China’s Shanghai- what’s that synonymous with for a traveler? An ethnically diverse and the world’s largest country? The dynamic economy? A cuisine Indians have made it’s own like no one else? Well, all of the above, I must say.
I got an opportunity to travel to Shanghai on a three-day trip work trip and like anyone else, I was excited. There is an absolute enigma about China like none other. Despite being a neighboring country, I was quite apprehensive about this visit. What’s the food going to be like? Oh, and the local communication? And will I be able to make the most out of the trip? Yikes! But hey, what’s a travel that doesn’t have excitement and nervousness in equal parts right! So, here’s how my experience turned out.
With a busy schedule on hand and much to explore, I decided to explore the high rise of Shanghai on day one and reserve the older parts for Day 2. I had planned to fulfill a childhood dream on Day 3, and this one was probably the most exciting of the outings.
My Detailed 48-Hour Itinerary
Day 1
Since there was a lot to do around the area I was staying in itself, I decided to go on a walk and discover the city for myself while soaking in Shanghai in full glory.
First things first, I had to walk around the majesty Bund located on the Huangpu River. With incredible architectures and mosaics detailed around the Bund, this was one great experience.
Bund
Right across the Bund is Shanghai’s financial district on Huangpu River. With its incredible views, a click here is worth it.
Pudong Skyscrapers
Closer to the Bund, is a massive pedestrian walkway that makes for a great stroll. It’s divided into West Nanjing Road, which is a walking street and Nanjing East, which is a commercial zone replete with shops and restaurants. This is perfect shopping therapy after a decently long first half of a business day.
Nanjing West
Nanjing East
Aah! And the favorite part? There’s an M&Ms store that made the kid in me go crazy seeing the colourful jars stacked in a rows.
Food In Shanghai
I wanted to try some authentic Chinese food that was Halal certified. And the best part was that there were quite plenty of restaurants around the area that was. We found a restaurant- Xibo quite close to were we staying. They served great authentic food from the Eastern side of China or the XanJiang side in a fancy setting.
Deets
Where: 83 Changshu Rd, Jing’an, Shanghai, China
When: 12-2:30 PM, 6- 12 PM
And in case you’re craving Indian, the same complex also has a Bollywood-themed Indian restaurant. We were pleasantly surprised, for sure!
Day 2
While I had the evening to explore on Day 1, on day 2, I had the day to explore the city. I started off with Shanghai’s French Concession, which will probably make you forget that you are in Shanghai. This European styled neighborhood is filled with bistros and coffee shops in one part and acts as home to China’s street hawkers in few other pockets.
This is also a great place to pick up a few quick souvenirs at bargain rates to take back home. In the French Concession’s Tian Zi Fang, you can explore local arts and crafts as well as street food. This sizzling ice cream sundae done Chinese style were perfect to soothe our parched throats.
From here, we decided to head down to Shanghai Muslim Food Market on the other side of the HuangPu River. And sure as hell, this was a delicious gastronomical treat from the Uyghur community of China. From lip-smacking dumplings to meat buns and noodles, this is a food lovers paradise. And that’s what we had for lunch before we had to go back to business!
Day 3
This was my favorite part of the outing. Disney World! After all, what better than bringing out the inner child in you at the theme park. With adrenaline rush, this was a perfect unwind after a tiring business trip the previous day.
Accommodation
Shanghai is a huge city! It acts as China’s premier business center, as well as an excellent spot for tourists visiting China. So I wanted to stay somewhere that would allow me easy access to the touristy things even if that meant I would have to splurge.
So we decided to stay around People’s Square- perfect for uninhibited views of the Shanghai skyline and minutes away (by walk) from the city’s iconic attractions. And the best part? Shanghai’s famous Bund was at a miles reach.This allowed me to discover quite a bit of Shanghai on foot.
We picked The Yangtze Boutique Hotel in people’s square. This luxury hotel offers excellent hospitality in a premier location for incredibly affordable rates.
Deets
Where: Yangtze Boutique Hotel, People’s Square
Price: AED 486 per night per person
Contact: 001-417-520-5683
Getting Yourself A Visa
Since I was traveling for a conference, I had a conference invitation letter and a business visa for myself. But don’t you worry! Tourist visas are extremely breezy for UAE residents. Here’s a checklist for the tourist visa (just add in the business application letter and your company certificate for a business one):
1. China visa application form. (It’s available online)
2. Original Passport (signed India passport with at least six months of remaining validity)
3. Passport Photo: (with a white background)
4. Proof of status. (Original UAE residence permit, resident visa, or Emirati ID card). With a minimum six months of remaining validity.
5. ID Card Copy
6. No Objection Certificate. (as prescribed in the format by the consulate)
7. Itinerary. Hotel booking and flight details.
The visas take 3-4 business days and come in single, dual, and multiple entry forms starting from AED 345.
Quick Tips To Keep In Mind
Currency
The currency in China is Chinese Yuan and 1 AED = 1.93 Yuan.
The Language
Aah! This is a tricky one. We suggest you have a local guide or a friend who can help you around with Chinese. However, it’s the era of apps, so that was my saviour as well. Download Waygo and scan the signages and menus with your camera phone, and move around quickly with this one.
Modes Of Communication
Bear in mind your usual Whatsapp, Facebook, and Youtube don’t work in China. So either snap up a good VPN on the phone or download the local alternatives. WeChat is a popular app that you may want to keep on your phone before you land in there. You shall be surprised to know how much work is done through this app as it has a WeChatPay too.