Day 9:

Shanghai: 上海
The next stop on our journey around China takes us to Shanghai, one of China’s most modern and beautiful cities with its own distinct charm. People who visit Shanghai and Beijing have very different impressions of these two cities that contrast greatly. Some people like the diversity of Beijing with its hutong charms and yet ultra modern buildings, while Shanghai has distinctly European architecture that at times can make you feel like you are in a neighborhood in France.

For your continuation in Shanghai, wake up and head on down to the Qipulu market to see what has to count as the biggest assortment of shopping in China. There you can peruse through every article and style of clothing imaginable. There are no changing rooms, however, so be prepared to try on jeans behind a sheet the 2 sales ladies hold up in the corner, being careful not to lose your balance. The market is just a short walk away from the Shanghai Hiker Hostel and easy to find. Just ask the reception who are excellent at pointing you in the right direction.

You can stroll back to the hostel area and head down to Nanjing Lu, a stone’s throw to the Bund from where you can take a boat ride down the Huangpu River. The roughly hour-long trip give you the chance to fully appreciate the juxtaposing two sides of Shanghai: Old Colonial Europe directly opposite futuristic 21st century Pudong, bristling with skyscrapers.

Photo: d’n’c

Once your ferry has safely dropped you back on the Bund, head back up towards People’s Square, and take in the spectacular Shanghai Museum, home to one of the best collections of Chinese art in the world. The museum currently holds over 120,000 precious works of art and also hosts changing feature exhibitions.
For the last dinner recommendation on the tour, try some famous Yunnanese delicacies at Yunnan Garden, right by People’s Square. The delicious and exotically spiced food will surprise you with its often surprising combinations that blend beautifully.

Yunnan Garden
268 Xi Zang Zhong Lu in Raffles City Plaza next to People’s Square.

If you don't have that much to pack, check our Events section to see what’s happening in the evening. Shanghai, is a city that never sleeps. Famous for its dance clubs and bars, meaning that if that’s your thing then you will be delighted by the selection on offer. If you want to have a last-night splurge on the Bund, you can go to the Oriental Pearl Tower and get rid of all your leftover Yuan. Be prepared to pay an admission fee and steep prices for drinks as well, but for your last night it may be worth it!

Photo: Andrea Hunt

As the evening draws to a close, head back to the hostel to pack up your things, and in the morning, take the Maglev Shanghai to the Pudong Airport. The hovering bullet train is bound to one of the fastest trains you’ll ever ride.

Well, 10 days comes to a close quicker than you think, and by the time you stumble back off the plane after 10 days in China you will feel like you have seen so much, and still you’ll be left wanting more. Just traveling around China’s cities gives you an idea of the immensity of the country, and how wondrous China really is. Hopefully, along the way you have been able to run into some locals who have pointed you in the right direction. Chinese people are very friendly and helpful and will many times go out of their way to orientate you when you are lost or utterly confused, which can happen often. Notably, the people in the hostels are the best with recommendations and helping you find your way around. With any luck, next time your stay can be longer and you can really see China for what it is, but sometimes in life we simply don’t have the time! Enjoy what you can when you can, and to quote St Augustine,

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”

For Introduction to Best of China in Ten Days
For Day 1 of Best of China in Ten Days
For Day 2 and 3 of Best of China in Ten Days
For Day 4 and 5 of Best of China in Ten Days
For Day 6 and 7 of Best of China in Ten Days
For Day 8 of Best of China in Ten Days

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China Explorer> Bazaar Experiences in China’s New Frontier: Kashgar
Expat Corner> Cold Food Festival: Better Than it Sounds
Expat Corner> Medical Misadventures in Zhuji

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