Lonely Planet [Shanghai]

I brought two guidebooks — Lonely Planet China (2008 ed.), in hard copy, and China Adventure Guide, on Kindle. Both have been terrific, providing additional background and allowing us to depart from the scheduled itineraries.

Until last night. Tom & Aaron set out for the Peace Hotel Bar to see the Peace Hotel Jazz Band, where “Two of the old-timers — including the band’s founder and trumpet player Zhou Wanrong, — are former members of China’s first all-Chinese jazz band fronted by Jimmy King in the 1940’s, which had a regular slot at the Paramount.” [LP p. 271] The Adventure guide describes the Peace Hotel as “still one of the places to stay in Shanghai” and mentions the “lively jazz bar.” [Location 7409-19)

It was demolished two years ago.