Guide To Dim Sum

Nowadays, the term “dim sum” (點心 in written Chinese, and pronounced dian xin in Mandarin) is a meal—usually taken on a weekend morning—that encompasses a vast roster of small dishes selected from carts.

“SIU MAI” 燒賣  

(Mand. shao mai; Cant. siu mai)  

STEAMED PORK BUNS 叉燒包 

(Mand. cha shao bao; Cant. char siu bao)

RICE NOODLE ROLLS 腸粉

(Mand. changfen; Cant. cheong fun) 

“HAR GOW” 蝦餃

(Mand. xia jiao; Cant. har gow)

STICKY RICE WRAPPED IN LOTUS LEAVES 糯米雞 

(Mand. nuo mi ji; Cant. lo mai gai) 

SHANGHAI STEAMED DUMPLING 小笼包

(Mand. Xiaolongbao)

CHICKEN FEET WITH BLACK BEAN SAUCE 豉汁鳳爪

(Mand. chizhi feng zhao; Cant. tau zi fung zao) 

STEAMED SPARERIBS 豉汁排骨

(Mand. chi zhi pai gu; Cant. zi jup paai gwat) 

BEEF TRIPE  牛柏葉

(Mand. Niú bǎiyè; Cant. ngau4 paak3 jip6)

 

BEEF STOMACH 牛肚  

(Mand. Niú dǔ)

RADISH CAKES 蘿蔔糕

(Mand. luobogao; Cant. lo bak gou) 

TARO-WRAPPED PORK 芋角

(Mand. yu jiao; Cant. wu gok) 

SUCKLING PIG 片皮烤乳豬

(Mand. pian pi kao ru zhu; Cant. pin pei siu jyu jyut) 

CUSTARD TARTS 蛋塔; 蛋撻

(Mand. dan ta; Cant. daan taat) 

SWEET CUSTARD BUNS 奶皇包 

(Mand. nai huang bao; Cant. lai wong bao) 

Crispy Durian Cake 榴莲酥
(Mand. Liúlián sū)

Chinese doughnut 油条
(Mand. Yu Tiao; Cant. yàuhjagwái )

10 Shanghai's Best Terraces Bar On The Bund

The top 10 best terraces on the Bund in Shanghai to help you make your decision on where to spend your night.

1. TOPS – Banyan Tree on the Bund



As the first open rooftop bar with full 180° unobstructed view in Shanghai, TOPS brings a fresh concept for fete-goers, creating a laidback, chic atmosphere with a spectacular vista.

With its 180° panoramic view capturing the historic Bund, majestic Huangpu River and iconic Lujiazui skyline, TOPS is Shanghai’s premier open-rooftop bar.

TOPS, a dazzling rooftop concept offers a laidback atmosphere comprising chic sofas and a sleek bar with a spectacular city view. Add to this, DJ Lina from Russia spinning the latest music, an exquisite offering of modern cocktails and tasty selection of nouveau tapas, and what you get, is an outdoor affair that’s something truly special.
With its re-opening, TOPS takes its position as one of Shanghai’s most glamorous chill-out destination.

• Opening hours: 2:30pm-1:00am (Mon-Thu), 11:00am-2:00am (Fri & Sat), 11:00am-01:00am (Sun); operational hours are subject to weather conditions
• Entry fee: RMB100 per person, inclusive of one drink
• DJ Performances: Tue-Thu, 7:30-10:30pm and Fri-Sat, 6:30-10:30pm
• Afternoon Tea: RMB430 nett per set, inclusive of coffee and tea
• Ladies Night: Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30pm

Address: 19 Gongping Road, near Haiping Road, Hongkou District, Banyan Tree on the Bund rooftop.
Chinese address :  虹口区公平路19号，近海平路
Tel.: 021-25091188


2. Sir Elly's Terrace and Rooftop Bar - The Peninsula Hotel

High above the lively city, sits a sanctuary on the Bund that appeals to anyone looking for luxury in the sky. Sir Elly’s is easily one of the most exclusive restaurants you will find in Shanghai. It’s located on the top floor of the renowned Peninsula Hotel, with sprawling views that will knock the socks off even the most world-weary traveller. The restaurant is billed as a Euro fine-dining establishment that overlooks Shanghai’s iconic Pudong skyline – making it one of the cities’ best places to meet for a drink or host a get together with the hopes to impress.

Address: 13/F, The Peninsula Hotel, 32 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road, near Beijing Dong Road
Chinese address : 上海半岛, 酒店上海市黄浦区中山东一路32号
Tel.: 021-23272888


3. New Heights

The aptly-named New Heights is a lively modern brasserie ideally situated atop Three on the Bund. The breezy L-shaped terrace, which affords unrivaled views of the Bund and Pudong skyline, is the perfect spot for an alfresco meal or drink under the stars. Through the restaurant’s glass walls, guests can also gaze out on postcard city views.

With a convivial atmosphere, warm service, and capacity for up to 180, New Heights well suits business gatherings, a meal with friends, or a wide array of private functions. A live DJ plays on Friday, and Saturday evenings.

Business Hours
Lunch
Monday - Sunday
11:30am - 2:30pm
( Sat & Sun till 4:00pm)

Dinner
Monday - Sunday
6:00pm - 10:30pm
( Sat & Sun till 11:00pm)

Brunch
Saturday and Sunday
11:00am - 4:00pm

Bar and Snacks
Monday – Sunday
11:30am - 1:00am

Address: Huangpu District, 7/F, 3 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road, Guangdong Road
Chinese address :  上海中山东一路三号(广东路17号入口)
Tel.: 021-6321 0909

4. House of Roosevelt

The House of Roosevelt is a Neo-Classical building originally built in 1920.  The Roosevelt Family redeveloped the building in 2008 and committed to preserve the history and restore the past glory of the architecture.  The House of Roosevelt is a stylish lifestyle establishment featuring premium wines and gourmet foods. 

The beautiful Bund 27 building has a rich and storied past, culminating in its modern guise as the House of Roosevelt. Eight floors of opulence include a brasserie, wine cellar, terrace and private members’ club. It’s aimed firmly at the elite, so if you have money to spend, you’ll fit right in. The brasserie is equally plush, and the terrace has that all-important view up the Bund and over to the neon jungle of Lujiazui. There’s plenty of seating on their terrace – plus those fancy cushioned beds for you to laze on.

Business Hours :
Monday to Sunday   11:30 pm ~ 01:00 am

Promotions:
Every Wednesday- Wine Tastings  6:30 pm ~ 8:00 pm  RMB148 / person

Address: 2nd & 3rd Floor, The House of Roosevelt, 27 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road, near Beijing Dong Road
Chinese address :  上海市中山东一路27号(外滩27号)
Restaurant Hotline: (86) 21-2322-0800
Wine Cellar Hotline: (86) 21-2322-0755


5. M on the Bund

This world-renowned Bund-side restaurant should be on the “must eat” list of every Shanghai visitor. The view is fantastic from the patio, which requires reservations. The restaurant has won numerous awards, so they must be doing something right. Get a table on the terrace and sip on some wine.

Business Hours :

Mon - Wed: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm

Thu: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, 5:00 pm - 10:30 am

Fri: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm

Sat: 11:30 am - 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm - 10:30 am

Sun: 11:30 am - 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm

Address: Five on the Bund, 7/F, 20 Guangdong Road, near Zhongshan Dong Yi Road
Chinese address :  上海市黄浦区中山东一路外滩5号7楼, 近广东路
Tel.: 021-63509988



6. VUE Bar Rooftop at Hyatt

Located on the floors 32 and 33 of Hyatt on the Bund, VUE Bar is a sophisticated and intimate lounge with a jacuzzi. Yes, jacuzzi. That’s just to show that VUE is willing to promote the glitzy nightlife that Shanghai is famous for. All the better. An afternoon here will definitely set you back a couple hundred or more, but it’s worth it.

Open daily:  

5:30pm – 1:30am (Sunday – Wednesday)

5:30pm – 2:30am (Thursday – Saturday and Public Holidays)

Address: 199 Huangpu Road, Hyatt on the Bund, West Tower, 32nd floor, near Wuchang Road.
Chinese address : 上海外滩茂悦大酒店, 黄浦路 199 号
Tel.: 021-6393 1234 ext : 6348


7. M1NT





The party spot in Shanghai. A hip and stylish night club, perched on the 24th floor high above Shanghai, with dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows offering spectacular 360° views of the Bund, Pudong, Nanjing Road, People's Square and Huaihai Road. A 17-meter aquarium greets you as you go in, filled with black and white reef-tip sharks. There’s a gorgeous terrace to the side of the dining area – reserved for VIPs and those who have called ahead to save a spot.

Operating Hours :

Cocktail Lounge: 
Open Everyday 6pm Till Late

Club:
Wednesday to Saturday - 9 pm till late   

Restaurant: 
Open Everyday 6pm Till Late

Terrace: 
Wednesday To Saturday 9pm Till Late

Address:  24th Floor 318 Fuzhou Lu, Shanghai
Chinese address :  M1NT • 上海市 • 福州路 318号 • 24楼 
Tel.: 021 6391 2811


8. deCanto Italian restaurant



Contemporary Italian restaurant deCanto is located at No. 6 on the Bund, sharing the building with an art exhibition space and a couple other restaurants. Located on the 4th topmost floor, deCanto has a sleek layout built into the historic Bund building, tables arranged scrupulously under the slanted ceiling. There’s a cozy terrace to the side, guarded by a gorgeous black lattice gate and shaded by a retractable canvas roof. Loungers can arrive early to grab the seats at the end of the terrace – sofas with an unobstructed view.

Open : 11am-11pm daily

Address: 4th Floor, 6 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road, near Guangdong Road
Chinese address : 中山东一路6号4楼(近广东路)
Tel.: 021-63463686


9. Bar Rouge

Bar Rouge is not only one of the people’s favorite within the local nightlife scene, but it is also a must-go for visitors and tourists. Of course, there’s the red or rouge theme, pumping music and beautiful people dressed to the nines - and a roof terrace, the bar’s biggest highlight that has the most beautiful panoramic views of the Bund.

Address: 7th Floor, Bund 18, 18 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road
Chinese address :  黄浦区 中山东一路18号外滩十八号7楼(近南京东路)
Tel.: 021-63391199


10. CHAR - Hotel Indigo





The Hotel Indigo on the South Bund is one of Shanghai’s most chic and innovative hotels, and its on-site steakhouse, CHAR, has become a destination all of its own. As the only steak restaurant in Shanghai to serve David Blackmore’s Australian Wagyu, it has already made waves on the restaurant scene, and continues to be popular. CHAR occupies the top three floors of the Hotel Indigo, offering excellent views of the Shanghai skyline and the old Bund. Two terraces and three private rooms as well as the main dining area provide plenty of options for seating.

Open Daily :
Dining Room : 6pm - 10:30pm
Bar : 6pm - late

Address: 585 Zhongshan Dong Er Road, 29-31 Floor, Hotel Indigo, near Dongmen Road
Chinese address :  中山东二路585号上海Indigo酒店顶楼, 近东门路
Tel.: 021-33029995

Bullet Train in China

High-speed trains (G, D, C trains in China) run much faster than the normal ones. As well as traveling at speeds of up to 400km/h, the bullet trains are operated by advanced technological communication systems. 

China has so many worthy destinations, many of which are far from each, and in most cases, tourists have no choice but to take an airplane. The high-speed railways greatly shorten journeys in this vast land, making long-distance trips more convenient, time-saving and feasible. For instance, with one bullet train ticket, you can reach Guangzhou from Beijing in 8 hours, however, this 2,000 km (about 1,243 mi) journey takes nearly 24 hours by normal ones.

Now people generally prefer to travel by high-speed trains, which should be attributed to its advantages:
1. Fast: The present speed is higher than 200km/h, lessening the journey duration. For example, from Beijing to Shanghai, a distance of over 1,200 km (about 746 mi). The journey is shortened to 5 hours from 15 hours if you buy bullet train ticket instead of other tickets.
2. Punctual: Less influence by weather, they usually arrive at their destinations on time. By contrast, a bus may be delayed because of traffic jams or bad road conditions. Flights may be cancelled because for the bad weather.
3. Comfortable and Convenient: Seating is very comfortable, and the facilities can better meet passengers’ demands. Bullet trains are scheduled more frequently for many journeys, so it is easy to buy tickets and passengers don’t need to wait too long.

BUSINESS CLASS : 

FIRST CLASS : 

SECOND CLASS :

The Chinese railway has adopted a new diagram from July 1, 2014. 60 more rail routes have been put into service and 53 are bullet trains. 

The new bullet trains from Chengdu to Shanghai, Hangzhou and Fuzhou shorten the journeys to 15 hours, 15 hours and 20 minutes, and 15 hours and 12 minutes, respectively.

Now the largest and fastest program of its kind in the world, central investment has helped ensure that most city-to-city journeys in China are nearly 80% faster than previously. For example, to travel from Xiamen to Shenzhen a year ago took 15 hours and several transfers. Now, via so-called ‘bullet train’, you can do the 520km journey in just over 3 hours at a cost of just 150 Yuan. With links between Xiamen, Fuzhou, Hangzhou and Shanghai already in place, and crucially the 1st tier cities of the east becoming more connected with the emerging 2nd tier cities of the west such as Chengdu and Chongqing, Chinese domestic infrastructure is making huge strides towards integrating this massive nation.

Xiashen Railway, is named after its two terminal cities Xiamen in Fujian Province and Shenzhen in Guangdong Province, next to Hong Kong. The line has a total length of 502.4 km and forms part of China's Southeast Coast High-Speed Rail Corridor. Construction of the Xiashen Line began on November 23, 2007, and the line entered into operation on December 28, 2013.

The line is designed for trains running at top speeds of 250 kilometres per hour, and has reduced travel time between Xiamen and Shenzhen from 11 hours to 3 hours and 40 minutes.

More bullet trains are available from Chengdu to Wuhan, Zhengzhou, Nanchang, Nanjing, Hankou and Lichuan, and from Chongqing to Shanghai, Fuzhou, Xiamen, Hankou, Wuhan and Yichang. 

New high-speed railway service from Beijing to Xiamen shortens the journey from 32 hours to 13 hours. 

More highs-speed rail services are available from Beijing to Taiyuan, Nanning, Guiyang and Jinan. The Xian-Taiyuan high-speed railway service is also put into service from July 1, which shortens the trip from 10 hours to 3.5 hours. Visitors now are able to reach Pingyao Old City from Xian within 3 hours. 

Railway network map with conventional lines upgraded or built to accommodate CRH shown in orange (160–250 km/h (99–155 mph)), secondary high-speed lines in green (200–299 km/h (124–186 mph)), and blue (above 300 km/h (190 mph)).