Shanghai
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Shanghai, is the second most important city in the People's Republic of China after Beijing.
With a population of over 21 million people, Shanghai and its bright lights, incomparable skyline, cultural and highly fashionable lifestyle, its important (and sometimes imposing) expats community, all make it one of the most fascinating cities in the world today, while representing the modern Chinese urban society.
Shanghai is a scintillating city bristling with rapid cultural change. Since market restrictions were lifted, Shanghai has embraced the forces of business and design and rewritten its modus operanti, shaping a fresh, new city that is sophisticated, innovative and living a life it has never lived before.
Embracing every incoming cultures with wide open arms and sharp curiosity, Shanghai is the hotspot of modern China; a cosmopolitan city buzzing with the concept of 'lifestyle revolution', showcased in the architectural temples of art, fine dining and contemporary urban living on The Bund.
It is also where the real China could be found deep in the linong and alleys, be it in the French Concession, in Hongkou district, in Luwan district, but the wanderers would have to lose her map and not be afraid of getting deep down the alleys to find the old, charming and authentic Shanghai.
上海每分钟都在发生变化，不停变化和创新才是这里唯一恒定不变 的特质。这个城市拥有无限多的可能性和从不停歇的运动能量，经济和文化迅速发展，城市文明和人们生活方式也每一天都在发生变化。开放与融合是这个城市日益显明的特征，只要你敢于尝试乐于改变，这个城市就可能是你的天堂。 上海是很多人旅途中的一站，上海是各种冒险交汇的岔路，上海是催生各式梦想的基地，上海是没有门槛的的舞台，上海简直是一场永不散场的派对。
在这里你经历的不仅仅是当地的生活，你有可能结交到来自世界任何角落的人物，每个不同的人生都会把这个城市再诠释一遍.
For more information about Shanghai please visit the official wikipedia page: [1]
Couchsurfing Shanghai
Couchsurfing Shanghai has over 3500 members in its group, though there are many that are either members of the group but who do not physically reside in Shanghai or Couchsurfers who are living in Shanghai but have not signed into the group.
Couchsurfing Shanghai has began to see a structural backbone starting from September 2007, when the first monthly meeting took place (please see the history of meetings below).
Getting Around
By Metro
All information and map can be found on this excellent bilingual (EN/CH) website, http://exploreshanghai.com
You can buy metro cards at many stations(20 ¥ deposit, recharge machines take 50 and 100 ¥ notes). Shanghai Public Transportation Card can be used for one time by overdraft when you take buses, subway trains or ferries. The overdraft should be less than CNY8. Only ordinary cards can be returned. If your ordinary Shanghai Public Transportation Card is complete and clean, it can be recalled and the deposit can be returned to you. The balance on the card can be immediately returned if it is less than CNY 10.
By Taxi
Taxi (aka "出租车" "chu zu che") is a good choice for transportation in the city, especially during off-peak hours. It is fair priced(¥12 or ¥16 after 23:00 for the first 3km, ¥2.4/km up to 10km, and ¥3.5/km after. Time is also tracked and billed while the car is idle, but first 5 minutes are free) and saves you time. Try to get your destination in Chinese characters or available on a map as communication can be an issue. Use the nearest intersection to your destination as well since even addresses in Chinese are often useless. Most drivers do not speak English or any other foreign languages, so be sure to have the address of your destination written in Chinese to show the taxi driver. There is a phone number displayed in the back of the taxi for English-language (currently the only language available) assistance and the agent can tell the driver for you where you want to go.
Drivers, while generally honest, are sometimes genuinely clueless and occasionally out to take you for a ride. The drivers are very good about using the meter but in case they forget, remind them. By law, the driver is to provide you a printed receipt (发票, fāpiào). If you feel that you have been mistreated or treated, you will need the receipt to receive any sort of compensation. It also helps to get the taxi driver license number, which is usually displayed on the dashboard. You (or a Chinese-speaking friend) can use the information on the printed receipt to raise a complaint to the taxi company about that particular driver. The driver will be required to pay 3x the fare if ordered by the taxi company so normally drivers are very good about taking the appropriate route. The printed receipt is also useful to contact the driver in case you have forgotten or lost something in the taxi and need to get it back.
Some very good local expats website ( SmartShanghai for instance)would let you find the address of your (quite expensive) hotel or (very expat) restaurants or bar in English and produce you a printout for your taxi driver where it tells the driver in Chinese, "Take me to the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Pudong, please."
By Bus
The bus system is an extremely efficient way to get around, though it is quite complex and can be frustrating to understand, especially if you cannot understand or read Chinese. Sometimes the automated PA system does not work to announce the next stop. DD Map is extremely useful to find routes using the public transport system in Shanghai, but is in Chinese only. Google Maps has integrated some of the bus lines, but is not comprehensive. It may be easier to use the nearest metro stop to start your route if you plan on taking the metro and then the bus.
From Airport to the City Center
From Pudong International Airport
The cheapest way to get into the city is to take the metro, which is about 8RMB. Take line 2 to Guang-Lan lu where you’ll have to get off and switch trains in order to get into the center. It is advisable to listen on the train to hear which stop you may need to change trains at to continue on to the center in case this should change. The ride to the center takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
You can also use the public bus, the Maglev (see below), long distance bus (to Hangzhou, Suzhou..etc), and airport bus. Check the airport information counter for more details.
- The Airport Bus (about 7 lines to different destinations in the city) has pick-up points at both Terminal 1 and Termnial 2. After 23:00, there is only one bus that runs in the evening from Pudong International. In the arrivals area, there is a board telling you where each of the bus lines goes as well as the stops. Follow the signs to the airport bus pick-up areas and find the corresponding number of the bus you want to take. The bus will either already be there or pull up soon. It is clearly marked.
- Airport Bus No. 1 - From Pudong International Airport to Hongqiao International Airport (Operating Hours 7:20~23:00). From Hongqiao International Airport to Pudong International Airport (Operating Hours 6:00~21:00). Runs about every 10 minutes. Fare: RMB30. No stops.
- Airport Bus No. 2 - From Pudong International Airport to City Air Terminal / Jing'An Temple (Operating Hours 7:20~23:00). From City Air Terminal / Jing'An Temple to Pudong International Airport (Operating Hours 6:00~21:30). Runs about every 20 minutes. Fare: 22RMB. No stops.
- The Last Airport Shuttle Bus - From Pudong International Airport To Hongqiao International Airport (Operating Hours 23:00~flight over). Stops at Longyang Rd.(Metro Station), Dongfang Rd.(Zhangyang Rd.), Oriental Hospital(Pudong Avenue), Middle Zhejiang Rd.(Yan An Rd.), Shimen No.1 Rd. (Yan An Rd), Huashan Rd.(Yan An Rd), Hongxu Rd.(Yan An Rd)
The Maglev is usually an experience itself boasting one of the fastest trains in the world taking you to/from Pudong International from/to Longyang Road in only 8 minutes at speeds up to 430 km/hour.
From Hongqiao Airport
Metro line 2 and 10 bring you from the new Terminal 2 to the city center taking only 30-40 minutes to Puxi areas.
Alternatively you can also use the Airport buses.
Hongqiao is a lot closer to the city center areas in Puxi (East of the Huangpu River, the old city center if you'd prefer), so taxi fares should be around 50RMB maximum. There are also public buses available (stopping everywhere along the way), the 941 would take you to the Shanghai Railway Station if you are not in a rush!
By Bicycle
Bicycling around Shanghai is very popular as the city is very flat and there are bike lanes. It may seem scary with all the chaos, but once you start biking, it is an enjoyable and quick way to get around. Traffic is relatively slow-moving to accommodate erratic driving behavior. Beware that most bikes, electric bikes, electric scooters, and motobikes ignore traffic laws and go on streets where bikes (particularly) are prohibited or in the wrong direction of traffic. No one really wears a helmet, but it is advisable to do so.
Bike theft is extremely common. Especially in warmer months, large vehicles have been spotted going around and picking up bikes to throw in the back even if there is both a back and front lock. If you have a bike or are renting / borrowing one, it is advisable to use at least two locks and to lock your bike to something. Never leave your bike out overnight as even locking the bike to something does not guarantee it will be there the next day.
Bike Rentals
JNBIKE (Giant Bike Shop) - 646 Zhonghua Road (close to DongJiaDu Road), HuangPu District. Tel: 021-63776198 / 910 Jiangning Road, Jing'An District. Tel: 021-62983909. They have different types of bikes with different prices. It is helpful to call in advance so the staff can prepare the bike for you before you arrive. The major issue is they don't really speak English.
China Cycle Tours - Lane 358 Huaihai Middle Road, No. 52, Shanghai, China. Tel: +86 1376 111 5050. E-mail:info@chinacycletours.com. Metro line 1 Huangpi Nan Lu, exit 1.
To Do
Friday Muslim Market. Every Friday, vendors turn out in a gathering of the Muslim and Uighur communities in Shanghai. Lamb skewers, kabobs, pomegranate juice, Xinjiang fruits, and other wares available. Changde Lu in between Aomen Lu and Yichang Lu, 常德路，近澳门路和宜昌路. Every Friday, 11am onwards (roughly after 10:00 on the early side to 14:00).
Sleep
Looking for a host
Shanghai is a big city and hosts usually get bombarded with requests for their couch. See Searching and requesting a couch.
Having trouble finding a host? Shanghai is a popular destination and locals are often very busy. Don't give up, but if you run out of luck try !Emergency Couches - 紧急沙发 - Shanghai 上海 (Last Minute) group. Please refer to CouchRequest tips in How to Find a Couch to Surf Quickly
Hostels
Le Tour Traveler's Rest Hostel. 319 Jiaozhou Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai, 200040, China. Tel: 021-62671912. Located in the downtown area of Shanghai about 10 minutes walk to Jing'An Temple metro lines 2 and 7.
Shanghai SoHo International Youth Hostel. No. 1307 South Suzhou Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200003, China. 上海市黄浦区南苏州路1307号（近成都北路）Near metro line 1 Xinzha Lu exit 1. Newly opened with great views of Suzhou Creek and a rooftop terrace.
Captain Youth Hostel. No. 37 Fuzhou Road, Shanghai, China. This art-deco style building near the Bund was constructed in the 1920s.
Captain Youth Hostel (YanAn Rd. The Bund). 7A East Yan'An Road, Shanghai, China. The third branch of the Captain Youth Hostel in Shanghai.
Meet-Ups
Shanghai a few regularly scheduled meet-ups both weekly and monthly. Be sure to check the forum for specific details and possible last-minute changes.
Weekly WEDNESDAY Non-Smoking Meet-up. Kangaroo Bar from 8:00PM til late. Free pool, darts, and dice. About 200 meters SOUTH of the Shaanxi South subway station on 33 Yongjia Lu near Maoming Lu.
Weekly THURSDAY Meetup at O'Yamee Cafe (Pudong weekly meet-up). 7:30PM til late. The quiet coffee shop/bar/restaurant is literally above the Lujiazui subway station on the promenade with grand views of the Jinmao Tower and SWFC. From exit 3 on the street level, walk up a flight of steps on your right to reach the cafe. Picture of O'Yamee Cafe with Jinmao and SWFC in the back. Couchsurfing discounts are Corona, Heineken for 10 RMB and red and wine wine at 15 RMB.
Weekly SATURDAY Language Exchange Meet-up. 13:00-17:00. Meet with others to practice whatever language you please (primarily English-Chinese). Check out the Language Exchange group.
MONTHLY SATURDAY CS Shanghai Picnic Potluck. Last Saturday of every month from 1:00PM to 5:00PM. Locations vary. Seasonal Everyone is required to bring something to eat or drink that can be shared (not just snacks, but real food). What is also needed are plates, chopsticks, cups, forks, spoons, knives, napkins, and blankets to sit on (and maybe your umbrella). Bring your football (soccer ball), frisbee, or any other games. All are welcome! The monthly seasonal Picnic Potluck takes place the last Saturday of every month from 1 PM to 5 PM at a different picnic spot around the city every time. If thunderstorms decide to rain on the picnic, the event will be postponed until the following Saturday. Please check the event / forum post for details.
MONTHLY Film Project Meet-up. Mondays, 7:30PM at Life Cafe. CS film enthusiasts met on Monday, 30th May 2011. Currently, there are two projects. One is for a super short 2-3 minute film and the other is for a 10-15 minute film. Check out this thread and forum for detailed information and how to participate.
Couchsurfing Zone
A "Couchsurfing zone" is a cafe, restaurant or bar where Couchsurfers in one particular city can physically meet and hangout, either for surfers/visitors who are visiting the city, or as a host or member living in this city, when having an afternoon or evening free wanting to chill out in a laid-back atmosphere and meet other fellow surfers. This is meant to be an actual 'physical base' for the Couchsurfers in this city, be they hosts, visiting surfers, 'coffee or drinks only' members, fellow Couchsurfers wannabe's, new members..etc. The purpose of a Couchsurfing zone is to promote more spontaneous unplanned gatherings among Couchsurfers in a city, where local members can meet and get to know each other, where also potentially visiting surfers may "meet" a last minute couch if they couldn't find one previous to their arrivals, where new members could meet old ones and find out the truth and the marvels of the Couchsurfing lifestyle!
The initial CS Zone in Shanghai has suspended its regular meet-ups. Between March 2009 and March 2010, weekly meet-ups were held on Tuesdays at a bar in Shanghai. Many have enjoyed the atmosphere, continual support from the bar management, and we are all extremely grateful for the positive spirit and enthusiasm from them.
As of March 2011, Couchsurfing Shanghai is looking for a new CS Zone, if the majority of the group agrees on the functions and objectives of the zone.
NOTE: Any commercial business that is chosen as the CS Zone does not have the right to promote its activities or services through the Couchsurfing website and community. The ambassadors/volunteers involved in negotiating discounts on drinks and other consumptions with this business will have to show integrity to her/his role as a volunteer and not have any commercial ties with the involved business. The purpose of a CS Zone is solely for the sake of promoting the Couchsurfing mission statement [2] and not pursue in any means whatsoever any for-profit or commercial-oriented activities for any individual or entity on the Couchsurfing site.
History of Meet-Ups
On September 07: we had our first 'formal' coffee get-together at the Old Film Cafe on the pedestrian Duolun Road, near Sichuan North Road, where the old 1930s mansions nearby, the antique stores on the streets and the nice weather accompanied our good spirits! there was an impressive number of people (locals!!) who were new on CS or interested in CS.
October 07: we had a great dinner at the Mandchurian Restaurant (Dong Bei Ren) on Shanxi Nan Road 1, about 2 tables over 24 people! great turnout out, couple of surfers, a few hosts, also a few interested minds who then did sign up! then the party moved to the House of Jazz and Blues (Maoming Nan Lu 158, near Fuxin Middle Road) a must-go to all jazz lovers, and enjoyed the nice live music by the current house quintet.
November 07: a rather spontaneous but great party, less CS-focused because of the crowd in the bar, CS Shanghai gathered for the Too Dumb to Die trio who played at Piccone Bar, www.piccone-sh.com. this was a great concert by three travelling musicians going around Asia by bike, 2 of them are now officially CS TBMs (i'll post links to their profile later, CS website is down right now...)
On December 31st 2007 Couchsurfing Shanghai had a great New Year's Eve bash at the Beca Cafe in REd Town, next to the Shanghai Sculpture Museum. event page on FB. about 70 people showed up, among which maybe 50 or so were involved or related to couchsurfing. hopefully lots of new signup's subsequent to that.
A Couchsurfing in China group has been created on Facebook.
January 08: CS Shanghai started up the Chinese Olympic Year by having a fully energized evening of culture and fun. first we attended the Pecha Kucha [3][4] Shanghai event, at the Shanghai lifestyle center, then we had our Couchsurfing shanghai first ever KTV party, where we had a beautiful mixture of cultures, from France, Togo, China (of course), US, Turkey, Finland, Korea, Canada. Absolutely fabulous party at the Haoledi KTV near Xintiandi.
February 08: probably the first month when we actually had 2 great gatherings!
- Feb 16: we had a nice Brazilian dinner near China Eastern Normal University campus, then we took it further to the funky Shanghai Gecheng KTV (Song city), and then some hardcore people continued onwards to party and dance at Windows til the wee hours!! whatta amazing night!
- Then on Feb 29th now that was a full house we had!! Couchsurfing Shanghai had a blast at the dinner gathering with two full tables (over 22 people!) at the yummy Sichuan restaurant You Jia Chuan Cai on Jiangsu Road 121, between Yuyuan road and Changning Road. We then moved the party to the Hut[5] a cool dive bar where we actually had an amazing full house party!! we fully used up this back-room special lounge in the back of the bar, and there were over 30 people!! because we were the biggest party in the bar, many of us actually ended up meeting others at the bar, brought them into our 'CS lounge', and completely converted them!!
March 08: in celebration of one of the surfers' birthday, we had our first full day event: St Patrick's Parade, picnic in Fuxing Park, followed by a nice little drink in Taikang Lu (recommendable to all for a nice afternoon coffee in a traditional Shanghaiese ally transformed into a trendy cafes and restaurants and gallery district!), a get-together dinner at Papa John's (not very Chinese but fun atmosphere!) and finally, a gathering at Harley's to enjoy some cool cats playing nice French electrohouse.[6]
May 2008: after the disastrous, tremendously traumatic nation-wide earthquake in Wenchuan, Sichuan Province, Couchsurfing had its very own fundraising afternoon at the Bell Cafe raising over 13 000 RMB, which was directly donated to an earthquate relief fund based in Chengdu[7], via CS Chengdu member Jane.
In June, CS Shanghai joined the momentum accross the world and held its own Couchsurfing International Day, on Thursday June 12th. We organised it on the rooftop of a private appartment near Xujiahui, and had a huuuuuuuuuge turnout! It was a great success, we even made a Sticker which was distributed to everyone who came:
In July 08 we had a dinner at a very local Uyghur restaurant, nice turnout with a good bunch of people around the table from over 8 countries and continents, then we headed to Yuyintang for an interesting eclectic party.
TO BE CONTINUED SOON.
