ABOUT

Shanghai Shimmer. Shanghai Swelter. Shanghai will sieze your heart, pump up its hyper blood through your veins and leave you panting. This is the height of the Shanghai experience. But in the summer, Shanghai's heat and humidity make for some dense, almost sauna-like, climate. Shanghai's definitely not a city for countryside dwellers. If you like people - lots of people - fashion, lots of fantastic urban and modern things to do, relaxing in cafes, nightlife, abundant choices to eat at and all around exciting experiences, Shanghai's your place.

Shanghai's a cosmopolitan city of lights, sparkling neon and noise. It definitely likes its shopping. I think some huge clouds in heaven opened up and poured down some heavy retail hail one day. Check out Nanjing Lu. Nanjing Lu's pores even emit retail, shop, retail, shop. Shanghai is much more affordable than Hong Kong and is a great alternative. The Chinese in Shanghai, however, aren't as westernized or open-minded as the Chinese in Hong Kong are. But, we're talking about mainland China, where you need a visa to enter. There are less historic monuments, per se, in Shanghai than in Beijing. However, as a disabled traveler, the people in Shanghai are much more receptive than the kind folks in Beijing. That's not to say people were rude or offensive in any way. Just less stares.

Shanghai may appear like it's all modern and European style buildings but there are nice blends of natural scenery too. For example, take a stroll in People's Park and down the French Concession. You'd be surprised at how quaint Shanghai is. As well, the Bund offers a nice waterfront view and you can take a jaunt to Xitang, one of the ancient, water cities and the shooting location for Mission Impossible III. Lastly, don't forget to check out the absolutely fantastic Chinese acrobatic show. This will leave you breathless, just as Shanghai will.

Remember, Americans need a passport and visa to visit Shanghai (mainland China).

Layout
Shanghai is an eastern city located on the banks of the Yangtze River in mainland China. It's about 600 miles south of Beijing and over a little over 750 miles north of Hong Kong. Several main districts make up Shanghai's city center. From west to east, they are: Jing’an District in the northwest, Xuhui District in the southwest, Huangpu is east/central, Luwan is just south of Huangpu, Nanshi is south of Luwan and Pudong. The Huangpu River separates the districts of Huangpu, Luwan and Nanshi from Pudong, which is east of the river.

The main tourist districts in Shanghai are Huangpu, Luwan, Nanshi and the rapidly developing, Pudong. Huangpu boasts The Bund, the riverfront, the theatres and Nanjing Lu Shopping District. Luwan get brag about the old French Concession and Nanshi, the old town and some walking tours. Pudong is a new area quickly gaining in popularity with new attractions and lifestyle developments. The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is in the Pudong District.

Language
Mandarin. But Shanghai has its own regional dialect, Shanghainese Chinese

Times to Go
Low Season: Winter, Spring
High Season: Summer