Spending a Day in Shanghai from Dawn until Dusk
Where to Find the Best Shopping, Dining, and Nightlife
Sep 8, 2006
As one of the fastest-growing cities in Asia, Shanghai represents a melting pot of East meets West. At first glance, a visitor to the city may be deceived by the gray skyline, somewhat shabby buildings, and crowd of older-aged locals who flood the streets and sidewalks.
Is this really a city for young adults? Yes, it most definitely is. Underneath the bland surface, there is an exciting selection of activities to choose from which are both inexpensive and guaranteed to produce a good time.
Bargaining on a Budget through the Markets of Shanghai
China is well known for its cheap manufacturing resulting in inexpensive, if not entirely authentic, knock-off brands encompassing purses, watches, sunglasses, and clothes. Armed with a fistful of Yuan and a ruthless bargaining mentality, one can find almost anything among the city's outdoor markets and hole-in-the-wall shops which line the streets.
One of the more heavier-populated markets is located along Qi Pu Lu. Here exists row after row of cheap goods from jewelry to belts to sportswear. They have makeup and accessories for girls, and belt buckles and jackets for guys. Other items include hair curlers, wallets, purses, stockings, and scarves.
The most important thing to remember when visiting these markets is that the locals will try their best to extract as much money from foreigners as possible. Thus, it is good to brush up on bargaining skills before visiting the markets. A good starting price is 15-20% of the original asking price and working up from there. If they are stubborn, simply walk away. More often than not, the sellers will concede.
A Taste of Shanghainese Food
As a first-timer to the scene, the abundance of small cafes, noodle shops, and fast-food chains offered up everywhere may be overwhelming. It can be particularly aggravating to venture into a nice restaurant only to discover that the entire menu is in Chinese.
However, there are some tips that will help with ordering without mastering the language. First, seek out places where it is possible to see the food before ordering. There are a number of street vendors that serve up steamed dumplings, juicy buns, pan-fried pancakes, and a variety of other delectable carb-saturated treats.
Many restaurants also offer English-language translations, or sample pictures which can help assist in picking out something that looks appealing. Even pointing to something at random on the menu, it is rare to end up with a meal that is not tasty and satisfying.
Partying Late Night with the Shanghai Locals
Shanghai is the ideal city for party-goers and young adults looking to mingle with other expatriates and locals. There is a riveting nightlife scene which proves an excellent playground for the throngs of clubbers who want to let loose into the early hours of the morning.
The most popular clubs, especially for ex-pats, are the Muse trio, which encompasses the original Muse, M2, and Muse at Park97. These late-night spots offer a good selection of hip-hop and house beats, as well as a venue conducive to meeting new people. Other popular clubs in town include Bling, M1nt, and The Shelter. Although most popular on weekends, Shanghai clubs are filled with people throughout the week, so don’t hesitate to explore a different spot each night.
With shopping, dining, and nightlife readily accessible on a tighter budget, the city once designated as “The Paris of the East” is the perfect destination for a young adult traveler exploring Asia.
