Travel: Shanghai, Shanghai

Shanghai is more packed, more modern and more sexy than Beijing. Shanghai's skyline on both sides of the river is more impressing than the one of Hong Kong. But Shanghai has at least as many construction fields as Beijing. Beijing prepares for the Olympic Games in 2008 while Shanghai prepares for the Expo 2010. It is sad to see how many old Chinese quarters still are vanishing. With the 24/7 construction of skyscrapers the skyline of Pudong is changing every day. Shanghai reminds many people of New York, especially in Pudong. Shanghai is an exiting city for singles and young couples with double income no kids.

It definitely worth to visit the 'Pearl of the Orient'. Shanghai has many stylish restaurants and bars. But it does not have that many cultural sites as Beijing does. Most of the Chinese heritage can be seen in the lanes of the Old Town, that some call 'Chinatown'. I think this is significant when you have to call part of a Chinese city that way. Everything is going global, exchangeable. Starbucks is everywhere. And don't miss the beautiful Yu Garden (entrance fee raised up to 40 yuan). My favorite place were the lanes in Old Town and between here and the French Concession. The contrast of old Chinese style and new modern style is very photogenic. The best time in Shanghai is nighttime when the city is illuminated like electricity is for free. The views of the Bund and of Pudong are overwhelming. At 10.30pm the lights are switched off, but the bars are open until 2am and the crowed is pretty chic as well.

If you are interested in some pictures from my weekend in Shanghai, please visit my Shanghai Set at flickr. I am going to upload more pictures in the next days.

My collection of Shanghai travel links ...

... for the Bund, where 'previous taipans (heads of trading houses) erected monuments of wealth':
- Bar Rouge at Bund 18 for overwhelming night views over Pudong and the Bund
- New Heights at Three on the Bund for casual lunches or dinners with splendid 180 degree views of the Bund and Pudong

... for Xintiandi, the new 'old style' eating, drinking & shopping area:
- About Shanghai's living room Xintiandi and the one year old magazine 'Zing'
- Green Massage for a foot massage
- Shanghai Tang for Chinese style silk dresses and accessories
- Shanghai Trio for Chinese style casual wear and accessories
- Lehman & Qian for gorgeous Chinese Interior Decoration
- There are lots of trendy bars and restaurants in Xintiandi. For a drink I liked the stylish 'TMSK' Bar. But you can also find Starbucks and Paulaner.

... for Pudong, the Chinese Manhattan across the river:
- Cloud 9 & The Sky Lounge on the 87th and 88th Floor of the Grand Hyatt in Jin Mao Tower
- Jade 36, restaurant and bar in the Shangrila Hotel, 36th floor

... for Museums:
- Shanghai Art Museum, contemporary art exhibitions and host of the Shanghai Biennale - if it is lunchtime go to the 5th floor of the museum to Kathleens 5, a restaurant on the roof top with views over the People's Park
- Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
- Shanghai Museum, museum of ancient Chinese art

...for City Info:
- Wallpaper City Guide: Shanghai for the 'design-conscious traveller'
- LUXE City Guides: Shanghai, 'a glam little pocket-sized companion'
- Shanghai Daily newspaper

Photo source: Shanghai Tang Authentics brochure