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Shanghai Attractions

Indian Kitchen

This Indian restaurant is always busy, always a great sign and the reason we originally went to Indian Kitchen. Located just a few blocks away from my house, this spot regularly satisfies my Indian food cravings. The food is cheaper than...

This Indian restaurant is always busy, always a great sign and the reason we originally went to Indian Kitchen. Located just a few blocks away from my house, this spot regularly satisfies my Indian food cravings. The food is cheaper than nearby Vedas, and while I have heard complaints that Indian Kitchen is perhaps not as authentic as Vedas, I still find it pretty darn good. 

 

Be sure to order:

Palak Paneer (spinach and Indian cheese)

Potato and Peas Masala

Butter Chicken

Mutton Madras (which is not on the menu anymore, but if you like spice, ask for this)

 

All dishes are around 40RMB.             

 

Be sure to make reservations, especially on weekends!             

 

How to get there: Take Subway line 1 to the Hengshan Road stop. Exit onto YongJia Lu and head east or left out of the subway. Walk one and a half blocks, and the restaurant is on the left side.

 

Shanghai Hong Qiao Guest Hotel

Brief Introduction:
Shanghai Hong Qiao State Guest Hotel is a unique 5-star garden style hotel. She began its operation in the last century 50’s and has been continuously expanding with a world-class guest hotel of approximately 300 Chinese acres established in 60's ...

Brief Introduction:
Shanghai Hong Qiao State Guest Hotel is a unique 5-star garden style hotel. She began its operation in the last century 50’s and has been continuously expanding with a world-class guest hotel of approximately 300 Chinese acres established in 60's mainly serving senior Chinese government officials. The astonishing history makes our hotel being re-crowned with a mysterious name " 415 Guest Hotel “. In the remarkable 80’s, Mr. Deng Xiao Ping suggested state guest hotels should be open to public; and it was our milestone to develop a hopeful future.

In 1986, Mr. Wu Yao Bang, the General Party Secretary of China Communist Party had a wonderful stay at our hotel. During his stay, he wrote us an autograph with “ Shanghai Hong Qiao State Guest Hotel” as a gift to us. And our hotel start using “ Shanghai Hong Qiao State Guest Hotel” instead of “415 Guest Hotel since then.   

Shanghai Hong Qiao State Guest Hotel is one of the major gardenr hotels within the Dong Wu group. Dong Hu group is famous in Shanghai with its successful management in star garden hotels such as: Xi Jiao Guest House Shanghai, Radisson Plaza Xing Guo Hotel Shanghai, Rui Jin Hotel Shanghai, Dong Hu Hotel Shanghai, Ding Xiang Garden Hotel Shanghai.

Since the hotel’s operation, Shanghai Hong Qiao State Guest Hotel has received numerous Chinese Leaders and other Chinese Parties of Peoples Republic of China, Presidents and Prime Ministers of other Countries including Hu Jintao, Jiang Zemin, Wu Bangguo, Wen Jiabao, Zhu Rongji, President of India - Mr. Rajiv Gandhi, Former President of South Korea - Mr. Roh Tae Woo, Queen of Bahrain - H.H. Shaikha Sabeeka Bint Irbhim Al-khalifa, President Ecuasor - Lucio Gutierrez Borbua, President of Micronesia - H.E.Mr. Joseph J. Urusemal, Former USA President - Mr. George W. Bush, Prince of Saudi Arabic,and also some well-known celebrities like Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive - Mr. Tung Chee Hwa and Macau Special Administrative Region Chief Executive - Mr. Edmund Ho Hau Wah, Dr. Li Ka Shing, Mr. Fok Ying Tung, and Mr Robert Kuok Kok Lin. 

Links:www.hqstateguesthotel.com

Xinwang Restaurant

Xinwang features great Cantonese food with a decent price to seal the deal.  Their pineapple butter buns, duck and wonton soup all come highly recommended.
 
The atmosphere in Xinwang is all that can be hoped for in a bustling Cantonese restaurant.  Staff ...
Xinwang features great Cantonese food with a decent price to seal the deal.  Their pineapple butter buns, duck and wonton soup all come highly recommended.
 
The atmosphere in Xinwang is all that can be hoped for in a bustling Cantonese restaurant.  Staff race back and forth with steaming dishes in hand, customers speak almost loud enough to be considered as yelling and babies sitting in high-chairs occasionally add to the noise.
 
For a group of 4 expect to pay between 100 and 150 yuan.  Menus are in Chinese, but have many photos.  The eating area and bathrooms are kept quite clean.
 
Pineapple Butter Buns – This has to be fattening, but it’s so good.
 
Duck – Cantonese style duck with dipping sauce
 
Wonton Soup – Highly recommended.
 
Other Locations
 
#175 Changle Lu, Luwan Dist. (卢湾区长乐路175号)
(021) 64155056
 
#138 Huaihai Zhong Lu, Luwan Dist. (卢湾区淮海中路138号)
(021) 63756357
 
#649 Xianxia Lu, Changning Dist. (长宁区仙霞路649号)
(021) 62901616
 
#501 Zhangyang Lu Babaiban Building 9 (张扬路501号八伯伴9楼)
(021) 58357979
 
#550 Xujiahui Lu Baoding Dasha 101 (徐家汇路550号宝鼎大厦101)
(021) 64458505

Captain Hostel and Sunshine Bar

The bars with views of the river and the Pudong skyline are generally a little too expensive and showy for my taste. These locales are great for a big night out once in a while, but never my first choice.  However, the Sunshine Bar, on top of the Captain Hostel, breaks all of the rules of Bu...

The bars with views of the river and the Pudong skyline are generally a little too expensive and showy for my taste. These locales are great for a big night out once in a while, but never my first choice.  However, the Sunshine Bar, on top of the Captain Hostel, breaks all of the rules of Bund bars. The Sunshine Bar is laid back, cheap, and always comfortable. I’m always happy to head down to the Sunshine.

  
The Sunshine Bar is set back about one block from the Bund, but the bar’s porch allows for a perfect view of the water and Pudong. Set on top of an affordable and clean hostel, it caters to a crowd with a similar budget, not the rich western crowd that simply goes out to “be seen” (à la Bar Rouge).  The beers and mixed drinks are about 40RMB.  Sunshine’s food menu offers tasty, albeit slightly greasy pizzas among other standard fare.  Still, it is not the food, or even the cheap drinks, that keep people coming back. It’s the atmosphere.  In keeping with the ship theme of the Captain Hostel, the interior of the bar produces the cozy feeling of a ship’s cabin.  The porch is simple with wood picnic table seating and heaters for cool nights.  For a low key night or a beautiful Saturday afternoon Sunshine Bar should be your first choice.
 
 

Take Metro Line 2 to Central Henan Rd station. Follow Henan Rd south to Fuzhou Rd.  Take a left on Fuzhou Rd toward the Bund.  The Captain Hostel is on the left side of the street; just walk in and head to the top floor!

 

Citizen Cafe and Bar

   
This wonderful new café near Shanxi Road satisfies all of my requirements: a GREAT look, perfect atmosphere, good lattes, friendly staff, yummy fo...
   
This wonderful new café near Shanxi Road satisfies all of my requirements: a GREAT look, perfect atmosphere, good lattes, friendly staff, yummy food, and a drink menu so impressive and extensive that you might have a hard time making a decision. Citizen is located a little off the beaten track, but near shopping on Changle Lu and not far from Xiang Yang market. Make the effort to find it, and you will be very pleased!
 
Red velvet curtains and cushions on bench seating  combined with dark wood accents and white walls give the café a very European feel. This description is despite the fact that the owners are from Portland, Oregon and San Francisco.  Citizen Cafe’s American West Coast influence is evident in the menu which offers a delicious variety of choices from nachos and tuna tartar to cheeseburgers (40RMB).  Another cool aspect of the menu is the “create your own” pasta, which lists a variety of sauces to pair with several types of pastas.  The drink menu is equally varied and well priced for the upscale feel. Cocktails include Mojitos (45RMB), Planters Punch (45RMB), and Long Island Ice Teas (55RMB) among others.  Citizen also boasts a healthy international wine list with a few choices by the glass (50-55RMB).  As of February 10, 2006, Citizen will also offer brunch on weekends.
 
Citizen is proud to offer free WiFi and comfy seating for those that are interested in sitting for a while – without any trace of pressure from the wait staff to leave or order more.  The restaurant is two stories with a definite café/bar feel on the first floor and restaurant feel on the second floor.  A fantastic upstairs porch is an awesome feature in the summertime.  
 
 

Take Metro Line 1 to Shanxi Rd. Station.  Exit onto Shanxi Rd, and then head north for 3 blocks. After passing Changle Rd. look for a small street on the right called Jin Xian Rd.  Take a right; Citizen is about 20 meters down the street.

Tairyo Teppanyaki

All you can eat Japanese restaurants have popped up throughout Shanghai in the past few years – some pretty good, some VERY bad.  I had been a little wary of trying out these locales since I moved here, but after Tairyo was recommended to me, I thought I would try it.  Several uns...

All you can eat Japanese restaurants have popped up throughout Shanghai in the past few years – some pretty good, some VERY bad.  I had been a little wary of trying out these locales since I moved here, but after Tairyo was recommended to me, I thought I would try it.  Several unsuccessful attempts at making a reservation only confirmed the initial recommendation, that this place was indeed popular and respected.  Finally, on a Friday night, a group of us went to try the RMB150 all you can eat and drink (including beer, wine, and watered down, albeit tasty sake).

 
We were seated in our own corner room. I would suggest trying to make reservations for 8 or more, then you’re more likely to receive your own table. We felt like we were having our own private party!  With the grill warming up and our glasses full of various types of alcohol, the stream of food began with a plate of salmon and tuna sashimi. The sashimi was very good, so good in fact, that later on that night we ordered another plate. The cook then arrived with a variety of meat, fish and veggies that he skillfully grilled up with butter and garlic.  Each time he was ready to cook another dish we would either stop him or tell him to go ahead. We only had to stop him once, as he got a little carried away with the mushrooms.  After a leisurely night, we were pleasantly full, feeling the alcohol, and ready to head out to the bars on nearby Hengshan Lu.
 
How to get there: Take Metro Line 1 to the Hengshan Road stop.  Exit on Hengshan Rd and head northeast for about 10 minutes.  Take a left on Dongping Lu.
 
Other locations:
Same hours as above:
No.139, Ruijin Yilu, by Changle Lu, Shanghai (+86 (0)21 5382 8818)
No.943, Hongxu Lu, Shanghai (+86 (0)21 6242 2190)
5F, Westgate Mall,  Isetan No.1038 Nanjing Xilu, Shanghai (+86 (0)21 6218 3047)
3F, Hong Kong Plaza, No.283 Huaihai Zhong Lu, Shanghai (+86 (0)21 6390 7244)
No.1288 Hongqiao Lu, by Songyuan Lu, Shanghai (+86 (0)21 6278 3105)

People 7

People 7 is one of those bars that you walk into and you’re not really sure if you belong. Everything about the place is so cool… but don’t worry, everyone feels this way upon their first visit. 

 
The bar at People 7 is always pleasantl...

People 7 is one of those bars that you walk into and you’re not really sure if you belong. Everything about the place is so cool… but don’t worry, everyone feels this way upon their first visit. 

 
The bar at People 7 is always pleasantly busy, but never over-the-top crazy.  The drinks are yummy and not too expensive at about 40 - 50RMB for cocktails. The bar boasts a variety of seating options from comfy couches to seats ’with a view’ at the bar. There are also a number of tables hidden away for couples or “living room” type seating for bigger groups.  People 7 is a pretty low key kind of place. Despite its snazzy appearance, the music is not too loud and there are no scantily clad girls dancing on platforms.  Try to go to the bathroom before you have had too much to drink, as there is a trick to the doors that will not make for a pleasant experience if you’re desperate.
 
I consistently hear that the Chinese fare served for lunch and dinner is excellent. Westernized Chinese food is also available in a non-Chinese ambiance. Definitely give it a try, but make a reservation!  People 7 is certainly an ideal place to entertain and impress visitors.
 
Hint: There is a “code” to get in to the restaurant/bar.  If you make reservations they will tell you the code.  Otherwise (and I know it sounds a little ridiculous) try putting your fist in the holes at the top of the stairs upon entering. If you can’t figure it out someone will come along that knows how to get in!
 
How to get there:  Take Metro Line 1 to Changshu Rd. Station. Exit onto Changshu Rd, and head north. Walk three blocks, and then turn right on Julu Lu about 15 minutes later. People 7 will be on the right side, almost  at the corner where Julu Lu intersects with Fumin Lu.

New Heights

Those seeking the best view in town, while at the same time hoping to not battle drunken bar goers all night long should check out New Heights on the Bund.  This classy, if somewhat sterile, bar and restaurant was the first establishment on the Bund to offer a large outdoor patio with fantas...

Those seeking the best view in town, while at the same time hoping to not battle drunken bar goers all night long should check out New Heights on the Bund.  This classy, if somewhat sterile, bar and restaurant was the first establishment on the Bund to offer a large outdoor patio with fantastic views of the river and Pudong.

 
New Heights stirs up a wide variety of cocktails for 55 Yuan, a steal compared to the competition on the rest of the Bund where prices often hover closer to 80 Yuan. Try the Mojito, not quite authentic, but pretty darn good nonetheless.  Avoid the Manhattan unless you want a glass of bad bourbon with a cherry on top.  The food menu is “Continental Fusion,” which, yes, is a little odd. However, if you’re not sure what you are in the mood for you will appreciate being able to choose between a hearty bowl of soba noodle soup or a big western style hamburger with French fries and onion rings.
 
 
How to get there:  The closest subway stop is Central Henan Road, which is probably close to thirty minutes walk away. However, it’s a quick 10 Yuan cab ride from the subway station.  If you are done with New Heights and ready to try somewhere else, several different bars are easily within walking distance.  Some favorites are Glamour Bar and Number 5 (for live jazz) at 20 Guangdong Rd, or Bar Rouge up the Bund near Nanjing Rd at 18 Zhongshan Dong Yi Rd.

Shanghai Articles

Top Shanghai Tours

$238 Per Day

Private Hangzhou Day Trip from Shanghai by Bullet Train

Take in the highlights of beautiful Hangzhou on a private full-day tour from Shanghai. After hotel pickup and transfer by high-speed train to Hangzhou, your private guide takes you to see some city attractions, such as Faxi temple. Moreover, enjoy a tasty lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Longjing village. There, learn about the process of farming and producing dragonwell tea, the region’s most famous product. Finally, enjoy a scenic boat cruise on UNESCO World Heritage-listed West Lake before returning to Shanghai.

This is a private, full-day trip from Shanghai to Hangzhou. After you are picked up in your hotel lobby in the early morning, you will take a bullet train to Hangzhou. This is the fastest way to Hangzhou and you can experience train speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour. Your tour begins at one of Hangzhou's signature sites, the West Lake. Enjoy a lake cruise to see the top ten West Lake scenic views. You will then be taken to experience the wonderful cuisine of Hangzhou at a local restaurant. After lunch, you will visit Faxi temple, a well-known Temple dating back to the Jin Dynasty. See its famous wooden Buddha. Here, you will see fewer tourists and more locals. Finally, enjoy a cup of green tea when you visit the famous Longjing village to see wild fields of Longjing tea bushes where the locals produce the world famous green tea- Longjing Tea. In the village, all locals are tea farmers and you will see the entire procedure of making the famous tea and will get the chance to taste the best quality emperor tea. Afterwards, you will take the bullet train back to Shanghai and you will be returned to your hotel.


$2202 Per Day

Beijing - Xi'an - Shanghai 10days study tour

Day 01 Arrival at Beijing

On arrival in Beijing, you will be met by our tour guide and transferred to your hotel in Beijing. Free for the rest of the day.

Day 02Beijing (B L)-- Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Beijing Zoo

After breakfast at your hotel, start your tour with the visit to Tiananmen Square(40minutes), the largest public square in the world. Then move on to the Forbidden City(2hours), the Chinese imperial palace from the mid-Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty.

Lunch at a special restaurant.

Then move on to Beijing zoo(1.5hours), which is one of the oldest zoos in China and has one of the largest animal collections in the country. The zoo and its aquarium has over 450 species of land animals and over 500 species of marine animals. In all, it is home to 14,500 animals. More than six million visitors come to the zoo each year. The zoo was founded in 1906 during the late Qing Dynasty. Like many of Beijing's parks, the zoo's grounds resemble classical Chinese gardens, with flower beds amidst natural scenery, including dense groves of trees, stretches of meadows, small streams and rivers, lotus pools and hills dotted with pavilions and historical buildings.

Day 03 Beijing ( B L )--Mutianyu Great Wall, Olympic Green, outside look the Bird's Nest and Water Cube, Shaolin kungfu school

Morning excursion to the most beautiful section of the Great Wall - the Mutianyu Great Wall. The hike takes about 2-3 hours. After lunch at Chinese Restaurant, Then head to the Olympic Green to have an outside look at the Bird's Nest and Water Cube(1hour). Shaolin Kung Fu is a huge scientific system, not the general sense of the "branches" or "boxing kinds". Chinese martial arts enjoy a huge structure complex with many branches, among which shaolin kung fu has the dominant place by its long history, the complex system and excellent technology boundary. Back to your hotel.

Day 04 Beijing-Xi'an( B L )

Hands-on D.I.Y Chinese dumplings(2hours) at the local family in Gaobeidian, enjoy these with other Chinese dishes and this will be your Lunch. Afternoon learn the Art of paper cutting, visit the gaobeidian school. After the tour, we go to the train station to Xian. Overnight on the train.

Day 05 Xian ( B L )--Big Wild Goose Pagoda square, Muslim Bazaar, Xi'an City Wall

Arrive in Xian, pick up. Breakfast at hotel. The Muslim Bazaar, the Muslim quarters lies 100 meters west of the Bell tower in downtown Xi'an.The 500 meters long avenue paved by bluestones are dotted with many unique stall,souvenir shop,coffee and bars which are mostly run by Muslim people. We visit massive Xian City Wall. Have a nice walk in the North Square to view the fully illuminated Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Musical Fountain Performance.

Day 06 Xian ( B L )-- Qin Terracotta Army, Shaanxi Historical Museum

Morning pick up by local guide. Enjoy your full day visit to the Qin Terracotta Army, one of the world's most important archaeological finds, with troops, horses and carriages in battle formation. Afternoon, visit the Shaanxi Historical Museum. Among the 400,000 items on display are treasures from many of the Dynasties, including some magnificent bronzes and porcelain, many of which have never been on permanent display before.

Day 07 Xian--shanghai ( B L )

Visit Bell tower and Drum tower. Farmer paintings, and learning the painting. Then go to airport to catch a flight. Pick up by shanghai local guide, only transfer to hotel.

Day 8 Shanghai ( B L )-- Jade Buddha Temple, Yuyuan Garden, the Bund

Breakfast at hotel. Visit Jade Buddha Temple. Jade Buddha Temple is a key temple in Shanghai that thriving with flows of disciples every day, especially on the 1st and 15th day of every lunar month as well as all the traditional Buddhism festivals. Visit pearl factory, it's a nice place to buy a necklace or bracelet. It is very good gift from China. Visit the lovely old Yuyuan Garden look nine zig zag bridge with golden fish pond, bridges and pavilions. Explore the Bund in the evening.

Day 9 Shanghai ( B L )--Shanghai Museum, People Square, Nanjing Road, Oriental Pearl TV tower, Children's Palace

The Shanghai Museum which is the largest museum of ancient Chinese art in Shanghai. Visit the People Square and Nanjing Road for shopping. Visit the Oriental Pearl TV tower 2nd level. Visit the Children��s Palace 30-45minutes.

Day 10 Shanghai ( B )

Your China Experience is over all too soon as you transfer to the airport and board the homebound international flight, bidding a fond farewell to this ancient land.