Shanghai is a city that is unlike any other! It is a city that catapults you into a frenetic energy
that defies your comprehension, where if you take just a few minutes to stand still you’ll
wonder just how all the Shanghainese keep up with the unbridled pace that surrounds them.
China is a rewarding destination for any traveller looking for their next cruise. Many cruisers
perhaps feel that if they’ve cruised Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia) as far north
as Hong Kong, they need not venture further, however, returning to the Orient to visit China,
the Russian Far East, Korea and Japan is a ‘must do’ that won’t disappoint.
Most cruise lines include in their itinerary two days in Shanghai, but if you can get three days,
even better. Depending on the size of your cruise ship will determine where you dock in
Shanghai. Mega-sized ships dock 1-2 hours drive from Shanghai proper, and other ships can
dock at the new International Cruise Terminal, which is very close to the famous Bund and
across from the space-age Pudong area. The long sail up the Huangpu River is a something you
must not miss.
Shanghai offers such a variety of things to do, see and experience, I’ll be hard pressed to
cover even a fraction here. Beginning on the east banks of the Huangpu is The Bund, where
you’ll be surprised to see grand European buildings from the 1930s fronting the river.
There’s a great promenade and incredible view over to Pudong. Pudong, which unbelievably
was marshy farmland not so long ago is now an area that boasts some of the world’s tallest
skyscrapers and modern hotels. From any heights all over the city, when you look down you’ll
see tradition and culture exists unhindered. Old Cathay can be found in Shanghai’s Old Street
and Yuyuan Gardens, plus you can line up for the freshest and best steamed buns! The
Shanghai Museum is a veritable treasure-trove with over 120,000 precious items within its
walls. Not too far away ancient towns still exist that appear to float amongst a spider-web of
canals. Shopping is ever-present, of course, as is sensational culinary delights. There’s so much
more to this incredible city!
Roger’s Quick Tips
Best Months: March – June and September – October.
Don’t Miss: Acrobatic show, dinner with views and supper
at Cloud 9.
Tour or Not: Tour (taxi drivers don’t speak English).
Sightseeing: The Bund, Old Street, Yuyuan Gardens,
Shanghai Museum and Suzhou.
Food: Steamed Shanghai Buns and Hairy Crab.
Language: Shanghainese; Mandarin.
Shopping: Nanjing Road and Old Shanghai Street.
Cash or Card: Cards (USD$ or local RMB for markets and taxis).
