We all visit Shanghai for food; Wok Around the Clock

One, two, three o’clock, four o’clock, Wok!

SHANGHAI They say people born in the Chinese year of the horse are thought to be active, extrovert, sexy and full of life – all adjectives that could easily apply to Shanghai.

The twisting 121-story Shanghai Tower has become the world’s second tallest building. But the pre-war European style architecture of the Bund, the skyscrapers in Pudong on the other side of Huangpu River, and every kind of Chinese regional cuisine found on Shanghais streets, there is enough to appreciate.

Food day and night in Shēn

Shanghai is a cauldron of sizzling local cooking and food is one of the reasons we all want to visit this city. Eating here is all about the excitement of the chase and some moments are more wonderful than others. Expect dumpling, saucy hotspots and smoke-laced barbecues – it’s wok from breakfast to the last bite early next morning. In Shanghai, it´s wok around the clock.

Some like it hot

Like shoes, one size doesn’t fit all.  There are, sizes, styles, colors, just ask any woman. Most men don’t have the same problems or obsession. Decisions go from stilettos, ballerinas, and runners to loafers, high boots, ankle boots. So what’s the relationship with traveling? With destinations, the choices are often as confusing. Some like it hot, others cold, some want a secluded island or opt for a throbbing city.  And then think about realistic need, acceptable hotel rates to fit into your budget, airfare and so many other factors that also make arrangements as difficult as choosing that perfect shoe.

From my last visit, it was easy to see that time did not stand still.  There is still a working class, and now a visible emerging middle class and an indescribable, wealthy segment, which seems so ironic thinking about original Communist ethos.

Wonderful surprises

If you’re a ‘foodie’ then you’ll have achingly wonderful surprises as each province has its own signature food and often the always-recognizable small dumplings (dim sum, to we Westerners) that are still hand made.  Shanghai pleases every palate since they feel competitive with the world’s top chefs.

Coffee shops have taken over tea houses

Start with Shanghai’s old town where the great Yu Garden is located and was once a traditional upper class, private estate of the affluent Pan family in the Ming Dynasty.  Now, an eyesore here among many others, are two Starbucks, almost next to each other and not a seat to be found since coffee shops have taken over tea houses.  Hearing the phrase over and over again “meet me at Starbucks”, was sad even with the wonderful backdrop of the Yu Gardens.

Go early. A tip if you intend seeing the Yu Gardens, is to get there as early as possible since the crowds grow hour by hour.  And don’t be concerned about the serious elbowing, which seems to be an active, but non-aggressive, non-competitive sport.

Now, a government property, one iconic site on this 5-acre land, is a 5-ton rock that truly is nature’s incredible sculpture.  Also, there are houses with rooms filled with great traditional furniture and original art, interesting shaped entrances and cobble stone floors which I was told, when barefoot, had the immediate affect of a foot massage.

Yu Gardens

I’m always eager in Yu Gardens, to see if the undulating dragon wall and the two bronze dragons with the growling teeth. They are still there.
Within walking distance is the Bund, a delightful promenade where you are beside the water and a great venue to see the majestic historic buildings from the French and English concessions juxtaposed to the traditional buildings. And that is just touching the surface of this throbbing, mysterious metropolis.

Take a night cruise on the Huangpu River

If you’re willing to wait in the snake-like line to see the popular Oriental Pearl TV Tower, that’s ok.  But there is an alternative. Only a stone’s throw away our guide suggested to go to the nearby 88 storey, Shanghai Tower, where you can look down at the queue for the Pearl TV Tower and also within this complex, see down to the bottom, the lobby of the Hyatt hotel. And if you still have the energy, do take the night cruise on the Huangpu River, which runs through the city.

The dating system

Early risers should head to Peoples’ Square and see a large group devoted to tai chi. However, in the afternoon, there’s a completely different scenario. Dozens of open umbrellas, rain or sun, are held by the mothers who have put all the important information of their siblings – sons and daughter, their names, careers, ages and some even write their earning capacity. Forget dating sites.  This is the rage here.  The Chinese seem to always create new twists and apparently, this dating system works.

All one needs in Shanghai is time, energy and for shoppers, money.  Shanghai is an expensive, fantastic city but oh so worth discovering.

Read more about China: Travel back in time to Yanshan

More travel stories: Indulgedtraveler

Pictures by Terje Madsen