Destinations Edited by Shelley DeWees (shelley@groovekorea.com)
Later on, before you hit the markets, you should consider getting a closer look at the Jin Mao Tower (also called the Golden Prosperity Building). With 88 floors, it was the tallest building in China and the fifth largest building in the world until its new next-door neighbor, Shanghai Tower, started reaching for the crown (it’s expected to be completed later this year with 121 floors). You can visit the traditional tourist viewing space or for a plusher experience, you can head to the Cloud 9 bar on the 87th floor of Shanghai’s Grand Hyatt, where an expansive view of the tower and a nice evening cocktail await you. But the next day, now that you’ve figured a few things out, the real party starts: It’s time to take yourself shopping. This glitzy and glamorous city is an ideal place to splash your cash or get your bartering skills in order. Just remember, the real price is never the one on the label, and if anyone tries to approach you for some “English practice,” keep your eyes on your pockets. These guys will distract you, then run off with your cash if you don’t have your wits about you. Nanjing Road, a short walk from the Bund, is one of the best shopping streets in China and an excellent place to watch haggling in action (and practice your theatrics); this 5.5 km stretch of shops attracts nearly 2 million people a day, so have a browse, have a coffee and gather your gusto for the real deal: Tiantong Road. It’s the mecca of the barter shopping experience, for among the steaming food stalls and piles of brightly col-
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ored trinkets are seemingly endless opportunities to take your new bargaining skills for a test drive. Here’s how to work it: If you see something you want, try to get a rough idea of the value of it before you start haggling. Stand around for a few seconds and see what others are paying, or just be bold and ask someone what they paid, and try not to drop any more money than the locals do. Once you’re ready, approach the attendant and state a price that is much lower than what you expect to eventually pay, but not so low that you show ignorance to the item’s worth. The vendor will in turn respond with a ridiculously high price, to which you should reply with open astonishment or a laugh — he’ll expect it — and a counteroffer. Bounce it back and forth until you come to a price you’re comfortable with, and try to keep a sense of humor about the whole thing; if you’re out of tricks and the attendant won’t budge, just walk away and find another seller (sometimes they’ll call you back to the booth and accept your price). AP Plaza offers the biggest market, but Dapuqiao and Xujiahui are better if you’re looking for American, European or Korean brands. And, of course, if you’re tired of bartering, there’s Metro City Mall with its three massive supermarkets and familiar stores for the haggle-weary Westerner. You can get your hands on some super cheap electronics, grab some international cuisine and drool at luxury couture brands all at the same time. It’s China at its finest.