The Expat's Shanghai!

Description:

Hai Hai Road is not only covered in flashing lights and blinking signs, but has bars, clubs, boutiques, bookstores and some of the finest food in Shanghai. It is worth checking out if your stay in Shanghai will be longer than a few days or if you are craving food and sights from your homeland. Additionally, Huai Hai Road remains one of the best places in Shanghai to take a date, stroll arm in arm under the bright lights as you window shop, stop for coffee or drinks at a nearby bar and even entice your romantic other to dinner with the aroma of international cuisine drifting across the boulevard.

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.

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.

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!

Our Local Expert Says:

Very popular with the Western business crowd looking to catch hometown teams in action.

Description:

Once the most popular sports bar in town, Malone's is an informal American-style pub and restaurant with a dartboard, pool tables, and a slew of TV monitors beaming Western sports events. It still gets crowded here despite that the young waitstaff is a little inexperienced. 11am to 2am.

Description:

Wide, plush velvet sofas and crystal chandeliers provide the hipster crowd with a warm-as-the-womb atmosphere and great music to dance and sing along to. Decidedly the classiest joint on Julu Lu, this venue offers Hoegaarden draughts and a better than average selection of liquor.

Description:

Opened in 2005, this hotel imbibes the class and courtesy of the group's name in its services and amenities. Sited at an unbeatable location, equidistant from the neighborhoods of Nanjing, Huangpu and The Bund, the hotel is ideal for those keen on doing some sight-seeing in the city, while enjoying a luxurious stay. Check into one of the decadent rooms, overlooking the magnificent city skyline, and make yourself at home, with the overabundance of amenities at your disposal. Business visitors can access the Radisson Club and Lounge, situated on the 32nd-38th floors of the hotel, to avail of a host of special features suited to them. Adjoining the hotel, is a 10-storey shopping center with a SEGA World Entertainment Center, a movie cinema and a skating rink, which wraps up a comprehensive vacation package.

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.

Our Local Expert Says:

Great for the backpacker set who are looking for cheap beer and fun.

Description:

One of Shanghai's many late night bowling alleys, with 24 lanes available. Prices vary according to the time you wish to play. Peak time is 7p to 11p everyday of the week, when the games are at lower rates.

Description:

Rated among the best Thai restaurants in Shanghai, the deservedly popular Simply Thai boasts stylish ambience and terrific food. The menu features various curries and other traditional favorites, with a full bar. Though a bit overpriced, the experience is pleasant and the food not undeserving of renown. Recommended are the more affordable lunch specials and the terrific vegetable and rice dishes. Wonderfully decorated in charming Thai style, this intimate and cozy restaurant exudes a faint smell of incense. Beloved among its loyal clientele are the outdoor courtyard (for alfresco dining on warm nights) and the late-night drink specials. Service is English-friendly and professional and this is a classy place to take a date.

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).

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:

One of the city's more unique lounges, this oasis in People's Park features vaulted Moroccan tents and offers style and comfort in the middle of the city. Attach yourself to a hookah, look out over the lush greenery and marvel at the brightly lit cityscape rising up in the distance.

Description:

Opened in 2005, this hotel imbibes the class and courtesy of the group's name in its services and amenities. Sited at an unbeatable location, equidistant from the neighborhoods of Nanjing, Huangpu and The Bund, the hotel is ideal for those keen on doing some sight-seeing in the city, while enjoying a luxurious stay. Check into one of the decadent rooms, overlooking the magnificent city skyline, and make yourself at home, with the overabundance of amenities at your disposal. Business visitors can access the Radisson Club and Lounge, situated on the 32nd-38th floors of the hotel, to avail of a host of special features suited to them. Adjoining the hotel, is a 10-storey shopping center with a SEGA World Entertainment Center, a movie cinema and a skating rink, which wraps up a comprehensive vacation package.

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:

The owners have successfully created a Western-style gathering place featuring good food and good service. With magazines and books available to peruse at your leisure, it is easy to spend more time than you meant to here. So be it. The owners and staff do not mind. They have even provided checker-boards and puzzles to help you enjoy your visit. The reasonably-priced menu ranges from pizza and pasta to more gourmet fare. There is also an extensive selection of coffees and other refreshments. Clean and colorful, this cafe and 24-hour pizzeria provides a pleasant atmosphere in which to savor the food.

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.

Description:

This place is popular with many expats for its friendly vibe and quintessential Shanghai setting in a romantic French Concession mansion. There are big fireplaces, color-themed rooms, and a delightful garden bar for the warmer months. 11am to 2am.

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:

Opened in 2005, this hotel imbibes the class and courtesy of the group's name in its services and amenities. Sited at an unbeatable location, equidistant from the neighborhoods of Nanjing, Huangpu and The Bund, the hotel is ideal for those keen on doing some sight-seeing in the city, while enjoying a luxurious stay. Check into one of the decadent rooms, overlooking the magnificent city skyline, and make yourself at home, with the overabundance of amenities at your disposal. Business visitors can access the Radisson Club and Lounge, situated on the 32nd-38th floors of the hotel, to avail of a host of special features suited to them. Adjoining the hotel, is a 10-storey shopping center with a SEGA World Entertainment Center, a movie cinema and a skating rink, which wraps up a comprehensive vacation package.

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 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!

Description:

People's square is a large open area composed of the Shanghai Museum, The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, The Shanghai Grand Theatre, and the municipal government buildings. It has many shops and attractions, one of them being Raffles city, a mall-like shopping center with a subway station underground. People's Square is a beautiful walk with trees and amazing photography spots of tall unique buildings and the many people always filling it. It is right next to People's Park.

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.

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:

Opened in 2005, this hotel imbibes the class and courtesy of the group's name in its services and amenities. Sited at an unbeatable location, equidistant from the neighborhoods of Nanjing, Huangpu and The Bund, the hotel is ideal for those keen on doing some sight-seeing in the city, while enjoying a luxurious stay. Check into one of the decadent rooms, overlooking the magnificent city skyline, and make yourself at home, with the overabundance of amenities at your disposal. Business visitors can access the Radisson Club and Lounge, situated on the 32nd-38th floors of the hotel, to avail of a host of special features suited to them. Adjoining the hotel, is a 10-storey shopping center with a SEGA World Entertainment Center, a movie cinema and a skating rink, which wraps up a comprehensive vacation package.

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.