Korean Job Discussion Forums

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

I have a little time off, and thinking of visiting either Macau or Shanghai...(possibly both, but unlikely). Maybe a week in either one of the two locations.

I made a list of positives and negatives from what I gather...anyone else want to comment...?

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Macau + : Beautiful architecture, holdem poker, close to Hong Kong (if got bored), beaches (although not great), Portuguese-influence, different cultures mixed, everything is very walkable, good weather for March/April.

Macau - : Heard its boring if you don't gamble (since I play poker, I'd be fine I assume), heard its small and easy to see everything in two days (maybe I'd be bored quickly with the city?)

Shanghai + : Large seemingly international city, a lot to see, a lot to explore, larger than life with a lot of energy, neon lights galore (which I really like ), fascinating architecture (lots of skyscrapers, another plus), etc.

Shanghai - : Heard there are tons of scams, people are aggressive, lots of rip-offs, internet restrictions, generally overpriced (although maybe similar to Macau?), etc.

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Anyone else with hearsay impressions or actual impressions? I'm just trying to broaden my perception of these two cities, as they are two of the ones I'm thinking of for 2009.

cangel · Joined: 19 Jun 2003 Location: Jeonju, S. Korea

I've been to both and if I had to choose, I would choose Shanghai simply for the variety. Shanghai also has beautiful architecture with the Bund being a highlight, as well as some very amazing modern skyscrapers. Macau is a bit boring if you aren't into poker or punting. I remember walking down a street/alley and being confronted by at least 20 pros. Actually, I'd go to Hong Kong for a few days then take the ferry over to Macau. I planned in a HK stop-over on my return from SE Asia. Great city for short spurts.

Xuanzang · Joined: 10 Apr 2007 Location: Sadang

Macau has some really good Portuguese egg tarts so if you go there then definitely try some. Amazing! Shanghai needs a visa that costs money but Macau might be visa free depending where you are from.

bangbayed · Joined: 01 Dec 2005 Location: Seoul

I voted for Shanghai just cuz I like the big city energy more. However Macau will be much warmer this time of year. On the other hand, there are notorious gang wars there.

Shanghai rocks.

tzechuk · Joined: 20 Dec 2004

A WEEK in Macau???

I think I spent a DAY in Macau and thought it was enough.

I would definitely choose a week in Shanghai over a week in Macau... you can go and find swissjames!

Ilsanman · Joined: 15 Aug 2003 Location: Bucheon, Korea

Macau all the way.

I'd recommend a HK/Macau trip. 4-5 in HK and 2-3 in Macau.

hugekebab · Joined: 05 Jan 2008

Ilsanman · Joined: 15 Aug 2003 Location: Bucheon, Korea

I went to Macau and totally avoided the casinos. It was a great trip.

There are really 2 sides to that city. The other side (the non-gambling one) is wonderful.

D.D. · Joined: 29 May 2008

I would stay in Zhuhai and you can walk across the border to Macau to gamble or take the boat to HK or Shenzhen.

I lived in a place called Shekou a suberb I Shenzhen where you can take boats to Hk , Zhuhai , Macau. Zhuhai is much cheaper for hotels.

Shekou is cool if you want bars and to see Shenzhen.

I like it down there better than Shanghai.

weatherman · Joined: 14 Jan 2003 Location: Korea

I would vote for Macau. I loved walking around the lanes and exploring the squares and colonial buildings. Not into the games, but it does have a few nightlife area. The climate is warm, even in winter which is great. Food is good, but as others have said, you don't need a whole week there. Maybe 3 to 5 days max. Mix it up with a side to Hong Kong, or the mainland.

CPT · Joined: 25 Mar 2007

I didn't like Shanghai at all. Don't see what all the fuss is about.

Macau on the other hand was fantastic. I only went for a day, but I wish I had gone for longer. I agree that there's a lot of great stuff to see even if you don't like gambling, but if you do.....it's an easy decision. Depending on how good you are at poker, you might even pay for your trip.

If you have a week, I'd do HK for about 4 days, and Macau for about 3. Macau is slightly more expensive....I had a hard time finding any budget accomodations there, but the Holiday Inn was reasonable for a very nice room in a great location.

samd · Joined: 03 Jan 2007

Macau by far. Shanghai, despite its size and impressive skyline, is far less interesting.

justaguy · Joined: 01 Jan 2008 Location: seoul

I suggest Macau/HongKong. Split your week for both.

VanIslander · Posted: Sat Jan 03, 2009 11:32 pm Post subject:

March and April you can CHOKE on the dust storms in Shanghai as they reach down that far at times in the spring.

http://roussel.dk/blog/Shanghai/Blog/87C8503B-1CB9-4946-A563-04304D4A0067.html

Shanghai was hit bad on March 19th 2008, April 3rd 2007. This year the sand storms are expected to be the worst ever.

If you really wanna GAMBLE then go to Shanghai in March and/or April.

Good luck whatever.

chris_J2 · Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Location: From Brisbane, Au.

Weather is the deciding factor here. Macau is a no brainer. You could combine it with Yangshuo, Guangzhou (Shamian Island) & Hong Kong.

I've been to both: 0-9c in Shanghai, & tshirt & shorts in Macau, mid winter (more often than not).

http://www.trekearth.com/viewphotos.php?l=7&p=184453

http://www.trekearth.com/viewphotos.php?l=7&p=156954

http://www.trekearth.com/viewphotos.php?l=7&p=90055

http://www.treklens.com/viewphotos.php?l=7&p=124158