Traveling to Shanghai, China

[bnjlosh]

I am going to Shanghai in mid October (8-20) and I am wondering if there are any apuggers there and where is a place to buy film...this is a first trip for me over seas and I am very excited...anything I should see while I'm there?

thanks for the foresite...

brad

 

[arigram]

Shanghai is a very interesting city. Its a battleground where the modern is fighting against the traditional, where huge post-futuristic skyscarpers are battling the old traditional houses, where whole neighbourhoods are being wiped out to make room for new buildings. Its very alive and busy and there lots of art going. Around the museum for example there are many art stores where I for example bought paper and brushes. I was only for a couple days there so I don't have much in way of information, sorry.
Btw, mid-October is gonna be a bit chilly...

 

[bnjlosh]

thanks for the weather tidbit...I've heard that there is more new construction in the city than in all of the USA...not sure if it's true, but it a definite growth zone

 

[Schlapp]

Check this guy out
http://www.flickr.com/photos/aglimpseoftheworld/242444402/

 

[DrZ]

Brad,

I have been many times in Shanghai and was there just last week. My suggestion is to take your own film. The films are hard to find, more expensive and with limited availaibility. My favorite photo shop in Nanjing road has closed for construction.
There are wonderful spots to take pictures in the city and it's still possible to enjoy the contrast of the old city and modern construction.
In my opinion is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. October is a very good time to go there.
Enjoy!

DRZ

 

[Gim]

I spent 10 days there in Oct 2002. There are many things to see. Spend half a day in the Museum. Everyday I walked, sometimes to specific places and some days I would just head in any direction. When it started to get dark I got a cab back downtown (?). Believing that I could always get a cab I just walked where ever and did not worry about getting lost but I did carry a map. In my smaller camera bag I carried 35mm stuff, trail mix and water. Stop in the little parks on your walks. Its a great trip. Wish I was going back. I would also take what ever film you plan on using.
Jim

 

[johnnywalker]

I spent 10 days there in Oct 2002. There are many things to see. Spend half a day in the Museum. Everyday I walked, sometimes to specific places and some days I would just head in any direction. When it started to get dark I got a cab back downtown (?). Believing that I could always get a cab I just walked where ever and did not worry about getting lost but I did carry a map. In my smaller camera bag I carried 35mm stuff, trail mix and water. Stop in the little parks on your walks. Its a great trip. Wish I was going back. I would also take what ever film you plan on using.
Jim

If you decide to wander aimlessly (a good idea) and take a cab back to your hotel, take a matchbook or some stationery with the hotel name and address on it, in Chinese, and hand it to the cab driver. I've never been to Shanghai except to change planes, but I've spent a lot of time in China. Go to any park at daybreak to watch people doing everything from Tai Chi to ballroom dancing.

 

[Roger Hicks]

If you decide to wander aimlessly (a good idea) and take a cab back to your hotel, take a matchbook or some stationery with the hotel name and address on it, in Chinese, and hand it to the cab driver.

I hope they're more competent than Beijing taxi drivers! It often took half an hour longer than it should to get to the hotel, to an appointment, or wherever, because they were very nearly as bad as New York taxi drivers (my favourite in Manhattan: where's 32nd Street?) Fortunately it didn't matter too much as the fares are very cheap.

Everywhere I went in China and Chinese-occupied territory -- remember that China is an empire, not a country -- I found the vast majority of people to be helpful, friendly and happy to be photographed. Shame about their government...

Cheers,

Roger (www.rogerandfrances.com -- where there's a China page among the Galleries).

 

[maxby]

Any suggestions on where to buy B&W film in Shanghai?

 

[bnjlosh]

these are some great shots...

Check this guy out
http://www.flickr.com/photos/aglimpseoftheworld/242444402/

 

[bnjlosh]

thanks for the info...I will bring my own film...now, with the current flying situations, can I carry my camera and film on board with me or do I need to pack it?

thanks

 

[Glenn Mathison]

Water city

If you have time and inclination to get out of the city itself, you might try and get a ride or tour to the place called "Water City". About an 80 minute drive from Shaghai central.

I was taken there in January by Chinese work colleagues and apparently it's a national treasure. You walk around the area and it's a very old city built over a series of small canals. Lot's of small laneways and historical buildings from centuries past. Worth a visit.

If interested, PM me and I'll try and get a better name/directions etc. I was driven there so didn't have to know much about *how* to get there.

 

[BWKate]

I bought B&W 35mm film at a Fuji camera/one hour lab/ shop around the corner from the Portman Ritz Carlton. (There's also a Starbucks there as well)

From Shanghai to about an hour in any direction is surrounded by canals. This area is the Venice of the Orient. The more famous ones are Zhouzang, Suzhou, Tongli, and Hangzhou. I'm sure there are more and maybe Glenn knows.

An amazing place that Shanghai. I was there April/May 2006.