TRAVEL: HELLO THERE, SHANGHAI
Finally Cebuanos can fly directly to Shanghai via China Eastern Airlines.
The flight was unexpectedly pleasant. Upon arrival, we were greeted by our English-speaking guide. I never expected Shanghai to be as chic and modern. Men and women were dressed to the nines.
Our first stop was the Yioulai Outlet (Shopping Village). With a lot to offer, shopaholics out there need at least a day to go around the area. If retail therapy isn’t your thing, you can always window shop and walk around the village with its magnificent water fountains. Its pleasant park vibe will have you sipping coffee or strolling around the area taking selfies or groufies. Mind you, this outlet has one of the best restrooms I’ve ever seen.
Our next stop was a haven for coffee addicts like me. Starbucks, this one said to be the largest in the world, is located in Nanjing road, Shanghai’s version
of the Champs-Élysées or Fifth Avenue. The Starbucks Reserve Roastery, with a total of 30,000 square feet, features in-house roasting of coffee beans from all over the world. You’ll feel like you’re in a Willy Wonka movie, except the main feature is coffee. There are three coffee bars and a special Teavana bar. I was overwhelmed and blown away by this two-storey bronzed building. A must stop for any Starbucks fan. #coffeelicious.
After getting our caffeine fix, our tour guide brought us to Xintiandi. In Chinese, the word means “new heaven and earth” or “new world”. Located in the center of Shanghai city, this area has an east-meets-west vibe. Antique walls of the Shikumen (stone gate) houses of Shanghai are retained while the interior is an array of western cafés and restaurants, the likes of Wolfgang Puck, Godiva and other international chains. When you stroll around the area, you will see a glimpse of the old 1920s Shanghai and cosmopolitan Shanghai. People walking inside Xintiandi are fashionable and sophisticated. It is also considered as one of the first lifestyle centers in China and the most expensive place to live in China as well.
Our last stop was at a Shanghai Acrobatic Show. For US$60 (P3227.40), one can witness a 90-minute traditional Chinese acrobatic show that is simply jaw dropping and eye popping.
After the whole day of sightseeing we were brought to our hotel, the Venus International Hotel, surprisingly clean, with European architecture and a modern room with all the amenities.
The next day, we were brought to a Chinese medicinal center and a jade factory, both part of the city tour. After which, we walked around the Qibao Ancient Town of Shanghai. “Little town it’s a quiet village,” this song kept playing inside my mind as we walked through Qibao. The area features traditional Chinese architecture, a glimpse of old China. There are tons of shops and trinkets for sale around the area. Along the alleys you will find traditional food like pork buns, tofu and other delicious-looking dishes. Strolling along Qibao is fun and very picturesque, like going back into time but being in the future as well.
Bund was the next stop. A mile-long waterfront promenade area along the Huangpu river, it is regarded as a symbol of Shanghai. This is where one can have a picture with the Oriental Pearl Tower in the background. After taking a selfie, I suggest you take the Huangpu River Cruise that starts from the Bund for only 50 yuan (P391.80). An additional 50 yuan, gives you VIP seats onboard with snacks and refreshments. When travelling to Shanghai, the river cruise is a must. It is the best way to admire Shanghai’s classic skyline views of colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers along the river.
Walking distance from the Bund is the Chenghuangmiao Market. Quite large, you will find cheap bargains from clothes, food, gold and other trinkets. It is the best place to buy souvenirs and pasalubongs.
On our last day, as a Disney lover, I added US$100 (P5378) to go to Shanghai Disneyland. It is said to be 11 times the size of the original Disneyland in California. Its enchanted castle is Disney’s largest and tallest. I just had to spend a whole day riding the rides, being a child for a day and enjoying the happiest place on earth.
Wow that was one heck of a three-day vacation. I didn’t have any grand expectations. I never knew that Shanghai was both charming and beautiful, hardly expecting it would give me a glimpse of how China has evolved to be world class and first class. If you want a quick trip that has culture, sightseeing and shopping combined, why not visit Shanghai.