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andynjue
Seeker
Joined: July 26, 2007
Posts: 71
Location: Liverpool, england
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 Posted:
July 27, 2007 - 01:50 AM |
 
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| Post subject: A visitor to shanghai - advice sought please |
Hi everyone,
I will be in Shanghai from 1st - 11th October for the special olympics world games. I will be staying at the pudong shangri la and my daughter will be competing in gymnastics, which I beleive is at the international gymnastics centre, chang ning?
Firstly I am hoping someone can suggest the easiest way to get to the venue, and also how much it is likely to cost?
Secondly, any ideas on site seeing while Im here? evenings mainly as I will be in gym most day times.
Thanks in advance,
Jue |
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clarezhangemplor
Lurker
Joined: June 05, 2007
Posts: 33
Status: Offline
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July 27, 2007 - 09:08 AM |
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u can take metro line 2, but the easiest way i think is by taxi, which will cost no more than 50RMB. As for going around the city, u can go to Yu garden and Oriental TV tower just near Shangri-la, Xintiandi near Huaihai Rd., and the bund, of course. u will have a very good time here. |
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DragonAss
Fire-eater
Joined: Apr 25, 2005
Posts: 2566
Status: Offline
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July 27, 2007 - 09:11 AM |
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Nothing much to see in Shanghai, visit xintiandi, pearl tower, the bund, nanjing road and yuyuan garden... you are done with SH..
I cant remember which part of Changning rd has the gymnastic, so cant advise on the transportation... but take into accc that you are coming during chinese public holiday, known as golden holiday or whatever so expect it could get overcrowded at certain places. Mind your belongings cerefully 'coz that's the peak season for pickpocket. |
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CaptainCook
Rocker
Joined: Mar 20, 2007
Posts: 684
Status: Offline
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July 27, 2007 - 09:47 AM |
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DA is right about the golden week holiday (1st to 7th of Oct) but it is still a good time to be in Shanghai as the weather is great this time of the year. The locations mentioned above is a good starting point. Also go on a river cruise at the bund. If you can get a day off to travel, go on a private tour to one of the water village near Shanghai and try to plan your sight seeing between the 8th and 11th as it will be less crowed.
The Gym Centre is in Hongqiao/Gubei area (Changning District), it is very easy to get to as their is a upper highway (Yan'an) from Pudong to this Centre. Taxi is cheap and the best option for you for your short stay.
Enjoy your stay in Shanghai. |
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CaptainCook
Rocker
Joined: Mar 20, 2007
Posts: 684
Status: Offline
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July 27, 2007 - 10:08 AM |
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mswp
Rocker
Joined: Mar 06, 2005
Posts: 724
Status: Offline
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July 27, 2007 - 10:22 AM |
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My cousin's son is waitlisted to compete in some aquatics events, and their package puts them staying at the Rainbow Hotel on Yanan West Road which would be much more convenient to ChangNing District.
If you have any say in your hotel bookings, you may want to change to a hotel that is on the west side of the river -- anything in Pudong will require a lot of travel. The opening ceremony is at Shanghai Stadium which is on the west side.
Oct 1-2-3 will be the busiest days of the holiday, but evenings shouldn't be too bad, though The Bund will probably be a zoo all the time.
I got the impression that the athletes will largely be contained to sports campuses, but still, I would also suggest you prepare your daughter for the fact that people will be much more overt about staring, commenting, etc. I was out with a 9 year old recently who made dramatic expressions of shock and disgust, followed by a few comments when she saw a boy walking with a very stilted gait. She's a really good kid, and I didn't expect it from her at all. |
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kimmie
Reacher
Joined: Apr 12, 2007
Posts: 256
Status: Offline
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July 27, 2007 - 11:12 AM |
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Hi Jue,
If you find some time during the day, I'd recommend a visit to the Shanghai Museum 201 Ren Min Da Dao. They have a wonderful collection of Chinese pottery, bronze, calligraphy, and more - all for only 20 rmb admission. I also like to wander around the French Concession and peek into various alleys for a feel of local life there.
Hope you guys have fun during your time here. I've always enjoyed attending the Special Olympics, both as a volunteer and a spectator. |
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kimmie
Reacher
Joined: Apr 12, 2007
Posts: 256
Status: Offline
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July 27, 2007 - 12:32 PM |
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BTW, but your daughter might like the Shanghai Science and Technology musuem. Was there a couple of days ago with my 2 1/2 yrs. old and she absolutely loved it. Lots of hands on exhibits and there's a neat amusement park like ride on the 3rd floor that takes you through the human digestive tract (long wait tho). Only downside might be fighting the crowds, but you will probably face that most everywhere else, esp. during that time. |
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andynjue
Seeker
Joined: July 26, 2007
Posts: 71
Location: Liverpool, england
Status: Offline
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July 27, 2007 - 10:02 PM |
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Thanks everyone for the advice, but especially Captain Cook and Kimmie; We had to book the Shangri la as it was the only hotel that would confirm room allocation at the time of booking, we have wanted Rainbow or Rendezvous Merry but Thompsons travel agents said they were fully booked (which was funny coz since we booked last July, other parents have booked in there) and as I need an adapted room - I am a wheelchair user - we needed to ensure suitable room availability at time of booking.
Yes, my daughter will fly and stay with team en-campus along with my husband who is a coach. I am traveling with my son, who also has learning disabilities and a group of friends - so we do expect to be stared at because of my chair if nothing else! Happens the world over!
Travel using taxis sounds the best option or hiring a minibus - does anyone know if this is possible?
Also, any idea on cost of eating out around shanghai- I gather the shangri la is very expensive, so will not want to be eating there each night! Hotel swallowed nearly all my budget for the trip!
Thanks again, Jue |
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andynjue
Seeker
Joined: July 26, 2007
Posts: 71
Location: Liverpool, england
Status: Offline
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July 27, 2007 - 10:13 PM |
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Boat ride on river sounds great, any idea's where I get it from and how much per person? please |
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kimmie
Reacher
Joined: Apr 12, 2007
Posts: 256
Status: Offline
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July 30, 2007 - 09:30 AM |
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Jue,
I've never done it, but I'm pretty sure you can rent a minivan by the day. You can try searching for rental cars on this forum...
As for cheap eats, you shouldn't have any problem as most restaurants that are away from the obvious touristed areas are relatively inexpensive. You can also pack a lunch by visiting numerous bakeries where you can buy excellent breads, and then buy delicious european cheeses and ham at supermarkets like Carrefour or City Shop. City Shop also has good pre-made salads as well. I visit the Gubei/Honqiao area frequently so you can PM me if you'd like more specific info about places to eat in that area. |
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evblell
Barker
Joined: Mar 23, 2007
Posts: 170
Location: Pudong
Status: Offline
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July 30, 2007 - 10:19 AM |
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The Shanghai Aquarium next to the Pearl tower is fun too. Very close to the place you will be staying. |
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Flyingsnow
Barker
Joined: Nov 09, 2006
Posts: 140
Location: Shanghai
Status: Offline
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July 30, 2007 - 10:51 AM |
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The Shangri-la is right next to a large mall with tons of restaurants as well as many other restaurants in the area. There is also a small grocery store called City Shopper in the block next to the hotel. They cater to expatriates so they have lots of products you will recognize. You will love staying at the Shangri-la, it's a great hotel. As for transportation you might call or email the concierge at the hotel ahead of time and let them know what your transportation needs are. They should be able to give you some options including hiring a driver, which is very affordable here. |
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andynjue
Seeker
Joined: July 26, 2007
Posts: 71
Location: Liverpool, england
Status: Offline
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July 30, 2007 - 07:05 PM |
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Thanks, thats great info; particularly the supermarket info. I will try conceirge for info on transport but was concerned I may get ripped off as it is such an expensive hotel, I dont want to rent a self drive just a driver, I am worried enough about traveling to shanghai without trying to navigate in such a huge city!
Thanks all for your help, any other advice is very welcome XXX |
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andynjue
Seeker
Joined: July 26, 2007
Posts: 71
Location: Liverpool, england
Status: Offline
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July 31, 2007 - 06:15 AM |
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Any ideas on 'avarage' restaurant prices in shanghai? In RMB please - I desperatly need to try to work my budget out! many thanks in advance |
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CoffeeHawk_0
Board Buddha
Joined: July 14, 2005
Posts: 14380
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July 31, 2007 - 07:23 AM |
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You can pay 4 or 400 rmb for a lunch. Assume 40~80 per person based on where you are staying - eat in the mall next store to the hotel -there's dozens of restaurants in the large mall next to your hotel. Average~good western food tends to cost almost as much or more as it does in the west, and 5 star hotel food is at least as expensive as it is in the west. 4rmb lunches may not be the best way to start out if your 'system' is not used to the food here.
The Shangrila is in the center of the Pudong tourist area, so there's a lot to do and see, but there's a lot of pedestrian traffic, sometimes shoulder to shoulder on the sidewalks during the national holidays - Manhatten during rush hour with less manners and pedestrians in crosswalks are the lowest priority. |
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travelinjack3
FooJay
Joined: Sep 19, 2005
Posts: 1710
Location: Right Bank
Status: Offline
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July 31, 2007 - 08:10 AM |
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You mention a chair. Most taxis are small and probably can't handle a normal sized wheelchair. I suggest you start working now with the staff at the Shangri-La on transport since many of the mini-vans may already be booked for the event.
Also, only some of the subway stations have elavators. Most have escalators but some only go up and not down.
Good luck. |
_________________
If the billy goat was Bootsie and the troll was Maceo, then only the Godfather of Soul can really take you to the bridge. |
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CaptainCook
Rocker
Joined: Mar 20, 2007
Posts: 684
Status: Offline
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July 31, 2007 - 08:43 AM |
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| andynjue wrote: |
| Boat ride on river sounds great, any idea's where I get it from and how much per person? please |
You can catch a boat ride (Huangpu River) by the BUND (the bund is the old...old financial district adjacent to the river). The price per person varies (35 to 70 rmb) depending on which boat companies. The one I took was 45rmb and it was clean and air conditioned (not that you'll need it in October). Below is a link on river cruise for your info.
http://www.sidestep.com/travel-info-g3044545-t31116-huangpu_river_crui se_shanghai_china
However, as mentioned before, if possible delay any tourist activities until after the 7th. There will be alot of people (mostly out of towner) crowding all the tourist attactions.....and these people are often not wheel chair friendly  |
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CaptainCook
Rocker
Joined: Mar 20, 2007
Posts: 684
Status: Offline
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July 31, 2007 - 09:05 AM |
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As for food, I don't thing it will be as issue. You're next door to the Supermall shopping centre and they have enough varieties and prices there..... anything from Big Mac and KFC (cheaper here in Shanghai compare to the States) to fine dinning. Unless you have food allergy, you will be pleasantly surprise with the varieties of food in this mall. There is an Italian (wants to be) restaurant where you can have lunch and dinner for 15 to 45rmb per person.
Below is some info to give you an idea of the distance from your hotel to most of the tourist places mentioned above. Have fun with you plan.
Super Brand Mall (shopping and dining) Next door
Jin Mao Tower 0.5 km (500 yards)
Shanghai Jingwen Art Center 0.5 km (500 yards)
Oriental Pearl Tower 0.5 km (500 yards)
Underwater sightseeing tunnel 0.5 km (500 yards)
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium 1 km (500 yrads)
The Bund (historic riverfront) 1 km (0.5 miles)
Nanjing East Road (shopping) 2.5 km (1.5 miles)
Yu Yuan Gardens (old city) 2.5 km (1.5 miles)
Peoples Square 3.5 km (2 miles)
Shanghai Museum 3.5 km (2 miles)
Shanghai Urban Planning Museum 3.5 km (2 miles)
Shanghai Grand Theater 4 km (2.5 miles)
Xintiandi (dining and bars) 4 km (2.5 miles)
Shanghai Science and Technology Museum 4 km (2.5 miles)
Century Park 4.5 km (3 miles)
Jingan Temple 7 km (4 miles) |
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andynjue
Seeker
Joined: July 26, 2007
Posts: 71
Location: Liverpool, england
Status: Offline
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July 31, 2007 - 10:55 PM |
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Many thanks for those replies, all very usuful and well appreciated! Taxi's are small - thats a point I didnt realise, just assumed they would be the same the world over and that my wheelchair would fit in the boot of any taxi - so will get on to concierge at shangrila today to see if they can help on transport front - or at least if they can accomodate us for first day or two!
Will leave most of sightseeing till end of trip if it will be less busy.
Travelinjack - do you know if it is possible to get details of stations that are accesable - and in english? many thanks for all your help! Jue |
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lovenini
Newbie
Joined: July 31, 2007
Posts: 2
Location: Shanghai, Minghang
Status: Offline
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Aug 01, 2007 - 12:03 AM |
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Hey, Jue,
I'm a shanghainese and was summoned by my college as a volunteer for the special olympics this Oct, though I'm still not sure where I'll be allocated when the games start. Anyway, contact me if u need any information of Shanghai before or when u arrive, I'll be very happy to offer my help  |
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yinlin
Rocker
Joined: Feb 26, 2007
Posts: 643
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Aug 01, 2007 - 12:22 AM |
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enjoy here and all the best to your daughter |
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andynjue
Seeker
Joined: July 26, 2007
Posts: 71
Location: Liverpool, england
Status: Offline
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Aug 01, 2007 - 02:27 AM |
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Lovenini, thank you for your offer; I am sure you will enjoy your volunteering at special olympics! Although my daughter is compeeting and I will be there as a parent, I have been coaching special athleets for the last 6 years and our whole family life revolves around our special olympics group, which myself and my husband run. I have lots of questions about shanghai, so you may well live to regret your offer. I hope you will get a posting at the games that is to your particular liking - let me know when you get your post.
We may be able to meet up?
Is there any information on the opening ceremony over there, or indeed, on the games?
Hope to hear from you soon, Thankyou, Jue |
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lovenini
Newbie
Joined: July 31, 2007
Posts: 2
Location: Shanghai, Minghang
Status: Offline
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Aug 01, 2007 - 09:33 AM |
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Jue,
The openning ceremony is due to take place at Shanghai Stadium (Pinyin: Shanghai Ti Yu Chang) on 2nd, Oct. However, I cant get the exact time yet.
Here I find a somewhat official site for the special olympics, there's a SERVICE NAVIGATION column in the GENERAL INFO. page where there might be some useful stuffs, though the news of it still lacks prompt update
http://www.2007specialolympics.com/Webenglish/index.aspx
and there is a "Family Registration and Reservation Services" at the bottom of the SERVICE NAVIGATION, take a look at it.
I'll inform about the ceremony and the games as soon as I've got some idea. Keep coaching ur daughter, she's gonna be the champion!
Good luck! It's likely that we can meet up here in Shanghai, keep in contact.
ps. my email: linlin_garfield@hotmail.com |
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andynjue
Seeker
Joined: July 26, 2007
Posts: 71
Location: Liverpool, england
Status: Offline
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Aug 02, 2007 - 12:38 AM |
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lovenini, that would be good; I will email you soon. thanks yinlin for the good wishes too!
My daughter really struggles on A Bars, and isnt a natural gymnast but she tries so hard and loves gymnastics; I just hope she enjoys the whole expeariance, we are proud of her! My son, who will accompany me is also a special olympics athletes and he attended the World Games in Dublin in 2003 and had a fantastic time, it really helped him to develop confidence and has succeeded so much since because of his expeariances in Dublin, so I hope my daughter has the same type of expeariance.
I am sure all the volunteers will be appreciated and enjoy their time helping these special athletes.
Anyone with any other advice, please get in touch - the more I know in advance about your city the better prepared I will be!
Thanks everyone!
Jue xxx |
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