thai veggies or drinking at any of the well-stocked bars or cafes. TaiKang Road area is a juxtaposition of the business-minded Shanghai and the creative and modern underground that is emerging in pockets across the city. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to get lost in the maze- part of the charm and a feature of the hutong that makes it worth returning to again and again.

Our Local Expert Says:

Great stop for history buffs interested in early 20th century China.

Description:

Less touristy than other former residences of Shanghai's historical figures, politician Zhou En Lais house gives a serious revolutionary impression. Though the house and its beautiful garden display the Western influence in Shanghai in the early 1900s, the spartan interior shows true commitment to the people's cause. In the next house-behind the guards' room and the garage-is a photo exhibition. Chinese texts give explanations about the Shanghai office of the Communist Party, which was located here. There is a bookstore, but it is usually closed.

Description:

The Shanghai Museum, located in the Renmin Square, has a massive assortment of Chinese art, from the bronze gallery to calligraphy and paintings. The 4 floored airy building has room after room of ancient artifacts and a wonderful Tea Room to sit and have lunch. In each of the exhibits, there is a pamphlet of information that sums up the room. The museum is set up with easy to follow signs in a tour-like fashion and has little gift shops of souvenirs. From the top floor, looking down you can see the large circular design in the middle of the lobby. The top of the museum is a beautiful glass dome skylight.

Description:

The two-story building was once home to Chiang Kai Shek and his wife, Soong Mei Ling and later became a music school. Today, the compound is home to a restaurant and bar and stylish outdoor patio. Prime, the upscale restaurant on the second floor, is one of the classier places to enjoy a western style steak or romantic dinner for two. Sasha's famous patio attracts diners on sunny afternoons and is ideal for Sunday brunches, large events and after work gatherings. With affordable pub grub downstairs and high brow cuisine above, this spot has something for everyone- at every budget.

Our Local Expert Says:

An expat secret and a great place to take a date.

Description:

Live jazz nightly is the hallmark of this local institution, Shanghai's longest running and still the best venue for live jazz and blues. The bands are skilled, the tunes are tight, and the informal, darkly atmospheric club often attracts standing-room-only crowds on weekends. 7pm to 2am. Live music plays from 9:30pm to midnight during the week and from 10:15pm to 1:30am on Friday and Saturday.

Our Local Expert Says:

After undergoing a facelift in Spring 2008, Bar Rouge remains one of the hottest bars on the Bund.

Description:

This newly open space at Bund 18 provides a less frenzied atmosphere than Bar Rouge to unwind, relax, and nosh on some tapas with your fanciful cocktails. Sunday to Wednesday 2pm to 12:30am; Thursday to Saturday 2pm to late.

Description:

Want royal treatment and impeccable service? Don't think twice and reserve a room at the Westin Shanghai Hotel. Strategically located next to the major shopping areas, tourist hot-spots and other attractions, this hotel makes sure that all its guests are given the best treatment. Pick any of the rooms and avail of top-notch facilities, such as wake-up services, Jacuzzi, coffee/tea maker, ironing board, and much more. The bathroom is where you can spend hours and make yourself feel like a million bucks! It is spacious with a separate shower area. Those here for important business deals need not fret, as the hotel has state-of-the-art meeting rooms with special amenities to meet the needs of a discerning businessman. There is a fully equipped fitness room and a jogging track for fitness freaks. The on-site restaurants serve various cuisines to match all taste buds. And ladies, just forget the blues and enter the spa while your kids are in the playhouse and your hubby is making millions!

Description:

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

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:

This neighborhood hangout is a favorite among locals. Come by to feast on some local traditional Shanghai fare. The chef here uses time honored recipes to dish out authentic cuisine for his customers. The place is usually crowded and sometimes you'll find up to 300 people trying to squeeze in. All's forgiven considering the fact that the prices are relatively cheap. So sit back relax and feast on your Shanghainese dish with a chilled pint of beer to wash it down.

Description:

The hotel is situated right in the heart of town, so if you feel close to collapse under the strain of your shopping bags, drop in here for a steam bath or sauna. Or even a massage if you feel like it. For a one-off payment you can spend all day in here making use of the hotel's five-star facilities.

Description:

The Museum occupies a heritage building, that once overlooked a racecourse. This landmark of old Shanghai is People's Square (Ren Min Guang Chang). There are twelve exhibition halls on five floors showing modern and traditional fine art. Temporary art shows are also organized regularly. Visitors can take part in sketching and painting lessons and art lectures. The lecture hall can also be hired for functions. A gift shop is on the first floor. Admission: charges are higher for special exhibitions.

Description:

Hunan cuisine is known for hearty portions, chili flakes and roasted, flavorful meats. Gu Yi's popularity is based on their careful orchestration of these elements, to the hollering joy of Shanghai's populace. Especially in demand is the chicken and bamboo shoot hot pot and the chili covered ribs. If you love spicy food, this place is sure to bring a tear to your eye. Those who are not so enamored will find plenty of variety on the menu as well. A second location is located on Nanjing Road.

Description:

Located on the ground floor of Building 4 of the Ruijin Guest House, the posh and opulent Face Bar attracts Shanghai's beautiful people. The huge wooden faces lining the walls of this atmospheric establishment give the bar its name. Take a seat at the antique Chinese tables, or recline on the opium beds and sample the numerous, decadent alcoholic creations. For the teetotaler, the non-alcoholic lemonades are homemade and delicious. The wine list changes every few months. Happy hour is from 5:30pm until 7:30pm.

Description:

This venue is an oasis of music and sumptuous cocktails, seemingly imported directly from Monaco. Shanghai's hottest DJs and most beautiful people rock the MAO dance floor late into the night. The space feels like a breath of fresh air to the off-the-Bund club scene and the outdoor garden and semi-private rooms allows for a change of atmosphere within the same space.

Description:

The Bund borders the murky Huangpu river, with Pudong across the way. Along the Bund are many old European buildings, mostly the financial and museum. There is much to see and do on the waterfront. There was many restaurants, some floating in the river. Many vendors try to sell their good to passersby, whether they be kites or memorable photos with the natural backdrop of cityscape. There are also the occasional floating advertisements, with large screens going up and down the river.

Description:

Want royal treatment and impeccable service? Don't think twice and reserve a room at the Westin Shanghai Hotel. Strategically located next to the major shopping areas, tourist hot-spots and other attractions, this hotel makes sure that all its guests are given the best treatment. Pick any of the rooms and avail of top-notch facilities, such as wake-up services, Jacuzzi, coffee/tea maker, ironing board, and much more. The bathroom is where you can spend hours and make yourself feel like a million bucks! It is spacious with a separate shower area. Those here for important business deals need not fret, as the hotel has state-of-the-art meeting rooms with special amenities to meet the needs of a discerning businessman. There is a fully equipped fitness room and a jogging track for fitness freaks. The on-site restaurants serve various cuisines to match all taste buds. And ladies, just forget the blues and enter the spa while your kids are in the playhouse and your hubby is making millions!

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the most amazing and memorable experiences of any stay in Shanghai, the Huangpu River cruise is a must-see.

Description:

The best time for a river cruise along the Huangpu is of course at night. Some boats will offer dinner and drinks while others will simply sail east or west for a half hour and then turn around. Be sure to learn the details of each cruise before buying your tickets as many have had bad experiences on boats that simply circle the peer. The dinner cruises can run a bit pricy, but will take you on a very scenic tour of the Pudong and Puxi cityscapes, both of which are beautiful at night and stung up in neon lights. Shorter cruises with drinks are fun, but will not take more than an hour to two hours, so plan your evening accordingly.

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.

Our Local Expert Says:

This museum, nestled in the very hip People’s Square area, is home to the government’s detailed history and future hopes for the Shanghai area.

Description:

If your stay in Shanghai will be long, then the museum is worth a short daytrip, however, if you only have a few days then this propaganda and modeling center can be skipped in favor of something more up to date or lively. The first floor holds a small model of the city, covered in dust and looking dejected and lonely. The second floor is a pictorial history of the area which is worth a look-see. Some images show a side by side view of the city 30 years ago and today, which is quite amusing only if you know the city well. The third floor is where the magic happens. A model of the city stretching across some 50 yards shows every street, building and alley in fine, dusty detail. The fourth floor holds some interesting models and literature on China's first green city, to be completed outside Shanghai sometime in the future.

Our Local Expert Says:

The iconic trademark tower of Shanghai has long been not only a tourist attraction, but a pillar of Chinese progress and modernization.

Description:

Though an iconic and beautiful structure in Pudong, the tower is much to look at from afar but little to see up close. Designed by Jia Huan Cheng, a Chinese national, the tower was opened to the public in 1995. It is the third tallest tower in the world, and reigned supreme from 1995-2007 as the tallest structure in China (surpassed by the Shanghai World Financial Center). One can be admitted to various spheres of the tower, including and observation sphere and a pricy revolving restaurant, an exhibition on the history of shanghai, or one can spend a small fortune to stay in the tiny hotel located in the middle sphere. Be prepares for long lines and a certain amount of shoving in order to gaze out the observation windows. If you have a longer stay in Shanghai, the Pearl Tower is worth the wait, but if your stay is minimal skip this attraction and head up to the top of Jin Mao Tower or the newer Shanghai World Financial Center.

Description:

This restaurant specializes in-you guessed it-noodles! Informal, yet stylish decor, and an array of dishes featuring the slithery main ingredient are on the menu. Weave your chopsticks through tasty preparations that will give the otherwise bland dish a unique flavor. The uninitiated may experiment with the sticks at ease; no-one will bother you. To wrap things up, sip some of their soothing herbal teas that come in pots, for an authentic Chinese experience. This is a must see for any tourist eager to try authentic Chinese cuisine done to local palate perfection.

Description:

Jin Mao Tower is a full 88 stories high, an auspicious number in China full of luck and longevity, and Jin Mao has earned just that. The Grand Hyatt, mid-way up the tower, is home to one of the most awe-inspiring feats of modern architecture, a hallow core that ascends the interior of the building. The 88th floor holds a viewing room complete with glass looking holes into the interior lobby some 50 floors below. Meanwhile, the classy Cloud 9 Bar, on the 87th floor, serves the best martinis in Shanghai and delivers a breath-taking panorama of the city. With only a few days stay in Shanghai, make the Jin Mao Tower bar or viewing room a nice way to end a pleasant and relaxing evening. Don't forget your camera!

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:

Want royal treatment and impeccable service? Don't think twice and reserve a room at the Westin Shanghai Hotel. Strategically located next to the major shopping areas, tourist hot-spots and other attractions, this hotel makes sure that all its guests are given the best treatment. Pick any of the rooms and avail of top-notch facilities, such as wake-up services, Jacuzzi, coffee/tea maker, ironing board, and much more. The bathroom is where you can spend hours and make yourself feel like a million bucks! It is spacious with a separate shower area. Those here for important business deals need not fret, as the hotel has state-of-the-art meeting rooms with special amenities to meet the needs of a discerning businessman. There is a fully equipped fitness room and a jogging track for fitness freaks. The on-site restaurants serve various cuisines to match all taste buds. And ladies, just forget the blues and enter the spa while your kids are in the playhouse and your hubby is making millions!

Description:

With buildings dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, this water town is a true relic of the past and houses some 120 acres of ancient sights and a winding maze of alleys full of beautiful and aromatic surprises. Some 15 bridges span across the various rivers and streams that intersect the village, and many of these stone arch bridges are over 200 years old. You can easily spend an entire day in ZhouZhuang exploring the alleys and riding in rickety but masterfully piloted boats and touring the nearby Chengxu Taoist Temple. Located 30 miles south of SuZhou, this beautifully preserved water town is a must see. Bring a camera, your appetite and a good pair of walking shoes.

Description:

Located in "expatriate central," Kathleen's buzzes with foreigners homesick for Western food. Diners enjoy contemporary American fare and fine brunches. The casual and cheerful interior is trendy with a bar flanking one side of the room. The menu and staff are English-friendly. Come and dine on dishes such as pasta with feta cheese and tomatoes, burgers, burritos, Greek salad, milkshakes and desserts. Two course lunch for 100RMB, dinner for two 800-900RMB.