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Shanghai

INTRODUCTION

Shanghai is China's largest city, being home to almost 12-million people. It is situated in the center of the coastline where the Yangtze River flows through its delta into the East China Sea. The name of the city literally means 'on the sea', and indeed, most of the city is only a few meters above sea level, criss-crossed by a maze of natural waterways of the Taihu drainage basin.

Shanghai is China's industrial and commercial capital. It is a busy seaport as well as a science and technology center, and it has a vibrant business community. Tourists as well as those who come to Shanghai on business can find plenty of off-duty entertainment and relaxation. Just walking the busy streets and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere is worthwhile, and there are some temples and gardens to visit along with an excellent museum.

HISTORY

This great cosmopolitan metropolis has a colorful colonial background which had the edge rubbed off of it during half a century of Communist rule. Originally a fishing and textiles town, Shanghai grew to importance in the 19th century due to its favorable port location. It was the first Chinese coastal port to be opened to Western trade in 1843, resulting in an influx of British, French and American diplomats and business interests, each of which established their own independent enclaves. In the 1920s and 30s, Shanghai was regarded as a glamorous and rather decadent 'in' place to visit. It all ended with World War II and the coming to power of the Communist party, but now, since the early 1990s, a dramatic re-building program has been underway which is aimed at putting Shanghai back on the map as a major international finance and trade center - the World Financial Center, opened in 2008, is the world's tallest. Today, Shanghai is the largest center of commerce and finance in mainland China, and it has been described as the showpiece of the world's fastest-growing economy.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

A mix of east and west, old and new, Shanghai is a great introduction to China for western travelers. A visit to the city offers you to see giant pandas in the zoo, stroll the Bund to admire the gracious art deco buildings, marvel at the skyscrapers of 21st century Shanghai in Pudong and enjoy a vegetarian repast in the peace of the Jade Buddha Temple. The city is an emerging tourist destination renowned for its historical landmarks, its modern and ever-expanding Pudong skyline and its new reputation as a cosmopolitan center of culture and design.

Climate: Although summers are extremely hot, this is high season for a holiday in Shanghai. During the summer months, the city is packed with tourists. Spring and autumn are usually less crowded, but it is likely to be wet and rainy. Times to avoid a Shanghai holiday are in winter, when it is very cold, and the Chinese New Year, when most businesses close down for the festivities.

Shanghai's blend of traditional and modern lifestyle allows its visitors to enjoy the best of both worlds. The city's neighborhoods are best explored as a pedestrian, so those prepared to do a lot of walking will get the most from a holiday in Shanghai.

ATTRACTIONS

This modern metropolis with its rich heritage of ancient Chinese culture has much to see and do for visitors:

Oriental Pearl TV Tower is the modern symbol of Shanghai City. With a height of 468 meters, it is the tallest TV tower in Asia and the third highest in the world. Its unusual structure dominates the skyline of the city and is a great attraction to tourists.

Shanghai World Financial Center, the highest multi-purpose skyscraper in China, attracts visitors for its beautiful panorama of modern Shanghai.

A sight not be missed is the Bund, an area situated on the east bank of the Huangpu River. Here you can enjoy the bracing air and fine sunshine while observing the many activities along the river. The new finance and commercial houses cluster together along the south of the Bund while along the west there is a wealth of grand buildings in the European architectural styles of the 1920s, 30s and early 40s. Marshal Chen Yi's statue looks down on the square where lively musicians gather to play and sing, entertaining the many people who stop by to listen.

Nanjing Road is considered to be the No. 1 commercial street in China. Along its 5.5 kilometers, you will find over 600 shops that are visited by some 1.7 million people each day. If you like shopping, do not miss it. If you want to experience the historical and cultural atmosphere of the city, Xin Tian Di is a good choice. Composed of Shikumen and modern architectural style, it has become a hot and fashionable pedestrian street in the center of the city.

Yuyuan Garden is the largest of Shanghai's ancient gardens with architectural styles of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The garden has six areas, each in its own style. The Grand Rockery, in the center of the Garden, is the most renowned sight.

The Shanghai Museum is a real treasure house of ancient Chinese art, housing 120,000 precious relics such as bronzes, pottery, paintings and calligraphies. Seen from above, the museum resembles a large bronze mirror of the Han Dynasty (206BC - 220). From the distance, it looks like a bronze Ding, an ancient cooking vessel that contains numerous mementos of the 5,000-year-old history of Chinese civilization.

Jade Buddha Temple is one of the most famous Buddhist temples to be found in Shanghai. The White Jade Buddhas were brought here from Burma in the 19th century. One is seated while the other is in the recumbent position of Sakyamuni symbolizing the Buddha's attainment of enlightenment. Although many people come to worship each day and burn incense at this very holy and active shrine, visitors are welcome.

Jin Mao Tower, located in the center of Lujiazui Finance and Trade Districts in Pudong, is the fourth tallest building of the world and the second tallest building in China. The ingenious combination of the elements of traditional Chinese culture with the newest architectural styles of the time make the tower one of the best-designed buildings in China.

After having marveled at the city's modern architecture and historical sites, a visit to the neighboring water towns such as Zhujiajiao and Qibao Ancient Town is a worth-while experience. Here you will encounter another world where ancient houses huddle by the rivers running through little towns with flagstone-paved roads. The typical local flavors offer visitors an insight into the traditional modest life of the locals.

If you come to Shanghai with children, you shouldn¡¯t miss visiting the Shanghai Wild Animal Zoo. It is the first national grade wild animal zoo in China and the home of over 200 kinds of animals from all over the world including rare animals and animals under the state special protection.

RESTAURANTS

Shanghai Classical Hotel - This restaurant has been in operation since 1875. It serves authentic and traditional Shanghai dishes, including Babao Duck, Fried Prawn and Ba Bao La Jiang.

Lu Bo Lang - This old restaurant in the Old Town God Temple area is famous for its delicious Shanghai Benbang Cuisine and dim sums. Steamed crab stuffed bun, crab bean curd and Mei Mao Su are its signature dishes.

Lao Zheng Xing Restaurant - This is one of the oldest Shanghai Cuisine restaurants. With a simple and elegant decoration as well as traditional Shanghai Benbang dishes, it is popular with senior Shanghainese.

Jinmao Club Shanghai Restaurant - Being located at the 86th floor, this the highest Shanghai Benbang Cuisine restaurant. Dining day or night, diners get to appreciate the charming scenery of Pudong.

The Yongfoo Elite Restaurant - This restaurant is decorated with European motives which embody old customs and flavor of Shanghai in the 1920s and 1930s. The food mainly focuses on delicate Shanghai Benbang dishes such as crab shark fin and Ba Bao La Jiang.

NIGHTLIFE

When night falls, Shanghai bathes in the light of various entertainment venues. Nightclubs, Karaoke, bars and coffee houses are all popular night time meeting places. Tea Houses open 24 hours a day, where people meet to chat and play cards.

If you are visiting Shanghai for the first time, the safest option is to go the fashionable area of Xin Tian Di for the night life. Check out the music restaurant and bar ARK Live House and the coffee bar Ven Ice. The famous Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street attracts people with the gaily illuminated shops and its carefree atmosphere, where you can pick up a bargain and enjoy a tasty morsel to eat.

In Hengshan Road you will find bars in great numbers, side by side, in which you can take tea or coffee. Another popular bar street is Maoming South Road with lounge bars such as Babyface.

Fuxing Park, known as the 'France Garden', is the only well-preserved French park in China, housing three nightclubs: Park97, Guandi and Cash Box.

Shanghai also offers a wonderful scenery at night which is probably best observed at the Bund. The ornate classical and modern buildings take on a new and exciting look as they are lit up by an abundance of colored lights. A night-time Huangpu River cruise presents a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the night life on the Bund.

LODGING

Shanghai Ramada Plaza Hotel - 5 stars accommodation, located on the pedestrian section of Nanjing Road, the most famous commercial belt of Shanghai.

Yalong International Hotel - 4 stars accommodation, nearby Lujiazui District.

Shanghai Metropole Hotel - 3 stars, located in the city centre, only a five minute walk from the Bund.

PERSONAL STORIES