English-language map trumps its rivals

Shanghai Institute of Surveying and Mapping has produced its first English-language map, described as being much more detailed than other city maps translated into English. 

The institute’s map features classic Shanghai snacks and dishes, historical and cultural areas, and the city’s night life.

The map incorporates an innovative design and provides a guide on Shanghai’s bars, garden villas, shikumen buildings, shopping, festivals, and sightseeing routes for tourists.

“Most English maps available in Shanghai are simple, not informative or are just free advertisements, and their paper quality is not good,” said the institute’s expert Li Chenhong, who designed the map.

The “Shanghai Map” includes traditional Shanghai breakfasts and snacks like dabing (Chinese pancakes), youtiao (fried dough sticks), xiaolong (steamed dumplings) and benbangcai (Shanghai cuisine) including hairy crab, along with photos and a detailed introduction.

It also features hand-drawn architecture art of Shanghai.

Historical and cultural areas such as Laochengxiang, the old city area, and Hengfu area (Hengshan Road and Fuxing Road) replace administrative divisions on the map.

Tourists will find Yunnan Road Food Street, old longtang (alleyway), “Cheongsam Street” and museums, some of which are not familiar even to Shanghai residents.

Research on the map started in 2015. Li’s team visited areas across the city to log the most popular bars and cafes for expatriates and explored the history of restaurants inside villas.

Shanghai Map is available at Xinhua Bookstore and will also be sold at the Shanghai Book Fair, which opens on Wednesday. It is priced at 68 yuan (US$10). There is no online version.