Shanghai - should we go?
 

We are planning a 3 week trip to China - Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Lhasa, Yangtze, Guilin, Hong Kong. Is Shanghai that interesting that we should stay there 2 nights? Would I be sorry if I had to tell my grandchildren that I was never in Shanghai?

Tourfone offers rental phone and hotel reservation services for China travelers! Rental fee $2/day, call rate starts $0.18/min(local), $0.72/min(int¡¯l). Pickup/return at Beijing/Shanghai airports and at your hotels. <BR>Tourfone provides China hotel reservation services at group discount rate (starts from $34/night). The hotels are very convenient located in Beijing airport, the old downtown Beijing, Zhong-Guan-Cun (the Chinese silicon valley), the west-train station, and the room quality of the hotels ranging from economic 3 star hotels to the most luxurious 5 stars. <BR>For details,please visit,http://www.tourfone.com

Dave: <BR>Definitely see Shanghai. How can you even think of seeing China without seeing Shanghai? Of course it's a huge city, but very interesting. It's an important part of China's recent past, and an indication of where China's headed in the future. Forget your grandchildren, you'd be sorry having to tell yourself you were never in shanghai. <BR> <BR>Tourfone: <BR>Your reply has nothing to do with this question. Why are you spamming this group. Go away!

You definitely want to see Shanghai! We only had one day and night there and barely scratched the surface. However, we did get to see the beautiful Yu Yuan Gardens, the magnificent Shanghai Circus and the Bund with its mix of Victorian and 21st century China.

Dave, <BR>If you are not going to China again, then you should go to Shanghai. But no more than 2 nights. There is not much Chinese tradition / sights to visit, except Barry mentioned above plus Shanghai Museum.

<BR>The bund at nite is wonderful, especially at 11 when all the building's lights are shut off. Be sure to see this if you go.

The above poster is correct that there are very few "traditional" Chinese tourist attractions. What Shanghai does offer, however, is a glimpse into the extremely interesting history of the opening of China to foreigners at the turn of the last century, and the opening of China to the world today. Shanghai is a city of incredible contrasts. Don't miss the new historical museum in the Pearl TV tower; it has multimedia dioramas and several carefully constructed period streets to explore. One of the things that I find so interesting about Shanghai (I live here) is that not too far from the high rises and fashion-conscious Shanghainese talking on their mobile phones, you can still find a little traditional shop making baskets or dumplings that looks exactly the same as the hundred-year-old "period" display in the museum. Don't skip Shanghai, but do spend some time exploring the neighborhoods. Skip the tourist traps like the Jade Buddha that are like you can find in any other city, and instead take a Long Tong tour and explore Fuxing road from the Yu Yuan garden area to the outdoor antique market.

Andrea, can you tell me what the Long Tong tour is please?

don't forget the acrobatic show, it was just incredible!

Yes, acrobatic show is an important part of China's folk treasure. Shanghai definately worth a visit. In the past, it had been the leading international hub in East Asia, and now it's heading to regain its leadship. Just take a look on the newly developed district: Pu Dong, you'll never regret for your decision. <BR> <BR>David Leung <BR>Escort Service in Beijing

Dear Dave: <BR> <BR>I was able to spend a month in China this June (Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Taiwan). SHANGHAI WAS MY FAVORITE CITY!!!! I was there just under a week, and didn't see it all! But, if you only have two days, do it! You will want to go back, I assure you! <BR> <BR>Go to the top of the Pearl TV Tower ($5 US), see Yu Yuan Gardens, eat at CANTON (one of the top 100 restaurants in the WORLD it is located on the 56th floor of the Hyatt; walking distance from the Pearl TV Tower; about $30/person). <BR> <BR>Enjoy your trip! <BR>CYNTHIA