Heading to shanghai for the first time on Friday. Where are the must go places and the don't waste your time.  I'm a newbie so this will be my first experience as a hobbist.

The Bund area is full of high class bars where the pickings are good. Another place is an upscale mall called Xin Tiandi. My hotel was near there and I had good success at a bar there - I think its name was Luna. Don't expect any bargains in Shanghai; the women are beautiful but not cheap.

WARNING: Never ever listen to anyone (male/female) contacting you on the streets: "Sir want a massage?" or "Sir want a girl?" You will be in deep trouble in no time.  
A reasonable overview you get in "shanghai-nightlife-guide".: Pick up places, outcall, etc.
For war stories or any details, just PM me.

I was Shanghai in Nov. 2012. Saw a few girls and one thing to be wary of is. The chinese girls have learned how to upsell you. I guess there bosses have done there homework and you will usually get the one shot in goal. But, if you want another shot. You have to pony up up some more $. Not all agency girls do this cause my 3rd and 4th girl I saw didn't even ask

Thats Shanghai , but if you got friends or acquaintances,  who know their way around you can cut corners a lot and
get very very good experiences. I have learned my lessons too, in the US as well as in China.
As montioned above: Its always better  to exchange specifics, especially contact details via PM...

Do not follow the trolls!!!! Do not get sucked in a Karaoke or you'll pay $$$ for a fruit basket. Go to the clubs or the saunas. When in a Shanghai sauna, try the red rope experience!