Actually, there is no trace today of the the small fishermen’s village that existed a long time ago.
When you arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, ask the taxi to reach the western part of town through the 'Nanpu' bridge (Nanpu TaQiao) ... and keep your eyes wide open !
Shanghai is a megalopolis of 20 million inhabitants divided into two parts by a river, the Huangpu. In the East, the modern Pudong and in the West - Puxi - the "historic"part.
But both are really unequal in size and interest.
In Pudong, you can spend half a day strolling around the Oriental Pearl Tower, the World Financial Center and lunch or drink at the 88th floor of Jingmao Tower. Then, you can cross the river!
In Puxi, where I recommend you to stay, there is much to do!
First, the Yu Garden (Yu Yuan) and its surrounding streets are a must in this part of the city. After visiting the garden, stroll through the neighborhood and discover the markets and the shops with the typical Chinese wooden architecture... before they are all demolished to make way for high buildings.
I particularly like Fangbang Road (especially the shops with paintings of Chinese portraits, or tea shops offering tastings following the Chinese ritual) and Fuyou Rd, but all the adjacent streets are worth a look.
Also in the area, but going North towards Xinjiang (Tibet) Road, around the bird market, there is, on Dongtai Rd, a small flea market that is worth seeing, especially for its relics of the Mao era (the famous red book, the most beautiful Chinese abacus, and all sorts of gadgets with the Mao portrait ...).
Returning from Tibet Rd to the North you will quickly arrive to the modern center of Puxi, the large People Square. There, if you are in need of a western pastry, you must make a stop in “Raffle’s City” lovely Department Store, go to “Papa's beard” corner and enjoy a totally unforgettable cream puff !
Of course, the museum located in the middle of the square is a must.
The distances are huge and at one time you will feel exhausted ... so to make sure you will easily find your hotel, do not forget to bring the address in Chinese characters or the hotel card. Taxi drivers do not speak English, and they do not even understand the word “hotel”!
As regards taxis, when hailing a taxi on the side of the road, your hands should always be turned down. Having fingers up is a sign that could deter a driver to stop.
In the evening, of course, no shortage of fun places!
A walk on the Bund is an unforgettable experience, but you will also discover the trendy and very illuminated Xintiandi (“new heaven on earth”), where the first meetings of the once unnderground Chinese Communist Party were held.
Today, with hyper-chic shops and very design restaurants, Xintiandi is a must for Shanghai nightlife. Try, as you like, a "fusion food" restaurant such as “T8” or “Ye Shanghai”, a traditional restaurant in trendy modern setting.
If you prefer to have dinner in the French Concession and the Bund, one of our favorite is "Lost Heaven", offering cuisine of southwestern China, or "M on the Bund" (3, Guangdong Rd) for a “fusion food” dinner and a breathtaking view over the Bund from its strategic terrace.
All this can take several days, and if you plan to stay a little longer, as soon as you arrive, do not forget to stop in one fabric market , on Lujiabang Rd for example.
There, with only a sample of your favorite clothes or a photo of the dress of your dreams (when there is no pattern, the result can be a bit more risky), you can copy them into the fabric of your choice (huge variety) within a few days ... so, leave some room in your suitcase!
Also if you have more time, try a haircut or just a blow dry at a local hairdresser. Not a trendy or a modern shop for foreigners, to make the event even more memorable. In addition to the favourite TV series of your hairdresser, you will enjoy reading the newspaper placed on the shoulders of your neighbor having his hair dyed.
In any case, enjoy the usually longtime and vigorous scalp massage that will be provided.
The French Concession is of course a place to go. It is a real pleasure to stroll through streets with trees (rare in Shanghai). In particular, Xinli Road and Changle Road are very nice with their small trendy boutiques.
Try eating a Beijing roasted duck (with pancakes) in Chuan Ju De (on HuaiHai Rd). The whole duck is cut in front of you with an incredible dexterity. This dish is really scrumptious!. Then, have a good massage to relax. Massage is not a luxury there and you will find many houses of all kinds, from simple to chic, but always a high level quality massage.
A final piece of advice: in the street, wherever you are, open your eyes. Picturesque scenes are never far away. A street vendor carrying on his bike a "tower" of about fifty chairs, a butcher carrying half-porks on his bicycle, or a collector of plastic bottles carrying on his bicycle a few cubic meters of garbage. A woman dressed in pyjamas walking in the street . A cyclist who pedals with one hand and holds his umbrella in the other. Pictures that will be yours, forever….
