Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
of Pudong International Airport, though these are geared towards Chinese-speaking travel-
lers - the level of English spoken by the counter staff varies from one service centre to an-
other. The service centres can book hotel rooms and tours, but of more use are the free bro-
chures and maps they give out. Hotel concierges in five-star hotels and local tourist
magazines and websites are generally the best source of current information.
Overseas tourism offices
The China National Tourism Offices abroad are useful sources for maps, brochures and
travel information. Check its website at www.cnto.org . It's likely that the CNTO branches will
recommend that you book your holiday packages with its affliated CITS - China International
Travel Service ( www.cits.net ) or the CTS - China Travel Service ( www.ctshk.com/english ) ,
both of which are government-run travel agencies. They handle tours, hotels, flights (interna-
tional and domestic) and train tickets. You can opt to use CITS or CTS agencies even before
you set foot in Shanghai. Or you can fly to Shanghai and then book your trips locally, either
with the CITS or CTS office in Shanghai or a privately run travel agency
Tours and guides
Various cruises on the Huangpu River and Suzhou Creek offer views of the rapidly changing
cityscape along the banks of the city's two main waterways. We recommend the Huangpu
River cruises for the best views of the Bund and some jaw-dropping crane action at the
world's busiest container port. These leave from the Shiliupu Wharf, conveniently situated on
the South Bund.
For a city tour with a difference, Shanghai Insiders (tel: 138 1761 6975;
www.shanghaiinsiders.com ) offers tours of the city's historic neighbourhoods in vintage mo-
torcycle sidecars. The fabulous Changjiang 750s are replicas of Russian Ural sidecars and
were formerly used by the People's Liberation Army.
You can explore Shanghai's fascinating Jewish heritage on a walking tour with Israeli doc-
umentarian and photojournalist Dvir Bar-Gal, conducted in English or Hebrew
( www.shanghai-jews.com ).
UnTour Shanghai runs weekly themed food tours, including 'Street Eats Breakfast' and
'Dumpling Delights', as well as private customised tours. They also arrange morning and
night running tours ( http://untourshanghai.com ) .
TRANSPORT
Shanghai has an easy-to-use and well-priced public transport system. Roads and even foot-
paths can be hazardous, so be careful when negotiating traffic lights and pedestrian cross-
ings as cars seldom give way. Driving is not recommended for visitors.
Getting around
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