Overlooking the Huangpu
River, Shanghai is home to 14 million people and is one of China's largest, most cosmopolitan cities. It is a beautiful
city mixing traditional Chinese and 21st century architecture.
And at night, the city comes alive with lights which line
highways, buildings and the Huangpu River.
Shanghai began as a tiny
fishing village during the Warring States period (475-221 BC).
It has risen to become China's centre for business and
finance, and is one of its most active ports.
Shanghai, in the rising
Pudong, east of the Huangpu River, has fast become home to
multinational companies with operations in China and Asia.
After successfully hosting 99' Fortune Global Forum -
where world business leaders gathered the city was then well-poised to welcome political and business leaders from the
region and around the globe to the APEC 2001 meeting.
Shanghai
boasts a rich nightlife. To see Shanghai's spectacular skyline
by night, take an evening cruise around the harbour. Or, head
out to the theatre, opera, discos, acrobat shows, karaoke clubs and
upscale lounges, or bargain in the designer boutiques that
are open day and night along Nanjing Road.
Shanghai enjoys an international reputation for excellent
cuisine, with more than 10,000 specialty dishes found
here. You have a wide range of dining choices in some of the
finest restaurants in China, or you can opt to eat on the
streets from one of the many vendors that instantly appear at meal
times.
The
Bund
Stretching about a 1.6 km along the Huangpu River, once known as
the Wall Street of Asia,
 China's
most famous waterfront is lined with 1930's-era buildings. One
of the most elegant and famous of these is the Peace Hotel,
recently remodelled; it towers over the harbour and offers wonderful
views. The water front park along the Bund is a
popular meeting place for Chinese and foreign visitors, as
well as occasional performers. Early morning visitors will see
young and old practising Tai Ji, martial arts, and ballroom
dancing. Side streets in the area have charming 20's and 30's
style shops and restaurants.
Nanjing Road
The ultimate shoppers' Mecca and Shanghai's "Fifth
Avenue" offers China's greatest variety of retail stores,
restaurants, sweets shops, gift boutiques, and cozy night
clubs.
Temple of the Jade Buddha
Two of China's most famous jade Buddhas are housed within
these temple walls. Each
figure is carved from a single piece of white jade, with one
carved in a rarely found reclining position.
The Old Town
It is easy to lose yourself in the narrow, winding alleys of
Shanghai's Old Town. Stroll through the local bazaar and shop
for traditional handicrafts, crossover the pond for lunch and
tea in Huxinting Teahouse and then rest in the Garden of the
Purple Clouds of Autumn and enjoy its classical Chinese
landscaping.
Yuyuan Garden
This 16th century garden is a maze of colourful pavilions,
ponds, stone dragons, arching trees and flowers, surrounding
the instantly recognizable zigzag bridge. It is one of China's
finest examples of Ming Dynasty gardens and architecture.
The Children's Palace
Once the palatial home of a Shanghai millionaire; children now
come here to study performing arts, calligraphy, and ancient
handicrafts, as well as science and modern technologies. It is
very enjoyable and a true photographer's paradise.
Other places of interest include Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Stadium, Jade Buddha Temple, Grand View Garden, Shanghai Wildlife Zoo, etc.
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