First time traveller to Shanghai

[Nick85]

Hi Everyone,
I would be grateful for any advice or tips about what todo/see in Shanghai. I’ll be there for a fournight stop over on the way to the US in December.
I am staying near Jiangsu Rd subway station in Jing An (Ithink this is in the French Quarter..?)
I’m generally not into all the manic tourist things althoughI am keen for a bit of shopping if there are any decent malls or markets? I’ve heard the Bund area is a bit overrated? I’m interested in seeing a bit of “real china”if such a thing exists in Shanghai, particularly Chinese food and street food. I’m pretty game and don’t mind being indirty/run down areas or trying random foods etc. Are there any food markets, street foodareas?
Any tips/advice appreciated!
Nick

 

[harvyk]

Have a look at -> http://www.australianfrequentflyer....trip-photos/hong-kong-and-shanghai-24965.html

 

[richie9x]

Shanghai is a quite new city by Chinese standards. You don't really have much of the ancient history that you get in Xian or Beijing. There is plenty to see and do. One thing I liked was the communist propaganda museum although it is a bit hard to get to.

Scams to watch out for:

'Art students' asking you to go to their art exhibition. Usually they will take you to what is essentially a shop with mass produced art work and the hard sell will be put on you.

There is also the tea ceremony scam someone will approach you on the street and ask if you want to attend a tea ceremony. At the end they will present you with a huge bill and put pressure on you to pay.

Beware of 'students' wishing to improve their English. They will take you to a karaoke, restaurant or cafe which charges high prices for foreigners. The 'students' get a cut from the restaurant. Having said that their are some genuine students who want to improve their English, if you want to help out I would suggest going to a park or a cafe of your choice.

On the whole just be cautious of anyone that approaches you out of the blue and speaks perfect English they are likely trying to sell you something or scam you.

 

[harvyk]

Shanghai is a quite new city by Chinese standards. You don't really have much of the ancient history that you get in Xian or Beijing. There is plenty to see and do. One thing I liked was the communist propaganda museum although it is a bit hard to get to.

Scams to watch out for:

'Art students' asking you to go to their art exhibition. Usually they will take you to what is essentially a shop with mass produced art work and the hard sell will be put on you.

There is also the tea ceremony scam someone will approach you on the street and ask if you want to attend a tea ceremony. At the end they will present you with a huge bill and put pressure on you to pay.

Beware of 'students' wishing to improve their English. They will take you to a karaoke, restaurant or cafe which charges high prices for foreigners. The 'students' get a cut from the restaurant. Having said that their are some genuine students who want to improve their English, if you want to help out I would suggest going to a park or a cafe of your choice.

On the whole just be cautious of anyone that approaches you out of the blue and speaks perfect English they are likely trying to sell you something or scam you.

Excellent advice, if you approach them, it's probably legit, if they approach you, watch out...
A friend of my sisters didn't follow this advice when she was there, needless to say she was left several hundred dollars out of pocket at the end.

That said, most of the locals will want to speak English with you, because they do want to practice, (and it means they can get the better jobs). So just because they speak good English it doesn't mean they are there to scam you, just don't follow them anywhere.