Shanghai is China’s largest city and the country’s most important industrial and commercial center. With its urban landscapes and a glimpse of a very impressive future, convenient transportation systems and rich history, Shanghai is definitely an attractive city for tourists from all over the world. In the shadow of the glass-skyscrapers of the city, you will discover the Chinese lifestyle on the crowded streets, traditional street markets and beautiful green parks.
As China’s international cultural center, Shanghai is surely the best tourist destination for visitors, being a great way to discover the Chinese culture and history.
Here are the top 5 sights that should include your itinerary to this unique city:
Bund. Also called Waitan, the Bund is an area in central Shanghai, on the east bank of the Huangpu River. It presents us with the most picturesque urban image of the city, with a lot of futuristic financial and commercial buildings that beautifully merge with the unique colonial structures. The riverfront promenade was recently built, hosting plenty of restaurants, beautiful sculptures and and places from which you can admire amazing views of this ancient city. After sunset, Bund is crowded with visitors trying to capture the best pictures of Shanghai in their photos.
Nanjing Road. Nanjing is not just a simple shopping street, but also a public gathering place for holidays and festivals. This pedestrian road spans 5 kilometers and is visited by about 1.7 million people every day. It is by far the most frequented area of Shanghai and the ideal place for shopping, attending street shows and experiencing the local cuisine.
Museum of Science and Technology. Shanghai is the birthplace of China’s digital extravaganza. The city boasts several Chinese technological wonders, such as the Shanghai Maglev Train high-speed train. Therefore, a visit to the Museum of Science and Technology should definitely be added to your travel itinerary in Shanghai. This is the most important public place for scientific education and one of the most attractive tourist attractions in the city. It presents the achievements and innovations of scientists from all over the world, giving visitors the opportunity to participate in various interactive and fun activities. It houses permanent themed exhibition areas and high-tech digital cinemas, including IMAX cinemas. At the same time, the museum regularly organizes temporary scientific exhibitions, interactive programs and scientific courses.
Yu (Yuyuan) garden. This is a traditional Chinese garden and one of the must-see attractions in Shanghai. It dates from the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644), when it was owned by a government official named Pan Yunduan. Yu, in Chinese, means pleasant and satisfying, and this garden was specially built for Pan’s parents as a place for them to enjoy a peaceful and happy “retirement”.
The elements that characterize the Yu garden are water, stones and plants. In Chinese culture, water is the symbol of the feminine element of the Universe (yin) and can be observed here in lakes, ponds, waterfalls and in several small rivers. The stone, considered to be the “skeleton” of the garden, is used here for the construction of artificial hills and caves, many of them bearing inscriptions with lyrics or thoughts of the most important people in China’s history. Finally, the plants in the Yu garden, arranged in an extremely natural way, give soul to this oasis. Here we find, among others, cherries, plums, apricots, peaches, bamboo, Chinese juniper, lotus, bush peony, chrysanthemum, rhododendron and many others.
World Financial Center (Shanghai World Financial Center). As Shanghai is a huge power in the global economy, it needs to have its own global financial center. This financial center is an innovative skyscraper, with a height of 492 meters. The 101-storey building houses 20 multinational financial institutions, shopping centers and an important hotel. Visitors suffering from acrophobia (fear of heights) are advised to avoid the observation deck located near the top of this amazing sight. Those who make the trip with the elevator, however, will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Shaghai.
Shanghai is a big and interesting city and will surely offer you tremendous fun while exploring it.
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