GETTING AROUND:
The good news is that although most Shanghainese speak only their own local dialect and the national dialect of Mandarin Chinese, city street signs and maps in subway stations include both Chinese and “English,” or roman-letter (known here as “pinyin”) names.
Notices posted in cabs offer a free English-speaking hotline for visitors having trouble communicating with taxi drivers.
As for city buses, though they are cheap at just 1 yuan to 2 yuan (15 cents to 30 cents) and sometimes convenient, many have been rerouted in very circuitous ways due to construction. It might not be worth the bother.
When walking, keep an eye out for traffic, especially scooters and bikes. It comes from all directions, even on the sidewalk.
GOOD EATING: Shanghai was renowned for its talented chefs and excellent dining even back in the days before China became a mainstay for fast food joints and other Western eateries. With few exceptions, the city offers good value for the money, whatever the cuisine.
Shanghainese dishes tend to be relatively sweet and rich, without the stronger, hotter flavors of northern and western China. One highlight is xiaolongbao, dumplings plump full of piping hot, succulent juice — bite carefully. Locals swear by the Nanxiang Xiaolongbao outlet in the bazaar outside Yuyuan, but be prepared to wait in a long queue, even in the off hours, for a plate costing just a few dollars.
Wujiang Road, which branches off of Nanjing Road, is a pedestrian street with a smorgasbord of options, inexpensive and otherwise. Other filling and affordable choices include Cantonese dim sum, especially at any of the city’s Bifengtang restaurants, Korean barbeque or Japanese set meals for well under $10 a head.
Streetside stalls peddle buns, pancakes, noodles and other Chinese-style fast food — just be sure to size up the hygiene before sampling.
BEST TIME TO GO: The Expo starts May 1 and runs until Oct. 31 and is expected to attract 70 million visitors. Whatever your budget — Shanghai is best visited in the autumn or spring: winters are bone-chillingly damp and summers sweltering hot.
Whatever time you come, bring an umbrella. Shanghai is rainy almost year round.
This is our website.
<p><a href=”http://www.toougg.com”>UGG Boots</a></p>