<A> A Walking Tour of Shanghai

part 1

With the heat and humidity, walking through Shanghai may not be everyone&#8217;s first thought on the best way to see the sights of this spectacular city but with such a diverse mix of attractions on offer, pedestrians can catch a consummate and unique glimpse of life in this metropolis that might be missed otherwise. Shanghai offers something to almost every kind of visitor whether you are looking to purchase international designer brand fashions, sample genuine oriental delights (such as the cuisine), or marvel at the fusing of classical and modern architectures. While the city can be a bewildering blur for those not used to Asian cities it is one of the safest to explore on foot with large numbers of police and almost non-existent crime levels. Many locals particularly the younger ones speak English, are fascinated by visitors and only too willing to offer assistance to travellers.

A large proportion of the tourist hotels are located towards the west of the city centre in a particularly pleasant area known as the diplomatic district because of the preponderance of embassies and consular offices in the neighbourhood. It is here at the City Library at the end of Huaihai Road where you can begin your day exploring the city attractions. Heading east along Huaihai Road the first attraction of note is the Xiangyang Market. This area is one of the most renowned in the city in particular for the ability to cheaply obtain designer branded items at knock down prices, usually because they are counterfeit. Goods on offer range from the latest: DVDs and watches through to shoes, clothes and handbags. In addition you can also pick up local handicrafts. Market stands also offer an extraordinary array of local foods where you can pick up a cheap sustaining meal.

When buying anything here it is important that you are well versed in the art of haggling. For people not used to this there is often a lingering suspicion that you are being ripped off. However, haggling is just the local custom and if you follow a few simple rules you can end up with a good deal. To begin with pick a price well below what you are prepared to pay, making sure to look totally serious about it. It does not matter if your opening bid is too low; it generally proves you know what you are doing. Try moving up in fairly small increments. Never pay more for an item than you planned to, if the bidding reaches a certain point where you can not agree, just state that you not interested any more and make moves to walk away. If the salesperson is desperate to sell, they will often call you back with another offer.

part 2

If your conscience prevents you from spending on counterfeit items then you can acquire the real things at the plethora of modern shopping malls along the rest of the Huaihai Road. The shops here are not particularly cheap compared to other Asian cities but the variety on offer is enormous as many of the major international designer brands are present. Even if shopping is not on your plans for the day the air conditioned malls offer the chance to cool down, rest tired limbs or replenish empty stomachs. The hotels too offer a considerable variety of places to eat. On this road the best include those at the modern European styled Jinjiang Tower. You can also find scenic parklands as you make your way eastwards along the road including Yuyan Garden where you will encounter pavilions, flowing streams along with Ming and Qing dynasty garden architecture.

Once you have exhausted yourself or your credit card limit head towards the Huangpu River where you will see Shanghai at its juxtaposing best. On one bank you will see The Bund an impressive collection of European colonial era architecture dating back to the late 19th and early 20th century when the area became one of the world&#8217;s most important financial centres. There is an eclectic but elegant mixture of western inspired buildings on this side constructed in styles including Classical, Gothic and Renaissance amongst others. On the opposite bank is the sharply contrasting Pudong area which is one of the most rapidly developing areas in Asia. Its giant skyscrapers provide Shanghai with a contemporary signature skyline. Both areas can be enjoyed during the day but they take on a whole different character when the lights come on in the evening and you should make a point of returning.

You will encounter plenty of tour parties and entertainment at The Bund but it is a terrific location to relax, admire the scenery and people watch. You will often find locals approaching you just to practice their language skills or even to invite you to dinner at their homes and off course to sell you souvenirs. There is a small Bund Museum that offers the chance to see photos that reveal how dramatically the place has changed in a relatively short space of time. The focal point of the area is the internationally renowned Peace Hotel which is unquestionably one of the most impressive and luxurious. Built in a Gothic style the 12-storey hotel has a granite exterior with a distinctive pyramid shaped green copper roof. Even if you are not a guest at the hotel it is worth staying for a few cups of tea to see the sumptuous interior. It includes Lalique Opalescent glasswork, Italian marble and art deco fixtures that together transport you to a bygone era.

part 3

To reach the far side of the Huangpu River from The Bund, it is possible to take a ferry or use the underwater Bund Tourist Tunnel. Once there the significant points of interest are two of the tallest buildings in the world whose summits are regularly obscured in the clouds: The Oriental Pearl Radio and TV Tower and Jin Mao Tower. These two buildings, for a price afford fantastic panoramic views over the city. The TV Tower consists of 11 different sized spheres attached to a central column and revolving restaurant while the futuristic Jin Mao includes hotel, restaurants and a mid air post office. At the base of the TV Tower is the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium that houses over 300 species of aquatic creatures in one of the largest attractions of its type. The highlight here is the 155 meters of submarine tunnel that allow visitors to see the marine animals at close quarters.

Returning across the river the next stop on your tour should be the pedestrianised Nanjing Road which is the bustling shopping and entertainment heart of Shanghai. It is more frenetic than the Huaihai Road and after darkness falls it is particularly lively. The lights, noises, aromas and tastes of this district can overwhelm your senses. Venture away from the main road into side streets to see more of the varied architectures. Dining highlights are varied; here you can eat at international chain restaurants such as Hard Rock Caf?along side indigenous venues such as Meilongzhen and Gongdelin the later of which is the oldest and most famous vegetarian restaurant in Shanghai.

Approximately half way along Nanjing Road is Ren Min Guang Chang also known as People&#8217;s Square. As the political and cultural centre of Shanghai there are a number of highlights surrounding the square and as such it might require more than one visit to take it all in. The square itself is a remarkable place to stroll and see costumed dancers and tai chi practitioners along with kite flyers. The modern building housing the Shanghai Museum contains around 130,000 exhibits including priceless porcelain and bronze treasures.

The jaw dropping architecturally striking Shanghai Grand Theatre is also located on People&#8217;s Square. The enormous modern building is a glorious landmark to the city's resurgent arts and culture scene. The theatre regularly hosts major international concerts and performances. It is possible to purchase a ticket to tour the impressive interior of the building, however, you would do better to purchase a ticket for a performance and have a look around for free.

In conclusion there is plenty to see and do in Shanghai, and walking offers the opportunity to appreciate the many delights. Whether you are looking to pick up a few bargains at the markets, marvel at the sheer scale of architectural achievements, or enjoy the range of cultural delights.