Walking around – Walking around the city, you will be surprised by the remarkable number of name-brand shops in Shanghai. Some of them are very high end, and the prices are just as high as they are in the states. Who buys this stuff? There must be some very very wealthy Chinese people in Shanghai, because the vast majority of Chinese are poor. You can live so cheaply in China. Food costs almost nothing (a dollar for a meal), transportation costs almost nothing, and housing is inexpensive. Most people don’t make a lot, but it is more than enough to live on. So, who’s buying these Louis Vatton bags, and Rolex watches, and Armani suits (real ones) which easily cost the average Chinese person’s yearly salary?
The Bund – an area of the city next to the river that the French and British controlled before the war. You will buy tickets to a New Years party here. Later, you will go to this party. There will only be foreigners at the party. Only foreigners celebrate the solar New Years in Shanghai. There are many foreigners. All the buildings along the Bund will be packed with partying foreigners. 
Subways – At 25 cents per ride, the subway is by far the cheapest way to get around the city. The subways in Shanghai are all brand new, and they, like everything else, are under construction. The city is constantly building and opening new lines. During your visit, at least one new subway line will open. Because of the opening ceremony, all the usual exits will be blocked by policemen. You will have trouble leaving. Bring a sandwich.
Coming from Japan, you will be surprised to see people talking on the subway. This is normal. Why don’t they sit in silence or crumple into themselves to fall asleep? Aren’t they embarrassed to call attention to themselves by engaging in loud, overt conversation? No, they are not.
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