Work today, fly tomorrow • June 2014
Shanghai: eight reasons to stay
As the financial capital of one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, it’s no surprise that Shanghai is fast-paced, a little chaotic and exhilarating. But, says local resident Emily Chu, as the heat rises in summer, there are plenty of escapes from the city that make it worth extending your business trip for a day or two
Local bites
Shanghai’s culinary scene is one of the world’s most diverse, but for the true flavours of the city, be on the lookout for guotie (pot sticker dumplings), cong you bing (scallion pancakes) and the ubiquitous shengjian bao (pan-fried pork bun) on your walks around town.
Water world
Detour from Shanghai’s bustling city centre and take a day trip to the ancient town of Zhujiajiao. Here you’ll find narrow lanes, and traditional rice and spice shops lining canals criss-crossed with pretty bridges. Explore the area on a traditional wooden boat and, if you’re staying for the evening, take in an open-air Chinese opera performance (summer only).
Designer discounts
The new Suzhou Village is just a 20-minute train ride from Shanghai and is known as the local answer to the UK’s Bicester Village. With over 100 international luxury outlet shops, from leading Asian brands to international high-end favourites, it promises to offer discounts galore.
Tailor-made
The Shi Liu Pu cloth market is the place to go for a customised wardrobe. The four floors are filled with shops selling rolls of fabrics, piles of trimmings, hooks and buttons, with tailors ready to craft your bespoke pieces. Make sure to schedule a few fittings into your trip and don’t be afraid to haggle hard for a bargain.
Sky-scraping
The trio of skyscrapers in Lujiazui – the Shanghai World Financial Center, the Jin Mao Tower and the soon-to-be-completed Shanghai Tower (which will be China’s tallest building) – dominate the skyline of the Pudong New Area. The Shanghai Tower won’t open to the public until 2015, but you can travel up to its neighbours’ observation decks for spectacular views.
The reel Shanghai
Film lovers should take Subway Line 9 to Songjiang Xincheng station, then a taxi to the Shanghai Film Park in Chedun. The studio is one of the country’s biggest, and was used for movies such as Ang Lee’s Lust, Caution. Head to Studio No.5 at 10.30am or 1.30pm for a hilarious kung fu performance set in 1920’s Shanghai.
Go green
Metropolitan Shanghai will fade when you visit nearby Chongming Island, which is filled with verdant space such as Dongtan Wetland Park. Take a stroll on the boardwalk or rent a bike for a relaxing ride. Stop at one of the local restaurants for nongjia cai (farm-fresh cooking) made with the island’s produce, such as Chinese yam and cabbage.
Suppertime
Join the latest Shanghai dining trend, a private supperclub. The monthly Shanghai Supperclub brings together creative-minded patrons at random locations to mingle over a meal specially designed for the occasion. A great way to meet fellow Shanghailanders and catch up on the city’s latest gossip. Just sign up on the website – and wait for your invitation!
British Airways flies daily to Shanghai. Use the Avios calculator to see how many Avios you need to get there
This article has been tagged Destination, Travel Tips