Customer Reviews

Time Out Shanghai (Time Out Guides)

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

 

 

I purchased this wonderful, compact, yet utterly comprehensive travel guide for my second trip to Shanghai. I had purchased other tourist materials and a series of maps to go with, but by the third day decided I really didn't need to lug all that stuff around and put just the TimeOut guide in my pack.

Shanghai is a magnificent city and I explored much of it through the use of the metro, supplemented by the occasional taxi ride, and in a few instances, via mo-ped "lifts" provided by citizens who offer short rides from metro and train stations to nearby locations for an average of 10 RMB (about $1.50 US). I traveled all over the city and accomplished a wide range of non-mainstream mini-missions, including having a pair of glasses made and purchasing semiconductor components at various shops. I also had a lot of fun touring a range of museums (some of them way off the beaten path), eating in a variety of restaurants, getting massages here and there (my back gives me a little trouble), comparing architecture, visiting historic sites, staying in two great hotels, visiting a pharmacy, and much more. I mention all of this to communicate the range and extensivity of my objectives. The TimeOut guide served me at every step - with practical, up-to-date information that I found to be consistently accurate.

The guide is masterfully written in an active voice style that provides rich context to one's experience. It is not a drab databook, it's something that speaks to the reader, much like having a friendly, seasoned diplomat-of-the-city next to you. One could start downtown, with just this guide and a bottle of water, and probably not need to access anything NOT contained in the guide for a year, it's really that good.

-DS

This book has some interesting information about Shanghai, but is not a useful travel book.

There is zero information about dangers and common scams. I am an experienced world traveler, but was stung by a scam in Nanjing Road area. I searched the web and found plenty of information after the fact. This is why I buy travel books first - I expect some practical information. This book specifically says that crime is not a concern.

There is no real guidance as to what someone should see given limited time. This is an enormous city and everything is new. I found the Oriental Pearl Tower a good starting point to take in the scope of the city. I also learned to avoid the subway trains during rush hour - they are insanely crowded - beyond most Westerners' comfort level - this is information that is not in the book.

I can't say that any other books are better since I only read this one.