Luxe Living in Shanghai for Less than 200RMB-Part I Friday, 27 August 2010 01:27 Written by Andrea Burzynski

Sometimes, it seems like almost everyone in Shanghai is here for one thing.  Some fly here on company-paid business class tickets from overseas, some arrive on hard seat train tickets from the fields of Anhui, and some come from the longtan down the street in crisply pressed dress shirts handwashed by their mothers.  What’s the common denominator?  Money.  It makes the world go round, and it brings people from around the world to Shanghai.

In this city of haves and have-nots, the haves flaunt their fortunes with Louis Vuitton handbags, and the have-nots flaunt their aspirations with shanzhai versions (or, in an act of naked striving, painstakingly save for months for the real thing).  Historically known as the Whore of the Orient, Shanghai has always been a place to indulge in luxury and excess.  Who doesn’t want to live la dolce vita?

But what if you reach into your pockets, and find that they aren’t so deep?  Maybe you’re a student, an artist, an English teacher, or you’re just trying to save your Maos for a fabulous holiday.  Never fear - there are ways to capture the decadent essence of Shanghai without going broke.  I tested out seven posh-sounding experiences, all for 200 RMB or less, and deliver the results of this grueling work to you here.

Shanghai Luxury #1: “Shopping” at Plaza 66

Walking through this airy mall on West Nanjing Road, I was struck with the sensation of viewing fashion porn; the clothing and accessories in each shop window seemed almost too fantastic to be real, but looking at them left me aroused and filled with desire.  Stepping into Shanghai’s preeminent favorite, Louis Vuitton, I informed the salesgirl that I was looking for something small that could go from day to night.  “Of course”, she replied, and promptly summarized several different models.  I examined two of them – the Eva Clutch, and the Beverly Clutch.  I let my hands glide over the smooth monogrammed canvas and perfectly crafted details, touching luxury for a few precious moments.

Luxury factor: 3 out of 5 stars.  The environment and the goods epitomized Shanghai-style extravagence, but something about having it waved in front of me without the potential for any sort of tangible gratification left me with a case of conspicuous consumption blue balls as I slunk down a side street for a ten kuai plate of lamian.

Cost: 0 RMB (not including the noodles of despair)

Shanghai Luxury #2: Drinks at The Aquarium

This bar that “advances the pursuit of male indulgence” (according to its website) sits in the bottom of Plaza 66’s Dunhill shop.  As I descended the stairs to meet another Doll, I felt as though I was entering an upper-class gentlemen’s lair that would be filled with men in perfectly tailored suits reclining in leather chairs with cigars and dirty martinis.  I was about half correct.  On this Friday evening, we were entitled to two complimentary cocktails as members of the fairer sex, which were classic and well-made.  It made me want to smoke with a cigarette holder and discuss the stock market or something.

Luxury factor: 4.5 out of 5 stars.  Well-prepared drinks in an unpublicized venue enveloped by a shop full of expensive suits felt pretty exclusive.

Cost: Free on Fridays for ladies.  Otherwise, classic cocktails are 70RMB each.

Shanghai Luxury #3: Glamorous times on the Bund

For tourists and residents alike, the F&B fortresses on the Bund are synonymous with opulence, Michelin stars, and spending mucho dinero.  For a feminine contrast to The Aquarium, I started my night at The Glamour Bar, which is housed in the Five on the Bund building.  Amidst the intricate stemware, copious mirrored surfaces, and pink-tinged lighting, I ordered “The Dragon’s Pearl”.  This cocktail’s toothpick-threaded litchi echoed the shape of the Pearl Tower baubles included in the requisite view, giving me an iconic bund experience.

Luxury factor: 5 out of 5 stars.  The Glamour Bar lived up to its name.

Cost: 88RMB for Glamour Bar cocktails.  Sparkling wine and champagne can be had for 68 – 195RMB/glass.

Shanghai Luxury #4: Brunch

Everyone who’s anyone goes to brunch, dahling.  Shanghai’s restaurateurs and hotels know this, and are constantly tweaking their weekend offerings to attract a discerning crowd.  How much more posh can you get than a place named Cristal?  Perched next to a private pool and encircled by a quiet patio atop Wujiang Lu, Cristal is filled with sunlight and crisply attired wait staff.  The courses I ordered from the prix fixe menu at the Dolls brunch were fresh, well-balanced, and skillfully presented.  Our party ate well; palates were contented without feeling uncomfortably full.

Luxury factor: 4 out of 5 stars.  The brunch and ambiance made me feel healthy and wealthy, save for the fact that there was no actual Cristal.  What’s brunch without a little bubbly?

Cost: 178RMB for three courses, 198RMB for four courses

Check out “Luxe Living in Shanghai for Less than 200RMB: Part II” for more ways to live the high life for less!

Comments 

 

#8 RE: Luxe Living in Shanghai for Less than 200RMB-Part I — Andrea 2010-09-28 07:49

18 girls and a stripper sounds wild! Glad you girls had fun!

Kaatje, if you want something stronger and can stomach an alcohol-only drink, a few of the people I was with loved the classic martini there. My tastebuds are too wussy for traditional martinis, so I got some mojito-like concoction instead :)

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#7 Drinks come with stripper... — Kaatje 2010-09-18 23:40

Although the drinks didn't come with too much alcohol, they did come with a free stripper ;-)
Great party, thanks for the tip for the venue Andrea!

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#6 The aquarium — cheeky monkey 2010-09-17 07:47

We are going to rock this place for an hour tonite - all 18(gals) of us!

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#5 Aquarium — cheeky monkey 2010-09-07 17:26

I am organizing a bachelorette party & thanks to your article, we are all meeting at the aquarium bar. This gentlemen's club would be a PERFECT venue to start the nite off!
THANK U Andrea!

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#4 RE: Luxe Living in Shanghai for Less than 200RMB-Part I — Andrea 2010-09-07 12:58

Thanks ladies!

Julia, I agree that it can be so difficult to stop at one of something... and just about impossible to switch to an inferior version after having the good stuff (Chinese Dove after a bite of Green & Black's... nooo thank you!) I find it's easiest to go someplace nice for a dessert or after dinner drink, especially on a weeknight; if you're already full and have work the next day, it's easier to control yourself, and a nice way to top off an evening.

Liwen, would definitely recommend it... would invite you along if I was in town :-)

Thanks for the tip, Luci - I'm sure the guys will enjoy!

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#3 Aquarium - mens' deal — lucipudong 2010-09-05 14:48

Also - Send your GUYS along for free drinks on Wednesday evenings.

Quoting liwen:

Enjoyed reading your article.

We have a writer in da house!

Will now check out Aqua on Friday. Thanks for the tip ;)

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#2 Ditto — liwen 2010-08-30 11:51

Enjoyed reading your article.

We have a writer in da house!

Will now check out Aqua on Friday. Thanks for the tip ;)

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#1 Love it!!!! — julia 2010-08-27 11:10

Andrea I love this article and can't wait for the next... my problem is stopping at one of anything! Doesn't matter how hard I try one cocktail is never enough - lol...

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