Originally Posted by robyng

I am just starting to read about China. Very big country with very very big cities. And apparently Shanghai is divided in 2 by a river that is difficult to cross in terms of traffic. The general impression I get is the part on one side of the river is where all the business stuff is - and the other side is where something else (I'm not sure exactly what).

Can you explain to me in very basic terms what I will find on either side of the river (and if you have personal opinions about which side of the river you like - I'd like to hear those too). Any comparisons to any cities in north American and Europe (where I've traveled a lot) would be appreciated. I recall someone here saying he wouldn't want to be on X side of the river during the weekend - because it's dead. Sounds like the Wall Street area on a weekend. Am I anywhere near correct? But - even if true - what is the other side like? Robyn