"There is something in Shanghai that is very exciting and alive - the idea of a city with two different souls, one from today and another from a long time ago, is amazing."
Shanghai at a glance
With a population of more than 24 million (2018), Shanghai is the China's most populous metropolis, and one of the four provincial-level municipalities under the direct control of Central Government, which proclaims its unique importance in politics and economy.
Shanghai was first set up as a county by then government in 1292 (Yuan Dynasty). After 700+ years of development, it has grown into the most prosperous, dynamic city in this country. In history of Shanghai, two periods have to be mentioned: in 1910’s-1930’s Shanghai entered its first heyday. It was the richest city in East Asia, nicknamed as “Oriental Paris”, when European style buildings were widely constructed at city downtown, which can still be seen on the Bund and the former French Concession currently. From 1990’s to present, Shanghai got revived, and its economy was put back on the right track because of the lift of market restriction and opening up to the outside world. An unprecedented construction boom during the period made Pudong area a pride of Chinese people.
Maybe Shanghai can't match the epic history of Beijing or Xi'an's grander sights, but it is the hotspot of modern China, even the birthplace of China’s Communist Party. There is a lot to see, experience and taste here, a place in China that can never be missed out.
The Bund
The Bund is famous for its grand, Western-style buildings that were built in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. The buildings feature architectural styles from Neoclassical to Beaux-Arts to Gothic to Baroque.
Yu Garden
Covering over two hectares, Yu Garden is famous for several architecture marvels, including the Big Rockery, the Jade Boulder and so on. At Yu Garden, visitors are able to experience the ancient architecture in China.
Oriental Pearl Tower
The tower attracts thousands of tourists because of its fascinating multi-layered structure and the innumerable activities that it houses. It is the 6th tallest tower in the world and the 2nd tallest television tower in China.
Huangpu River
The Huangpu River is the largest and the mother River of Shanghai. The Huangpu River divides Shanghai into Puxi and Pudong, and the two sides form Shanghai landmarks such as the Bund and Lujiazui Financial Center.
LuJiaZui Financial Center
Often called the 'Wall Street of China', Lujiazui is the largest financial zone in mainland China, with more than 400 banks and financial institutions from both home and abroad, including HSBC, Citibank, and Standard Chartered Bank.
Nanjing Road
Nanjing Road is one of Shanghai's famous shopping streets and was one of the best built and busiest roads in the 1940’s. The road stretches from the Bund east towards Hongqiao, with Shanghai's centre point People's Square in the middle.
Xintiandi
Located in the center of Shanghai City and south of Middle Huaihai Road, Xintiandi is a fashionable pedestrian street composed of old-style Shikumen residences and modern architecture, featuring fine restaurants, upscale clubs and boutiques.
Shanghai Museum
Shanghai Museum is not only the cultural landmark of Shanghai but the biggest museum in China with numerous fine Chinese artifacts. It is famous for its large collection of rare cultural pieces. The museum now houses over 120,000 precious historical relics.
Jing'an Temple
The Jing'an Temple existed even before the city of Shanghai was established, and today it is among the best-known places of worship in this Chinese metropolis. During its long history, the temple has been destroyed, rebuilt and renovated many times.