Brief Introduction:
It's ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS HOTELS IN THE WORLD.

For decades, the Bund has been the center of Shanghai in economy and  finance. A number of tall buildings stand alongside the Huangpu River like a  multinational architectural  show. Among them, Peace Hotel, with its Characteristic of the green pyramid, enjoys a glamorous attraction of the passers-by. Facing the developing Pudong new area and soaring Orient Pearl TV Tower over the Huangpu River, and next to the Nanjing Road Shopping Area,Peace Hotel is an ideal place of working, staying, leisuring, entertaining and shopping for businessmen.

 


The Gate of Fudan University(复旦大学校门),Taken by Willie(王伟立)

The Old Gate of Fudan University(复旦大学校门), Photo by Willie(王伟立)

How to get there:  Take Metro Line 2 to Henan Zhonglu Station. Walk for 15 minutes south on Henan Zhonglu. Take a left on Guangdong Lu. M on the Bund is in the building on the left just before you reaching the Bund.

Big Bamboo is a great western style sports bar with dark wood décor with good old American posters (I particularly like the poster of Jack Daniels), and a menu that will satisfies the classic western sports bar experience.  Despite being a large two story bar, the space is divided into several small rooms that make the bar feel intimate. Big Bamboo is a perfect place to bring a bunch of friends and feel like you’re having your own party.

Numerous great hotels in Shanghai offer fantastically elaborate Sunday brunches and meals on special holidays.  The Westin’s brunch is particularly noteworthy – and for good reason.  My first experience at the Westin was on the Sunday of New Year’s weekend, and it was heaven.  The food was fantastic, waiters attentive, champagne constantly flowing, and the entertainment was… well, entertaining (I have been told that on normal weekends the entertainment is a lovely opera singer, making the experience all the more amazing).  Overall, it was a fantastic 3 hours of eating, drinking and relaxing.  There is only one seating per brunch, so there was no rush.  We ate slowly in an effort to manage at least a bite of everything that was served . This proved to be an impossible task as I got stuck on the sashimi and crab legs – YUM. 

This café and bookstore is a fantastic addition to Shanghai’s foreign community.  The café’s highlights include gelato (Italian ice cream), Illy coffee, and a quiet seating area to work or chat in if you need it.
 
The book selection, however, is what truly makes Garden Books quite special.  The collection is small, yet varied with mystery novels, non-fiction titles, and Chinese themed cultural novels.  The selection will satisfy both tourists and locals seeking some new pleasure reading. In addition Garden Books also features an excellent selection of Chinese learning materials.  I found a great ’Intro to Chinese’ book that has made learning Chinese far less overwhelming for me.
 
Garden Books also contains a considerable collection of cookbooks, art and interior design books. Many titles are courtesy of the publisher Phaidon, whose beautifully designed books on a number of topics from art history to fashion make perfect gifts.  The section of books on Shanghai is naturally quite helpful as well (and also makes great holiday gifts).  My particular favorites are the Shanghai Architectural Guide and the small photograph book with pictures of old and new Shanghai placed side by side (only 68 RMB!).
 
In an effort to support the environment, no plastic or paper bags are given with your purchase. The option of buying a cloth tote bag for 10 RMB is far more useful anyway!
 

Take Metro Line 1 to Shanxi Rd Station.  Exit onto Shanxi Rd and head north for two blocks to Changle Rd. Take a left on Changle Rd.  Garden Books is about 50 meters down the street.