Shanghai or hkg?
 

Unexpectedly have a trip to china, will leave to go back to us from either shanghai or hongKong,never been to either
I will have an evening and full day before leaving next day. I like scenery, history,interesting architecture, just walking around seeing local life, boat rides, not interested in shopping
Which city would you recommend? Any short side trips?

Either one is good for your interests. However, HKG has a better airport and lounges, especially CX. Shanghai hotel prices tend to be lower for the same quality and location. for instance, I can often find four star American chain properties in excellent locations, such as Le Royal Meridian for not a lot over $100 per night versus well over $250 in Hong Kong. Shanghai taxi fares also seem much lower to me.

Shanghai is a better walking city, especially walking through the old French concession, but with the cold weather and terrible air pollution happening now, I'd recommend Hong Kong for anytime from now until March. Other times of the year I'd recommend Shanghai.

+1. I prefer Shanghai to HK, but not in the winter!

Thanks all, going in April so seems it will be shanghai

Hong Kong can be chilly, windy, and rainy in between November and March IME, but there can also be nice days.

Hong Kong is like Manhattan
Shanghai is like Jersey

Depends on which side of the Hudson river you prefer.

While I generally disagree with City X is like City Y comparisons, I'm having an abnormal amount of trouble visualizing the SH/NJ brotherhood of which you speak.... or is there some special part of Jersey City that is a magnet for the Bentley/Hermes crowd that I don't know about?

My heart belongs in Jersey

As far as history and architecture goes, Shanghai is better. The world famous Suzhou gardens are nearby, as is Huangshan (classic Chinese mountain landscape you see in paintings, but this time the real thing) and the beautiful Chinese waterways and villages.

However, in terms of shopping, convenience and natural attraction (i.e. hiking), Hong Kong is superior. Not to mention wider usage of English and things "going by the book" in HK in contrast to Shanghai, where anything goes (sometimes).

Just returned from a three week trip to China and HKG.

For a now, I vote for Shanghai.
Look for a river view hotel where you are on the opposite of the Oriental Pearl Tower. We were at the Renaissance Marriott, the view of the neon lighted buildings across the river was one of the best. They even had a bathtub in the " sitting room" where you could soak and take in the view.

Take a duskc time river cruise ( see daylight and night lights. ).

Plenty of cheaper shopping too.

Thanks again to all, will go to Shanghai, river cruise at dusk, visit the gardens and I have points for the renaissance marriott [and really wondering how it resembles New Jersey!]

Affinity for cows.


http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/cm...ry/6751058.jpg

too funny about the cows!
There were painted cows all over about 10 years ago. I worked for a Dutch company in West Orange office and there was a company sponsored cow in the Mall across the street.
The cow was painted with scenes of Dutch countryside by - an actor on the Sporanos! Cousin "Furio" played by Federicco Castellucio, a very talented artist