City Information               Reguljär flyg -                 Queensway Travel
Airport  
Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport, located in Pudong, is now the main airport for most foreign travelers, and for important domestic flights. Shanghai is waiting for it to become part of a burgeoning Pudong, but while the area develops, it remains rather far from where all the action is. Flight time from London, via Beijing, is approximately 14 hrs. Built according to international standards, the airport has a futuristic feel, but still embodies the sterility of official Chinese architecture. It does, however, have a view of the East China Sea. Check-in is upstairs on the third floor. Facilities include a ‘gourmet’ food plaza, VIP lounge and hourly hotel in the ticketed passenger area, post office, first-aid centre, bank, teahouse, Chinese restaurant, grocery store, snack bars, pharmacies and a few Watson’s stores. The shopping plaza has some savvy stores which stock best-selling English books, toys, liquor, Chinese art, souvenirs, jewellery, beauty products, clothing and old Shanghai gifts. The old airport, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, is just under 10 km from the modern city centre and 18 km from the Bund (old waterfront). This mostly (but not exclusively) handles domestic flights. There is one international and one domestic terminal. Check-in lines are clearly marked by flight number and destination. You have to pay departure tax before proceeding to the immigration gate. There’s a comfortable departure lounge restaurant in the domestic terminal, and a smaller snack bar in the international terminal departure area, which serves some quite tasty udon noodle bowls. The international terminal duty-free shops have a limited selection of alcohol, cosmetics and cigarettes, but little else, and there are several arts and crafts shops for last-minute presents. Check your tickets carefully to see which airport you’re leaving from/arriving at, and hope that you don’t have to transfer between the two airports to change flights. The ride will cost you about RMBY200 by taxi and take at least 45 mins. 
Airport to City Centre
A regular, inexpensive local bus service ferries fliers between the Hongqiao Airport and CAAC’s downtown office, although all hotels offer more comfortable shuttle bus transfers. Taxis are plentiful and the average fare is RMBY50. The trip into town on the Yanan Lu Elevated Highway can take anything from 20 to 45 mins, depending on traffic. From the Pudong Airport, allow anything from 45 mins to 1 hr 30 mins by taxi. It will cost around RMBY175. Otherwise, take the Airport Shuttle Bus that connects with Hongqiao, as well as some hotels in the city centre. A trip downtown costs RMBY15-20 and takes about 1 hr 20 mins. Metro Line 2 also runs from Pudong Airport through Pudong district and Puxi. Currently under construction, the world’s first magnetic levitation train will connect the Pudong Airport to the Pudong Metro Line 2 transfer station. The high-tech, high-speed train will zip passengers from station to station in eight minutes. The Maglev is expected to begin trial runs early this year.
Orientation
Shanghai is a vast conurbation of 14 million residents, plus a migrant population of 3 million. The city proper (pop 7.5 million) consists of Puxi, a great arc on the west side of the Huangpu River fronted by the Bund (the waterfront), and the mushrooming Pudong New Area, the financial centre on the east side, dominated by the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the Jinmao Tower. The city centre extends westwards from the Bund through the Nanjing Lu area to the Portman Hotel, although there is no obvious focal point to call the exact centre. The heart of the old Chinese city, a few blocks from the Bund, is packed with shops and restaurants around the elaborate Temple of the City God and the Yu Yuan Garden. The old International Settlement, dominated by the British, was located between the Bund and Huashan Lu, bordered by Suzhou Creek to the north and Yanan Lu to the south. The former French Concession lies south of the old International Settlement and is concentrated on Huaihai Lu. This beautiful area is great for walking, as it contains many reminders of the old European mansions and buildings. 
Business in Puxi is concentrated around Nanjing Rd and Yanan East Rd in the city centre, and in the Hongqiao area to the west. The cultural heart is Renmin (People’s) Square, the former site of the old racecourse. It is now a public park and home to the Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Art Museum and Grand Theatre, as well as a large population of pigeons. The oldest and most historic part of town is the Old City around Yu Yuan Garden. This is a splendid area for strolling about and capturing the atmosphere of a bygone era. The major shopping area is on Nanjing Rd, between the Shanghai Centre and the Bund, and along Huaihai Rd. The tourist focus is the Bund and Yu Yuan. An inner ring road encircles the basic city, with an outer ring road linking the farther suburbs. Across the Huangpu River is Pudong, linked to Puxi by several bridges and a tunnel. This has been designed to become the Wall St of China – it is a cluster of glass-clad high-rise banks, the stock exchange and hotels, all dominated by the Oriental Pearl TV Tower.
Excursions                Sista minuten resor -               Queensway Travel
Just outside Shanghai is the traditional canal town of Zhouzhuang, where you can take a trip in a gondola to admire the classic Chinese architecture – one of the few places where romantic China still exists. Zhouzhuang is 45-60 mins away by taxi. Suzhou, 90 mins away by express train or super highway, is an ancient city built on a network of canals and famous for its classical gardens. Four hours by rail or road to the south of Shanghai is Hangzhou, whose West Lake remains one of China’s great beauty spots. The city is also renowned for silk and food – it’s the home of ‘beggar’s chicken’.
Getting Around          Restresa -                             Queensway Travel
Taxis are plentiful and cheap, and can be hailed in the street throughout the city. The Yanan Road elevated highway is now completed (unfortunately at the cost of the old architecture that was torn down with it), making getting around the centre much easier. Flagfalls are RMBY10. Most drivers speak little or no English, so make sure you have directions written in Chinese. Most major hotels and office buildings have a taxi attendant who will hail your cab and ensure that the driver understands your destination. 
What to see
Shanghai Museum: A must see. One of China’s great collections of bronzes, ceramics, ancient sculpture, jade, paintings, calligraphy, seals, furniture, ethnic art and coins. All this is housed in a custom-made museum opened in 1996 that is itself a work of art.
Shanghai Aquarium: One of the largest aquariums in Asia, this newly opened facility is an ideal way for lovers of aquatic environments to spend some time enjoying a casual afternoon.
Yu Yuan Garden: Although it has been accused of being too touristy, Yu Yuan Garden is one of the few old sights left in the city. The Suzhou-style rock and tree garden was built from 1559 to 1577 by the Pan family, who were officials in the Ming dynasty. It was here, in the mid-1800s, that the Society of Small Swords planned their uprising with the Taiping rebels against the French colonialists. The French destroyed the Garden during the first Opium War (1841-42), but the area was later rebuilt and renovated. Among the winding walkways, bridges, ponds, dragon-lined walls and artificial hills, lies a museum dedicated to the Society of Small Swords rebellion and an old opera stage that sometimes holds performances. The Chenghuang Miao (Temple of the City God) was built here during the early part of the Ming dynasty but was later destroyed. In 1926 the 
main hall was rebuilt. One caveat: the place can get really crowded with Chinese tour groups, especially at weekends. Surrounding the Garden is a touristy bazaar of stores that sell traditional Chinese arts and crafts and souvenirs. On the west side of the central man-made lake is a great dumpling house famed for their xiaolong bao (pork dumplings). In the middle of the lake is the Huxingting Teahouse – Shanghai’s oldest and a must for a relaxing, picturesque break. Bordered by Fuyou Lu, Jiujiaochang Lu, Fangbang Lu, and Anren Lu, in the Old City.
Zhujiajiao: Travel back in time to see an authentic Qing dynasty water canal town. Located about an hour away from the city, this is a good place to see traditional architecture and experience rural China.
Jade Buddha Temple (Yufo Si): Completed in 1918, this temple is fairly new by Chinese standards. It is known (and named) for its 6½-ft high seated Buddha made of white jade, originally brought to Shanghai from Burma. The design of the grounds recalls the style of the Song Dynasty. During the Cultural Revolution, in order to save the temple when the Red Guards came to destroy it, the monks pasted portraits of Mao Zedong on the outside walls so that the Guards couldn’t tear them down without destroying Mao’s face as well.
Urban Planning Exhibition Centre: The name may sound imposing and dull, but if you are the least bit interested in understanding how Shanghai developed into one of the most thriving cities in Asia you should stop by for a visit. The miniature scale model of the city is worth the price of admission alone.
The Bund, including the Peace Hotel and the former Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank: One of the world’s most famous waterfronts survives, with its parade of Victorian and Edwardian banks and art deco trading houses not only intact but renovated and imaginatively lit at night. The spacious promenade is used by residents for morning exercises (especially colourful at dawn), ballroom dancing and daytime strolls. The Bund’s highlight is the Peace Hotel, an art deco hotel which is one of Shanghai’s most treasured old buildings, situated on the corner of Nanjing Rd, on the west waterfront of Huangpu River. Be sure to go to the roof for a romantic drink overlooking the river. Another important building is the Bund’s old pièce de résistance, the former Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank. Built by the British in the early 1920s, it now houses the Pudong Development Bank and a 
gorgeous 1920s Italian-tile mosaic within the building’s dome; 12 The Bund.Science and Technology Museum: The Shanghai Municipal government considered this museum so important they spent over RMBY1billion on the project. Numerous theme rooms use hands-on displays to illustrate scientific concepts. 2000 Century Ave.

Oriental Pearl Television Tower ( Dongfang Mingzhu ): The tallest tower in Asia and the pride and joy of the Shanghainese. This symbol of the city fully captures the brashness and glitz that are today’s Shanghai. This UFO-like spaceship rising over the city is especially kitschy at night. A lift takes you to the top sphere (or pearl) for a 360º bird’s-eye view of the city. On the bottom is the Shanghai History Museum, with stories and artefacts from Old Shanghai. No 2, Lane 504, Lujiazui Lu, Pudong.

Zhonggong Yidahuizhi (site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China): Today you can enter the house where 13 delegates from Marxist, Communist and Socialist groups met secretly in Jul 1921 for the first National Congress. The house was renovated in 1951 and exhibits relics, documents and photos. Deep in the back is the very room where the first delegates worked, complete with a table set for 13 people at tea. Ironically, the building is now surrounded by the new development Xin Tian Di, a new square that mixes the old Shanghai alley houses with modern boutiques, bars and restaurants. It is becoming a major entertainment and shopping centre for the city.
Xiang Yang Market: This popular market is the place to find inexpensive gifts and clothing. The brand names may or may not be real but bargaining is a must. Intersection of Haui Hai and Xiang Yang Lu. 
Grand Theatre ( Da Ju Yuan ): Opened in Oct 1998, this magnificent opera house, fronted by a twinkling glass wall and topped with an over sailing roof, is one of the city’s pride and joys, along with the Shanghai Museum. Three theatres show international and domestic acts, and there are restaurants throughout the complex. 
Shanghai Art Museum: This beauty is a new creation in an old building. Shanghai spent over RMBY70 million to renovate the old Shanghai Race Club to house the Shanghai Art Museum, which moved here in 2000. It owns one of the best collections of modern Chinese art and hosts some of China’s most interesting contemporary art exhibitions.
Outdoor Antique Markets: Shanghai has a few delightful outdoor antique markets that allow you to shop and experience some of the city’s busy street life. At the Dongtai Lu Antique Market dealers set their stalls up lining the street. They sell everything from old Victorolas to jade and porcelain. The old outdoor antique market at Fuyou Lu has since moved to a warehouse on Fangbang Zhong Lu, but other street hawkers have set up their wares on the sidewalk outside the building. Inside and outside, you can find Mao paraphernalia, old wicker baskets and a trove of other antiques. Bargain hard and beware, many a fake lies concealed among the real deals. 
Where to walk
Nothing compares with the Bund (old waterfront) for a meandering walk, especially at dawn when hundreds of people gather to do taijiquan and ballroom dancing. Start at Suzhu Creek, opposite the old Shanghai Mansions, and stroll past the former British Consulate and the old Bank of China to the Cathay, now the Peace Hotel. Continue to the high-domed Pudong Development Bank, which once housed the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank and the clock-towered Customs House. Continue past another old bank and shipping office to the former exclusive Shanghai Club. Huaihai Rd is also a great place to stroll to observe the comings and goings of Shanghai’s nouveau riche and to take in the charm of the old French Concession and its old, picturesque mansions and villas. A walk down Nanjing Rd also offers a good view of one of Shanghai’s busiest streets, especially on the weekends. 
Many visitors to Shanghai enjoy getting lost in the small, winding alleys of the Old City. Around the Yu Yuan Gardens you can find narrow lanes full of fresh produce markets, antique markets and old Shanghai houses packed full of families. 
Weather and Climate
A Shanghai resident once claimed that he had never lived in a city where the weather was so rarely perfect. It’s a good way to describe Shanghai, as the weather goes to extremes. In summer it’s hot and humid, with the thermometer reaching the upper 20s centigrade. In spring, the rains descend, and in winter temperatures occasionally drop to freezing. Autumn, especially Sept and Oct, sees sunnier skies.