Booze-free Shanghai activities

People often complain about the shortage of Shanghai activities that don't involve eating or drinking. What kind of people? People without imaginations.

Here are five Shanghai activities that will give your brain the workout it's screaming for.

YANA Adventures Shanghai Treasure Hunt

Couch surfing and armchair travel are fine, but sometimes you need a bit of adventure outside of the latest DVD release. For those looking to mix a bit of cardio with their urban exploration, YANA Adventures runs a citywide scavenger hunt for grown-ups, with clues scattered in off-the-beaten-path locales and tasks that force players to mingle with locals. The game ends with a barbecue meal.

“We want to help people experience Shanghai culture, art and people in a different way, to build up teamwork spirit, or simply have a weekend filled with laughter and sweat,” explains YANA marketing executive Alexandra Zhang (张雯怡).

YANA also offers tailored Shanghai activities for family and corporate adventures, including remote private island parties and Mongolian treks. 
YANA Adventures, RMB 250 per adventure, +86 135 6420 6193, www.withyana.com

Historic Shanghai French Concession tour

Founded in 1998 by three expat history buffs, Historic Shanghai's Sunday morning mid-town excursions explore the city’s lesser-known and bygone properties and paths.

The once-a-month casual affairs don’t require a reservation. Just show up (rain or shine), pay RMB 100 and take in a bit of the Concession’s rich and sometimes mysterious history.

“Old buildings in Shanghai tell fascinating stories," notes Historic Shanghai co-founder William Patrick Cranley. "They’ve witnessed many dramatic events over their lifetimes, and they know the secrets of some of the great characters of China’s past hundred years and more.”
Walks take place the third Sunday of every month, 10am-noon, RMB 100. Check the company's website or email for details for the next walk, info@historic-shanghai.com, www.historic-shanghai.com

Shanghai Toastmasters Club

Has the thought of that next wedding toast or public speech left you weak with worry? Toastmasters might be the most practical fix.

Having grown from a modest basement meet-up in 1924 to a non-profit powerhouse active in more than 70 countries, Toastmasters International offers a podium to everyone from the shyest neophytes to seasoned professionals.

The club's weekly meetings, ripe with fellowship, training and competitions, will have you more than just ‘gan bei’ing’  with gusto. The goal is to provide a supportive environment in which to help get members comfortable with public speaking.

Says Rebecca Hong, founding president and DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster, the highest achievement in the organization): “Toastmaster’s mission is to support the cultivation of leaders who inspire positive changes in themselves and others for the betterment of society.”
Meeting are held 6:45-9pm, every Wednesday (except public holidays), RMB 20 for members, RMB 40 guests, shleadership.freetoasthost.info/index.html

City Weekend Book Club

A ‘literal’ fix to your brain cells’ woes, this casual gathering of unpretentious readers from around the world laps up chapters, chat and lots of tea.

The group usually meets the last Sunday of every month. Though reading the assigned book is recommended, it's not required for attendance. Other club options include CW’s Lesbian Book Club and ‘Micro Readers United,’ for short story lovers.

“Is geek is the new chic? Hmm. There's nothing new or chic about reading, it's just timelessly sexy," explains head biblio-geek and former City Weekend Shanghai editor Andrea Wong. "Activities like this are sorely needed in Shanghai to break the usual refrain of work-party-brunch-massage. Not that I'm against any of that.”
The next CW book club event will be in September. Check the City Weekend Community events section for updates

Magic The Gathering (MTG)

With around six million players in 70 countries, Magic the Gathering is a collectible card game featuring wizards and other mythical creatures. MTG lovers or Mandarin-challenged newbies can now join in on Shanghai’s only MTG meeting in English.

“If I had to say one thing about the game, it would be that it's easy to learn, but hard to master,” says longtime MTG player Henry Chi.

If you're looking for more than just another Friday night with way too many beers, don your wizard robe and get started on a personal quest for glory.
For the latest gathering details go online, or email lbzchi@gmail.com

Honorable mentions:

Booty Bay: Communal board game hangouts citywide with large selection of local and international games. Staff not always English-speaking. Cost from RMB 25 per person, www.bootybay.com.au

Movie Night: Movie Night at Vienna Café every Thursday at 7pm, www.viennashanghai.com

Pub quiz nights: The Bulldog runs a popular quiz night every Monday and Thursday while O’Malley’s hosts one every Thursday night.