Shanghai - Princess Cruises

Shanghai
SHANGHAI
Adventures Ashore Port Guide
®
A City Rich with Opportunity and
Adventure—Mixed with a Little Mystery
Although exact census figures are not
available, Shanghai’s population easily
makes it China’s largest city. The world’s
only other cities of comparable size are
Tokyo and Mexico City. Regarded as
the gateway to the Yangtze, the city
actually spans the Huangpu, a tributary
of the Yangtze, about 25 miles below
the confluence of the two rivers.
CHINA
AT A GLANCE
SIZE: 3,705,473 square miles, slightly
smaller than the United States.
POPULATION: 1,306,313, 812
(July 2005 est.)
LANGUAGE: Standard Chinese or
Mandarin (Putonghua, based on the
Beijing dialect), Yue (Cantonese),
Wu (Shanghaiese), Minbei (Fuzhou),
Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese), Xiang,
Gan, Hakka dialects, minority languages.
Shanghai_09/05_SHXPRTGDE_0002
CAPITAL: Beijing
TYPE OF GOVERNMENT:
Communist State
CURRENCY: Chinese Yuan (CNY)
TIME ZONE: GMT + 8
ABOUT YOUR PORT GUIDE
This is your guide to Shanghai, specially
prepared by Princess Cruises. This guide
is intended to assist you if you are on a
shore excursion, touring independently
or doing both.
Please note that the information provided is
general in nature and is subject to change.
Although, the Huangpu’s channel is
shallow—today’s super freighters and
container ships to unload downriver and
barge their cargoes upstream—the port
still handles up to a third of all the
country’s ocean-going cargo. What the
Huangpu lacks in depth, it makes up
for in volume and variety.
The city is one of China’s youngest.
Prior to the First Opium War
(1840-42), Shanghai was a walled
city of less than 300,000 people doing
a lively enough trade to have captured
the attention of Japanese pirates,
who periodically raided up the
Huangpu as early as the 16th century.
As part of the treaty of Nanking, which
ended the First Opium War, Western
merchants were granted permission to
trade and lease land on the west bank of
the Huangpu. The combination of a
good port, western technology and commerce, and a limitless labor pool soon
made Shanghai one of the leading trading centers in the East, with grandiose
stone buildings erected along the central
waterfront, or Bund, housing great
banks, trading houses and consulates.
The city was divided between the
British-dominated International
Settlement, the French Concession,
the Chinese City and the large Chinese
suburb of Zhabei on the left bank of
Suzhou Creek, north of the main city.
As a self-governing city not under the
authority of Peking or any other foreign
capital, Shanghai attracted every kind
of fortune-hunter, rebel, conspirator,
gangster and smuggler. It became
the wildest city on earth, famed for
its luxurious and flamboyant lifestyle
where every form of vice flourished.
The city’s name even entered the
English language as a verb meaning
“to kidnap.”
To most Chinese, Shanghai was
“The West” where merchants, industrialists and bankers prospered. In reality,
life for most Chinese in the city was
poor and squalid, and they were treated
with contempt by most foreigners.
This resentment combined with
Shanghai’s role as a sanctuary from
the authority of the Chinese government,
made the city a hotbed of revolutionaries
and anarchists.
The Chinese Communist Party was
founded in Shanghai in 1921. Six years
later, it was forced underground by a
national counter-revolution begun here.
Following the city’s peaceful occupation
by the communists on May 23, 1949,
Shanghai mounted a determined effort
to achieve new China’s dreams and
Adventures Ashore Port Guide ~ Shanghai
®
goals. The city became China’s biggest
port and most important economic
center, trading with more than 20,000
firms in more than 150 countries.
Palaces, after-school activity and culture
centers inspired by Madam Sun Yat-sen
to provide opportunities for China’s
youth to grow socially and culturally.
Especially interesting sites to visit while
in the city include its 11 Children’s
The 16th-century Yu Gardens, built
by a Ming Dynasty official, and the
Jade Buddha Temple are two other
treasures from China’s past not to
be missed.
Places of Interest
THE BUND
Once the heart of European capitalism in China,
this elegant riverfront promenade is lined with
graceful 19th-century buildings.
JADE BUDDHA TEMPLE
The temple is home to an exquisite and priceless
white jade Buddha brought from Burma in the
late 19th century.
CHILDREN’S PALACE
The former mansions of Shanghai millionaires
have been transformed into a school for
gifted children.
NANJING ROAD
Shanghai’s premier shopping district features
the most Western-style shops in all of China.
JICHANG GARDEN
This 400-year-old garden in Wuxi is a
superb example of Ming Dynasty landscape
architecture, complete to its miniature pagoda.
GRAND CANAL
Arguably the longest manmade waterway on
Earth, the ancient canal still plays a vital role
in local commerce.
Practical Information
DOCKING
Your Princess ship will dock in Shanghai. The distance
from the pier to Shanghai depends on the size of the
vessel. Grand Class ships will dock approximately one
hour from Shanghai; smaller ships may be as close as
30 minutes.
SHORE EXCURSION DEPARTURES
Passengers will meet at a specific location for each
shore excursion departure. Please refer to your tour
ticket and the Princess Patter for the correct place
and time. Your Shore Excursion staff will be at that
location to assist you.
TAXIS
Taxis are available pierside and throughout the
downtown area. Drivers do not speak English
and accept only local currency.
SHOPPING
The main shopping areas are along Nanjing Road
where you can find a variety of stores. Popular buys
are jade and silk products. Friendship stores carry
a variety of souvenirs and arts and crafts items.
Approximate walking distance from the pier to
Nanjing Road is 2 miles, or 38 minutes.
GETTING AROUND
You’ll note on our map of Shanghai, street names
end in “lu” or “Xilu.” In Chinese, Lu means “road”
and Xilu means “west road.”
OPENING AND CLOSING TIMES
Banks: Nearest bank is located on No. 23 Zhongshan
Road (E); generally open weekdays from 9:00 a.m.
to 4:30 p.m.
Shops: Generally open daily from
9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Post Office: Nearest post office is located on
250 Suzhou Road (N); generally open weekdays
from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
PRINCESS CRUISES AGENT
In case of emergency while you are ashore,
please contact:
China Ocean Shipping Agency
13 Zhongshan Road (E 1)
Shanghai
People’s Republic of China
200002
Telephone: 86-21-63219320
Telefax: 86-21-6329-1519
WUXI
This garden city on the Grand Canal is revered
for its beautiful parks and gardens.
Shanghai skyline
Jade Buddha
SHANGHAI MUSEUM
This superb museum, dedicated to preserving
and presenting Chinese culture features the
country’s finest display of classical bronzes as
well as special galleries devoted to ceramics,
calligraphy, paintings, jades, seals, furniture
and numismatics.
YU GARDEN AND OLD TOWN
The old Chinese city was a walled fishing town
when the British arrived in 1843. Modern
Shanghai grew up around it. It used to be a maze
of tiny alleys, but the streets have been widened
in recent years. At the center of the Old City are
the Chenghuang Temple and the Yu Garden, in
which stands the Huxining Teahouse, said to be
the model for the design on the willow-pattern
plates much loved by Europeans in another era.
The Yu Garden is a classical Chinese garden with
over 30 pavilions linked by a maze of corridors
and bridges over ponds.
Grand Canal
Temple statue
JIN MAO TOWER
This tallest building in China was built in 1998
as a Sino-American joint venture, the Jin Mào
is currently the third tallest building in the
world at 421m (1,379 ft.). High-speed elevators
(9m/31ft. per second) whisk visitors from Level
B1 to the top in less than 45 seconds. The view
from there is almost too high, but exquisite on
a clear day.
Yu Garden
THESE SITES CAN BE FOUND ON THE
MAP AT THE BACK OF THIS GUIDE
Shanghai Museum
Note: The information in this port guide is subject to change without notice. We apologize for any inconvenience,
but Princess Cruises cannot accept responsibility for any such alterations. Thank you.
Adventures Ashore Port Guide ~ Shanghai
®
goals. The city became China’s biggest
port and most important economic
center, trading with more than 20,000
firms in more than 150 countries.
Palaces, after-school activity and culture
centers inspired by Madam Sun Yat-sen
to provide opportunities for China’s
youth to grow socially and culturally.
Especially interesting sites to visit while
in the city include its 11 Children’s
The 16th-century Yu Gardens, built
by a Ming Dynasty official, and the
Jade Buddha Temple are two other
treasures from China’s past not to
be missed.
Places of Interest
THE BUND
Once the heart of European capitalism in China,
this elegant riverfront promenade is lined with
graceful 19th-century buildings.
JADE BUDDHA TEMPLE
The temple is home to an exquisite and priceless
white jade Buddha brought from Burma in the
late 19th century.
CHILDREN’S PALACE
The former mansions of Shanghai millionaires
have been transformed into a school for
gifted children.
NANJING ROAD
Shanghai’s premier shopping district features
the most Western-style shops in all of China.
JICHANG GARDEN
This 400-year-old garden in Wuxi is a
superb example of Ming Dynasty landscape
architecture, complete to its miniature pagoda.
GRAND CANAL
Arguably the longest manmade waterway on
Earth, the ancient canal still plays a vital role
in local commerce.
Practical Information
DOCKING
Your Princess ship will dock in Shanghai. The distance
from the pier to Shanghai depends on the size of the
vessel. Grand Class ships will dock approximately one
hour from Shanghai; smaller ships may be as close as
30 minutes.
SHORE EXCURSION DEPARTURES
Passengers will meet at a specific location for each
shore excursion departure. Please refer to your tour
ticket and the Princess Patter for the correct place
and time. Your Shore Excursion staff will be at that
location to assist you.
TAXIS
Taxis are available pierside and throughout the
downtown area. Drivers do not speak English
and accept only local currency.
SHOPPING
The main shopping areas are along Nanjing Road
where you can find a variety of stores. Popular buys
are jade and silk products. Friendship stores carry
a variety of souvenirs and arts and crafts items.
Approximate walking distance from the pier to
Nanjing Road is 2 miles, or 38 minutes.
GETTING AROUND
You’ll note on our map of Shanghai, street names
end in “lu” or “Xilu.” In Chinese, Lu means “road”
and Xilu means “west road.”
OPENING AND CLOSING TIMES
Banks: Nearest bank is located on No. 23 Zhongshan
Road (E); generally open weekdays from 9:00 a.m.
to 4:30 p.m.
Shops: Generally open daily from
9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Post Office: Nearest post office is located on
250 Suzhou Road (N); generally open weekdays
from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
PRINCESS CRUISES AGENT
In case of emergency while you are ashore,
please contact:
China Ocean Shipping Agency
13 Zhongshan Road (E 1)
Shanghai
People’s Republic of China
200002
Telephone: 86-21-63219320
Telefax: 86-21-6329-1519
WUXI
This garden city on the Grand Canal is revered
for its beautiful parks and gardens.
Shanghai skyline
Jade Buddha
SHANGHAI MUSEUM
This superb museum, dedicated to preserving
and presenting Chinese culture features the
country’s finest display of classical bronzes as
well as special galleries devoted to ceramics,
calligraphy, paintings, jades, seals, furniture
and numismatics.
YU GARDEN AND OLD TOWN
The old Chinese city was a walled fishing town
when the British arrived in 1843. Modern
Shanghai grew up around it. It used to be a maze
of tiny alleys, but the streets have been widened
in recent years. At the center of the Old City are
the Chenghuang Temple and the Yu Garden, in
which stands the Huxining Teahouse, said to be
the model for the design on the willow-pattern
plates much loved by Europeans in another era.
The Yu Garden is a classical Chinese garden with
over 30 pavilions linked by a maze of corridors
and bridges over ponds.
Grand Canal
Temple statue
JIN MAO TOWER
This tallest building in China was built in 1998
as a Sino-American joint venture, the Jin Mào
is currently the third tallest building in the
world at 421m (1,379 ft.). High-speed elevators
(9m/31ft. per second) whisk visitors from Level
B1 to the top in less than 45 seconds. The view
from there is almost too high, but exquisite on
a clear day.
Yu Garden
THESE SITES CAN BE FOUND ON THE
MAP AT THE BACK OF THIS GUIDE
Shanghai Museum
Note: The information in this port guide is subject to change without notice. We apologize for any inconvenience,
but Princess Cruises cannot accept responsibility for any such alterations. Thank you.
Shanghai
SHANGHAI
Adventures Ashore Port Guide
®
A City Rich with Opportunity and
Adventure—Mixed with a Little Mystery
Although exact census figures are not
available, Shanghai’s population easily
makes it China’s largest city. The world’s
only other cities of comparable size are
Tokyo and Mexico City. Regarded as
the gateway to the Yangtze, the city
actually spans the Huangpu, a tributary
of the Yangtze, about 25 miles below
the confluence of the two rivers.
CHINA
AT A GLANCE
SIZE: 3,705,473 square miles, slightly
smaller than the United States.
POPULATION: 1,306,313, 812
(July 2005 est.)
LANGUAGE: Standard Chinese or
Mandarin (Putonghua, based on the
Beijing dialect), Yue (Cantonese),
Wu (Shanghaiese), Minbei (Fuzhou),
Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese), Xiang,
Gan, Hakka dialects, minority languages.
Shanghai_09/05_SHXPRTGDE_0002
CAPITAL: Beijing
TYPE OF GOVERNMENT:
Communist State
CURRENCY: Chinese Yuan (CNY)
TIME ZONE: GMT + 8
ABOUT YOUR PORT GUIDE
This is your guide to Shanghai, specially
prepared by Princess Cruises. This guide
is intended to assist you if you are on a
shore excursion, touring independently
or doing both.
Please note that the information provided is
general in nature and is subject to change.
Although, the Huangpu’s channel is
shallow—today’s super freighters and
container ships to unload downriver and
barge their cargoes upstream—the port
still handles up to a third of all the
country’s ocean-going cargo. What the
Huangpu lacks in depth, it makes up
for in volume and variety.
The city is one of China’s youngest.
Prior to the First Opium War
(1840-42), Shanghai was a walled
city of less than 300,000 people doing
a lively enough trade to have captured
the attention of Japanese pirates,
who periodically raided up the
Huangpu as early as the 16th century.
As part of the treaty of Nanking, which
ended the First Opium War, Western
merchants were granted permission to
trade and lease land on the west bank of
the Huangpu. The combination of a
good port, western technology and commerce, and a limitless labor pool soon
made Shanghai one of the leading trading centers in the East, with grandiose
stone buildings erected along the central
waterfront, or Bund, housing great
banks, trading houses and consulates.
The city was divided between the
British-dominated International
Settlement, the French Concession,
the Chinese City and the large Chinese
suburb of Zhabei on the left bank of
Suzhou Creek, north of the main city.
As a self-governing city not under the
authority of Peking or any other foreign
capital, Shanghai attracted every kind
of fortune-hunter, rebel, conspirator,
gangster and smuggler. It became
the wildest city on earth, famed for
its luxurious and flamboyant lifestyle
where every form of vice flourished.
The city’s name even entered the
English language as a verb meaning
“to kidnap.”
To most Chinese, Shanghai was
“The West” where merchants, industrialists and bankers prospered. In reality,
life for most Chinese in the city was
poor and squalid, and they were treated
with contempt by most foreigners.
This resentment combined with
Shanghai’s role as a sanctuary from
the authority of the Chinese government,
made the city a hotbed of revolutionaries
and anarchists.
The Chinese Communist Party was
founded in Shanghai in 1921. Six years
later, it was forced underground by a
national counter-revolution begun here.
Following the city’s peaceful occupation
by the communists on May 23, 1949,
Shanghai mounted a determined effort
to achieve new China’s dreams and