Yes, you can get them everywhere on the street but it's hard to check the quality. That's why I've been taking my guests to Movie Star, a DVD shop on DaGu Rd that carry everything you might want. From the latest movies to HBO hit shows and classic collections by famed directors, they have the nice box sets which are perfect as gifts for friends who will love you for getting them. The staff will tell you whether the version is a good one --- just ask. You can also bring back any defective ones for an exchange. They can also find anything for you, even if you can't remember the movie titles --- just tell them about the plot and they will dig it out! They are not the cheapest but I'd recommend this place if you want some quality guarantee. Round out your visit to DaGu Rd with dinner and a massage after you get the DVD's.
August 20, 2007
August 14, 2007
KangJun Massage -- don't go to Dragonfly!!
I always find it maddening that newcomers to Shanghai would right away get suckered into Dragonfly and plunk down like $1000RMB to buy a pre-paid card. Apparently Dragonfly is the best in the business when it comes to advertizing to foreigners. However, I must say that the newbie massage therapists they bring in from their ChongQing school are mostly too green and unable to find the pressure points on your body. If you are one of those people who are just happy that someone is caressing you, then I guess anywhere will do.
Being a certified massage therapist myself, I think I'm qualifed to rate massage places. There several decent places to go for massage, but I love KangJun in particular because they have the massage skills to show for a very reasonable price. AND they're located in the city center, unlike other good places which are most clustered in far-away GuBei and HongQiao areas. They cater to a Japanese clientele so you know it's clean, albeit a bit cramped. They have many branches around Shanghai, and the one on Dagu Rd is the closest one in the city center and also nicest one in decor.
For $75 RMB, you can get a 1-hour Chinese-style full body massage or a foot massage. I also tried their oil massage ($225/90 min) and ear candling ($120/60 min) , where they insert a hollow wax burning candle in your ears and suck crap out of them. For the foot massage, they give you a nice pot of tea and some cherry tomatos. My friend had bought a couch from them cuz they are so comfy.
If you have a big group and want a more social setting, try Taipan Spa just down the street on Dagu Rd.
