Shanghai, your first stop to China (Shanghai)

Member Name: genmil

Product:	Shanghai
Date:	09/02/09 (160 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Blend of old and new

Disadvantages: the people talk very loudly

Shanghai is a cosmopolitan city in China. It is also the largest city in China with a population of over 20 million people.

I was in Shanghai for work a few years ago. Shanghai surprises me with its magnificent skyscraper and a super highway that goes up to five levels. Though amazed, I was reminded that Shanghai was a cosmopolitan city in the 19th century.

Shanghai is situated at mouth of the Yangtze River in the central eastern coast. Shanghai means on the top of the ocean. Shanghai experience four distinct seas with the lowest winter temperature dropping below freezing in the night and summer is warm and humid with occasional thunderstorms. Spring and autumn is usually sunny and dry and is probably the best time to visit Shanghai.

Skyscraper

Shanghai skyline is filled with skyscraper in interesting designs such as triangle shape building, building sloping on one side. The tallest building in Shanghai is the Shanghai World Financial Center which is 1,610ft tall. It also the tallest observation deck in the world.

Historical attraction

The Bund is an embankment that stretches about a mile of the Huangpu River. Historically, The Bund has been the major trading post of the European in China in the 19th century. This is clearly seen from the neo classical, Romanesque, Gothic and Art Deco architectural style. The Bund is a major landmark in Shanghai and it has been used as a location in the film, 'Empire of the sun'.

The Fairmont Peace hotel is also another historical building in The Bund. The building was built by Sir Victor Sassoon, of the famous Sassoon family who dominated Shanghai business and real estate in the early 20th century. The building used to house the Cathay Hotel in where Noel Coward wrote his play, Private lives. The ballroom used to showcase Moulin Rouge style cabaret in the early 20th century. It was renamed Peace hotel in 1956 and is listed as one of the famous hotel of the world by the World Hotel Association.

Whether you are staying in the hotel or just visiting, check out their renowned Jazz Band and enjoy the view of The Bund from the roof terrace restaurant.

Across The Bund stand the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. The Oriental Pearl Tower has fifteen observatory levels with the highest known as Space Module (1148ft) and lowest Space City (295ft). From the spherical tower, you can see 360 deg view of Shanghai.

On the ground floor of the tower is a museum. The museum showcases the lifestyle and custom of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). The emperor garment and the magnificent head dress are very well maintained and displayed. There is also a good depiction of the lives of the people in that era.

Be prepared to queue for an hour. It was quite frustrating queuing in a narrow space with some annoying pushing by some of the visitors. It feels good to be standing at the top of the tower though I wouldn't want to visit the tower again.

The Shanghai museum is a museum of ancient Chinese art. The round top and square base building design is the symbolism of the ancient Chinese perception of the square earth under the round sky. The museum has eleven galleries with a wonderful collection of 120,000 works of art such as high quality ancient Chinese bronze sculpture, ceramics, painting and calligraphy.

Shopping is a must do in Shanghai. There are many modern shopping centres though I prefer the street shops and the flea market. Hongjiao is a flea market of cheap clothing, fabrics, Bags, Chinese silk and embroidery and fake designer wares. You need to do some bargaining in these shops. Do not feel intimidated if the store keeper talks loudly to you, it is their usual communication style.

The nightlife in Shanghai is also very vibrant. Xintiandi is a pedestrian only shopping and entertainment mall. Xintiandi which means 'New heaven and earth' is situated in an area of restored traditional houses lined on narrow alleys. Restaurant ranging from Chinese food to western cuisines like steakhouses can be found in Xintiandi. There is also an active night scene from jazz bar to clubs. I remember dancing to rock music performed by a group of talented Filipino band.

It is easy to move around in Shanghai. The public transport system is very extensive; you can get around in buses, trolleybuses, taxis and metro system. Taxis in Shanghai are plentiful and the fares are pre set according to the distance. Taxis can only be hailed at designated taxi stop so be prepared if the driver wouldn't drop you off at the doorstep of your destination.

Shanghai is surrounded by beautiful landscape and traditional Chinese villages. She Shan (She Hill) is 30km southwest of Shanghai. On the top of the hill is a huge and impressive basilica, a legacy of the missionary work undertaken in the last century. The hill is filled with bamboo groves and it is a pleasant experience walking up the hill.

Zhouzhuang is also another interesting place to visit outside the city. This is a small town with stone bridges and tree lined canals. Zhouzhuang has a rich cultural heritage, the unique bridge culture, and the water lanes that meander past courtyard and pagodas; provide the charms and romantic setting for poets, artists and photographers. Enjoy a serenity of Zhouzhuang, whilst learning the ancient art of tea preparation.

With its blend of old and new, the relax and flamboyant character is a good introduction, Shanghai should be the first stop for first time visitors to China.

Summary: Relax and Flamboyant, a great introduction for first time visitors.