Living below the Yangtze River means a government policy that doesn't call for mandatory heating (think radiators) like our northern cousins enjoy. With the first substantial snowfall since 98' and a freezing New Year, coupled with concrete walls and no insulation, creative solutions to stay warm call for more than paying out YY80 for an Irish coffee or Rum Toddy.

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire...
Or at least in a wok chuck full of coal chips. The Chinese word for chestnut is lì shù (栗树) and they can be found on street corners throughout the city, a Jin should be Y10-15. Fill your face and your pockets for a quick fix of warmth.

Get Steamed
Originating in Sichuan, Hot Pot (huo guo火锅) has spread like wild fire as the winter dinner in China. A boiling cauldron of spiced soup with meat and fresh vegetables will stoke the embers in your stomach (also serves as a good facial!). Try Hot Pot King for some of the best in town.

Hot potato
This often over looked street food gives whole new meaning to the phrase "hot potato." Local sweet potatoes roasted in 55-gallon barrels range between Y1 and Y3 based on size (and bargaining power). Known as Hong Shan Yu or Kao Di Gua in Chinese, they should squish when you squeeze em' and will fuel your engine well into the evening.

Just the tonic
At food stalls on Wujiang Lu by the Shimen Yi Lu subway stop you'll find Niurou Tang- a beefy broth with vermicelli noodles and a hint of spice, a remnant of the Jewish settlement in Shanghai. Also look out for Ma La Tang - a miniaturized version of hot pot, choose a few skewers and stave off the cold (Y7-10), or try Sheng Jie, a winter favorite.

Add a dash of vinegar to these pan-fried golf ball-sized treats. Helpful hint, bite a hole in the top and slowly suck out the juice or tongue and chin will suffer - six to a plate (Y3.5). If you're still not full, munch a throbbing hot cob of black corn (or drop it down your pant leg) for only Y5.

At home, boiling a pot of water provides ample warmth and helps take the dryness out of a Shanghai winter. Tea candles, beyond being romantic accents are an excellent source of heat (bags of 100 sell for Y33 at IKEA).

Whether you choose to huddle in the bar or in bed, don't despair, as spring's not far off.

Contact the author on
shguide@cityweekend.com.cn

Hot Pot King, 11am-4pm
2/F, 1416 Huaihai Zhong Lu, by Fuxing Xi Lu
淮海中路1416号2楼，近复兴西路
6473-6380
2/F, 10 Hengshan Lu, by Gao'An Lu
衡山路10号2楼，近高安路
6474-6545

IKEA, 10am-10pm
126 Caoxi Lu
漕溪路126号
5425-6060

Threegun Underwear Store
997 Huaihai Lu
淮海路997号

Food Stalls
Wujiang Lu by Shimen Yi Lu
吴江路近石门一路