"Changing with the times" Shanghai by sugarpuff

Shanghai Travel Guide: 3,749 reviews and 7,659 photos

The Shanghai around the corner..

Although I have been to Shanghai on countless occasions, this was the first time I had some time to just roam around the streets taking pictures as and when I pleased, and just generally getting a feel for the city. And it was so much fun! I was here this time on a business trip to film a programme, but luckily had a whole day once we'd finished, all to myself! I was meeting friends in the afternoon so spent the morning walking up Huaihai Road, one of the main shopping streets in Shanghai. I have never really known which subway stop was the best to get off at to hit the shopping street so have never been there, but due to my good friend Christina (we2364) who lives there, getting around was far simpler than I had imagined! You see, many of the subway stops in Beijng carry the name of the place, for example 'Wangfujing' stop lets you off at Wangfujing street (Beijing's Huaihai road equivalent!), so at least you can be sure of many places you're going to. But in Shanghai you've really got to know your way around the city before you get on the subway! Of course, you could always get a map or guide book, but I like to live dangerously!!!!

So anyway, mixed with nervousness and excitedness (does that word even exist?), I dashed around the main places of interest in a day, and I hope with my pictures and comments, it will make your stay in Shanghai easier and fun!

The Shanghai disappearing...

which house is mine?

From a very tall building I managed to capture this photo...I love it..and it reminds me of yester days in Shanghai.....

Shanghai has probably changed at a fast pace just as Beijing has over the last four years. When I first went to Shanghai I remember far more back alleys than this time round...so where have they all gone? Been demolished just as their sister houses in the capital...I have a horrible feeling yes...

Compare the first photo with the second and you'll realise just how much this country wants to be part of the modern world. Its rather daunting! Why don't they understand that in order to be at the top, you don't need to destroy all your history and build skyscrapers? I find it a great shame... I love just wondering around the old hutongs, and I hope that if you find the time, you too will have an interesting few days.

Making a movie in Shanghai!

Last year (Sept 2005) I was in the crew making a film in China which took us to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangxi Province. It was all very very exciting as this was my first time doing anything like this. So I decided to show you some photos of the studio set in Shanghai! It is quite surreal as you walk along the roads and pop your head in what are just shop fronts..not real shops at all! And from film to film, each shop front changes style and name. We spent two weeks filming at the Shanghai Film Studio and I enjoyed every moment of it....

I'm going to make a page on my CHINA site devoted purely to my adventure of being involved in the making of a movie here.....if you're interested, please go and have a look!

Pros and Cons

Pros:Great place to be right now. The hustle and bustle is fantastic!
Cons:Becoming incredibly expensive to live in.
In a nutshell:I'd move there tomorrow given the chance!

Last visit to Shanghai: Jul 2004
Intro Updated Apr 23, 2006
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Reviews (9)

A bit of a tourist place Restaurants (3)

Well this is a famous teahouse in Shanghai in the YuYuan Gardens. It is situated in the middle of a small lake on poles,... more travel advice

The restaurant's sign outside! - Shanghai

A mish mash of things Restaurants (3)

A place that is open until 4am which is always useful to know when you're in a foreign city and just KNOW that you're... more travel advice

Take the plunge! Local Customs (1)

Whether it is the May Day holiday or the October National Day holiday, main cites across the country will be SWAMPED... more travel advice

Silly signs 3! Favorites (3)

And if you regard yourself as being younger and having more energy, well why not check these ones out for a bit of a... more travel advice

Transportation (1)
Best deals around day by day

Things to Do (1)
Hallo looka looka!

Comments (14)

yellowbell Nov 4, 2008 at 12:33 PM Report Abuse

I share your passion about China. Tried to go to Suzhou but it was the weekend of the Chinese New Year and there were hordes of peeps in the train station. Btw, did you ever get to Boracay, Philippines? Cheers Victoria! Jing
miaotravel Sep 5, 2007 at 7:15 AM Report Abuse

Actually,another teahouse named ChunFengDeYiLou is better. A lot of old people choose to drink tea there because the price is quite cheap. Welcome to Shanghai again.
Johnny_CA Apr 28, 2007 at 4:50 PM Report Abuse

man christina was so cool in showing guantanamera and me around shanghai! she even helped me get chinese cough syrup for my nasty cough! all better now! :)
tarced Jun 27, 2006 at 7:33 PM Report Abuse

Thanks for the great China info!
travel-bugg Feb 17, 2005 at 1:08 PM Report Abuse

I'm going to Shanghai for the first time this year. Thanks for all the nice info! Charly
ZenLady34 Dec 23, 2004 at 5:15 AM Report Abuse

Regards from Great Frozen North! I love Shanghai too. take care and Merry Xmas.
parik112 Oct 26, 2004 at 11:34 PM Report Abuse

Hi! I've seen your really nice page about shangai. Thanks Bye Riccardo
herzog63 Oct 12, 2004 at 4:09 PM Report Abuse

I love your restaurant tip!! And the signs made me laugh out loud!! Cool page! Shanghai looks so different than when I was there in 1987!!
aussirose Aug 4, 2004 at 3:13 AM Report Abuse

Middle aged disco? Yep, that one's for me haha:o) Got any more nice Shanghai architecture pix like the one in your homepage travelogue? Love it! Ann :o)
we2364 Jul 29, 2004 at 8:11 PM Report Abuse

Good girl! You are making some really good tips about Shanghai, and very insightful! China can never be understood in 2 week's journey! There are so many to be detected through! It will be the richest country, also the most problematic place!