SHORT CUTS

SHANG HIGH: If you wake up in Shanghai to clear skies, seize the opportunity to get an overview of the cityscape on a U.S.-built Bell 212 helicopter. A 15-minute flight over the city costs $25, while a 25-minute fly-over (taking in the Huangpu River and Pudong) will set you back $60. The heli-tours depart from Longhua Airport on the city's outskirts, and operate on weekends only. Call 86-21-6464-6371 for ticket information. Bring your passport along for ID.

SUITE DEAL: The Portman Ritz-Carlton's winter promotion runs until March 7, with rooms starting at $140 (no charge for children under 12). All categories of suites are also 50% off (from $250) during the same period. The reduced rates include roundtrip airport transfers in a Mercedes-Benz and a one-hour massage for each guest. Call 86-21-6279-8888 for bookings. Located on Nanjing Road, the hotel is close to such attractions as the city's famed acrobatic troupe, which performs nightly in the Shanghai Center Theater next door. Visit www.ritzcarlton.com for more details.

R E L A T E D   L I N K S :

Other Shanghai Hotels

Garden Hotel:
  www.lhw.com/shanghai/garden.html
Grand Hyatt Pudong (open spring 1999):
  www.hyatt.com
Hilton:
  www.hilton.com
Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza:
  www.crowneplaza.com
Holiday Inn Pudong:
  www.holiday-inn.com
Jin Jiang:
  www.jinjiang.com
Nikko:
  www.nikkohotels.com
Radisson:
  www.radisson.com
Shangri-La Pudong:
  www.shangri-la.com
Sheraton:
  www.sheraton.com
Sofitel Hyland:
  www.sofitel.com
Westin:
  www.westin.com

For other hotels, including the Peace Hotel, check:
  www.chinats.com/chhotel.htm