Shanghai (Damien Harper)

Let me begin by confessing that I love LP guides. I have used them for 30 years and have visited more than 60 different countries. Having said that, I have some reservations about recent editions of these guides, including this one. The authors of this guide do an outstanding job of providing large amounts of practical information in a highly readable format. Even if one is on a guided tour or officially hosted trip, this guide (like other LP guides) provides useful historical, cultural, and other background information to enhance one's stay. The authors are always entertaining, and sometimes wickedly funny. The same authors also have written an abbreviated "Shanghai Encounter" guide at about half the retail price, but I would opt for the full guide reviewed here, even for a short visit. The text is modular rather than linear in format, first grouping information by neighborhood and then grouping by activity (eating, drinking, shopping, etc.). Much of the useful informati... Read more

There really isn't alot of travel books on Shanghai at all. This book was ok, and did have characters for places to go to. However, the maps are the worst!! Not a bad book to have, but definetly get something else for backup.

As of June 2007, this book has become out of date. Many of the shikumen houses that I went to visit have been torn down in Shanghai in an effort to modernize the city by 2010 for the World Expo. Maps of the metro subways are also out of date. The book currently has partial maps of the 2 lines. There are now 5 different subway lines and still many more to be built. This book is a great introduction to Shanghai, but it is out of date (just like pretty much all the other books on the city). To sum it up, pretty good book, but just don't count on the book being your only source of information on Shanghai.

I have read this book cover to cover in anticipation for my trip to Shanghai. I am hoping that it will save me time and money by giving me a view of the city and details that would take many months to aquire. It was an easy read and well organized. I would however recommend that you do a search online for hotel rooms as there are many deals in the hotel market that were not even mentioned in the book. Happy Trials, BB.

This book is amazing. First time using a guidebook and first for the Lonely Planet. Will definitely buy more. Maps wonderful, chinese names for everything and very good restaurant recommendations. Found a tiny restaurant off a back alley and was amazing for a great price. Wonderful spend and would recommend to everyone!!!