My Shanghai 10

MANILA, Philippines -  A foreign post is a dream come true for most Filipinos. Diplomatic professionals go on foreign assignments regularly, in different capacities. And when they do, they usually end up with a thorough immersion – adapting to the conduct and protocol of the locals within the locality – contrary to the exposure of tourists and fleeting travelers who barely sample a fraction of the culture and customs.

However, with every foreign posting is a looming reality that goes with the job. Together with the marching orders to one’s new assignment, comes the date of eventual recall.

After spending nine years as tourism attaché in Shanghai, that time has arrived for Niel Ballesteros.

Amidst the preparations for his pending return home, Niel shares ten things he will surely miss about Shanghai.

1. Security

Shanghai, even at first glance, has a comforting air of security. There’s always a sense of ease, with no harm to come our way.

 “Individuals can confidently walk home even at midnight and beyond without fear. Police officers on patrol act as an added shield of protection.” Niel admits.

2. Transport system

The convenience to roam around the city via taxi, bus, subway or Uber produces no long queues of commuters waiting for a ride.

“There are approximately 45,000 cabs, and you’re never far from one. These metered cars are well-organized and closely monitored – they have regulations written in English and must issue receipts at all times.” he shares.

“Remember the Maglev Train that we took in one of our trips to the airport? Well, the transit is the first commercially-operated magnetic elevation line in the world, with speeds of up to a whopping 431 kilometers per hour.”

3. Pudong International Airport

Due to Niel’s wide area of jurisdiction within China, air travel is the most convenient mode of transport. It is only natural that the Pudong International Airport has become almost like a second home to him.

“The 40-square kilometer airfield, located just about 30 kilometers from the metro, serves as a global landing port,” he says. “It’s like a village by itself with all the modern amenities. There’s even accessibility options for non-Chinese speakers.”

 We never felt cooped up in the area, for it was built to be expandable – as if the architecture of today was constructed for the needs of tomorrow.

4. Cuisine

I don’t ever recall a bad meal in Shanghai.

“The modern-day Shanghai cuisine features both the traditional Benbang, and the cosmopolitan Haipai. Popularly loved delicacies include Beggar’s Chicken, where it is wrapped in lotus leaves and baked in clay for six hours, and the Chinese hairy crab, an autumn treat prized for its roe. Hard-to-find-anywhere-else stir-fried eel, fried prawns, abalone and Babao duck are other favorites,” Niel shares.

5. Taobao

It surprises me whenever I hear that Shanghai, for some, is synonymous only to shopping – and nothing else! In fact, they know the designated areas, down to the buildings, like the back of their palms – and they even have sukis!

“If there’s any place you should head to for a buying spree, it has to be Taobao, some 300-stall indoor market which sells clothes, shoes, toys, souvenirs, and electronics,” Niel suggests.

 “Fair warning: this is not a place for fixed-price customers. Stick to your guns, and learn the art of negotiation. Remember to haggle so you can strike excellent deals!” Niel asserts. “Start at more than 50 percent off the quoted price. When vendors refuse to give discounts, try the ‘walk-away trick’ to snag offers – don’t worry, it’s all part of the daily grind in this mall.”

6. The Bund

The Bund is a famous waterfront that’s more than a paseo which plays different roles for different visitors.

“The riverside strip houses 26 buildings that will take you through a historical trip down memory lane, that boasts a picturesque landscape of architectural styles – Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Classicism and the Renaissance,” he points out.

7. Pudong

Across the Huangpu River, the Pudong area’s award-winning designs are a testimony to the builders’ originality, creativity and ingenuity.

 “It’s a sector created by the Chinese government in 1990 in an effort to develop a Special Economic Zone. The metropolis clearly reflects the nation’s progress throughout the years, and serves as a model of excellent urban planning,” he says.

“The Shanghai World Financial Center, over 1,600 feet high, hosts observation decks and shopping plazas. A hop to the towering Oriental Pearl TV Tower opens up 15 observation levels. Directly beside is the 5,000-square-meter flagship store of Disney in China. The concrete jungle is contrasted by the greenery of The Century Park, which extends to 140 hectares.”

8. Old Town

Old Town, also known as Yuyuan Garden, is a validation of ancient Chinese engineering. “Built in 1577, the 20,000-square-meter greenhouse-castle houses six different sections: the Sansui Hall, Wanhua Chamber, Dianchun Hall, Huijing Hall, Yuhua Hall, and Inner Garden,” Niel says.

“The centerpiece is the Currow Ancient Stone, a 3.3 meter, 5-ton boulder. Rumor has it that the stone was originally meant for the Imperial Palace in Beijing, but sank in a nearby boat incident while in transit. It was later salvaged,” Niel adds.

9. Tianzifang

What was once a residential area in the Old French Quarter was preserved and has since been converted into bars, cafes, design studios, craft shops and boutiques, at crisscrossing streets and alleys.

“Tianzifang, which has retained the original and organic feel, is one of the hippest enclaves where trendy yuppies, designers and expats frequent. It’s definitely a relaxing place to spend some ‘me’ time,” he says.

10. Friends

Metropolitan Shanghai is a choice destination for many, which is likewise highlighted in several travel itineraries. So it is not uncommon that it attracts a steady flow of friends from the various times and circumstances in one’s life.

“Oftentimes though, I am clueless as to where and how they find me. Don’t get me wrong – it’s a welcome reunion. I always without fail arrange to get together,” Niel teases.

“From shared cups of coffee, all the way to joint activities together, they are friends whom I have shared a yesterday, look forward to renew connections today and perhaps make plans to meet again in the future,” he ends.