SHANGHAI, THE GOLDEN CITY OF CHINA
SHANGHAI, THE GOLDEN CITY OF CHINA
GET TO KNOW SHANGHAI
Shanghai is China’s largest industrial and commercial city and is one of the most famous international metropolises in the world. The city is divided into the old and new districts with Huangpu River separating the distinct atmospheres on each side of the bank.Puxi, the old district, is famous for the luxurious and famous area called The Bund that shows off the opulent lifestyle of Shanghai and earned Shanghai its reputation as the “Paris of the East”. On the other side of the river is the new commercial and financial district called Pudong where soaring skyscrapers dominate the skyline. It’s impossible to decide which side of the river is more stunning since they both have their own unique character that make Shanghai the vibrant city.
Shanghai HAS ONCE AGAIN BECOME AN ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE AFTER CHINA’S ECONOMIC REFORM IN 1990. The city leads China in both financial and commercial sectors, and corporate headquarters, high-end restaurants, luxury hotels, and gigantic shopping centers can be seen on both side of Huangpu River. ALTHOUGH THE CITY IS HIGHLY MODERNIZED, NEO-CLASSICAL ARCHITECTURES ALONG THE BUND REFLECT THE CHARMING PAST OF SHANGHAI, OR WHAT THE WORLD KNOWN AS THE “PARIS OF THE EAST.”
The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel – Experience the beauty of Pudong & The Bund Huangpu River separate both side of city, but The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel makes it very easy to experience the beauty of Pudong and The Bund. The 646.7 meters tunnel is the first under-river tunnel in China and runs from The Bund at the end of Nanjing Road to the Oriental TV Tower in Pudong. Return ticket costs 55 Yuan.
“Paris of the East.”
ATTRACTIONS
The most spectacular views of Three iconic skyscrapers Shanghai is home to iconic architectures and we believe that everyone arriving in Shanghai won’t be able to resist taking photos of the 3 “Super Skyscrapers”. The first is the soaring Shanghai Tower, Shanghai’s tallest building and the second highest building in the world after Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The second and third are Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) and Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower. With the 3 super skyscrapers sharing the same frame, it’s nearly impossible to find a more beautiful city view.
If you don’t speak Chinese, ask the front counter or a concierge to write down the name of the places you want to visit, and don’t forget to always keep your hotel’s business card handy
The Bund
What better way to witness the beauty of Art-Deco European architectures than a walk along The Bund. Foreigners used to establish their companies, banks, and embassies along the 1.5 km stretch of Zhongshan Road during the 1920s. Today, The Bund is filled with corporate offices, high-end shops, fine dining restaurants, and luxury hotels. If you aren’t in a hurry, take a slow stroll through The Bund during the evening through to the night and experience the scenic picture of the dazzling Huangpu River banks and Pudong skyline.
Jing’an Temple
If you are overwhelmed by the choices and the pace of Nanjing Road, you can always escape and take a break at Jing’an Temple. The name of this centuries old temple in the center of Shanghai means “the temple of peace and harmony”. The temple is also known for the biggest jade Buddha in China and it’s a quiet sanctuary amidst modern skyscrapers and shopping malls.
Nanjing Road
Nanjing Road is the ‘No. 1 commercial street in China’ with more than 600 shops lining the 5.5 km long road. It’s home to an extended list of luxury brands, so you might need more than a day to explore all Nanjing Road has to offer, but if you make it to the end of the road, you’ll find yourself at The Bund where another adventure begins.
Climate
Spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November) are the best seasons for visiting Shanghai when the weather is comfortable and the temperature is just right.
Xintiandi
As the most popular destination for tourists and locals, Xintiandi is home to stylish boutiques and the charming past of Shanghai. The area beautifully preserve the old architectures that harmoniously stand side by side reconstituted traditional mid-19th century shikumen (“stone gate”) houses. What you’ll find here are stylish cafés, theatres, designer boutiques, hip shopping malls.
FINE DINING
Whampoa Club, 5F, Three on the Bund
Enter the world of art-deco inspired modern design that reflects Shanghai’s colorful past. Highlighting Shanghainese tastes and flavours, Whampoa Club serves mouth-watering Chinese cuisine with a contemporary flair and presented in a clean, creative style.
Jade on 36, Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai
Jade on 36 Bar delivers a different experience every time you go. Classic, yet modern and contemporary, Jade on 36 sits on Level 36 of the Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai and serves European fusion to the spectacular views of the Bund and the Puxi skyline.
The Cathay Room, Fairmont Peace Hotel
Memorable culinary experience at The Cathay Room, Fairmont Peace Hotel, comes with spectacular views of Huangpu River and Shanghai’s skyline. Delectable home-style modern European dishes are invented by masterful chefs to create an epitome of fine dining that complements by a list of 200 wine labels from Europe and the New World.
WHERE TO STAY
The Astor House Hotel
Located on the Bund and within an easy reach to Nanjing Road and public transportation,The Astor House Hotel is one of the most famous hotels in the world. The Victorian building had undergone a major renovation that preserved the charming 160 years old architecture and parts of the hotel are reserved for displaying the hotel’s rich history. For instant, Shanghai lightened up 15 lamps on trial for the first time, seven of which were installed in the Astor House Hotel. Moreover, a grand dancing party was held in the hotel to celebrate the 60th birthday of the Queen Cixi in 1897. And as the first modern hotel in China’s history, The Astor House Hotel hosted a number of famous celebrities from all over the world, including Einstein, Bertrand Russell, and Charlie Chaplin.
DON’T MISS
Xiao Long Bao Once you’ve tried Xiao Long Bao, you’ll never get enough of it. This delicacy is basically everywhere in Shanghai, but for the most original and delicious Xiao Long Bao can be found at Yu Garden, which is the area for famous and original Xiao Long Bao shops. The trick to delicious Xiao Long Bao is to have it whole while it’s hot (but not too hot, of course), and let the flavourful soup explode in your mouth. If it’s a big one, you might use a straw to enjoy the soup first before digging in.
Shanghai Luxury Brand
Shanghai Watches
The 1st luxury watch brand in China
Throughout 6 decades, “Shanghai Watches” proudly put China on the stage for luxury watch artisan. The first diamond-inlaid mechanical watch was successfully made in Shanghai in 1955 and it marked the dawn of Chinese luxury watch. The brand was once one of the three-major-must have-items for a generation, and even Zhou Enlai, the first Premier of the People’s Republic of China, owned one!Shanghai Watches never stop striving to be better, especially in the technology development which earned the brand countless awards.