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Today we came across The New York Times' latest installment of its "Frugal Traveler" series , and this time Matt Gross writes about our fair city of Shanghai. We will preface this post by saying it is an interesting and generally well-informed guide to spending a weekend in China, with good recommendations, although not much "off the beaten path." But, Shanghaiist wonders, does The New York Times know the meaning of the word "frugal?"
For readers unfamiliar with the series, "The Frugal Traveler" sends a reporter somewhere in the world for a weekend, with a budget of approximately US$500. Now, for the average American globetrotter, restricting oneself to US$500 over the course of a weekend might indeed be an exercise in frugality. And in that sense, the series always delivers—this place in particular comes to mind—the reader is given a roadmap for an interesting weekend at that price point. But Shanghaiist feels there is not so much frugal about Mr. Gross' trip to Shanghai. Some highlights of his visit (last August, but published yesterday):
After grabbing a jian bing to go, he strolls the Bund while pondering the progress and development there. But uninspired by the commercial offerings he hops a cab to Taikang Road for some more "chic" window shopping. His first meal is at Yoma, a Japanese restaurant selected "partly because of Japan's historical entanglement with Shanghai." Huh? But let us stay on point. This affordable meal was RMB 200 per person, leaving cash to spare for dessert at the jiaopincher's haven: Jean-Georges. Next up was a tour of Shanghai's gay nightlife, including visits to Eddy's and Bobo's.
The following day he hits the ground running with a bellyful of won ton soup and sheng jian and packs in Xintiandi and the Moganshan art complex before dinner at A Future Perfect, "perfectly cheap" at RMB 232 per person. He turned down an invitation to go out that evening (Saturday), electing to stay in and save his money for Sunday shopping.
Sunday morning is a stroll and souvenir shopping in the French Concession. What better way to reward oneself than a spartan lunch at Sens & Bund, just RMB 350? A visit to the Urban Planning Museum left just enough jingle in his pocket to pick up a photography catalog. He packed up his gear at No. 9 and was on his merry way.
Matt had a great weekend in Shanghai, and anyone tracing his footsteps would likely also have an enjoyable visit. And by American standards, his selections were indeed relatively inexpensive. But does anyone else think he could have done a lot more with his money, perhaps allowing him to go out on BOTH of his nights, had he followed the spirit of frugality a bit more closely? Can Shanghaiist readers suggest some alternatives to his restaurant or accommodations selections?
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I'm just spit-ballin' here, but maybe ... I don't know ... maybe he'd want to try a Chinese restaurant while visiting China's most populous city? I hear we have a few decent ones in Shanghai. And they aren't expensive, either. Or maybe breakfast food was as Chinese as he wanted to get?
Keep in mind that Matt writes for the New York Times, and gears his articles for a New York City audience. A Shanghaiist's idea of 'frugal' is pretty different than what is 'frugal' for a Manhattanite.
People from New York City don't like Chinese food?
Yes, he is writing for The NYT and for its audience. And frugality is indeed a relative concept, but his sense of frugality prevented him from going out on both of his nights in Shanghai. It did not, however, prevent him from enjoying the comforts of Jean Georges and Sens & Bund. What if instead he had enjoyed any of Shanghai's many other less expensive international restaurants, or perhaps a Shanghainese one, and used his savings to go to Cashbox (karaoke), or a theater show, or more bars, or anything else that would have taken him out of his hotel room that Saturday night and interacting with Shanghai? Would his experience have been a lesser one with those more inexpensive alternatives?
Shanghai is so f'n lame, once you get over the initial culture shock.
Thanks, Scrooge for your well-argued position.
A frugal trip to Shanghai with stops at two of the most expensive restaurants in town... Those Manhattanites must have it good.
But wait, he came here for less than three full days and couldn't afford to go out on Saturday night? We are meant to take advice on how to spend money in Shanghai from this guy?
My husband and I may be coming to Shanghai later this year with an infanct (9-12 months old depending on when we come). We have a friend living in Shanghai and would be staying with her. What are some things we could do with an infant (or to which it is okay to bring an infant?) When would be the best time to travel?
I would leave the infant at home if possible. The air pollution is really horrendous.
Try to come in April or May but not the first week of May which is a holiday. Avoid July and August which are uncomfortably hot and humid.
Damn Americans!!! It would be far more interesting if the guy came to Shanghai and only had Rmb500 to spend. And yes it could be done.... including accommodation. $500 is more than many college-educated white-collar workers make in a month in Shanghai. Frugal traveller and Sens+Bund in the same sentence is totally oxymoronic. Give me a break!!!!