Country code: +86
Currency: China Yuan Renminbi (RMB1 = PHP7.13/US$0.15)
TRIVIA Shanghai has been a popular setting for Hollywood films like Shanghai Express (1932) with Marlene Dietrich, Empire of the Sun (1987) directed by Steven Spielberg, and Mission Impossible 3 (2006) starring Tom Cruise
TOUCHDOWN The metro system is well-priced at RMB3 (PHP21.40) per trip. Taxis are also good, but drivers don’t speak English. Get metro maps at www.smartshanghai.com
BY DAY Find interesting souvenirs and gift ideas at Dongtai Road Antique Market, where you can find Chairman Mao memorabilia, jade, clocks, pottery, antiques and baskets
BY NIGHT On Yunnan Road, try grilled mutton satay, xiaolongbao, shenjian, and paigu niangao dishes. Don’t miss paigu niangao — glutinous rice flour, stir-fried with chicken or pork
SLEEP The Grand Hyatt Shanghai has the Club Oasis Fitness Center and an indoor swimming pool and spa. Jin Mao Tower, tel: +86 21 5049 1234, www.shanghai.grand.hyatt.com
LOCAL LIFE
Bibi Liew
architect and author of www.bibiliew.com
Best breakfast
Shi Hai Yiu Long is famous for its guo tie fried dumpling and sour-spicy soup
Best night out
Cloud 9 offers the best views of the Bund, the Oriental Pearl Tower and Puxi
Best dinner
Try some decent Shanghainese food at Big Windmill Private Kitchen
Best buys
At wholesale markets like Cang Bao Lou and Hua Bao Lou, score antiques and ceramics
Best souvenirs
Clothes and toys at the Shanghai World Expo 2010 in Hong Kong New World Tower
Must-do experience
Head to the Bund at 6am and watch the early birds practice taichi
Must learn…
“Ni hao” (Hello), “Duo shao qian” (How much?) and “Tai gui le” (It’s too expensive)
Insider’s tip
At most markets in Shanghai, try to pay no more than 30% of the retail price
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