Shanghai Port Review - Diamond Princess

[Denverite]

Shanghai: April 28, 2009: We joined a group of 8 that someone else had formed for a private tour of Shanghai. Our guide and driver could not pick us up at the container port, so we took the free Princess shuttle to Shanghai. There is a lot of traffic and it took us over an hour to get to Shanghai. The temperature was in the 70’s—a bit cool at the start but warmed up and sunny later.

 

Our first stop was a park by the French Concession. This was probably my favorite part of the whole day. The park was where the local "old" people go to practice tai-chi and the old men bring their birds in cages to "visit". Also old men playing checkers. Music and singing and older people dancing in the park. There was a school near-by and our guide said many of the grandparents bring their grandchildren to school and then visit in the park while waiting for the kindergartners to get out of school. Also, there was a "doctor" in the park at a little table taking blood pressure for free, although most people were giving a coin or two. Really fun. The Asian culture really values the older people.

 

We also visited a temple and the Jade Buddha (a very large buddha made out of white jade--all one piece) and the little reclining buddha. Have seen enough of buddhas this trip!

 

Then on to the tallest bldg in China, although we decided not to go to the top since we had done that in Taipei. We had lunch at the local Subway. Then on to the history museum and walking on the Bund (old historic bldgs on one side and the new Shanghai on the other side). Shanghai is very crowded--mainly cars, taxis and buses, but some motorcycles and bicycles. Lots of construction going on.

 

Highlights: The park and the people

Lowlights: Traffic

[kobecat]

Shanghai: April 28, 2009: We joined a group of 8 that someone else had formed for a private tour of Shanghai. Our guide and driver could not pick us up at the container port, so we took the free Princess shuttle to Shanghai. There is a lot of traffic and it took us over an hour to get to Shanghai. The temperature was in the 70’s—a bit cool at the start but warmed up and sunny later.

 

Our first stop was a park by the French Concession. This was probably my favorite part of the whole day. The park was where the local "old" people go to practice tai-chi and the old men bring their birds in cages to "visit". Also old men playing checkers. Music and singing and older people dancing in the park. There was a school near-by and our guide said many of the grandparents bring their grandchildren to school and then visit in the park while waiting for the kindergartners to get out of school. Also, there was a "doctor" in the park at a little table taking blood pressure for free, although most people were giving a coin or two. Really fun. The Asian culture really values the older people.

 

We also visited a temple and the Jade Buddha (a very large buddha made out of white jade--all one piece) and the little reclining buddha. Have seen enough of buddhas this trip!

 

Then on to the tallest bldg in China, although we decided not to go to the top since we had done that in Taipei. We had lunch at the local Subway. Then on to the history museum and walking on the Bund (old historic bldgs on one side and the new Shanghai on the other side). Shanghai is very crowded--mainly cars, taxis and buses, but some motorcycles and bicycles. Lots of construction going on.

 

Highlights: The park and the people

Lowlights: Traffic

 

Hi Fran

 

Can you give me the name (and contact details) of your guide? Is there an alternative way to get from the port into Shanghai? Taxi? Did you notice any guides by the port that you could just get on the day?

 

Thanks

 

Beryl

 

PS And in the end all were disappointed except the LA Laker fans.

[Denverite]

PS And in the end all were disappointed except the LA Laker fans.

 

Perhaps next year for the Denver Nuggets....

 

 

 

First, the container port is very LARGE and there are no cabs whatsoever allowed in the port area. So even if you decide to do the city on your own, you have to get out of the port...and you can't get a cab back as once again, they can't get in the port.

 

The Princess shuttle was free. The traffic was very crowded going in to Shanghai in the morning but not as bad leaving. It did take us over an hour to get to Shanghai and we were on one of the first shuttles.

 

I didn't arrange this excursion but joined an excursion with some other CC people. The guide's name was Min Min and her e-mail is: alexialsk@gmail.com She was a private guide (apparently not with a company) and she hired a van and driver for the day.

 

You don't pay until you get to Shanghai and you pay the driver and the guide separately. If you want someone to pick you up inside the port, you may want to try to contact some CTS agencies (like China Highlights--www.chinahighlights.com, or contact Michael Hu at China Highlights directly at Email:michael@chinahighlights.net) Sometimes the CTS agencies have special privileges and can pick up inside the ports. They usually charge a bit more, but sometimes it is worth it. I don't know if they have this arrangement in Shanghai or not.

 

I loved Shanghai, especially the park in the morning.