PORTS OF CALL - Asia
Shanghai, China
Today's Shanghai is firmly focused on the future, a bustling metropolis with a revitalised port and a sizzling art/shopping/restaurant scene that rivals even the most cosmopolitan of its Western cousins. Anyone with an eye for the global stage just has to see this city.
Don't Miss
Once you've traced Shanghai's colourful past along The Bund (the famed colonial-era street that forms the city's waterfront) and the French Concession (a goldmine of art deco architecture), make time for the Yu Gardens in the Old City. Eighteen years in the making (and nearly obliterated during the Opium War in 1842), this exquisite example of Ming garden design is well worth the visit.
While on Your Cruisetour
Your grand tour of metropolitan Shanghai includes tours of Yu Gardens, Old Town and The Bund, along with lunch at a local restaurant. The evening comes with a special treat - the dazzling performances of an authentic Chinese Acrobatic Show.
Sporting Adventures
If you're looking to hone your hand/eye coordination, you've come to the right place. Sports like golf, bowling, tennis and badminton are enjoyed all over Shanghai. Want to rev things up? Try go-kart racing, a popular pastime with indoor and outdoor arenas throughout the city. For even mellower pursuits, go kite flying or try tai-chi in one of the city's splendid public parks.
Local Flavours
The Yu Gardens Bazaar (of which the Yu Gardens are only a small part) is renowned for its snack food, said to be among the best in China. Be adventurous and try the "hairy crab," a freshwater delicacy. Or opt for the more traditional "drunken" dishes of crab or chicken marinated in local Shaoxing wine, or any number of braised meat dishes, including pork knuckle, a local favourite.
Shopping for Bargains
Skip the paper lanterns, painted fans and other tchotchkes you can get back home and seek out a real Chinese souvenir from among the racks and racks of vintage cheongsams (traditional Chinese dresses) at the Old City God's Temple Market. Or go slightly more contemporary and check out Shanghai's burgeoning modern art scene. With prices well below the international market, you could score a great deal - and discover an unknown while you're at it. Look for good buys on pearls, silks and cameras too.
Currency
China's legal tender is the renminbi (RMB). The basic unit of RMB is the yuan. One yuan (or kuai) = 10 jiao (or mao). RMB are available in both paper notes and coins. The denominations of paper notes are 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 yuan; 5, 2 and 1 jiao. The denominations of coins are 1 yuan; 5, 2 and 1 jiao.