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IAAPA Asian Expo Spotlight: Shanghai, Pearl of the Orient

ALEXANDRIA (May. 23, 2006) – Shanghai is every bit the Pearl of the Orient as it exudes modernism mixed with history, class enhanced by culture and excitement tangible as its scenery.  As IAAPA Asian Expo 2006 takes stage at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre July 12-14, 2006, attendees should not shy away from the abundant cultural activities, authentic meals, and leisure strolls this coastal city offers.

Shopping
Nanjing Road is the premier shopping street in Shanghai, featuring notable high-end designers and department stores. While this isn’t the place for great deals; window shopping for your favorite high-priced indulgences is still an experience through this city street.  Discount shopping goes first-class at Yu Garden where a flea market sits adjacent to a beautiful garden. Boundless shopping options are available at the vendor stalls which feel never-ending. Tourists looking for deals can find anything from handcrafted teapots to silk scarves to collectables like magnets and shot glasses, and the vendors are usually happy to negotiate prices.

Food
While in Shanghai, a must is to treat taste buds to the native cuisine. Peking duck is the national dish and can be experienced with all the fanfare at Quan Ju De (+86/ 2168868807), one of the most famous Peking duck chain restaurants in China.  Ordering a whole roasted duck is an experience as a waiter, carving knife in hand, will roll the duck out and effortlessly and methodically slice meat and fat to be rolled with a sweet sauce and scallions in delicate rice paper.

Another adventurous dining experience is the hot pot. Diners preside over pots of spicy or mild boiling soup and toss in meats and vegetables to watch them cook into a delightful meal. A great place to experience an affordable hot pot meal is at Nanhua Hotpot Town (+86/ 2162275085).

Taking in the Sights
A wonderful way to immerse into the scenery and history of Shanghai is by walking. The French Concession, or Luwan, is one of the most historically interesting and charming areas of the city to explore. This historic area, once administered by the French, offers an overall quaint vibe and features old European architecture. Bars, cafes, and shopping establishments abound in this area as well.

A walk along the waterfront boulevard, the Bund (Zhongshan Zhong Yi Lu, between Jinling Lu and Suzhou Creek) offers one of the most bustling and active meeting places for residents and tourists.  A number of historical neoclassical and art deco buildings still stand along the street, less than one mile in distance, that has been regarded as the symbol of Shanghai for hundreds of years.
 
A taste of local culture and history can be found at the Jade Buddha Temple (7 Xiangshan Lu; 86/2164372954), whose centerpiece is a six-foot-tall Buddha statue made of white jade. It was given to Shanghai as a gift from Myanmar. If you arrive around 15:30 you may even hear monks chanting in the main hall.

Note: Information for this report was found on ChinaTravel.com, Telegraph.co.uk, Travelchinaguide.com, and Worldroom.com.

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IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities worldwide. The organization represents over 4,500 facility, supplier, and individual members from more than 90 countries. IAAPA strives to help members improve their safety, efficiency, marketing, and profitability while maintaining the highest possible professional standards in the industry. www.iaapa.org