Shanghai

What to See in Shanghai

Shanghai is not necessarily a new city: its history dates back to the 11th century, when it became a market town. However, it was not an important town until the 19th century, when it gradually became one of the commercial hubs in that region of China and, gradually, more and more important for trade with the entire country. As a consequence, the city does not abound in attractions that you are used to in China, like ancient temples of gardens, but more of the newer, modern ones.

One such attraction is the Maglev train, which runs from the airport to the city with speeds of up to 267 mph on the principle of magnetic levitation. Others include the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the Jinmao Tower, both modern buildings that should not be missed on the tour. With three different spheres located at different distances along the tower, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower offers grandiose views of Shanghai at all these levels, provided that you pick a day that is not cloudy for this. The entrance fee is 100 yuan for access to the second sphere, but you can pick the appropriate package depending on whether you want to go to the third sphere as well and visit some of the museums inside. Considered another landmark in Shanghai, the Jinmao Tower is 88 storeys high and both the observation deck and the entrance lobby are equally impressive, including because you can see the latter from the observation deck.

Despite what has been said, Shanghai is not only about modernism and the visitor can still enjoy some of the traditional sites. The Yu Garden was built in the 16th century and it is renowned for its landscaping, built around springs and waterfalls, as well as different rock patterns. Expect a lot of works of art, such as stone or wood sculptures on the grounds.

Finally, this article can only end with a mention of the Bund, another must for any visitor in Shanghai. The Bund has traditionally been the commercial center of the city, ever since Shanghai was leased by other countries in 1840, following the commercial treaties that imposed China to open its borders for trade. This cosmopolitan trait that the Bund has translates into the architecture of the neighborhood, but also in the atmosphere.

Take in Shanghai for all it is: perhaps the most modern and avant-garde part of China, cosmopolitan and traditional at the same time.