Shanghai

Shanghai is difficult to describe.. .its a very modern city with amazing development while still retaining so many elements of its 5,000+ year history. In the simplest terms, I would say that it is a Chinese version of New York... Vibrant, Busy, Crowded (17-odd million people in this City alone), cultural and diverse.

Places to visit would include:

The Bund - and while you are there... the Shanghai Pearl Tower, the great riverside restaurants and the view... especially at night.
Visit the Pearl Tower and go to the top-most ball for superb views of Shanghai. Go at night to get a magnificent view of the lights all over Shanghai and also to avoid some of the day time crowds. There's a rotating Restaurant on top but I hear the food is so-so. Given the great views though, perhaps its worth it anyway
Jinmao Tower - visit the hotel on the 88th floor (pay 50RMB for the privilege) which is the highest hotel in the world at 420.5m high.
Go to the old town to see the Yu Garden and Bazaar for antiques and also the Shanghai old street for a taste of old Shanghai
Pass through Xin Tian Di for a "western" Chinese lunch or dinner - throbs during weekends
Visit the Jade Buddha temple north of town
For shopping at very low prices, I'd recommend the underground market directly under the Shanghai Science & Technology Museum.
For regular shopping, go to the Super Brand Mall in Pudong which is close by to the Pearl Tower.

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Restaurants
Hotels
Bars

Restaurants

Xie Xan Xing Crab Restaurant, 1591 Hongqiao Road, Building No. 7 Hongqiao Guest House (North Shuicheng Road (T: +86 21 6219 7788). [虹桥路1591号虹桥迎宾馆7号楼(水城路古北路间) 地 ] This is an excellent Crab restaurant... the address given is the one that is is quite out of town but there is the main restaurant near the main centre of town. This was by far one of the best restaurants I tried so far. Thanks to Sophia for the introduction and lunch! (Oct 2006) #1
Tony Romas, #109 Retail Plaza, Shanghai Centre, 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu, Shanghai 200040 (T: +86 (21) 6279 7129 , Fax: +86 (21) 6279 7131, Email: mmshai@uninet.com.cn). Best ribs available in town. No more needs to be said. (May 2007) #1
Yi Cafe, Shangri La Pudong hotel (Reservations Tel: +86 (21) 6882 8888 ext. 7200/7201). This is a first class culinary experience. Over 10 kitchens are represented in a buffet style indulgent atmosphere. A wonderful evening for any visitor to Shanghai. (Oct 2006)#1
Seaport Restaurant, T: +86 21 587 2233. Excellent Chinese restaurant hear the Shangri-La Hotel area. Chinese companions would be useful though as most staff were not English fluent. (Oct 2006) #2
Danelli's, 889 Dong Fang Road, Pudong District, Shanghai 200122 (T: +86 (21) 5050 4567). Wonderful Italian restaurant in my favourite Shanghai hotel. This would be best enjoyed by couples but is an excellent business lunch/dinner. (May 2007)
The Kitchen Salvatore Coumo, Unit D, No. 2967, Lu Kia Zui (w) Road, Pudong, Shanghai (T: +86 21 5054 1265). Very nice Italian restaurant (little bit "Chinesed") right on the riverside with a great view. (Oct 2006)
Element Fresh, (T: 6279 8682).Really really great restaurant with huge portions and a varied menu that will cater to almost anyone. Very popular with the expat community from what I could tell. (Oct 2006)
Max und Moritz, No. 599 Pudong Avenue, Shanghai 200120 (T: +86 21 5877 3339). Another German restaurant in Shanghai. Great tasting food, recommended as an alternative to Paulaner. (May 2007)
The Super Brand Mall : Lots and lots of restaurants on the 5th floor of this developing mall (Nov 2006)
Paulaner Brauaus, Riverside Promenade, Binjiang Dadao, Pudong [Also in Fen Yang Road and Xintiandi] (T: +86 21 6888 3935). German restaurant in the finest fashion, even offering its own micro-brewed boutique beers with good ole fashioned sausages and schnitzels! (Nov 2006)

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Hotels

St. Regis, 889 Dong Fang Road, Pudong District, Shanghai 200122 (T: +86 (21) 5050 4567). Utterly amazing hotel. Very personal but not in-your-face service and wonderfully kitted out rooms (May 2007) #1
Westin Hotel, . Very good. Great Jazz bar. Good quality. (Jan 2007)

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Bars

Hooters Shanghai... yes the kings of tacky are are two in town.... obviously, you go to try out the wings and beers. Really, it has to be seen to be believed.

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