Originally Posted by notcasesensitive (Post 476821)

I may have the opportunity to tag along on a quick trip to these cities this spring. Assuming only a week for both, what are the big must-do's? I'd have nothing but free time, while my companion would have some work meetings (so don't go changing the venues; these are the cities, that part is not negotiable). I know we can fly direct from LA to Shanghai, but it looks like there is no non-stop option between Shanghai and Mumbai. Any preference of Asian airlines (other than my general Cathay preference)? Looks like Air China, Air India, Cathay (Dragonair), Malaysia Airlines are all possibilities...

Originally Posted by Flinty_McFlint (Post 476829)

I've just been offered a paid trip to the UK (London probably) to give a presentation. It would mean not billing the entire time and time away from the family monkeys (but probably mid-week anyway). Is it worth the trouble for probably a day or two of sightseeing alone? I think I know the answer.

Originally Posted by Mmmm, Burger (C.J.) (Post 476827)

I've been to Shanghai a couple of times and was not overwhelmed, at least as a place to keep going back to. That said, at least a couple of days can be filled well with things as Adder suggests. I will add going to an acrobatics show, going to Yu Yuan gardens, and the Shanghai Museum. Staying in Xintiandi isn't a bad idea (it's a nice area with some good dining options and a more sophisticated feel), although near the Bund is also convenient. If you have more time a day trip (or overnight) to Hangzhou and/or Suzhou could be worth it. Hangzhou has the famous West Lake, and Suzhou is lots of courtyard gardens (I haven't been to Suzhou). Pudong is probably not worth a trip--you can see the Oriental Pearl from the Bund as well as anywhere--or take a 1 hour river cruise.

If you can, stay near a metro stop--that's as fast a way to get most places as taxis.

And the airport is southeast of town--at least the one you're likely to fly into/out of for international (Shanghai-Pudong/PVG). Shanghai-Hongqiao (SHA) is west of town and mostly domestic flights, plus a mammoth train station (to Hangzhou among other places).

Originally Posted by Flinty_McFlint (Post 476829)

I've just been offered a paid trip to the UK (London probably) to give a presentation. It would mean not billing the entire time and time away from the family monkeys (but probably mid-week anyway). Is it worth the trouble for probably a day or two of sightseeing alone? I think I know the answer.

Originally Posted by Hank Chinaski (Post 476830)

The answer is open that fucking wallet, and stay a few days extra and bring the wife and kids. Are you serious?

Originally Posted by Flinty_McFlint (Post 476838)

Is there a Disneyland in London?

Originally Posted by Flinty_McFlint (Post 476829)

I've just been offered a paid trip to the UK (London probably) to give a presentation. It would mean not billing the entire time and time away from the family monkeys (but probably mid-week anyway). Is it worth the trouble for probably a day or two of sightseeing alone? I think I know the answer.

Originally Posted by Flinty_McFlint (Post 476829)

I've just been offered a paid trip to the UK (London probably) to give a presentation. It would mean not billing the entire time and time away from the family monkeys (but probably mid-week anyway). Is it worth the trouble for probably a day or two of sightseeing alone? I think I know the answer.

Originally Posted by Mmmm, Burger (C.J.) (Post 476827)

I've been to Shanghai a couple of times and was not overwhelmed, at least as a place to keep going back to. That said, at least a couple of days can be filled well with things as Adder suggests. I will add going to an acrobatics show, going to Yu Yuan gardens, and the Shanghai Museum. Staying in Xintiandi isn't a bad idea (it's a nice area with some good dining options and a more sophisticated feel), although near the Bund is also convenient. If you have more time a day trip (or overnight) to Hangzhou and/or Suzhou could be worth it. Hangzhou has the famous West Lake, and Suzhou is lots of courtyard gardens (I haven't been to Suzhou). Pudong is probably not worth a trip--you can see the Oriental Pearl from the Bund as well as anywhere--or take a 1 hour river cruise.

If you can, stay near a metro stop--that's as fast a way to get most places as taxis.

And the airport is southeast of town--at least the one you're likely to fly into/out of for international (Shanghai-Pudong/PVG). Shanghai-Hongqiao (SHA) is west of town and mostly domestic flights, plus a mammoth train station (to Hangzhou among other places).

ETA: Having read your original post more carefully, if you have a week in Shanghai, definitely plan to do a day trip to both Hangzhou and Suzhou. High speed rail gets you there in an hour. Get the hotel concierge to buy the tickets--round trip for both so you don't need to deal with buying a ticket to get back (total zoo).

Originally Posted by Flinty_McFlint (Post 476829)

I've just been offered a paid trip to the UK (London probably) to give a presentation. It would mean not billing the entire time and time away from the family monkeys (but probably mid-week anyway). Is it worth the trouble for probably a day or two of sightseeing alone? I think I know the answer.

Originally Posted by Hank Chinaski (Post 476839)

no. but there are lines you can go stand in.

Originally Posted by notcasesensitive (Post 476842)

Not a week in Shanghai. A week total. So probably a couple of days of wandering time in each. And I found out today Shanghai could become Beijing. Which I'm less thrilled about mainly because I worry about the pollution there making it impossible to see anything. Is this fear unfounded?

Originally Posted by Flinty_McFlint (Post 476829)

I've just been offered a paid trip to the UK (London probably) to give a presentation. It would mean not billing the entire time and time away from the family monkeys (but probably mid-week anyway). Is it worth the trouble for probably a day or two of sightseeing alone? I think I know the answer.

Originally Posted by Flinty_McFlint (Post 476829)

I've just been offered a paid trip to the UK (London probably) to give a presentation. It would mean not billing the entire time and time away from the family monkeys (but probably mid-week anyway). Is it worth the trouble for probably a day or two of sightseeing alone? I think I know the answer.

Originally Posted by notcasesensitive (Post 476842)

Not a week in Shanghai. A week total. So probably a couple of days of wandering time in each. And I found out today Shanghai could become Beijing. Which I'm less thrilled about mainly because I worry about the pollution there making it impossible to see anything. Is this fear unfounded?