From the moment I got off the plane, I would give Shanghai full marks for organization and speedy country entry. To be fair, it was around 9 p.m. when I landed, and that may have automatically worked to my advantage, but again, smooth sailing. Any travelers to China who are not in the market for getting a visa should know that you can stay in this lovely country for around six days without one as long as you can show them proof that you are leaving within that time frame (you don't have to go home, but you gotta get the **** up out of here). Visually, this country is BEAUTIFUL, and Shanghai specifically has a fascinating skyline, but I would say this city's biggest plus is the work aspect. Let me rewind a bit... as soon as you land, the first thing you need to download is Alipay and then link a credit card you trust (or obviously money exchange), but everything you will do here will require Alipay and just make life much easier for you. Ok, fast forward to driving down the closest strip to Las Vegas China has outside of Macao, the shopping here is 5 stars, and the main city center is so lively and fun at night. All the hotels are 10 stars, and the service was about the same. My hotel [Members Only Location] was pretty mid-top and was still extremely fabulous/lux, so when I went to tour one of the 5-star hotels, it was even more over the top (in a good way). I was able to book a driver for my entire trip, which to me was the best/easiest way to get around as the language barrier was a bit difficult for me. Doing the touristy stuff even excited me as the museum/garden [Members Only Location] my driver took me to was absolutely lovely/serene. To be fair, a taxi was more than adequate getting me from the airport to the hotel but again have the Alipay ready and your hotel location ready to show the driver if you also don't speak the language. Make it a priority to get a custom suit or dress in this city as they are very affordable and beautifully crafted. The Shanghai Tower is as amazing in person and from afar as the photos would suggest, and the view from my hotel rooftop pool was noted to be one of the best. Lastly, Shanghai Disney is fantastic; however, bring your umbrella because it is insanely hot in the summer (make sure you get one of the little fans they sell as well, you'll need both of these items and water). The Zootopia section was a visual wonder and gives the excitement of Harry Potter World for Universal fans. The map is insanely confusing, and the ramen at Pinocchio's restaurant is exceptional. The Pirates of the Caribbean ride at this Disney is unmatched by any ride in the world I've been on outside of Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind, and the tribute to Marvel in their fireworks show was also unmatched (Please head to the Marvel section for that video). Lastly, the "Downtown Disney" area before you get to the park is satisfying to both locals and foreign visitors.
General Consensus: If you are heading to anywhere in Asia (I was coming from Japan and ended in Singapore before Shanghai) this city is an absolute must. I will say outside of Disney it is a very business heavy city which is great for anyone needing to work abroad but it will also have a little bit of something for everyone in the family.
Macao
I don't have too
much to write about for this little slice of Las Vegas duplication, if you are a fan of the strip this location feels like the cut in half and pasted version of a remote Island that feels impossible to get to. I took a ferry to get here from my Hong Kong trip but you can also fly into this city directly but be ready with your passport no matter how you get there because like Monaco this place has it's own charm & laws. Macao is lively, lux and doesn't miss a beat.
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