Two Days in Shanghai

[MalibuCA]

We are cruising on the Crystal Symphony in March 2009, and we will be in Shanghai for two days. We are very interested in seeing "Jewish Shanghai" as well as the important sights recommended by Frommer's and throughout these boards. My question is: Will "Jewish Shanghai" and other important sights within the city of Shanghai completely fill our two days, or should we be looking at other excursions outside of the city, i.e., Suzhou, Zhouzhuang, Hangzhou, Wuxi, etc? If you think that we can see all there is to see within the city limits in one day, where do you recommend we go outside of the city limits on the second day? Keep in mind that we do not want to short change our time to see the highlights within the city.

 

Thanks for your advice.

 

Shelley:)

[mrlevin]

You can easily fill two days. Tour the Jewish area; here is a link:

 

http://www.shanghai-jews.com/

 

Definitely see Yu Yuan Garden. Walk down the Bund. See all the skyscrapers in Pudong and go to the top of the Jinmao building for quite a view. The new Mori building is supposed to be open this month which is now the tallest building in the world. See the Shanghai museum which is fantastic. Even more amazing is that they let you take photographs of their collection. Don't forget to see the Acrobats show in the evening.

 

Last, don't forget to shop. We did all of our Christmas shopping in Shanghai. Pearls are a good buy along with watches. Don't pay more than $10 - $15 for a Rolex but I prefer the Mao watches. Take the Maglev train to the airport and back to ride on the fastest train in the world

 

There is definitely a lot to see in Shanghai!!

[MalibuCA]

Thanks, Marc!

 

I contacted Dvir, but he did not seem very eager to take our group sightseeing. He won't commit to a reservation for April 4 and April 5 until January; he won't tell me how large the group could be (I asked him the maximum number of people he would take at one time); and he said that if we want a small group of 4, then he may not be the guide for us. How large was your group? How far in advance would he let you reserve? I know that he is very popular, and he can be independent. Do you think I can depend on him for a group that is smaller than 20 people? I got the impression that he will take anyone from the cruise ship that wants to go.

 

I know that I will want a guide to take me through the Jewish area so that I can learn the history that is there. What about the other places you mention -- is it necessary to have a private guide, or can we do it on our own. We don't speak a word of Chinese!

 

Thanks for the help.

 

Shelley

[mrlevin]

I do not know anything about the tour of Jewish Shanghai; I did not take that tour.

 

For many of the other sights I took the ship's tour. However, a good guide book, and taxis will work fine. Taxis are extremely cheap in Shanghai. A lot depends on where you dock. We docked right in town and ship had a free shuttle to a couple blocks form Yu Yuan Garden. Still, the taxi was only around $2-$3 if we went on our own.

[MalibuCA]

Thanks again, Marc --

 

I think that we will be docking close to town also. We will be on the Crystal Symphony, and I suspect that the ship is small enough to dock right in town. From what I read on the boards, it is the very large ships that are docked a long distance out of the city.

 

Does anyone know for certain where the Crystal Symphony docks in Shanghai?

 

Shelley

[SDHALFAN]

 

Last, don't forget to shop. We did all of our Christmas shopping in Shanghai. Pearls are a good buy along with watches. Don't pay more than $10 - $15 for a Rolex but I prefer the Mao watches. Take the Maglev train to the airport and back to ride on the fastest train in the world

 

There is definitely a lot to see in Shanghai!!

 

I definitely plan to shop while in Shanghai and, being a lover of pearls, my question is where did you find the best place to buy pearls? What about the watches? I know that a Rolex for $15.00 is definitely a "knock-off" but I thought that my daughter might get a kick out of owning a "Rolex" even if it only lasted for a few months. Did you see any good buys on handbags? I have dreamed of owning a "Chanel" bag but have to be realistic and realise that it's never going to happen in this lifetime, however a copy would be nice;) .

 

Thanks so much for any help you can give me.

 

Valerie:)

[mrlevin]

I definitely plan to shop while in Shanghai and, being a lover of pearls, my question is where did you find the best place to buy pearls? What about the watches? I know that a Rolex for $15.00 is definitely a "knock-off" but I thought that my daughter might get a kick out of owning a "Rolex" even if it only lasted for a few months. Did you see any good buys on handbags? I have dreamed of owning a "Chanel" bag but have to be realistic and realise that it's never going to happen in this lifetime, however a copy would be nice;) .

 

Thanks so much for any help you can give me.

 

Valerie:)

 

Shopping is my wife's department so I am not the best source. Shopping for pearls was best along Nanking Road and the area around Yu Yuan garden. 20 Yuan ($14) was the max she paid for nice strands that we used as gifts. Purses were around in same area. For purses, tear a picture out of a magazine of the exact "model" of purse you want so you can show to people. REMEMBER: This is all illegal. Many places will take you into a back room; be wary at all times. If buying a watch out in the open, be on the lookout for the cops. They are really going after the salesman but you don't want to be an inviting target. Also, realize the rules for entering the US. You can have one illegal knockoff as a "souvenir" but any more and you are violating US customs regulations.

 

All my experience was last October. I do believe that they may have cracked down more in the last six months. Just be careful and you can have a wonderful shopping spree. We are planning on also doing this year's Christmas shopping when we are in Shanghai in October.

[SDHALFAN]

Shopping is my wife's department so I am not the best source. Shopping for pearls was best along Nanking Road and the area around Yu Yuan garden. 20 Yuan ($14) was the max she paid for nice strands that we used as gifts. Purses were around in same area. For purses, tear a picture out of a magazine of the exact "model" of purse you want so you can show to people. REMEMBER: This is all illegal. Many places will take you into a back room; be wary at all times. If buying a watch out in the open, be on the lookout for the cops. They are really going after the salesman but you don't want to be an inviting target. Also, realize the rules for entering the US. You can have one illegal knockoff as a "souvenir" but any more and you are violating US customs regulations.

 

All my experience was last October. I do believe that they may have cracked down more in the last six months. Just be careful and you can have a wonderful shopping spree. We are planning on also doing this year's Christmas shopping when we are in Shanghai in October.

 

 

Thank you so much for your reply. Yes, I do indeed know that buying "knock-offs" is illegal, but I didn't know that I could bring back one illegal knockoff as a souvenir (oh Happy Day:D ). As I mentioned before, I would love to have a Chanel quilted bag, but if it is not to be then I guess I could get on with my life, albeit it sadly;) .

 

To tell you the truth, I have a friend who lives just outside of Hong Kong, who loathes people like me who don't mind bending the rules every once in a while and she amazed me last year when I was in Hong Kong by saying that she too would love to have one of those Chanel bags even if it is a knock-off.

 

Have a wonderful cruise and happy shopping - I certainly plan to explore as much of Shanghai as I can and to shop 'till I drop along the way.

 

Valerie:)

[mrlevin]

Here is the information from Customs and Boder Patrol site:

 

Page 1

CUSTOMS DIRECTIVE

ORIGINATING OFFICE: OR&R DISTRIBUTION: S-01 CUSTOMS DIRECTIVE NO. 2310-011A DATE: JANUARY 24, 2000 SUPERSEDES: 2310-11 July 30, 1991 REVIEW DATE: JANUARY 2002

PERSONAL USE EXEMPTION: UNAUTHORIZED TRADEMARKS

1. PURPOSE. To clarify Customs policy with respect to the proper application of the personal use exemption.

2. AUTHORITY. Generally, Section 526 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. §1526) and section 42 of the Act of July 5, 1946 (60 Stat. 440; 15 U.S.C. §1124) (the Lanham Act) proscribe the importation of goods bearing counterfeits of trademarks which have been registered with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office and recorded with U.S. Customs.

3. BACKGROUND. According to the statute (19 U.S.C. §1526(d)(1)), such restrictions do not apply to the importation of articles accompanying any person arriving in the United States, when such articles are for his personal use and not for sale, provided such articles have been approved and enumerated by Customs, and that such person has not been granted a 1526(d) exemption within 30 days immediately preceding his arrival. However, 19 U.S.C.§1526(d)(4) also authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out that law.

3.1 At 19 CFR §148.55, Customs has promulgated regulations which provide for the importation of one article of a type bearing an unauthorized protected trademark. Importations of quantities greater than one article of a type bearing an unauthorized trademark are subject to the provisions of 19 CFR §133.24.

4. ACTION. Customs officers shall permit any person arriving in the United States, to import one article, which must accompany the person, bearing a counterfeit, confusingly similar, or restricted gray market trademark, provided that the article is for personal use and not for sale.

4.1 Customs officers shall permit the arriving person to retain one article of each type accompanying the person. For example, an arriving person who has three purses, whether each bears a different unauthorized trademark or whether all three bear the same unauthorized trademark, is permitted one purse.

4.2 Imported items over and above one article are subject to disposition under either 19 CFR § 133.21 (counterfeit) or 19 CFR § 133.24 (gray market and confusingly similar). Under 19 CFR § 133.21, counterfeit items, in the absence of permission from the trademark owner, must be seized and forfeited. Gray market or confusingly similar

Page 2 goods are subject to detention under 19 CFR §133.24(a). Upon such a detention, Customs officers should orally advise the person(s) arriving that the articles are subject to detention and that in accordance with 19 CFR §133.24©(2), such articles may be:

4.2.1 Exported or destroyed under Customs supervision; or

4.2.2 Imported if the mark is removed or obliterated to Customs satisfaction; or

4.2.3 Released if permission to import the goods is obtained from the trademark holder.

4.3 Where the trademark holder consents to the importation of goods bearing unauthorized trademarks in quantities above the regulatory exemption, Customs officers shall allow the greater quantity to be imported.

4.4 Where the importer has failed to obtain release of such detained goods after 30 days from the date of presentation to Customs, said goods shall be seized and forfeiture proceedings instituted.

4.5 In the past, there has been confusion over whether the personal use exemption contained in 19 CFR §148.55 applies equally to crew members. 19 CFR §148.55, and its governing statute, 19 U.S.C. §1526(d), state that the personal use exemption is available to "any person." This includes crew members.

5. RESPONSIBILITIES. Customs field officers are responsible for following these guidelines. Area/Port directors, assistant port directors (trade operations), supervisory import specialists, and supervisory inspectors are responsible for ensuring that their staffs are aware of the content of this Directive and adhere to the guidelines provided.

Commissioner of Customs

 

Here is the link to the site: http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/trade/legal/directives/2310-11a.ctt/2310-11a.pdf

 

Happy shopping!!!

[SDHALFAN]

That's amazing - thanks so much for the information.

 

Valerie:)

[smtcan]

Shanghai is easy to get around by taxi. We were there for three weeks when my DH was taken ill on a cruise. I was concerned about getting about on my own, but couldn't spend 24 hours a day at the hospital. Very few taxi drivers speak English, so have the name of your destination written down and just show it. You can get almost anywhere in the city for $3.

 

I was hesitant about hiring a taxi, but found that if I waited outside one of the major hotels, the doorman would help, and would also write the destination for me. The Peace Hotel, right downtown near the Bund was particularly handy for this, and very willing to help although they knew I wasn't staying there.

 

As previously recommended, the YuYan Gardens and surrounding market is worth a visit, and the Bund is spectacular at night. The main shopping streets around Nanjing have good designer shops as does the new shopping mall in Pudong across the river. The Silk Market has wonderful bargains. You can get a silk jacket made to measure for under $60 in two days, but be sure you are getting real silk.

 

I hope to return to Shanghai one day, to share the experience with my DH, who made a complete recovery after good care in the First Peoples Hospital, but didn't get a chance to do any sight seeing.

[MalibuCA]

Hi, smtcan --

 

I'm so glad that your husband came out of that experience doing so well! It must have been very scary for both of you. Now, you have good reason to re-visit Shanghai!

 

I am so tempted to visit Shanghai "on our own." Our only concern -- and it's a big one -- is the language barrier. I know that if we were staying in a hotel it would not be any problem having the concierge write down everywhere in Chinese that we want to go, and more importantly, how to come back. On the cruise ship, however, I feel pretty certain that Crystal's concierge desk will not be able to do that for us. Not to mention, what do we do if we get lost and have no way of asking someone on the street for directions? If you used the Peace Hotel as your "home base" for a doorman that could communicate on your behalf, what did you do when it came time for you to get back to your ship? Did the doorman write down all of your destinations during the day and your final destination back to the ship?

 

It looks like we could handle seeing everything on our own in Shanghai, but I have this horrendous fear of never getting back to the ship, and forever remaining in China!

 

What to do?

 

Shelley

[smtcan]

It took me a couple of days to have the confidence to leave the hospital on my own (I was able to stay there in a double room with DH) but I took a notebook and had the address written down to show taxi drivers. A friend who had done the cruise the previous year recommended taking a postcard of the ship for that purpose. People were very helpful and anxious to try English. I never felt unsafe even walking around the streets, although I made sure that I stayed in well travelled areas. Incidentally I am mid 60s and it was our first visit to Asia or any country where I couldn't even sound out the street names. I don't think I will be afraid to tour independently in any country now.

 

Sheila

[MalibuCA]

Wow, Sheila --

 

You are courageous! Did you take a taxi to just one location and walk there and then return to the hospital, or did you pick up other taxis along the way going from one location to another and then back to the hospital or ship? I'm not too worried about taking only one taxi to one location and then getting another taxi to take me back to the ship, but I am worried about going numerous places with numerous taxis. Lots of chance to end up "who knows where." What did you do, and what are your thoughts on this?

 

Shelley

[smtcan]

As the time went on I became more confident and flagged taxis on the street. There is no shortage at all. I would, for example, ask at the Museum desk for someone to write Silk Market in English and Chinese to show to the driver. Many of the English brochures for sites had the names written in Chinese too. Really it depends on your comfort level. Whatever you do, I'm sure you will enjoy Shanghai - it is an amazing city.

Sheila

[MalibuCA]

You are most encouraging -- my comfort level is indeed rising. Thanks for all of the advice!

 

Shelley

[bra1nchild]

We are "doing" Shanghai with Beijing Service [ tansy@beijingservice.com ] in September. It's a return visit so on the short day, we are going to tour Xiantiandi, Shikumen to see old Shanghai, Jewish Quarter, visit the Bund to see new Shanghai. The first day, when we have more time, we are going to Zhouzhuang. We've been to the Bund before but it's like trying not to see Notre Dame when you're in Paris.

We found Beijing Service willing to create an itinerary for the half-day tour different from what is presented on their website.

Good luck!

[jssabs]

Malibu CA,

 

If you are really interested in the Shanghai Jews tour, Dvir is the only way to go. We were on the Symphony in April and took his tour. It was fascinating. Dvir requires a minimum of 6 for his tour and that is not usually a problem. He also doesn't like to confirm too far in advance so if you are talking about next April, that is still a long way off. I would suggest you start communicating with him around January when things can be better firmed up. He is pretty flexible. When I left for our cruise we did not have the minimum requirement but once we met our fellow passengers on board, it was no problem getting others to join in with us. His tour takes a half day and because of his background, he has knowledge that no conventional tour guide has about the Shanghai Jews and the Shanghai Ghetto.

 

The Symphony docked right along the Bund and Dvir picked us up at the ship. No problem. It was a great cruise and a great itinerary (Beijing, Shanghai, Osaka, and Hong Kong - also stopped in Dalian but not impressed)

 

Jay

[MalibuCA]

Thanks, Jay --

 

Is there enough to see in Jewish Shanghai to merit a half-day tour? Keep in mind that we are in Shanghai on a Saturday and a Sunday, and I have read that the Ohel Moshe Synagogue is closed to the public on those days.

 

Thanks for your help.

 

Shelley

[jssabs]

Shelly,

 

Yes his tour occupies an entire 1/2 day. Be warned however that there is a lot of walking and Dvir really explains what we are seeing as well as the history. The synagogue is really a very small part of the entire tour. It is very small and I don't think we spent more than 15 or 20 minutes there. Again, if you are really interested in the Shanghai Jews, the ghetto, and the history, Dvir's tour probably covers it the best. Another thing to mention is that if you can't put a group of six together for his minimum, he sometimes puts the group together based on inquiries he gets from others who want to go at the same time so again there should not be a problem getting a group together. In our group (total of 8) there was one couple who was traveling independently and were not on our cruise and it worked out fine.

 

Enjoy your cruise.

 

Jay

[MalibuCA]

Thanks, Jay. I am not worried about our tour not reaching the minimum of 6 because we are 4 in our group already. What concerned me when I contacted him was that he would not give me any idea how large a group he would create. His website (if I remember correctly) said that groups can be as large as 25! That's almost as large as the ship's excursion! I am concerned that the group may get so large that it will lose the small, intimate feel that we seek with a private guide. Have you heard from anyone that the tour groups which Dvir puts together are larger than 6 or 8?

 

Shelley

[Capsu78]

Shelly,

Our hotel, a 4 star, had a literature rack right by the main entrance that had all of the major attractions (Ladies market, The Bund etc) on smallish cards that had the english and chinese characters, along with pictures, operating times, rates etc.

I wouldn't be the least bit shy about walking into one of the major hotels, and looking for similar cards by the door or by the concierage. I am not even sure who was distributing them, but they were all graphically similar and the same size. I had all the info I needed in under a minute...

Oh, and get a couple of cards for the hotel so you can get back too!

[MalibuCA]

Thanks for the great tip! My husband also bought a translating electronic device that he can carry in his pocket. The problem is that it only translates pre-designated sentences or phrases. We can't put together individual words. To do that, we had to spend around $500 instead of $50 -- hardly seemed worth it for a two-week cruise to China! I'm also wondering whether there is a source online where I can purchase phrase cards like you described before we leave the USA. Does anyone know if there is such a company online that provides these cards? Any help is much appreciated!

 

Thanks,

Shelley:)

[jssabs]

Shelly,

 

I agree that a group of 25 in Dvir's tour would degrade the tour. The intimacy of the group is one of the factors that makes it so fascinating. I really have no idea as to how often he ends up with the larger groups. I think you'll have to wait until you get closer to the time of your trip and correspond with Dvir as to what his bookings look like. Quite frankly, I don't think it is very often that he has a real large group but I have nothing specific to base that assumption on.

 

Jay

[liz99]

We just returned from Shanghai. We travelled all over the city both on foot and with taxis. We felt safe wherever we went.

 

The drivers do not speak English, however the hotel doormen as well as clerks in the larger stores do. Tell them where you want to go and they will write it down for you.

 

Also if you take a cab rom your ship, there is someone there to tell the driver where you want to go and he will also write down the name of the ship and peir for your return.

 

Hope this helps to ease your concerns.