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Traveling to Shanghai, China
By Dru Jensen-Jones

Traveling to China can be a daunting and imposing challenge. As one of the world's most populated countries with over a hundred cities boasting populations over a million people, one wonders how navigable any nation of this magnitude could possibly be. Nonetheless, Shanghai called our name and off we went!

Shanghai, China, is an impressive city showcasing the historic, neo-classical architecture of the famous Bund waterfront of Shanghai's Puxi area, against the futuristic skyline of Shanghai's Pudong New Area, which was designed as the high area of economic renewal and development for the city. The city is divided by the Huangpu River, busy with neon-adorned dinner cruise boats, ferries shuttling Shanghai residents between the banks, and ambling ships carrying hauls of quarried stone and coal. Shanghai's Pudong area has only been in existence for a little over fifteen years; huge office buildings, multiple condominium compounds, and skyscrapers, two of them over 420 meters (1400 ft) tall, have replaced farmland and rice fields that once thrived on the land. Western influence is everywhere you turn, with numerous malls and designer stores popping up daily. Pudong is where the beautiful Pudong Shangri-La Hotel shines and where we recently spent a fantastic weekend.

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts are based in Hong Kong, and the properties are Asia Pacific's leading luxury hotels known for fine service and elegant sophistication. The Pudong Shangri-La didn't fail to disappoint. We arrived for an early check-in and immediately noticed the hotel's private car; a beautiful navy Rolls Royce Phantom Limousine that we learned was available to guests if your desire is to have a chauffeur-driven night on the town! The hotel has two towers, one older than the other, which are connected by an expansive lobby area of shining marble, eager staff, and beautiful fresh flower displays.

After an efficient check-in, we were shown to our Deluxe room in the River Tower which had a view of the sparkling Bund waterfront across the river. The room was appointed with soft colors and fabrics, and subtle Chinese influences throughout. Within minutes of arrival, a porter arrived with a wicker basket containing a steaming pot of jasmine tea and tiny porcelain teacups to welcome us by one of China's oldest customs; a wonderful touch of true Asian tradition. The room also offered a bowl of fresh fruit, plush robes and slippers, a well-stocked mini bar, and quality bath amenities. At turn down, a small makeup bag containing items such as an elastic hair band, a terrycloth spa headband, and a sparkling tube of lip gloss were left on the bathroom vanity. Very nice!

In the mood for a relaxing cocktail, we visited the Lobby Lounge and immediately fell in love with their Lychee Martini! They were a perfect aperitif for the fabulous dinner that awaited us! We dined in the Shangri-La's primary dining area named Yi Cafe. A winding area throughout the hotel's second floor, the restaurant featured no fewer than ten mini show kitchens offering a variety of international cuisine; fresh sushi and sashimi, an iced seafood display, chilled salads, imported cheeses and breads, hand-pulled noodles, beef carving stations, Indian tandoori, Mediterranean, and finally, classic Asian specialties of dim sum, roasted duck, and suckling pig. If there is room for dessert, the eye-popping dessert station features multiple chocolate fountains, gorgeous hand-made cakes and pastry. Glistening glass jars of gummy candies are available to take-away in miniature orange boxes. Breakfast was also in Yi Café and had stations of similar cuisine as the night before, however now with waffle and pancakes stations, an egg station, and other breakfast-oriented options such as rich muesli, yoghurts, fresh exotic fruits and cereals. The hotel also offers a sushi bar and café, a traditional Tea Room, a Japanese restaurant, a Cantonese restaurant, their own Chinese restaurant, and award-winning, Jade 36, which is one of Shanghai's five-star, avant-garde restaurants with spectacular views of the city. Michelin-starred chef, Fabrice Giraud, recently joined Jade 36, further developing the French menu with a contemporary twist.

What luxurious weekend wouldn't be complete if a visit to the spa wasn't in order? Chi Spa is Pudong Shangri-La's signature spa. Softly-lit, fragrant, and beautifully designed in dark woods, burnt reds, and soothing amber colors, Chi offers a number of luxurious treatments to choose from. The signature "Jade Journey" treatment won the 2007 Baccarat AsiaSpa Awards in Hong Kong and was voted "Spa Treatment of the Year". The treatment begins with a warm Jade Foot Bath and progresses to the Tea Ritual Bath; a relaxing bath infused with large tea bags in a beautiful infinity tub. An hour-long massage follows incorporating Jade, a semi-precious stone known for its healing properties and which is highly prized in Asia. The fragrant massage oil that is used is specifically selected based on your body's particular "element"; wood, air, fire, or water, determined with a pre-treatment consultation. The treatment was pure heaven, and it's impossible not to emerge feeling completely renewed.

With our visit concluding, I had the opportunity to chat with the delightful Mr. Julian Darisse, Pudong Shangri-La's Guest Service Manager. When I asked him what he thinks makes the Pudong Shangri-La most special, he shared with me that he believes it's the opportunity that he has in his role to innovate new guest services and develop new processes that are both customer and employee friendly. "We want every guest to be attended to, offering personalized service and individual attention", Darisse stated. The service level at Pudong Shangri-La is second-to-none, which was not only refreshing, but highly appreciated. Darisse also highlighted the hotel's magnificent views, the capable event management and banquet staff, and the company's innovative, forward-thinking management programs that make the Shangri-La Hotel special. We loved our visit and look forward to returning again, soon!

Pudong Shangri-La; Shanghai
33 Fu Cheng Lu
Pudong, Shanghai 200120
Ph: (86.21) 6882.8888 / F: (86.21) 6882.6688
Email: slpu@shangri-la.com
www.shangri-la.com

Getting There:

There are over fifteen major airlines offering flights from LAX to Shanghai, and American Airlines offers a non-stop option. Flight times from the West Coast will average approximately 11-15 hours, depending on whether you select a non-stop or one-stop option. Other cities throughout the U.S. also offer non-stop options such as Atlanta, Newark, and Detroit, and several routes fly through Beijing, which is an approximate two-hour flight from Shanghai.

Visiting Shanghai is relatively inexpensive and everything is negotiable...in fact, it's expected, so practice your skills before arriving! Transportation is also inexpensive with taxis, plentiful, and the metro system, extensive. Communication can be challenging, so it's best to carry hotel business cards and restaurant business cards with you to present to the taxi drivers as you navigate the city. Your hotel concierge and bell staff will be glad to assist, as well. A handy translation guide or travel book will always be useful.

Shanghai experiences very hot summers and very cold winters. Ideal times to visit are in the spring and fall seasons. There are a multitude of Chinese holidays that are experienced throughout the year, so you may want to be mindful of this when making travel plans as Shanghai can become extremely crowded when nationals are off school and work for the holidays.

The 2010 World Expo, being held in Shanghai, will begin in May of 2010 and will last for the subsequent five months. The Expo will feature a multitude of countries showcasing their innovative plans for housing and living for the future, with an emphasis on environmental strategies. If you plan to visit during these months, please be advised to book your air and hotel plans soonest, to avoid challenges. A number of additional hotels are currently under construction to accommodate the millions of visitors to the city during that time.

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