Shanghai

Year: 2006
Month: Mid May

Patrick & I visited Shanghai in May 2006. We managed to "catch a final glimpse" of the notorious Xiangyang market before it was closed. I am sure future trips to Shanghai will be different without Xiangyang.

Hotel
上海赛元酒店
Address: 黄浦区陆家浜路456号
Telephone: (86)21-63150078

I am not very impressed by the hotel facility. It is like a service apartment in the middle of nowhere. As the hotel is situated next to the main road, it is rather noisy at night with cars zooming by. The only advantage of staying at this hotel is that it is situated within close proximity to 《上海南外滩轻纺面料市场》


Tailoring Clothes
Shop: 《上海南外滩轻纺面料市场》
Operating Hours: 10:00 am - 9:00pm
Address: 黄浦区陆家浜路 399号

It is within 5 mins walk from the hotel. Do "see-see-look-look" the various stores on the various floors. Do not commit yourself in the first shop you walk into. It is easier for guys ... a guy's shirt is a guy's shirt ... hence all they need is to take a few measurements and 'viola!' you have a tailored shirt ... the typical price for a guy's long sleeve shirt is about 80 RMB. Patrick has made 3 shirts but we were not too impressed with the materials though the workmanship is decent. It can be pretty challenging choosing from the wide range of materials available. As for all the ladies out there, your trip will only be worthwhile if you have done enuff homework before you leave the country. Start collecting fashion designs a mth before your trip. It is impossible to get the design you want if you do not have any pictures to show them. You will only be disappointed with the end result. You can also ask the sop owner to show you sample of what other pple have tailored made & request for the same to be made for you (based on your measurement).
They typically take about one to two days to make a shirt. My suggestion is for you is to pop by this place on the day that you arrive and pick up your clothes one day before you leave - this will give you some room for re-alteration if required. Btw the only way to try on your shirt/clothes is via the public toilets hence do dress appropriately to facilitate ease of changing.

Massage - "Cheap Cheap "

Shop: Yuanmei Massage (袁梅）
Operating Hours: 12:00 am - 2:00am
Address: 复兴中路614号
Telephone: 8621-64670625

The most enjoyable thing about the Shanghai trip (besides the food) is the "cheap cheap" massage. For about 80-100 RMB you get 2 hours of full body massage accompanied with very delicious red bean soup. For me personally I hate massage where i need to strip naked. This massage palor that we visited you get to keep your dignity where you are given a bath robe to put on. Of course like all massage, you need a bit of luck to find a good masseur, however for about 20 SGD for 2 hours, i am not complaining. The long operating hours is another plus point, we typically spend the whole day shopping and end our day at about 11pm with a wonderful 2 hour massage. It is not easy to get to this place, it is a one way lane, it's probably better to give them a call for proper road direction. There is couple of boutiques near this massage palor, they sell pretty nice clothes, it's a little pricely, i bought a skirt for 60 SGD. Most of these boutiques do not accept credit cards.

Food

Shop: 南祥馒头店
Operating Hours: 7:00 am - 5:30pm
Address: 老城隍庙豫园路85号
Telephone: 8621-63554206

Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant is located at the side of the Jiuqu Bridge in Old Town God's Temple area. It has won many awards. Personally i do not find the 'Xiao Long Bao' (Steam Dumplings) fantastic, Crystal Jade in Singapore produces better 'Xiao Long Bao'. However a trip to Shanghai is incomplete without patronizing this shop. It is always crowded. For fast pace Singaporeans, i suggest you proceed to the 2nd storey where you will be able to grab a seat easily - there is a minimum spending per pax .. could not really remember the price... but it is not too pricey. Do try the '蟹黄灌汤包’, you will get a palm size bun with a straw to 'suck' out the juicy crab roe .... quite an experience