subject: Western New Years In Shanghai: Hotel Picks And Must-see Events [print this page] When we were young, New Year's Eve was pretty much incomprehensible ... nobody knew why the adults were all stumbling around, smelling funny and shouting together! As we got older it was just an excuse for a big party, but as the years wear on there are only so many different ways to make New Year interesting and exciting. One very reliable way to make New Year's exciting and interesting, though, Is to DO something that is truly exciting and interesting! Far from the ordinary countdowns, in a city where Western New Year's always plays second fiddle to Chinese New Year in February, you can redicover your passion for the event. Today we check out some of the best Shanghai economy hotels and Shanghai budget accommodation, as well as some special events for Shanghai's Western New Years for 2010/2011.
See, Hear, Feel and Drink at...
Jeff Chang, Shanghai Gymnasium: This New Year's Eve concert at Shanghai gymnasium is a fantastic event for Westerners far from home - Jeff Chang writes gorgeously crafted Mando-pop ballads, so different to the boring chord progressions and tunes that seem to change only in the person delivering them, back home.
Richard Clayderman: Experience the romance of French pianist Richard Clayderman in a completely unexpected context, at Shanghai Gymnasium. He offers renditions of popular tunes like Yesterday (The Beatles) and Fur Elise (Beethoven) ... a nice calm start to the night!
Longhua Park and Temple: On Western New Years, Buddhist monks at Longhua Temple ring the massive temple bell at midnight 108 times, for good luck. Following the solemn bell ringing is some raucous celebrating - you'll probably want to go straight back from Longhua Park and Temple to your Shanghai budget accommodation or Shanghai economy hotel room.
Take a Taxi Back to ...
Jinjiang Inn Shanghai budget hotels: Jinjiang Inn is a chain of budget Shanghai hotels, with outlets to be found all over the city. Staying at Jinjiang Inn frees up your budget to eb spent on things much more fun than sleeping and showering ... these are quite basic hotels, but the chain is a very well-respected one in China. Jinjiang Inns are fantastic value, clean, secure, reliable and with friendly staff - all the basic amenities and facilities, no worries about poor customer service, noisy grounds or insecure rooms, and ultra-low prices for these Shanghai budget hotel rooms!
Asset Hotel Shanghai: This Shanghai economy hotel is cheap, clean and friendly, with breakfast included in the room rate and internet available in the lobby. Asset Hotel's budget Shanghai rooms actually give the big boys a run for their money, with staff happy to accommodate requests and lovely food and beds.
Blue Horizon International Hotel Shanghai: This hotel is a little further from the New Year's Eve action ... but when your feet are aching, it's well past 3am and you just want to sleep, that is not a bad thing! Friendly English-speaking staff, free internet, clean and comfortable rooms.
