Spectacular Shanghai

Shanghai and Hangzhou were much nicer than I expected, primarily because of my terrible China trips when I was in my teens. Or maybe it was the very nice company this time round :D

Before you go:- If you have an iPhone, download this really awesome and free app called "Shanghai Wow! city guide"... it's really good ^^

Getting around:
- From airport: Take a cab from the airport to town for around Y200. Or you can figure out the Maglev train (I didn't bother with this as it didn't drop you off at a convenient spot in town)
- Around town: Buy a transport card (Jiao Tong Ca), which can be used on the metro and in taxis (Deposit of Y20, refunds available at East Nanjing Road metro station). The metro is super convenient, and single trips only cost around Y3.

Qipu Lu
Metro: Tiantong Road


The metro is in the basement of one of the wholesale shopping malls. Be sure to explore the four big buildings and streets that are packed with people. I LOVE WHOLESALE MALLS. I bought super pretty umbrellas for Y25, sweaters for Y25, dresses for Y40 (though it turned out to look really terrible on me heh)... got really high here hahaha.


Full of shops that sell everything at Y29/ Y39... clothes, shoes, accessories... everything a girl desires... ohhh, don't come on weekends or you'll suffocate amidst the scary crowds. One funny thing is that the higher the floor level, the more expensive the things. Apparently, it's because they're of higher quality... which I kinda doubt.

People’s square
Metro: People’s square

Attractions:
- People's square park


We saw lots of parents "advertising" for their kids ^^ There's also lots of pretty flowers and a pond all around the area.

- Shanghai museum (free admission): 9am – 5pm (Mon- Fri)


It's quite a nice museum to wander around and absorb some culture ^^

- Underground shopping plaza beneath the square (picked up some adorable stationary here... Shanghai has really pretty and cheap stationary... I bought a few notebooks and cards here ^^)

- Raffles City shopping center


Come here for a visit if you miss Singapore haha there's even Breadtalk

- Hongyi Plaza (Nice chain restaurants e.g. South Memory- 6th floor, Doulao Fang- 5th floor)

- Yang’s Fry dumplings (order at the left counter, then join the queue on the right to pick up your order)... it's really yummy! :D

Yuyuan gardens
Metro: Yuyuan gardens

Attractions:
- Yuyuan gardens - Y40 (8.30 -5.30pm)


Please do not visit on weekends unless you love being squashed amongst sweaty hordes... frankly, it's just a normal Chinese garden... I'm not that impressed.


There's lots of shops selling touristy stuff around Yuyuan gardens. Good place to pick up kitschy souvenirs like writing your name using metal calligraphy, or drawing caricatures etc.

- Nanxiang Steamed Bun restaurant ... The xiao long bao was quite disappointing but if you want to try it, just proceed up to the second floor for seats instead of queuing with the masses on the first floor.

- Dragon Gate Mall (noodle restaurants, food court in basement, Din Tai Fung on second floor)

- Shiliupu fabric market - if you're interested in tailoring clothes (Metro: Xiaonanmen, near Yuyuan)

Jing' an Temple
Metro: Jing' an Temple


A famous temple the bf wanted to visit... lots of shops around there too.

The Bund
Metro: East Nanjing Road




It's quite a nice walk, with gorgeous views on both sides. Do walk further along to escape the scary crowds and people photobombing your shots. Can make a stop at the famous Peace Hotel if you need a toilet break hahaa it has v nice posh toilets :D

French concession
Metro: Dapuqiao


The main street is Huaihai Road, but do venture off into the other streets, which are lined with pretty colonial buildings.


There are lots of boutiques (which are quite expensive) and some nice restaurants.

Pudong and century avenue
Metro: Lujiazui Road


Lined with skyscrapers, you may choose a building to ascend for your bird eye's view of Shanghai. I advise choosing either Shanghai World Financial Center (94th/97th/100th floor –Y100/110/150) or Jinmao Tower (Y100), as I feel it is nicer to take photos of Oriental Pearl TV Tower, than to be inside it. Do go around dusk, so that you can take photos of both Shanghai in the day and at night.


I went to Jinmao tower, which offered very pretty views, but also busloads of pushy Chinese tourists.


After taking photos, you may proceed to Superbrand mall, which has restaurants spread across 10 floors, a supermarket, an ice-skating rink and H&M.

Fake goods galore at Xinyang Fashion & gifts market
Metro: Science & technology Museum metro market

Lots of fake stuff here, ranging from bags to basketball jerseys to children's clothes to toys to camera tripods!