[TRAVEL]: Oh My Shanghai!

Recently I had the opportunity to tag along one of Jayr’s business trips but this time it wasn't a place I was initially too keen about, Shanghai. I don’t have anything against it but it isn't actually a place where you’d put in your “To Visit Countries” list because really… it’s still China and as a person who is born and raised in Hong Kong, going to China isn't something you would call a vacation but alas Jayr wanted me to go and so I went.

Jayr and I didn’t know a thing about Shanghai so we made sure to do research and also mapping out a timetable of our trip, because 3 days of the trip was just me alone and him working so everything needs to be scheduled *roll eyes*. Upon doing our “little” research we found lots of interesting places to see in Shanghai. It was in fact a surprise to both of us as we were going there half blind. Jayr did our itinerary and I basically (as always) just enjoy the ride.

1. Nihao (hello) poster all over the airport  2. Pudong Airport

3. Took the Metro (train) to the Hotel   

4. Metro card that can be used over and over (like Octopus in HK)

On our first day, we went ahead and visited The Bund. It was one of the most reviewed places in Shanghai; needless to say we were mind-blown! At first I thought it was somewhat like Star Ferry in Hong Kong, a promenade overlooking the buildings on the other side. In reality it is in fact just like Star Ferry but only 10 times bigger and better! The promenade overlooks the buildings in Pudong. And the architecture around The Bund is so exquisite that it didn't feel like we were in China in fact it gave an European feel. I absolutely loved that place. However, places to dine in The Bund are quite limited as we've come to known but otherwise it is a perfect stroll.

1. Buildings in Pudong  2. I believe these are banks  

3. Architecture  4. Promenade

1. Pub camouflaged as a lighthouse (LOL)  2. Random building

After The Bund, we went to Shanghai Circus World to watch Era: Intersections of Time. It is, again, much raved about and was told that you cannot simply go to Shanghai without watching this show, so that didn't give us much choice. As soon as we got in, my expectations went down a couple of notches because to put it simply the stage and seating wasn't what you get in Macau watching Zaia. But despite the less attractive stage and the props, the show was spectacular. I will so much as say that it is better than Zaia and House of Dancing Water put together. The art and stunts was so beautiful and also jaw dropping that my heart kept its race until we got back to the hotel. It was SO AWESOME! Definitely a must see.

1. Tickets  2. Entrance  

3. A sneaky pic of the show (sadly taking pictures and videos are prohibited)

Next in our schedule was to visit the French Concession. It was said that it will take you 5 hours to go around the area, I was a little apprehensive to say the least. But the taxi dropped us off a random corner and told us to just walk and so we did. It is basically the place that once belongs to the French and is now popular for shopping and dining. But what really fascinated me were the old streets. I couldn't ever explain the feeling or even describe the place and I can tell you now that the pictures don’t do justice.

1. Xintaindi Style Mall  2. Of course we spotted a Vespa, its the French Concession!

3. The amazing old streets  4. Even local boutiques are cute

Wish the H&Ms in HK are like this

The next 2 days were a blur because I was all by myself and Jayr had to work. I literally just read, slept, watched and pampered myself. It’s good to get a little "Me Time"  every so often so I did enjoy it.

The next day, Jayr was supposed to do a full shift but decided to spend time with me instead, yay! We went to Shanghai Centre and  had lunch in Gourmet Burger which was awesome and had a little chat with the manager there. 

1. Just a random shot of Shanghai Centre  

2. Old man fishing inside the centre! (Obviously fake)

3. Gourmet Cafe  4. Their menu are so PUNny!

Afterwards, we went to The Bund again and spotted a park, but I apologize because I couldn't for the life of me remember the name of it! The end of the park goes through the Yu Yuan Garden. It's not so much a garden than a shopping area. This is where we bought most of our souvenirs. Tip from the wise, DO BARGAIN. I don't like bargaining, I am quite shy doing it so Jayr had to haggle for me and it worked. What I love about this place is that the everything looks like a temple to me. If a shopping area could be this pretty than I'll probably be there everyday. However the things they sell aren't that unique or at least they aren't different from what you can get in HK. 

Solo pics in the park I couldn''t remember :)

Pictures of Yu Yuan Garden

We were supposed to go on the ZhuJiaJiao tour but it was already fully booked so we went to the next best thing which we were told was even better, The Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Water Village tour. It’s a whole day tour visiting the places below:

- Net Master Garden 

- Ancient City Wall 

- Grand Canal

- Suzhou No. 1 Silk Spinning Factory

- Lunch
- Zhouzhuang Water Village
- Boating on Waterways 

It was a small group tour, only 3 other couples with us plus a driver and a tour guide. Our first stop was supposed to be the Net Master Garden but because we went on a public holiday we had an unfortunate event of being stuck in traffic for 4 hours, a travel which only takes 1 hour on a normal day but oh well nothing we can do. As soon as we got out of traffic our tour guide was so apologetic and decided its best to feed us first before our tour begins. We dined at the Bamboo Hotel which was close to empty but the food was okay and it gave us time to freshen ourselves before we head off. I wouldn't and couldn't talk about the tour one by one because it will be a whole other novella post but to sum it up both Jayr and I, well me the most, thoroughly enjoyed the tour. There was soooooo much history that I wanted to wrap myself around each place. I would definitely recommend taking on this tour if you are someone who is interesting in culture and history. Plus Jamie our tour guide was extremely helpful and informative.

The Master-of-Nets Garden

(Said to be the best place to watch the full moon festival)

Ancient City Wall & Grand Canal 

Silk Factory

Zhouzhuang Water Village

(This village has been there for 900 years!)

On our last day, Jayr wanted to dine in some fancy-schmancy mansion restaurant but unfortunately the one he had in mind closed down and so we went to the other mansion which is the Fu Restaurant. From the outside you won't think it is a mansion, it's more like a regular quaint restaurant but once in you will see why they call themselves a mansion-restaurant. Everything from displays to utensils are what you will see in a mansion. The awesome part is that you will have your own little room to dine. Pretty schmacy! So you definitely get the romantic and intimate vibe. However as soon as you get in they tell you that they have a minimum of 500RMB per person, so for us we need to spend about 1000RMB. It is quite expensive if you ask me but the food was really good. 

The mansion restaurant that closed down but now they are a hotel

2 of the best food we ordered. The drunken chicken and marinated fish

Apparently Jayr doesn't want to take pictures of me then 

so I had to get a shot from a mirror in the room. 

All in all Jayr and I really enjoyed our week long stay in Shanghai. I never knew I have this fascination with culture, history and architecture and really you can't go wrong with China if you want history. However I do have a few tips to share not only for Shanghai but travelling in general. 

1. Get a map and bring everywhere you go!
2. Make sure you have the address of the hotel, preferably with directions 
3. Have a list of at least 10 places you want to visit with address, phone nos. (if necessary) and directions 
4. When going to places by yourselves, make sure to get a card of the hotel so you can give to the taxi. (Very important in Shanghai because most taxis don't speak english)
5. Dare to try their delicacies and absorb the culture :)

Other pictures will be posted in my Facebook page but sorry you'd have to be my friend to view them. :)

*Edit* Just finished my first try in doing a video montage so please pardon my amateur skills. I hope you like it though :D

Till my next trip... 


Ciao, 
jCel ♥