Shanghai: Days 10 - 14

Disembark in Yichang around noon and take one of two direct flights to Shanghai (1 hour 30 min), unfortunately the first not departing until 4.20 pm

Shanghai, an autonomous municipality of over 13 million people, is one of the most dynamic cities in China, one of the fastest growing in the world. Dubbed the ‘Paris of the East’ with intrigue and glamour, this dazzling port city on the Huangpu River offers superlative shopping, dining, nightlife and historic sights. Colonial buildings on the west side of town mingle with modern skyscrapers in the east. Traditional Chinese markets and temples in the Old City contrast with Pudong, Shanghai’s newest district, a large business zone containing some of the tallest buildings on earth.

ubbed the ‘Paris of the East’ with intrigue and glamour, this dazzling port city on the Huangpu River offers superlative shopping, dining, nightlife and historic sights..

• Getting around via subway or taxi is recommended as the busses are slow and overcrowded

Where to Stay

Four Seasons – A stylish hotel located in the Puxi business district near the colorful Nanjing Road pedestrian mall and a 15-minute cab ride to the Bund.

Grand Hyatt – Contemporary luxury hotel with fabulous views of the Bund and Huang Pu River from the 53^rd to 87^th floors of the Jin Mao Tower (3^rd tallest building in the world) in the Pudong Financial District.

Pudong Shangri-La – Located near the Grand Hyatt in the Pudong District, the property overlooks to Huang Pu River and Bund.

What to Do

Shanghai is made up of three main areas:

• Old City– To the south, this traditional Chinese neighborhood features narrow alleyways, open markets, colorful temples and Shanghai’s best classic garden, Yu Gardens

• Concessions – The French, British & American Concessions comprise the renowned Bund, the riverside promenade boasting grand colonial buildings including the Peace Hotel and Shanghai Club as well as the main shopping streets, Nanjing Lu and Huaihai Lu

• Pudong – A vast business district on the east bank of the river with some of the highest buildings in the world.

• The Bund – The heart of colonial Shanghai, this river esplanade showcases landmark buildings, original banks and hotels and provides wonderful people watching opportunities (don’t miss tai chi in the morning) as well as superb views of Pudong at night

• Nanjing Lu – Considered the preeminent shopping street in Shanghai, it is lined with big department stores, tiny specialty shops, cinemas, restaurants and salons

• Yu Gardens & Bazaar – Located in atmospheric Old Town, these Ming dynasty gardens are a wonderful place to relax before haggling in the bazaar, which sells everything from souvenirs to traditional medicines. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and follow up with tea a the Huxingting Teahouse

• Shanghai Museum – Some of the most important pieces from China’s history, from the Neolithic to Qing dynasty are in this fine collection. Shang bronzes, elegant celadon wares, Sancai pottery horsemen, Qing jade vessels, ink landscape paintings and graceful calligraphic scrolls are some highlights

• Huaihai Lu - Chic shopping district in the French Concession

• People’s Park & Square – Great peoplewatching spot with panoramic vista of the city

Daytrip to Suzhou

Escape the bustle of the city with a trip to this charming town 32 miles NW of Shanghai, an easy 1-hour train ride away. Known for its canals, arched bridges, canals, numerous gardens and traditional houses.

The most notable gardens are: Humble Administrator’s Garden, the Lingering Garden, Lion Forest Garden and the Master of Nets Garden

There is also a silk factory and I.M. Pei-designed museum