http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30793 I was quite young when I visited the gardens. My parents and I visited friends who lived in Shanghai. On our last day, they took as to Century Park. It's well worth the cheap entry fee and the best way to see everything is by pedal-car. For people who love huge open spaces, beautiful scenery and nature at its finest - visit Century Park.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30793 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26243 www.alacartemaps.com where you can build your own travel itineraries - how cool]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26243 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25665 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25665 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25664 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25664 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21948
The low profit margins don't mean that corners are cut though, as the service is spot on, French-style bar food (Croque Monsieur, creme brulee) is delicious and the XinTianDi branch has great live music on Wednesday nights.

Classy on the cheap with a loyal following.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21948 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21933
The music is a lot better than the service, and there are screens showing random TV channels everywhere you look, but it's hard to argue when Fish and Chips cost 10RMB a plate.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21933 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21932 Open until the last person leaves, students and expats rolling dice together over classic Hip-Hop, occasional left-field club nights (check out Antidote or Brown Nylon Suit), 10RMB beer, 20RMB whiskey.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21932 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21931
Tickets cost 68RMB to go up the elevator to the start of the bridge's arch. From there it's some 360 steps to the observatory deck at the top.

From this point you can see the Expo site (opens in June 2010), and the city laid out like a map as far as the eye can see: The Pearl Tower, the Financial Centre, People's Square, and miles of skyscrapers in every direction.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21931 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21511
A one-way ticket is just around GBP5 so well worth the experience.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21511 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19861 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19861 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19860 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19860 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19859 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19859 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19858 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19858 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19856
0-2 hours: Avoid! Bund Tourist Tunnel - 10 minutes
Crossing the Bund can be done by boat, car or underground, but don't waste your time on the rather retro (read tacky) Bund Tourist Tunnel. The name is apt as only tourists would be crazy enough to spend their money on a underground fair ride that is more likely to cause an epileptic shock than any degree of amusement. It is however, the quickest way to cross the river if you are on the banks on the Bund (and it's rush hour so the tunnel is blocked). Give a try... if you really must.

Xian dan di - 1-2 hours
Ironically housed in the former offices of the Communist party, this beautiful refurbished part of town could be accused of being rather faux in terms of its connection with real China life... but it's there and it exists and it is part of Shanghai ex-pat life. The clean streets, the trendy restaurants and the outrageous prices probably tell you that you are in a place for tourists and expats, however, it's worth a look around and for a pitstop.

Go to Starbucks - 30 mins to 1 hour
I kid you not, some would accuse me of sacrilege but there is a reason... please bear with me. A lot of the Starbucks in the city benefit from sitting in the most prestigious and ideally located positions in the city for great panoramic views. My personal recommendation would be the Starbucks situated on the East bank of the river overlooking the Bund just opposite the Shangri-La hotel. Grab yourself a Chinese tea and watch the sunset over the river. The glowing fuzz of the city ahead will warm you before you retreat to your hotel.

Enjoy drinks over the Bund - 1-2 hours
A visit to Shanghai will not be complete without a visit to the historic 'Bund' district, the colonial waterside developed on the west bank of the Huangpu River. Many of the bars/restaurants (I recommend 'M on the Bund' - www.m-restaurantgroup.com/) offer expansive views over the Bund and the tall skyscrapers in the Pudong district. The food's not bad either! English and Chinese menus are available. Other nearby highlights include the old HSBC building (no longer housing HSBC) and Huangpu Park.

Stroll along Nanjing Road (to buy the other half a gift) -
2-4 hours
Home to Shanghai's main shopping street so be prepared to be greeted by tens of thousands of people. The shops range from the local to international with department stores dotted along the way. Be sure to stop by one of the many snack stores to take on board some of the delicious buns or dumplings that make China famous. Be sure you check the custom regulations for transporting goods though, be particularly careful with any foodstuffs.

Enjoy a river cruise along Huangpu River - 1-3 hours
One observation you will undoubtedly make whilst travelling in Shanghai is that the river is bustling with life. Container ships, tankers, passenger boats all zip up and down the river at a hectic speed. Board a river cruise boat from the ferry terminal at the south of the Bund district. Here you will be able to enjoy a one, two or even three hour river cruise. Take care though... Shanghai like many other Chinese cities is prone to a spot of smog. Try and pick a clear day. Try Huangpu River Cruise (239 Second Eastern Zhong Shan Road, Shanghai - tel +86 21 6374 4461). Nearest station - Wai Tan

Sleep in the clouds - 8 hours
Nope, I'm not talking about your business class flat bed on the way back home, I'm talking about the ever impressive Grand Hyatt Shanghai. Based in Pudong it's close to the financial centre and closer to the airport. Ask for a room overlooking the Pearl TV tower or over the park.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19856 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19857 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19857 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19855 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19855 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19854 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19854 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19853 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19853 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19852 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19852 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18503
Hip-hop, dub, techno and d'n'b all sound good in this underground spot where the drinks are reasonable, people smile while they dance and the pretentious need not apply.

No chrome, no flashy lightshows, no rolling dice, no sparklers in Champagne bottles, great music. A breath of fresh air (despite all the tobacco smoke).]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18503