Shanghai by Maya Villiger

Shanghai is an amazing city of extremes. The potent clash of east meets west and undefinable wealth meets subsistence living. Once grand 1930’s French colonial homes are now jammed with families, their laundry strung like decorations on every spare wire, tree and frame. Elderly ladies push stacked wooden carts and sell fresh produce on the street to a backdrop of unbelievable skyscrapers, covered in giant glimmering ad campaigns. Politically, China is on the road to democracy, but with 40,000 internet police censoring information… the road seems long. This is a very interesting time to visit Shanghai.

Xitang Water Village

Entering the water village is like stepping back in time. It’s hard to believe it is still a functioning community; you could easily be mistaken for thinking it is maintained purely for tourist value. You will eat very local Chinese food and visit a number of very small “museums,” gardens and temples. A visit to the button factory is a must, where two elderly men jump between 4 antique button-making machines with great vigour to demonstrate the original technique of this craft. The real enjoyment, however, comes from wandering the ancient stone paved lanes and bridges and simply experiencing this unique community. There are a few water villages in close proximity to Shanghai, but this is the less touristy option and worth the extra drive. 90 minutes each way from Shanghai.
PS. You will have to ignore all the photos of Tom Cruise that jolt you back into Western reality, from his time spent here filming Mission Impossible III.

Dong Tai Lu Antique Market

A very cute street market to stroll with lots of jade, Chairman Mao memorabilia, tea cups, and bird cages on offer amongst a myriad of other nik naks. We visited with locals who insist you pay no more than a 3rd the asking price. Try the fresh corn sold at nearby street stalls, delicious. Dong Tai Rd.

Massage

While a number of city hotels have very fancy spas we say make the most of the cheap and amazing local massage on offer. Try the traditional Chinese variety where you are dressed in crisp cotton pj’s, covered in a fresh sheet and massaged (plus manoeuvred) until you are free of knots and any tension you thought you might have. Dragon Fly Spas provide lovely surroundings and their pricing is still reasonable.
www.dragonfly.net.cn

Dinner on the Bund

With amazing views and swanky interiors there are a few Bund hot spots worth your time (and money).

Laris

6th Floor, Three on the Bund, 
17 Guangdong Rd (corner of the Bund or East Zhongshan Rd)
Shanghai

M on the Bund

7th Floor, 5 on The Bund, 
20 Guangdong Rd,
Shanghai

Jean George

4th Floor, Three on the Bund, 3 Zhong Shan Dong Yi Road, Entrance on 17 Guang Dong Rd, Shanghai

Tunnel ride to Pudong for a drink at the Grand Hyatt

So unbelievably bizarre it’s a must. This “trip” under the Huangpu river is, we think, China’s take on the future. There is no better way to make the journey. Once on the Pudong side, take a cup of tea or glass of whiskey at the highest hotel in the world, The Grand Hyatt. We like the Patio Lounge bar for its view of the hotels spectacular atrium. A visit to Cloud 9 is also worth it for the 360 degree city view – situated on the 87th floor, the highest point of the hotel.
Jin Mao Tower, 88 Century Boulevard, Pudong, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
http://shanghai.grand.hyatt.com/

Face Restaurant

This fantastic old French country house is now home to a very handsome Thai restaurant upstairs (where you will dine in true colonial style) and opulent bar downstairs. Set in beautiful gardens, in the heart of the city, it’s great for a long lunch and evening drink.
Building 4, Ruijin Guest House Gardens 118 Ruijin Er Lu, Shanghai

Tea Shopping

The experience is thoroughly enjoyable, where you get to try before you buy and see how tea should be made. Even though it is a little touristy we found the greatest selection at the many shops surrounding the Yuyuan Gardens. Make sure you buy a selection of the beautiful flower teas on offer and while you are there take a cup at the quintessential Chinese teahouse in the middle of the lake.