Frommer's ® Shanghai (Frommer's Complete)

Rating:
Summary: Out of date and abbreviated travel book
Review: I haven't even left for Shanghai yet and I know this book is a disappointment in comparing it with my friend's Lonely Planet and doing some quick online research. It said there weren't any youth hostels (there are several) and the book is lacking a metro map and even a decent street map! The "exploring Shanghai" section is embarrassing small, I don't know if I would be able to keep myself occupied during my visit if this were to be my only guide.

Rating:
Summary: So-so
Review: Usually I am very pleased with the quality of Frommer's guide books, but not this time. Some of the information is out-of-date and some is not useful at all. For example, the places to eat and stay it recommends - after visiting Shanghai and exploring the scene first-hand, I was smiling at their suggestions. It seems like they hired a blind gilrscout to spend a couple of hours in the city and then write the whole book about it. Maybe I am not being completely fair, but there is a grain of truth in my words. Luckily I had two guide books with me - the second one being Insight Guide Shanghai, and the latter comes highly recommended. It has plenty of colorful pictures and the information is a bit more useful. So, in conclusion: Frommer did a decent job on this one, but noticeably below their standars, so if you are heading to Shanghai - there are other guides to choose from.