Shanghai – “Not what I expected”
The other day, I met a couple from Scarborough, Ontario – they just got off a cruise ship and had no idea what to do in Shanghai. They were shocked by the wealth of the city, as they previously believed Shanghai to be a city more like those found in a third world. With the overwhelming number of luxury shops and luxury cars – they pleaded with me to aide them finding affordable shopping for trinkets and souvenirs to bring back to Canada. Where they should go, what can they see? Is the city Safe?
Trying to sum up the city of Shanghai in a couple minutes is a bit of a struggle, considering the city has a population of over 34 million and a footprint over 6,340 km2. However I did my best to give them some suggestions which met their requirements.
I tried to explain the misunderstanding that ‘we’ from the west (technically, the east) have about Shanghai – such as the backwardness in terms of modern technology. It would be fair to say that Edmonton is actually more technology backwards than Shanghai. For example, in Shanghai, a public bus with less than two televisions is essentially unheard of, however in many cities in North America, there is no public bus with a single television in it.
I recalled a couple years back at a 3D printing affair in a North American city where the most advance technology ‘experts’, from a famous local university, cited the impossibility of using of Carbon Fibre as a printing material, which was odd considering children in Shanghai were already experimenting with the material.
I suggested they wander down Nanjing Road (Established as Park Lane in
1845), which covers a lot of the historical aspects of Shanghai, spanning
through different eras, right to the early days of the British colony. It is also considered the world’s longest shopping district with a length of about 5.5km (another road, called Huaihai Road is also a shopping street of equal length but has varied variety).
There is many different kinds of architecture found throughout the streets of Shanghai, from many different eras of the city’s history. Ranging from Chinese, British, German, French, American, Spanish, Russian, Italian, Norwegian, Dutch, Japanese and others – also with different design styles, such as Roman Classic, High Roman Baroque, Renaissance, Art Deco, Ultra Modern and even a blend of the different kinds and styles.
I also recommended they check out the markets around Yuyuan Garden,
which is the place that most tourists go to when they come to Shanghai.
While I was not able to give them a guided tour at the time of our meeting, I did stress to them to bargain for prices, to not pay the first price offered, but counter for better deals. In these markets, it is expected there is some negotiations, as there is stiff competition with many shops offering similar trinkets and souvenirs. Just north of the Garden of the tourist markets are several multi-story warehouses, which also have mall-like store fronts, which are typically cheaper, is the place where street vendors buy their stocks. Yuyuan Garden is not just a shopping experience, it is also houses the Garden of Happiness which was built as a private garden in 1559, but over time was eventually opened to the public in 1780. It witnessed many historical events and by 1982 became a national monument.
Shanghai is a very safe city. Most cities in North America are actually much more dangerous than Shanghai. Typically people approaching you will offer you the opportunity to purchase some goods such as a wallet, watch or luggage. However they tend to be polite, even when you refuse them after a hard sale. Issues in tourist areas, such as pick pocketing and confidence scams exist, however with common sense these can be avoided. For the most part there is no threat of physical danger.
Just days before, I met a Bernie/Trump Supporter on the Metro, the Shanghai equivalent of a Subway or LRT. The Metro is a massive public train system spanning 588 km with over 364 stations. There are 14 lines which offer train service at about 60km/hr, a 160 km/hr high speed train and also a magnetically levitating (MagLev) train with a top speed of 430 km/hr. A cash card with a contact- less RFID chip can be used throughout the city on the metro, buses, ferries, taxis and even services. The man loudly explained why he was a Trump supporter. He made a jab at the backwards of Canadian politics, with the installation of unqualified people, simply for tricking the voting public. The irony of the situation was that in Canada or the USA he would have been arrested for his open alcohol, public consumption and possibly even violent reprisal for his views, by eavesdroppers – while in Shanghai, people just laughed at his comments and he was free to consume the beverage of his choice.
To the couple, I explained the different consumer protection services offered by the local government in the event that they are not treated fairly, such as taxis not providing the proper route or being overcharged at a store til, these things can result in refunds plus compensation for losses. Tipping is uncommon and not expected – perfect for Canadians, who are different from Canoes (if you know that old joke).
I recommended they just wander around by foot to see what they can find – as you never know what you will come across, as the city is very dynamic, with a blend of old and new and old trying to be new and new trying to reclaim the old.
Earlier that day, I stumbled upon an antique shop which was packed with western items from the past. From reclaimed wood and Elvis mannequins to Philco Pedestal Television Sets and 1950 copies of the Kamloops Sentinel, this store was packed like an old consignment vintage shop, complete with that mild musk smell of ‘old’ things. Across a pathway of white gravel stone and hanging strings of led lights which under a darkened ambience gave the feeling of starlights. Past a small patio and through a small door, surrounded by tree branches, is their own European style bistro. They made efforts to mimic an old french house, with little nooks filled with relics. Laid back waiters dressed in a mythical french style promptly took care of orders, while delivering adventurous takes upon Italian style food, such as affogato served with a double espresso inside a metallic martini glass. I would be hard-pressed to say this is the most unique food establishment in shanghai, as with over 60,000 restaurants, there is actually plenty of unique food tastes and themes which come from around the world, real or imagined.
I recommend they book a longer stay the next time, citing even with all my travels, I still have plenty to explore in this massive metropolis. They thanked me for my assistance and we parted company, each venturing out onto their great Shanghai adventure.
About the Author
Arooka is a prolific writer and an artistic polymath.
Check out the latest book:Your Best Guide to Shanghai:2017 Edition
at lovepuxi.com
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