Shanghai

We recently spent three days in Shanghai and were glad that we had given ourselves the full 72 hours that the new visa exemption allowed us. We basically split our time into three different areas of focus.

We decided to take advantage of the hop-on hop-off bus tours to get around the city. On day one we explored the famous promenade known as the Bund, with its fantastic views over to the financial centre on the opposite bank and its own fantastic gothic buildings. It is also here that you can pick up the river cruises, either during the day or the evening dinner cruises. We’d recommend both, as your bus ticket includes a day time river cruise, but you must see the Bund when it’s illuminated at night as well.

Our second day was focused on the retail therapy necessary in any great commercial centre. The main shopping road is the Nanjing Road which runs from the Bund all the way into the city, with large parts of it pedestrianised. Other areas worth visiting for shopping include the hugely picturesque Yu Gardens which isn’t too far from the cruise terminal and also the nice area of Xin Tian Di.

On the last day of our stay we wrapped up the cultural aspects of the city with a visit to the Jade Temple and also to the Shanghai Museum and Contemporary Art Gallery.

As you’d expect there are numerous restaurants and eateries to explore in the city. Other than the dinner cruise, we decided to eat in the Xin Tian Di area which has numerous bars and restaurants, including one owned by Jackie Chan!

Our last evening was spent with the famous acrobats of the Era Showtime performance which is similar in concept to the Cirque du Soleil. This was followed by a quick visit to the famous Jazz Club at the Peace Hotel, back on the Bund.

All in all we spent a very full three days in the city and were glad that we did. It is a fascinating city with a lot of interesting recent history, from its “Paris of the East” days in the 1920’s up to its modern major commercial trading role! A fascinating place to visit!