Shanghai or Hong Kong? Which one and why?
Apr 23rd, 2006, 09:27 AM
#1
Shanghai or Hong Kong? Which one and why?
If you had to choose between visiting Shanghai or Hong Kong on a 3-week trip to China, which would pick - and give me three reasons why. 
I'm looking at two similar tours (OAT and Odyssey - one does Shanghai, the other Hong Kong). What are the pluses/minuses to each?
Thanks,
Karen
I'm looking at two similar tours (OAT and Odyssey - one does Shanghai, the other Hong Kong). What are the pluses/minuses to each? Thanks,
Karen
Apr 23rd, 2006, 03:36 PM
#2
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 23,073
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
While both are big modern cities, the two have significant differences. It depends on what interest you.
The main thing is that Hong Kong remains a seperate territory from China, and fundamentally things haven't changed since the switchover in 1997. There's a border, road names still reflect English rules, there's a seperate currency, vehicles drive on the left, the Chinese characters are written a little different. It's more like a mature, developed Western society with Chinese people, on the Chinese coast.
Shanghai, on the other hand, is the largest city in China, and one of the fastest growing. Huge skyscrapers everywhere - all built within the last 10 years or so. It's wild and it's the future of China.
So, that's the main difference - do you want to see mostly British legacy, or do you want to see modern China. For good and the bad.
Hong Kong is also prettier. There's a nice natural harbor, there are hills (and super-tall residental highrises perched on them), there are islands to explore, etc.
The main thing is that Hong Kong remains a seperate territory from China, and fundamentally things haven't changed since the switchover in 1997. There's a border, road names still reflect English rules, there's a seperate currency, vehicles drive on the left, the Chinese characters are written a little different. It's more like a mature, developed Western society with Chinese people, on the Chinese coast.
Shanghai, on the other hand, is the largest city in China, and one of the fastest growing. Huge skyscrapers everywhere - all built within the last 10 years or so. It's wild and it's the future of China.
So, that's the main difference - do you want to see mostly British legacy, or do you want to see modern China. For good and the bad.
Hong Kong is also prettier. There's a nice natural harbor, there are hills (and super-tall residental highrises perched on them), there are islands to explore, etc.
Apr 23rd, 2006, 06:54 PM
#4
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,689
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think I would want to know where else the two tours go, as if one or both tours cut out a place like Xian in favor of Hong Kong or Shanghai, that would be more of a shame to me than missing one of these two cities. That being said, here are my top three reasons for choosing Hong Kong:
1. Hong Kong harbour, whether seen from the charming Star Ferry, the Peak or the walk along the Kowloon Esplanade (and preferably from all three) is IMO one of the ten best sights in the world. At sunset and twilight it is magical. Shanghai's Bund does not come close. This alone would be the most compelling reason to go to Hong Kong IMO.
2. Hong Kong is a tourist-friendly city in that it is extremely easy to get around by yourself using public transport and walking, most of the main tourist sites are quite close together and walkable, signage is in English and English is widely spoken. Public transport is excellent and very inexpensive. Shanghai by contrast is a gigantic city, it has like 14 million people, plus outlying suburbs. English is not as widely spoken, but that is not really an issue; public transport is not as good however, IMO nor as easy to use. You will probably spend more time in cabs than you want. However, my big issue with Shanghai is that I don't think there is actually not a lot to see other than small colonial areas along the Bund, the ersatz "old" area of Xiantiandi (restored shops and restaurants) and if you can find them, some of the still remaining old town areas. The main museum is OK, but really IMO the museum in Xian is much better, and the French-era colonial building of Hanoi are more beautiful. The shopping is better in Hong Kong, Beijing or in Xian if you want handicraft items (and really better in Delhi or Bangkok). I just have never really understood what tourists do in Shanghai other than walk along the Bund and look at the skyscrapers (which are admittedly very interesting, but I just can't see that as a reason to go to this city). If the tour includes a day or overnight to Suzhou, then I could maybe see a reason to go to Shanghai, but if the tour does not go there, I don't really see the purpose.
3. Restaurants, shopping and outdoor activities are hard to beat in Hong Kong. Virtually every type of cuisine can be found here, and almost literally next door to each other, and at good prices. Shanghai is developing a restaurant reputation to be sure, but many of the better ones are outlets of restaurants which started in Hong Kong, and IMO you won't find the breadth of cuisine as you do in Hong Kong. Shopping is quite amazing here as well, not perhaps a whole reason to come, but it is good. There are several good museums as well, including two museums in old "walled villages" out in remoter parts of the New Territories showing what life was like before the British arrived.. As noted above, there are many green areas and outlying islands for beaches and walks, as well as the Repulse Bay, Shek O and Stanley Beach areas and several excellent areas for walks on Hong Kong island itself. You can take a ferry or a junk and see the islands or even rent bicycle out in the New Territories. These types of activities are not found in Shanghai.
I know from your other posts that your trip is in May, both will be fairly hot and humid. Hong Kong will have more rain. I would avoid traveling to and in PRC in May, which is one of the "golden weeks" when most people have the whole week off and many many people are traveling. It tends to be very crowded.
There is actually no reason to take a tour in the PRC, as you can arrange everything yourself and hire guides for the day for particular sights, and drivers for places like the Great Wall. You really don't need a tour for Hong Kong at all, so perhaps you could do this as an add-on on your own. I would like to know the itinerary for the PRC tours, because I think you may spend a good bit of each day at "handicraft" factories which tend to be one person making cloisonné and 10 people trying to sell you cloisonné, and then lunch at a large and rather mediocre restaurant with lots of other bus tours. That is my impression of many of these tours, I have never taken one. If the tour is just for arranging air fare, hotels and some transport, then maybe that is OK.
1. Hong Kong harbour, whether seen from the charming Star Ferry, the Peak or the walk along the Kowloon Esplanade (and preferably from all three) is IMO one of the ten best sights in the world. At sunset and twilight it is magical. Shanghai's Bund does not come close. This alone would be the most compelling reason to go to Hong Kong IMO.
2. Hong Kong is a tourist-friendly city in that it is extremely easy to get around by yourself using public transport and walking, most of the main tourist sites are quite close together and walkable, signage is in English and English is widely spoken. Public transport is excellent and very inexpensive. Shanghai by contrast is a gigantic city, it has like 14 million people, plus outlying suburbs. English is not as widely spoken, but that is not really an issue; public transport is not as good however, IMO nor as easy to use. You will probably spend more time in cabs than you want. However, my big issue with Shanghai is that I don't think there is actually not a lot to see other than small colonial areas along the Bund, the ersatz "old" area of Xiantiandi (restored shops and restaurants) and if you can find them, some of the still remaining old town areas. The main museum is OK, but really IMO the museum in Xian is much better, and the French-era colonial building of Hanoi are more beautiful. The shopping is better in Hong Kong, Beijing or in Xian if you want handicraft items (and really better in Delhi or Bangkok). I just have never really understood what tourists do in Shanghai other than walk along the Bund and look at the skyscrapers (which are admittedly very interesting, but I just can't see that as a reason to go to this city). If the tour includes a day or overnight to Suzhou, then I could maybe see a reason to go to Shanghai, but if the tour does not go there, I don't really see the purpose.
3. Restaurants, shopping and outdoor activities are hard to beat in Hong Kong. Virtually every type of cuisine can be found here, and almost literally next door to each other, and at good prices. Shanghai is developing a restaurant reputation to be sure, but many of the better ones are outlets of restaurants which started in Hong Kong, and IMO you won't find the breadth of cuisine as you do in Hong Kong. Shopping is quite amazing here as well, not perhaps a whole reason to come, but it is good. There are several good museums as well, including two museums in old "walled villages" out in remoter parts of the New Territories showing what life was like before the British arrived.. As noted above, there are many green areas and outlying islands for beaches and walks, as well as the Repulse Bay, Shek O and Stanley Beach areas and several excellent areas for walks on Hong Kong island itself. You can take a ferry or a junk and see the islands or even rent bicycle out in the New Territories. These types of activities are not found in Shanghai.
I know from your other posts that your trip is in May, both will be fairly hot and humid. Hong Kong will have more rain. I would avoid traveling to and in PRC in May, which is one of the "golden weeks" when most people have the whole week off and many many people are traveling. It tends to be very crowded.
There is actually no reason to take a tour in the PRC, as you can arrange everything yourself and hire guides for the day for particular sights, and drivers for places like the Great Wall. You really don't need a tour for Hong Kong at all, so perhaps you could do this as an add-on on your own. I would like to know the itinerary for the PRC tours, because I think you may spend a good bit of each day at "handicraft" factories which tend to be one person making cloisonné and 10 people trying to sell you cloisonné, and then lunch at a large and rather mediocre restaurant with lots of other bus tours. That is my impression of many of these tours, I have never taken one. If the tour is just for arranging air fare, hotels and some transport, then maybe that is OK.
Apr 23rd, 2006, 07:10 PM
#5
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 29,053
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
karen, while shanghai is very high on our list of future places to visit, i think hong kong is one of the 5 tops places in the world, so, imo, it is the must see place....there is tons to do there....could you start your tour there? if so, go several days early as there is a ton of stuff to do...
i call it upscale new york....
i call it upscale new york....
May 21st, 2006, 04:59 PM
#7
I just realized I never got back to this thread (you all may have noticed, I've posted several about my upcoming China trip).
The two tours both also include:
Beijing
Xian
Chengdu
Lhasa
and a Yangtze cruise
I'm struggling with this because my sister seems to prefer a tour. We both want Lhasa, but I would also like Guilin/Yangshuo as well as Lijiang. We have three weeks. Based on what I see here, I might lean toward Hong Kong, but am still not decided on a tour vs doing it on our own. I think my sister thinks we'd enjoy the company of others, plus she'd feel more comfortable in a group. Still thinking...
The two tours both also include:
Beijing
Xian
Chengdu
Lhasa
and a Yangtze cruise
I'm struggling with this because my sister seems to prefer a tour. We both want Lhasa, but I would also like Guilin/Yangshuo as well as Lijiang. We have three weeks. Based on what I see here, I might lean toward Hong Kong, but am still not decided on a tour vs doing it on our own. I think my sister thinks we'd enjoy the company of others, plus she'd feel more comfortable in a group. Still thinking...
May 21st, 2006, 05:34 PM
#9
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 23,073
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It's definitely doable independently. Many fodorites have done it and enjoy it. Having said that, it's not going to be as easy as going to Europe on one's own. You need to do a lot of homework and leave some flexibility in your itinerary.
I would say you'll get a lot more from your trip by doing it alone. Just have to work much hard to get it done.
I would say you'll get a lot more from your trip by doing it alone. Just have to work much hard to get it done.
May 22nd, 2006, 02:59 PM
#13
travellin - I love it! Let's go! The other difference of opinion Kathye (my sis) and I have is that she wants to do the Yangtze cruise and to me it looks, well, a bit ho-hum. I've just started working with China Highlights to see what they can arrange for me in the way of a private tour. Based on some other posts I've seen here, that may work out well for us. I can make it clear up front that we'd like a fair amount of time on our own, but can ease my sister's mind that logistics and such will be taken care of for us. And I can get just the itinerary I want (I haven't seen any group tours that include Lhasa and Lijiang and Yangshuo) in three weeks. I think the group experience is more important to her than the itinerary, though, so I don't know. I just know that after my trip with Julie (my daughter) in February to Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, I realized how much I preferred that kind of traveling to a tour group - especially if it's one that keeps tabs on you all the time. (I'd chafe at too much structure.)
Thanks all. I'll have more questions as time goes on and things start firming up!
Thanks all. I'll have more questions as time goes on and things start firming up!
May 23rd, 2006, 07:33 AM
#16
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
SHANGHAI of course
Unless if you are totally ignorant of your history, then go to Hong Kong and load up on cheap hand made goods.
Shanghai v Hong Kong, there is no comparison.
1. Shanghai is a former sphere of influence, there are buildings from the French concession days, American concession days, British concession days, German concession days, etc. You have to know your history and architectural history and a good 1940s era map
Unless if you are totally ignorant of your history, then go to Hong Kong and load up on cheap hand made goods.
Shanghai v Hong Kong, there is no comparison.
1. Shanghai is a former sphere of influence, there are buildings from the French concession days, American concession days, British concession days, German concession days, etc. You have to know your history and architectural history and a good 1940s era map
May 23rd, 2006, 07:46 AM
#17
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
when the roads in Shanghai were in French and English, which were later renamed in Chinese.
2. If you know anything about current events, it is China that is getting ready to take on the world, not Hong Kong. If you had the opportunity to see why "China" (aka Chinese culture) is going to invade the rest of the world, wouldn't you want to go to the source?
3. Shanghai is not about shopping as it is about experiencing a cosmopolitan China. Shanghai is like a woman or a man, whichever you prefer, a city that is alive and is waiting for you to get to know her.
4. I lived in Shanghai as a kid, but when I returned to "tour" I was stunned by the richness of the city.
Best things to go in Shanghai:
1. Organize the city by its colonial heritage and pick a different site every day. I went to the German section outside the city and discovered a Volkswagon institute
2. Go to an international sporting event like Formula One
3. See the Bund from the Yellow River during the day (take a cruise)
4. See the Bund from a cab at night (you will ask yourself where am I?) The Bund looks better when you are moving relative to the building.
5. Go to the neighboring city of Suchow by train and spend the night next to a World Heritage garden and see the original marble boat that was the inspiration for the Summer Palace.
2. If you know anything about current events, it is China that is getting ready to take on the world, not Hong Kong. If you had the opportunity to see why "China" (aka Chinese culture) is going to invade the rest of the world, wouldn't you want to go to the source?
3. Shanghai is not about shopping as it is about experiencing a cosmopolitan China. Shanghai is like a woman or a man, whichever you prefer, a city that is alive and is waiting for you to get to know her.
4. I lived in Shanghai as a kid, but when I returned to "tour" I was stunned by the richness of the city.
Best things to go in Shanghai:
1. Organize the city by its colonial heritage and pick a different site every day. I went to the German section outside the city and discovered a Volkswagon institute
2. Go to an international sporting event like Formula One
3. See the Bund from the Yellow River during the day (take a cruise)
4. See the Bund from a cab at night (you will ask yourself where am I?) The Bund looks better when you are moving relative to the building.
5. Go to the neighboring city of Suchow by train and spend the night next to a World Heritage garden and see the original marble boat that was the inspiration for the Summer Palace.
May 23rd, 2006, 08:01 AM
#18
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just in case you didn't know, I am biased towards Shanghai. I love Shanghai. However, there is one city that doesn't get a lot of credit, cities are sort of like brand names, this one is undervalued - Canton. Now, Canton is beautiful and authentic. I only had an afternoon in Canton so my memory might be fading. If you must fly into Hong Kong, get on the first train to Canton. That's where the adventure really start, otherwise, it's like being stuck in traffic in NYC!!
May 24th, 2006, 10:30 PM
#20
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We returned from Shanghai Monday night. We spent 7 nights Shanghai (Four Seasons, 3 nights Suzhou (Sheraton), 3 nights Shanghai (Westin) and we were enchanted. Shanghai is still very much a Chinese city, Hong Kong is as rkkwan described, a western city peopled by Chinese. Think New York with an all Chinese population.
We have been all over South East Asia and we have never eaten so well for so little--and we actually don't like Chinese food. This was Chinese food that we have never experienced before.
However, you will be on a tour. We saw those troops following the leader with the flag on Nanjing road, the Bund, Yu Gardens, and the People's Park. In these areas you will be constantly bothered by student artists, watch, handbag touts, and a stream of others. Your experience will be skewed and your enjoyment lessened. We found the Chinese people in Shanghai to be extremely warm and helpful and the city itself, magnificent.
We have been all over South East Asia and we have never eaten so well for so little--and we actually don't like Chinese food. This was Chinese food that we have never experienced before.
However, you will be on a tour. We saw those troops following the leader with the flag on Nanjing road, the Bund, Yu Gardens, and the People's Park. In these areas you will be constantly bothered by student artists, watch, handbag touts, and a stream of others. Your experience will be skewed and your enjoyment lessened. We found the Chinese people in Shanghai to be extremely warm and helpful and the city itself, magnificent.
