Trip to Shanghai

Lying at the mouth of the Yangtze River is the majestic city of Shanghai.  A leader in the world of commerce, art, media, and fashion, this is one of the most well-known cities in China. For centuries a major administrative, shipping, and trading town, Shanghai grew in importance in the 19th century due to European recognition of its favorable port location and economic potential. The city was one of several opened to foreign trade following the British victory over China in the First Opium War and the subsequent 1842 Treaty of Nanking which allowed the establishment of the Shanghai International Settlement. The city then flourished as a center of commerce between east and west, and became the undisputed financial hub of the Asia Pacific in the 1930s. The Chinese reforms of the ‘90s reinforced the role of Shanghai in terms of commerce and finance.

Many cruises on the Yangtze end at Shanghai as it empties into the East China Sea. This city is a perfect example of the boom undergone in China over the past 20 years, mixed with an ancient splendor dating back millennia. When in this beautiful city, here are some attractions you should be sure to visit:

·         The Bund:  This is a waterfront area in central Shanghai. The area centers on a section of Zhongshan Road within the former Shanghai International Settlement, which runs along the western bank of the Huangpu River, facing Pudong, in the eastern part of Huangpu District. The Bund usually refers to the buildings and wharves on this section of the road, as well as some adjacent areas. It is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Shanghai. The beautiful monuments and beautiful buildings will certainly make an impression on any visitor.

·         City God Temple: This is a temple located in Shanghai, China, within the old walled city. Today the "City God Temple" not only refers to the large temple complex, but also the traditional district of commerce in the city, surrounding the temple. There are over a hundred stores and shops in this area, and most of these store buildings are nearly a century old. The temple connects to the Yuyuan Garden, another landmark of the old city. Built in 1403 during the Ming Dynasty, this walled city is a perfect example of classic Chinese architecture.

·         Yu Garden: Yu Garden was first conceived in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty by Pan Yunduan as a comfort for his father, the minister Pan En, in his old age. Pan Yunduan began the project after failing one of the imperial exams, but his appointment as governor of Sichuan postponed construction for nearly twenty years until 1577. The garden was the largest and most prestigious of its era in Shanghai. This garden was damaged in 1942 by the Japanese, but rebuilt after World War II. It was declared a national monument in 1982.

·         Nanjing Road: Over 600 businesses on the road offer countless famous brands, superior quality, and new fashions. KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, and other world-famous food vendors line both sides of the street. Upscale stores include Tiffany, Mont Blanc, and Dunhill. In addition, approximately a hundred traditional stores and specialty shops still provide choice silk goods, jade, embroidery, wool, and clocks. Open-air bars, abstract sculptures, and lingering sounds from street musicians enhance evening strolls. Flashing neon signs illuminate the magnificent buildings and decorate the night skyline of this lively city.

·         Xin Tiang Di: It is a fashionable pedestrian street composed of Shikumen and modern architecture style. Xin Tian Di is unique because of its concept of construction. It retains the antique walls, tiles and exterior of the Shikumen housing of old Shanghai. On the other hand, its interior embodies a totally different world of international gallery, bars and cafes, boutiques or theme restaurants. When you walk into it, you will get the taste of both Shanghai in the 1920's and the sonic modern lifestyle of urbanites of the 21st century.

·         Shanghai Museum: Shanghai Museum is a large museum of ancient Chinese art. Its style and presentation surround visitors with artifacts demonstrating ancient wisdom and philosophy. The exterior design of the round dome and the square base symbolizes the ancient idea of a round heaven and a square land.  The museum is divided into eleven galleries and three exhibition halls. The eleven Galleries cover most of the major categories of Chinese art: Ancient Bronze, Ancient Ceramics, Paintings, Calligraphy, Ancient Sculpture, Ancient Jade, Coins, Ming and Qing Furniture, Seals, and Minority Nationalities.

·         Jade Buddha Temple:  In the western part of Shanghai, a very modern and flourishing city, there is a venerable and famous Buddhist temple, Jade Buddha Temple. In 1882, an old temple was built to keep two jade Buddha statues which had been brought from Burma by a monk named Huigen. The temple was destroyed during the revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty. Fortunately the statues were saved and a new temple was built on the present site in 1928. It was named the Jade Buddha Temple.

·         Qibao Ancient Town: As the only ancient town forming part of greater Shanghai, with a history spanning over one thousand years, Qibao is more than just a living fossil of ancient Chinese conurbation and urban planning. The town was built in Northern Song Dynasty (960-1126) and grew into a prosperous business center during Ming (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasties (1644-1911).

·         Zhujiajiao Ancient Town: Located in a suburb of Shanghai city, Zhujiajiao is an ancient water town well-known throughout the country, with a history of more than 1700 years. Covering an area of 47 square kilometers, the little fan-shaped town glimmers like a bright pearl in the landscape of lakes and mountains. Endowed with another elegant name - 'Pearl Stream' - the little town is the best-preserved among the four ancient towns in Shanghai.

This city offers much for the tourist to see and experience. Cruises on the Yangtze River end at this wonderful city to show the majesty of modern China mixed with its impressive history. No trip to China and no cruise on the Yangtze would be complete without basking in this city’s glory.