S H A N G H A I
上海 (Shànghǎi) - China's largest city. Upcoming World Expo 2010 city.

A city of sleazy past & bright future. It is a city of constant change, being the fastest growing city in the world
in the last decade, & a city relearning its past & inventing its future. Whatever I know of the history of this city
came from my years of watching Hong Kong TV programs about this city. The so called heyday of Shanghai was
filled with lots of adventures, gambling & all the vices one can think of; somewhat like the early days of Vegas.

It appears to have emerged from that rowdy past though one can most probably still find some version of it
today if one looks hard enough. Nonetheless, it is a city of the future; one where many Chinese & expats come
to make a living since it became China's first fully fledged Special Economic Zone. What intrigues me is the
speed - both development & mentality of those living here. It appears that the Chinese have suddenly come to
realise that they have missed out on a large part of the world's development & are trying to play catch-up
game with the entire world. Make a trip here & you can feel for yourself the desire of the people to move, be it
in physical distance or in economic development. Shanghai is vibrant, lively & opportunistic (Its departmental
stores open till 10 pm every night & this is a communist country!). It is a city striving to carve its name into the
world's economic power & the pulse of China's economy. Fascinating? Yeah!!!
Watertowns: Chouzhuang, Tongli, Wuzhen, Xitang, Zhujiajiao

When in Shanghai, if time permits, take a half-day or one-day (preferable)
excursion to the watertowns surrounding Shanghai to experience the old
Chinese way of living. It is a world apart from the bustling & busy Shanghai!

Personally, my favorite is Xitang. This is also where parts of the movie
Mission Impossible III were filmed. Unbeknownst to most tourists &
travelers, this watertown is delightful to explore on foot. I planned to stay
for a night here but ended up staying 2 instead. Xitang is most charming
at night when it feels most peaceful & serene.

>>> Explore the watertowns: Xitang, Tongli, Zhujiajiao (Slideshows)
Xitang Watertown
Highlights
Fact File
  • Area Code: 21.
  • Population around 14+ millions.
  • 7th most populous city in the world.
  • Main districts:
    On West Bank (Puxi) are:
    Huangpu [黄浦区]
    Luwan [卢湾区]
    Xuhui [徐汇区]
    Changning [长宁区]
    Jing’an [静安区]
    Putuo [普陀区]
    Zhabei [闸北区]
    Hongkou [虹口区]
    Yangpu [杨浦区]
    On East Bank (Pudong) are:
    Pudong New District [浦东新区]
 Synopsis
  • Largest city (population) in China. 8th in the world.
  • Population around 15+ millions.
  • Major transportation hub to the rest of China.
  • 2 airports: Pudong International & Hong Qiao.
  • Taxi fare from Pudong Airport to Puxi central is about
    Rmb 150-200.
  • Pudong airport has Maglev train services to the city of
    Pudong for about Rmb 40 one way.
  • Popular Sights: The Bund, Yuyuan Garden & Bazaar,
    People's Square, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Grand
    Theatre, Huangpu River Cruise, Chenghuang Miao
    (Temple of the City God), Nanjingdonglu, Oriental
    Pearl TV Tower, Jin Mao Tower, Lujiazui - Pudong. Hua
    Sia Sex Museum.
  • Day Excursions: Chouzhuang, Tongli, Xitang, Wuzhen,
    Zhujiajiao, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Wuxi, Nanjing, Ningbo.
News
 Travelogues
Impressions
WWW - Star resources
Marketplace
    Mobile: +86 13370012536, +86 13651857817
    Fax: +86 21 50836297.
    Car Plate: 沪B94511.
  • The Car Ship Company - Suzhou. Ms. Yao Li Ping [姚丽萍]. Mandarin speaking only.
    Mobile: +86 13063731257.
    Fax: + 86 0512 67510893.
    Ms. Li Dong Qin [李冬琴]
    Mobile: +86 13013787000.
    (We hired the car with driver & guide for a full day from touring the gardens of Suzhou & then to Tongli for only Rmb
    150. A bargain, imho!)
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