Korean Job Discussion Forums

melbournegirl · Joined: 06 Dec 2005 Location: Bundang

I'm heading to Shanghai for 4 days soon and wanting some ideas for good places to visit. I will have a Korean friend with me who lives there, but will have 2 free days to explore myself. What ideas around an organised tour vs do it yourself. Also I hear cash is preferred?
Thanks in advance.

buster brown · Joined: 26 Aug 2005 Location: Seoul

I've been to Shanghai 6 or 7 times, even taught there a couple of summers...and there's alot to see and do. Some of the places you'll probably visit with your friend: Yuyuan Gardens, the Bund, the Oriental Pearl tv-tower, Nanjing Lu, and Shanghai Museum. The Oriental Pearl is overpriced as I remember...something like $12 or $15 (US). You might also take a boat ride along the HuangPu River, although I can't recall the cost. Some of China's best acrobats perform at the Shanghai Center. It's a little pricey, but it's quite a show...you'll see some amazing things! Another one of my personal favorites is the LuXun Museum inside Hongkou Park. However, if you're not familiar with his writing it might be a waste of time.

If you're looking for a day-trip outside of Shanghai, you can go to either Suzhou or Zhouzhuang. Suzhou has several famous gardens you can tour, but they might not be very scenic this time of year. Zhouzhuang is a small village that's connected by waterways, a quaint ancient-style town. You can take an express train to Suzhou or a bus to Zhouzhuang...it seems like both are about an hour away from the city. If you can only choose one, i'd strongly recommend Zhouzhuang (even though Suzhou is much more famous).

About using cash...I only recall using a credit card 2 times during all of my visits to Shanghai. Where are you in Korea? I'll be in Seoul during the upcoming weekend. I could loan you my copy of Lonely Planet Shanghai. Otherwise, feel free to PM for further info.

HapKi · Joined: 10 Dec 2004 Location: TALL BUILDING-SEOUL

Shanghai has numerous enjoyable walks, and the LP guide draws out several. Of course the Bund and Nanjing Road, but also French Concession and Old Town. Walking the old neighborhoods around Yuyuan Garden you can really see the day to day street life of the locals.

laogaiguk · Joined: 06 Dec 2005 Location: somewhere in Korea

Just a warning, Shanghai Chinese are the most dishonest. Watch your money and be careful with stuff. And it's not just me who says this. My Beijing, Xian, XiShuangBanNa, Wuxi and SuZhou Chinese friends say so too. I worked near Shanghai and just want to warn you. It's not like any other Chinese city in many ways, including honesty. Smile

HapKi · Joined: 10 Dec 2004 Location: TALL BUILDING-SEOUL

laogaiguk · Joined: 06 Dec 2005 Location: somewhere in Korea

HapKi · Joined: 10 Dec 2004 Location: TALL BUILDING-SEOUL

I'm crazy about the paper cuttings, normally in bright red tissue paper. They look so detailed, are striking, make great gifts, are cheap, and are made in a variety of sizes, shapes and subject matter.

buster brown · Joined: 26 Aug 2005 Location: Seoul

double post...sorry

buster brown · Joined: 26 Aug 2005 Location: Seoul

You might be right about the dishonesty in Shanghai. Every one of my former students who lives there tells me of "losing" his/her cell phone...almost like it's every other month that they change numbers becuase their phone is stolen! Conversely, out of all the taxi drivers in China I've had the least hassle with the ones in Shanghai. They never try to bargain with the price, the meter is turned on for every ride! I wish I could say the same for Beijing. Now if they'd just learn to speak Putonghua like everyone else in China...

ucfvgirl · Joined: 28 Sep 2005 Location: Bundang

Sorry, I can't offer you any advice and I wish I could go with you. Just remember to have fun. Cheers! Dawn

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

Does The Bund severely lack in things to do at night or what? I stayed there for a couple nights and just couldn't find anything to do at nighttime.

I'm taking thats the wrong part of the city for going out?

JZer · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Location: South Korea

larrrry · Joined: 31 Jan 2006

I recommend wandering through old shanghai (the area around yuyuan garden and the fabric market). This is shanghai how it used to be before the real estate boom, and wont be around for much longer. Just be sure to bring a map. Xiangyang market is also an interesting experience, and a great place for fake designer clothes at a great price - but be sure to bargain down to 20% of the asking price! Walk along huihai road and nanjing road for a taste of new shanghai and beautiful shanghai women. Nightlife on Maoming road is a good way to end the night but beware of working girls.