cavergirl

We are going to New Zealand next month and will have a layover for a few days in Shanghai (using miles so we had to go where United would let us go). We arrive around 7PM and expect that we will just get checked into our hotel (Ritz-Carlton Pudong) then get something to eat and go to bed. We will then have 2 full days in Shanghai and would appreciate suggestions on what to do, where to eat, etc. Does anyone know of a good tour company and/or good tour to take? Should we do a group tour or arrange for a private tour with car and driver? We haven't done a lot of research on Shanghai since we are focusing more on the month we will have in NZ so any recommendations would be appreciated.

rhkkmk

take the hop on hop off bus for 30 R... there is one for 300 but i don't think it is worth that price... it has stops in pudong...

take a taxi everywhere, they are soooo cheap...

take a ride on the river...

lots of modern places to eat in the Xintindu (sp) area... also tons of places in french concession near by...

eat in at least one dumpling place...

JPDeM

I think that the above poster meant Xintiandi.
Shanghai is a big international city and is easy to navigate. The subway, which was the largest in the world until last week, takes you to every place that you want to see, is bilingual and cheap. And with the bad traffic, especially when crossing the river, it is faster on the subway.
Just check a bok store for a book that sounds like top 10 things to do in Shanghai or 48 hours in Shanghai. That will be a good investment.
Note that for a short stay you do not need a visa to stay in Shanghai (72 hours visa free transit if you hold a passport from one of the 45 countries approved).

cavergirl

I read about the hop on - hop off buses. May consider doing that but preferred having a guide who would really give us more info since we have such a short period of time there. Taking a hop-on-hop off bus would certainly be an option though. When I looked at various tours available, there were several that went outside of the city to Suzhou and Zhouzhuang. Are those places worth going to or is it better to just focus on Shanghai?

We just spent the greater part of the weekend getting a package together for our Visas. We were told that you needed a visa if you stayed in China longer than 24 hours.

JPDeM

Shanghai always had the 48-hour visa free transit, it is now 72 hours. As I said, it depends on your passport. Here is the list of countries: http://www.wcarn.com/cache/news/22/22734.html
If you really want a guide, check of www.synotrip.com

cavergirl

Unfortunately we are not flying through Beijing. We are flying into and out of Shanghai which is 24 hours only.

JPDeM

No, Shanghai is also 72 hours. The link mentions Beijing but the list of countries is the same.

cavergirl

My husband turned our paperwork in today and the processor confirmed it was 24 hours but I will have him look into it further.

cavergirl

Okay. I just rechecked the Chinese General Consul's website and we are both wrong. It is 48 hours. Here is the direct quote from the website:

Citizens holding passports issued by the following countries are exempted from a visa if transiting through Shanghai and staying for no more than 48 hours in Shanghai. These visitors can leave the airport but must enter and exit from China via Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport or Shanghai Pudong International Airport: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the U.S.

Shanghainese

There is enough to see/do for 2 days, anywhere outside the city will take up a full day. I love watertowns and the closest Zhujiaojao will take more than 1/2 day so not knowing your travel interests, I'm not sure if I should point you there.

Click on my name for a report I did 2012 when I stayed 2 months, figure out what you like and get back to us. You can DIY, no need for tours and guides.

cavergirl

Thanks Shanghainese. i will read your report. A friend of mine said the same thing when I asked her about going out to the watertowns. She said interesting but it might be better to just wander around the city proper. She agreed with others above that there was no need for a tour or guides.

traveller2007

I was in Shanghai for a few days last autumn. I'd recommend a walk along the Bund - start at the Peace Hotel and end at M on the Bund - a fantastic restuarant with a lovely terrace.

Id also spend at least half a day - if not one full day - in the French Concession. I loved it there - quirky shops, nice restaurants (I'd recommend 'Lost Heaven') and beautiful trees. There are several walking tours you could follow or take to take in the architecture and art deco buildings. I would definitely make sure you get to Fu Xing park and some of the lilongs. I had a fab massage at one of the 'Dragonfly' chains here. And I stumbled across a great cafe called Green and Safe. Amazing salad and coffee....mmm.

I would also go tot he headquarters of the Communist Party and the location of the 1ast National Congress - very interesting history and a nice area for a meal or drink. More western, but still fun for shops. I think its called Xintiandi (but pls check!)

Another fun area is called Tan Zi Fang - but I didnt make it there. My travel companions did, and got some nice giftst.


If you have time, I would also stop by the Tea House that was apparently the inspiration for the Blue Willow pattern plate. I am afraid I cant remember the name off the top of my head, but if you google it, you will find it very easily.


If you are keen to get some clothes made, you *could* risk taking something to be copied on day 1 and collecting it on day 2. But sometimes the tailors can be late getting stuff back - this happened to my friend.
But I picked up a beautiful chinese silk jacker, ready-made which is gorgeous. I am afraid I have forgotten the name of the area where there are 3 or 4 floors of tailors. Its nr one of the huge underpasses and pretty central. remember to bargain!

Enjoy it! I hope you love Shanghai too. The views - even through the pollution - and the architecture are truly spectacular. The food and tea is great, its very international (a HUGE Marks and Spencer! and all the international chains) and the people seem really friendly and relaxed too.


Nadia

rhkkmk

we were very disappointed with the bund quite honestly... for me a taxi ride was enough to see it.... if you know wonderful european bldgs, you know the bund...

the new modern bldgs on the other hand were amazing... i loved the boat ride because it showed both old and new..

the watertown that Sh. mentions is the one we went to and it was one of our highlights in shanghai... it took us all day with a lovely riverside lunch, a boat ride and we had a driver there and back..