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Is four days too short for a trip to Shanghai?
So my Fourth of July plans recently fell through, which is a bit of a disappointment because I had a free place to stay in Paris and found award tickets to get me there for free.When given lemons though, one should make lemonade, so I started searching around for tickets to other places. Turns out, my friend Jarod is going to be in Shanghai that weekend, and there is also award availability.
But is four days too short of a trip to go from Detroit to Shanghai? Transit is nearly 16 hours each way and I'm going to be on the other side of the world in reverse-o time. I also have to get a visa (130$) and deal with the ruckus of Shanghai airport, transfers and a language I don't know.
On the other hand, it is China. I have a free place to stay, a guide (so to speak) and a unique opportunity to get a quick look at the developing country -- all for a 130$ visa and 36$ in award ticket taxes.
Help me decide. I'm going to pull the trigger at noon tomorrow.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Nick Hawkins Jun 4th 2008 3:34PM
Do it, pop some Ambien and go. PVG's an easy airport to navigate. Take the bullet train thing downtown and you should be good to go.
Grant Martin Jun 4th 2008 3:43PM
You pretty fond of Shanghai? I visited in December 06 with mixed feelings.
Of course it will be summer...
Ben Johnson Jun 4th 2008 4:16PM
Four days is too short, but you'd still have a brilliant time. I recently spent three weeks there and it wasn't long enough, but that doesn't mean just a few days will be terrible. It's one of my favourite world cities - go for it.
Rob Brooks-Bilson Jun 4th 2008 5:22PM
I had an awesome time in Shanghai when I was there last year. 4 days is certainly not enough time to do it proper, but you can still have a lot of fun. The airport is easy.
One thing to note - I've heard recently that they aren't currently issuing multiple entry visas, something you might want/need to consider if you think you would be back within six months.
I'd say that the food alone is worth the trip, but that's just me. Then again, I'd also never use my FF miles for such a short trip!
Flickr pics of my last trip to Shanghai:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/brooks-bilson/sets/72157600461226087/
mikey Jun 4th 2008 5:31PM
Totally go for it. Friends and I did a 72-hour "Lost in Translation"-inspired trip to Tokyo from LA (time elapsed from touchdown to takeoff) and really got a whirlwind, memorable experience. We did Tokyo DisneySea, karaoke at Shibuya, New Year's at the temple, subway exploring, food tourism, emperor's public greeting at the palace, etc. No reason you can't make the same happen in Shanghai. Enjoy!
Chris Jun 5th 2008 9:42AM
Since you got so many "go for it" replies, why don't I play devils advocate? I wouldn't do it, mostly because you'll be spending most of that time flying, and I don't know about you, but if I'm going to spend a minimum of 32 hours in a place, I better be getting at least 5 hours of experiences for every hour on a plane. Perhaps find a ratio. For every x hour on a place, I want y hours of time in another country.
Perhaps look at something closer in your rewards inventory, and then use a service to find a couch or something cheap. Flying to Shanghai, on your rewards ticket, plus $130 visa, for four measly days? Not worth it. Not one bit.
Just my two cents.
Randy Jun 5th 2008 10:15AM
Of course four days is too short - four days is too short to visit anywhere (except maybe Gitmo!).
However, I spent a day and and a half there a few years back and it was brilliant! Go, you must - yes.
Rita Jun 6th 2008 12:38AM
I had four days in HK, and it was a few of the best days ever. ;)
Brian Jun 6th 2008 7:46AM
I just spent 24 hours in the air (total) to spend 48 hours on the ground in Beijing and that was well worth it. People are telling me now I must go to Shanghai.
TripTheLady Jun 6th 2008 9:08AM
GO!! HAVE FUN! So what it's only 4 days - you will have a blast!
TripTheLady
http://www.tripthelady.com
Linda Jun 6th 2008 9:34AM
GO FOR IT since you have a place to stay!
teenagertc Jun 7th 2008 10:13PM
I only spent three days in Shanghai when I was in China (for a month)...and it was the best time of my life!!! Right now, Shanghai is my favorite international city...you have to do it!! The city is amazing!