Preservation site, very safe - next door to Russian Consulate (24-hour guard patrol facing hotel), 3-minute walk to Bund, 5 minutes to roadside food stalls and 15-minute stroll to Nanjing Lu shopping belt. Friendly hotel staff and reasonable rate.

Astor Hotel (or Pujiang Hotel)
Huang Pu Lu No. 15 (beginning of Bund)
www.pujianghotel.com
Tel: 86 (21) 6324 6388

Rate: 544RMB/nite (after 20% discount) @ May 2006

Fares fluctuate daily. Grab good deals (40%-60% discount off published fares) from agents. Lesser discount on or near the departure date. Don't buy them at the airport - much more expensive.

Contrary to what is usually advised, do agree on the taxi fare before the ride (especially if your destination is quite a distance away). [Prior to hailing a taxi, you would have checked the estimated fare for your destination]. Locals will tell you that this is the best way not to get cheated. If you follow the metered fare, the taxi driver could bring you 'round the world' and you would never know for sure whether he is taking the correct or a 'crooked' route.

For a romantic get-away and to indulge in pure pampering plus a world of gastronomic delights, stay at the new Hilton Sanya Resort & Spa. Its on the magnificent Yalong Bay with pristine beaches and crystal clear waters.

Hilton Sanya Resort & Spa
Yalong Bay National Resort District
Sanya, China
Tel 86 (898) 8858 8888
Fax 86 (898) 8858 8588
email: hilton.com|sanya

Hilton Reservations Worldwide
800 820 0600 (toll-free in China)
or
resort at 0898 8858 8888
www.sanya.hilton.com
www.hiltonsanya.cn

Promo: 1 Mar - 30 Jun 06
RMB2998 nett weekend/weekday
(2 nites in Bay Rm Scenic View - not seaview), daily breakfast for 2 pax PLUS 2 Yalong Bay Golf Club green fee coupons OR 2 sessions of aromatherapy at the Spa Retreat OR one of each)

[check out their promos if this offer has lapsed]

While strolling at Shanghai Bund and enjoying the nite scene, do watch your bags and valuables. Place is crowded and beware of snatch thieves. A guy shouted that he had been pickpocketed and gave chase but the thief 'disappeared' into thin air!