Shanghai

For those who are thinking of a holiday and going to a far place is out of question. Then you may want to consider Shanghai as your next holiday destination? Shanghai is just 4 hour flight away. Okay, to generate your interest in Shanghai, here are some of things that you can do in Shanghai:

1. Cheng Huang Miao 城隍庙
Visit the old streets in Cheng Huang Miao, you will be amazed by the beautiful building structures.



In Cheng Huang Miao, you will have to try the famous Xiao Long Bao (Steamed buns), the restaurant is known as Nan Xiang.

2. Huangpu River 黄埔河

Walk along this stretch of Huangpu river, it will lead you to famous lookout - The Bund.

3. Pu Dong 浦东
If you enjoy beautiful skyline, then Pu Dong is a place that you mustn't miss. Standing here, you can see The Bund. Please note that the lights at The Bund are off at 10pm sharp, so if you want to enjoy the beautiful view, you have to be there early.

4. Qi Pu 七浦

Ladies are you ready to shop? And if you are looking for latest fashion wears, this is place that you must visit. You will find all sorts of clothings here and I can bet that you will love this place! Just a note : watch out your belonging! This place can be very crowded!

5. Nan Jing Dong Lu 南京东路

This whole stretch of Nan Jing Dong Lu is filled with shops and shopping malls. You can Shop here for at least one whole day. If you are tired of walking, you can hop into one of those trams, it will bring you from one end of Nan Jing Dong Lu to the other end.

6. Xu Jia Hui 徐家汇

For a different shopping experience, you may want to visit Xu Jia Hui. This place is quite different Nan Jing Dong Lu as Xu Jia Hui caters to a different segment. You can find cheap electronics devices here. Major departmental stores can be found here too!

7. Tian Zi Fang 田子坊

If shopping is not your cup of coffee, why not have a seat at Tian Zi Fang and enjoy a cup of coffee? You can find very old buildings here, the ambience here is very different the outside world. For those who like photography, this is the place for you! Alot of photographers flock there just to take photos. Do visit Tian Zi Fang during daytime and night fall. Both will give you a different kind of experience!

8. Zhou Zhuang 周庄 (Ancient Water town)

If you prefer historical buildings that were built during Ming and Qing dynasties, then you will have to visit Zhou Zhuang at Suzhou. Is about 2 hour bus journey from Shanghai Stadium.

Things that you can do in Zhou Zhuang are taking a bumboat ride (lasts about ten min) which costs about 100RMB (approximately S$20) per boat. One boat can seat up to 7 passengers. So you will save more if you have 7 persons in your group.

In Zhou Zhuang, there are alot of Ke Zhan 客栈 (Inn) along the river bank so if you want to have a different taste of your holiday, then staying in a Ke Zhan is a must!

Try the famous Wan San Di 万三蹢 (Trotters) in Zhou Zhuang. It was believed that one of the rich merchants in Zhou Zhuang served this famous dish to the Emperor who visited Zhou Zhuang. The Emperor liked this dish very much and he asked what was the name of the dish. The rich merchant did not want to offend the Emperor so he came out with this dishname, Wan San Di.

Note : I never tried trotters before. In fact, I did not even dare to taste one before but after trying the Wan San Di in Zhou Zhuang, I fell in love with it!

9. Xi Tang 西塘 (Ancient Water Town)

Did you watch the Mission Impossible III? Well, if you did and if you want to know where they filmed it. Well, visit Xi Tang, you will have all the answers there! And who knows, you may enjoy part of the action too!

Things to do in Xi Tang :

1. Visit the buttons factory and see how buttons were made using shells in the oldest days.

2. Walk along the narrowest passage-way in Xi Tang. Only 2 Adults are passable at any one time.

3. Search for the smallest bridge in Xi Tang. (See photo below)

10. Zhu Jia Jiao (Ancient Water town)

There are close to 6 water towns in the vicinity of Shanghai. If you do not like long journey, then you may want to visit Zhu Jia Jiao? This is the nearest water town from Shanghai and is within Shanghai precinct.

Additional information - According to Xin Ming Ri Bao 新明日报 on last Friday, it was reported that airfare to China is expected to increase by 30% during Sep to Oct period. One of the reasons is because Shanghai Expo is still ongoing, therefore increased in airfare is unavoidable.

(Source : Xin Ming Ri Bao)

Well, be prepared to pay S$1,200 for SQ ticket to Shanghai during Sep to Oct period. See newspaper table below. But please do not stop yourself going to Shanghai just because of the high airfare. There are lot of things that you can do in Shanghai apart from those items listed above. And I believe that you will love the place like I do.

(Source : Xin Ming Ri Bao)

Have fun if you are planning to go Shanghai soon. Cheers!