Shanghai by Fodor's, guide book review

What's New

Most Popular

Review by Barb & Ron Kroll

Travel Guide Book Title:

Fodor's Shanghai
(Fodor's) ISBN 978-1400017454 1400017459

Theme:

Fodor's Shanghai covers things to see and do in the most westernized city in China other than Hong Kong. Readers will learn when to go, how to get around, basic vocabulary, hours of operation for shops, museums, temples and banks. They'll find information on Shanghai's top attractions: Yu Gardens, The Bund, Shanghai Museum, Shopping on Nanjing Dong Lu, Oriental Pearl Tower or Jinmao Tower, The Former French Concession, Dongtai Lu Antiques Market and Xintiandi.

Sample Items:

The remnants of the Old City neighborhood are located east of Puxi, on the west side of the river, near the city center. Portions of the city walls still remain. Although Shanghai is changing quickly, visitors can still see temples, markets and narrow alleyways with washing hung on bamboo poles.

Besides a description of what's here, the chapter includes a map to help you get oriented, information on history, how to get here, top reasons to go, places to eat, safety, how to find the public restrooms and suggestions for good walks. What to see recommendations include : Temple of the City God, Chen Xiangge Temple, Old City Wall and (Fodor's Choice) Yu Garden.

Notable Elements:

When in Shanghai, the book advises readers to do as the Shanghainese do. A list of social customs includes eating xiao long bao (steamed pork dumplings) at street stalls, bargaining in markets, crowding together in buses and ferries, complimenting hosts with gifts and slurping noodles.

A dining planner discusses dining hours, dress codes, Shanghai's top five restaurants, tipping advice and restaurants ranging from French to Vietnamese.

Sidebars include quotes from readers, history, walking tours and tips like renting a bike, local beers and where to buy monk's supplies. Close-Up sidebars feature topics like fast food places, Shaoxing yellow rice wine and hotels for families in Shanghai.

Tone / Style:

The advice and tips are straightforward and practical: "Bring good shoes and a lot of patience."

Shanghai attractions, restaurants, hotels, nightclubs and shops include addresses, phone numbers and websites as well as hours of opening and credit cards accepted. Hotels and restaurants have dollar symbols indicating price range.

At A Glance sidebars provide translations from English to Pinyin and Chinese characters.

Visuals:

Photos are black and white. Shanghai city and neighborhood maps include points of interest, restaurants, hotels and shops. There is an excellent subway map on the inside back cover.

Authors:

David Taylor, Victoria Patience, Lisa Movius, Elyse Singleton and Rachel King Berlin.

Claims to fame:

David Taylor, a resident of China, is a travel, hospitality, food and beverage writer and editor. He researched and updated the Shanghai Dining chapter.
Victoria Patience, who updated the Essentials chapter, grew up in Hong Kong. She frequently travels throughout Asia and China.
Lisa Movius, a resident of Shanghai, updated the Arts and Nightlife chapter.
Elyse Singleton, a writer, photographer and extensive China traveler, wrote the Markets essay and the Experience, Neighborhoods and Shopping chapters.
Rachel King Berlin, a dancer with the Shanghai Theater Academy and the Zhuheniao Dance Collective and a resident of Shanghai, wrote the Lodging chapter.

Return to Travel Index

More things to see and do in China:

Xian China Tour

Southwest China Guide

Beijing Travel Guide

Beyond the Great Wall - Recipes and Travels in the Other China