Shanghai- We stayed in the southwest part of the city where few Western people are seen. There is a lot of information about Shanghai readily available so I will just share a few things. There is a water village in southern Shanghai that for some reason is missing from all guide books. It is called Qibao (pronounced something like CheeBao). An absolute must if visiting Shanghai and an easy taxi ride. The shopping and architecture around Yu Yuan Gardens was a great way to get a Western fix after being away from western things for awhile. Shanghai is an enigma as is much of China. It can be very contemporary at one moment then truely third world the next or from one street to the next.

Final observations: China is very inexpensive if you stay away from the western areas. A 22 oz beer cost 50 cents or less even in Shanghai although I paid as much a $7 for a beer at a German Pub in the Xintandi part of Shanghai. The native people really like westerners in general and Americans in particular. That may come as a shock to some but it is nonetheless true. I would recommend hiring a translator/guide and get outside the city if possible. Regardless, China is changing rapidly and is interesting to experience with friendly (but constrained) people. A totally unique experience awaits you if you go.

Enjoying your trip report very much. Qibao is too small to be listed in guide books, altho I agree if someone doesn't have a full day for a must visit to a watertown near Shanghai, Qibao (8 treasure) is the best bet, can be done in a few hours, I love the cold sliced lamb and the variety of rice flour pastries there.

My mother is from a village a few miles from Huzhou, so I'm familiar with the area. Glad you had a chance to hike the beautiful 9 Streams, my favorite in Hangzhou. Could you ask your wife where the Five Waterfalls near Zhuji are? Wuxi is a large city on the Grand Canal bordering the famous Taihu (Lake Tai) west of Shanghai.

It will be easier for Fodorites to read and ask questions if you continue your trip report under the same thread. Thanks!

Shanghainese-

Yes, I messed up. This Report was written in three parts. I wasn't sure how to do it but I intended to write Continued 1 and Continued 2 but ended up with two "Continued". Oh well, I hope to do better next time. Anyway, I am glad you liked the report and hope you can track down the other parts. Thanks for your input.

To keep all parts together, simply post subsequent parts as replies to the first.

Thanks pop for posting. How did you travel about, car train?

What was the best food you had there?

Did you go to Beijing at all?