by Andre Sanchez

The port of Shanghai is the busiest in the world, and visiting Shanghai will provide you with a busy week or two due to the number of attractions and things to do.  It is the commercial capital of China, although is a relatively young city.  Don’t expect the cultural diversity of Beijing, but there is still plenty to see.

Shanghai sits on the delta of the great Yangtze River, the longest river in the largest continent in the world.  More precisely, it sits on the Huang Pu River, where it flows into the Yangtze delta and due to its location, Shanghai is very flat.  A one time small fishing village, the development of Shanghai started in 1842 after the first Opium War from which the British were given territories in the area. 

The Japanese, French and Americans followed the British and by the period between the two World Wars it was the most important port in Asia due to the tea and silk trades; it was also the proverbial den of iniquity.  In 1943 the Concession period officially ended and the port was handed over to the Communist Chinese government in 1949.

Many people do not regard Shanghai as providing great sightseeing opportunities, but as being fantastic for shopping, so let’s have a look at the shopping first.  There are two main shopping streets in Shanghai, the quality Nanjing Xi Lu and Huaiai Lu that is generally very busy (Lu meaning Road).  It is entirely your choice which you prefer, though both have a lot to offer and, quite frankly, there is not a great deal between them.

However, like any large city, there are loads of other shopping areas, and if you are looking for bargains outside the usual touristy areas, there is a lot more in Shanghai as there is in London, Paris or New York.  I always hate the term ‘a shopping experience you will never forget’, because that reminds me of the shopping experience I once had in Seoul.  I will never forget that because I paid with my credit card, had it stolen, and was also charged a 20% ‘credit card surcharge’ that was never advertised, though they claim it was.

So, forget the ‘shopping experiences’.  Are the shops inexpensive and do they offer a good range of Chinese products, though everything seems to be Chinese these days and shopping in Shanghai can seem just like shopping at home!  However, if you like designer goods, Nanjing Xi Lu boasts Plaza 66 that is full of designer stuff.  It is not different from the Bang and Olufsen you get anywhere else, and you can judge if the price is any cheaper. If you want designer brands, this is the place, but why come to China for genuine designer brands?

If you look hard enough you can find Chinese brands amongst all the European fashion and cosmetics houses, but if you get off the main drag, then you will find the real Chinese goods.  Try Dongtai Lu for traditional Chinese crafts such as hand crafted jade pieces and calligraphy.  You can find some really beautiful things on this street, and the prices are very reasonable.  This is better than the usual Dior and Givenchy.

Apart from the shopping, you should take a visit to the Bund in the Huang Pu district.  Overlooking the Huang Pu river, this is a quiet and reflective district where you can relax and admire the Oriental Pearl Tower that looks fantastic.  Get a boat and look at it from the river – it is really beautiful and for a small price you can go up it in the lift.

As far as history goes in Shanghai, there is not a lot due to its origins, but the People’s Square is worth a visit.  It used to be the ‘Speaker’s Corner’ of Shanghai, and the flowers are really beautiful.  Shanghai Zoo is also worth a visit.  If you want real Chinese food, you can get it in Shanghai, in spite of its western influence.  Ask the locals or your hotel and you will be directed to one of many small restaurants serving traditional food.  The restaurants can be very small with as few as four tables, but the food is worth it.

Visiting Shanghai is an experience if you know where to visit, but it can very touristy with the usual number of hawkers and others offer you one delight or the other.  Stick to the main drag, and venture into the darker areas only if you are with a local you can trust.  The same as any other large city in the world, really.

Visiting Shanghai is an Experience to Remember was originally published at http://www.globallifenow.com