Customer Reviews

Lonely Planet Best of Shanghai (Lonely Planet Shanghai Encounter)

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

... and I emphasize the word "basic". Fold-out maps with Chinese characters is helpful, but don't forget to bring a magnifying glass in order to read the maps. Found Time Out Shanghai much much more informative.

although the good part of this guide was the fact that they gave the chinese characters for all listings, and it's compact size, we found many of the suggestions closed and listings out of date. maybe the next update will be worthwhile

The maps were indispensible aids in getting around Shanghai and if I ever go back to that town and were only allowed ten pages from this book, I'd include the maps. I met another traveler in Shanghai who lost this guide and doubled back several blocks to find it again. He did find it again and was glad he did.

That being said, it's not the gospel. Shanghai's a big town and there's no way to cover every single place to eat or thing to do. Given the short descriptions for many of the activities, there can't be enough room to explain everything you may need to get to them... the Propaganda Poster Museum is one such example. It's way way way off a beaten track, but I found it after asking a local security guard and showing the picture in the book.

I'm ticked off the guide says there's a taco restaurant in Shanghai. I went there and the "taco" was more a Chinese interpretation of the Mexican classic. It was tasty, but NOT authentic. If you're homesick for good Mexican food, Shanghai's not the right place to be.

Overall, I'm very glad I had this guide with me in Shanghai and I plan to continue to get Lonely Planet guides for my travels.