In China there is a saying that 'Xian has witnessed 2,000 years of history, Beijing has witnessed 1,000 years of history while Shanghai bears witness to the last 100 years.' For anyone who is interested in the history of modern China, Shanghai serves as an ideal starting point. Regarded as the 'Oriental Pearl', the city has a unique and important place in modern China and its rich heritage is worthy of exploration.
Yesterday's Shanghai
Shanghai, Hu for short, is situated on the estuary of Yangtze River, a position that led to frequently unwelcome intervention from foreigners seeking to impose their exports on the Empire during the nineteenth century. However, in the 1920s and the 1930s, Shanghai became an important international trade center. With its advantaged natural conditions, rapid development and splendid oriental culture, Shanghai was famed as the 'Oriental Paris' and attracted many entrepreneurs and established businesses. In addition, many foreign scientists, literary figures and artists chose to live, give lectures or just experience the Chinese charm in Shanghai. They included Albert Einstein, Bertrand Russell, Bernard Shaw and the poet RabindranathTagore, to name but a few. However, by the middle of the 20th century, the glory of the city was in decline.
Today's Shanghai
Having suffered the ravages of war, turmoil and economic crisis, the fortunes of Shanghai have been revived thanks to the great Reform and Opening Up since 1978. A favorable national policy, efficient administration, regular market mechanism and a large number of talents have come together to enhance by leaps and bounds the city's economic development in recent years.
Now over 300 of the world's top 500 enterprises have opened branches in Shanghai, while many have their research and development centers or headquarters there. Pudong New Area has developed in just five years, and Lujiazui in Pudong has become one of the foremost world class financial and trade zones in Asia. Skyscrapers such as Jinmao Tower and Shanghai Global Financial Center dominate the skyline, while landmark constructions like Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Pudong International Airport and Shanghai International Convention Center offer the finest and best of modern facilities.
These economic achievements are due to Shanghai's progress in the fields of politics, finance, trade, culture, science and technology. Various important international events have held in Shanghai, including political conventions, commercial conferences, academic forums, sports events, cultural exhibitions, film festivals and fashion shows.
Shanghai's rapid development has come as a great surprise to many in China and has international recognition. Shanghai has grown from a provincial city into an international metropolis on par with New York and Paris in just ten years. No other city in the world has done this - it is unique!
Hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world throng to Shanghai to see for themselves its great economic impulse, distinctive attractions and to savor its blend of Eastern and Western cultures. In the eyes of westerners, Shanghai has special oriental charm; while in the eyes of Chinese, Shanghai has a fresh western style. The old say that Shanghai is modern and fashionable, while the young say that Shanghai is old and reminiscent. Wherever you come from and whoever you are, you will find Shanghai an ideal tour destination.
Shanghai has many attractions in the downtown area, including Huangpu River, the Bund, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Jinmao Tower, Shanghai Museum, Yuyuan Garden, Xin Tian Di and the special o
ld streets and lanes. Besides, there are places well worth a visit in the suburbs such as Qibao Ancient Town, Zhujajiao Water Town and Chongming Island for in addition to its modern facets, the city has a wealth of more ancient Chinese traditions. Dining will be one of the most enjoyable aspects of your Shanghai trip. In addition to Shanghai dishes, restaurants in the city offer a wide variety of foods from other parts of China as well as a number of foreign countries.
Shanghai is a shopper's paradise. There are various bustling commercial streets and shopping centers waiting for you. These include Nanjing Road, Huaihai Road, North Sichuan Road, Xujiahui Shopping Center, Yuyuan Shopping City and Jiali Sleepless City.
The convenient transportation, comfortable accommodation and colorful places of entertainment will enhance your stay in this fascinating city.
Tomorrow's Shanghai
Shanghai continues to develop at an amazing speed. It will host the football preliminary of the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and the World Expo in 2010, both of which offer the means to introduce Shanghai to yet more people worldwide. There is every reason to expect Shanghai to continue to surprise the world.
Newly Updated Attractions
Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum
Recommended Shanghai Package Tour Itineraries:
Memorable Shanghai Tour: 5 Days Shanghai-Suzhou-Zhouzhuang-Shanghai
Water Towns Trip: 4 Days Shanghai-Water Town–ShanghaiRecommended Tours including the visit to Shanghai:
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Shanghai Golf Tour: 6 Days Golf Tour of Shanghai
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Travelers' Voices on Shanghai
1.
Jul. 2,2009 11:01 Reply
Mrs.Johnstone(England) said:
We are going to Shanghai at the end of July for three nights. Where are the best places to take two teenage boys to in the evening ie shows etc. We would appreciate any help. Sheila
2.
Jul. 1,2009 21:23 Reply
Mrs.Shama(India) said:
I am preparing to visit Shanghai this month. Is their any Indian Restaurant?
Jul. 2,2009 03:23
Ms.Evelyn(China) replied:
You will be not disappointed with Shanghai. There you can find very good Indian restaurant. Let me recommend some Indian restaurants for you:
1)Masala Art
This restaurant provides pure English communication. It's a very nice place. Address: 3-5, Lane 418, Wuyi Road, Changning District, Shanghai (near Zhongshan Park)
2)Kaveen's Kitchen
This is a very small restautant. It's decorated in Indian style. The dishes are very tasty. Address: 2/F, 231 Huashan Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai
3)Indian Kitchen
The food is good. Many foreigners go there.
Address: 527 Yongjia Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
There are many Indian restaurants in Shanghai. I cannot write all of them here.
Jul. 2,2009 03:26
Ms.Evelyn(China) replied:
You may see the following page. There are more details of the Indian restaurants in Shanghai. Hope it helps. :)
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/shanghai/dining/indian.htm
3.
Jun. 26,2009 16:20 Reply
Mr.Cassamo(Mozambique) said:
Dear All
I am preparing a trip to Shanghai, I would like to get address of Muslim restaurants and mosques, so I can book hotel near by. Thanks in advance.
Cassamo
Jun. 26,2009 20:51
Ms.Evelyn(China) replied:
Here I can recommend several Muslim restaurants in Shanghai for you:
1)Ye Li Xia Li(Chinese name: 耶里夏丽)
It's a Muslim retaurant with Xinjiang food. The lamb barbeque, yogurt and the braised chicken in brown sauce are well worth trying. Ye Li Xia Li has many branch restaurants in Shanghai. You may go to the one located at 106 Nandan Road East, Xuhui District, Shanghai.
The other branches of Ye Li Xia Li Restaurant:
Addresses: 411 Tianlin Road East, Xuhui District, Shanghai
655 Tianshan Road, Changning District, Shanghai
2136 Wuning Road, Putuo District, Shanghai
147 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
2)Jin Sa Dao Islamic Restaurant (Chinese name: 金萨岛伊斯兰风情餐吧)
Address: Shop 218, 2/F, Tengfei Building, 333 Tianyueqiao Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
3)Uigur Restaurant (Chinese name:新疆风味饭馆维吾尔餐厅)
Address: 280 Yishan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
You can go to the above Islamic restaurants. They are very popular there. It seems that the good ones are almost all located in Xuhui District of Shanghai. So, you can find a hotel just in Xuhui District. Xuhui is a very prosperous commercial zone. Hope it helps.
Jun. 30,2009 23:53
Ms.Intan(Malaysia) replied:
I suggest you go this website - www.zabihah.com. This is website all locations related to the Muslim traveler around the world.
4.
Jun. 30,2009 02:19 Reply
Mr.Lestr(Czech Republic) said:
Hi, we're going with my colleague to visit our sister-factory in Songjiang from 7th - 16th of July. We'll have some evenings and one day (Sunday) for some activities.
Can someone advice if it is reasonable to do evening trips (leaving Songjiang after 6 p.m.) to Shanghai? Can someone advice what to see with such a limited free time?
Thanks.
Jun. 30,2009 03:48
Mr.Frank replied:
Well, from Songjiang to Shanghai, it almost takes 2 hours, so you just have a little time to have a nightlife at bars or others! Then, stay one night and start your tour on Sunday morning. You could go to Chenghuangmiao for a breakfast and then visit nearby Yuyuan Garden. Then, walk to the Bund and then to the famous Nanjing Rd., vice versa. In the late afternoon, take a ship from the Bund to Pudong to view the modern profile of Shanghai. Maybe go to the high Oriental Pearl Tower, Jinmao Tower or the Shanghai World Financial Center. Of course, you could do some shopping en route!
Hope this helps!
Jun. 30,2009 05:15
Mr.Lestr(Czech Republic) replied:
It sounds like a brilliant plan... good idea with Saturday's night in the City. Thank you.
Is something to see in Songjiang or around?
5.
Jun. 29,2009 02:49 Reply
Mr.Taylor(Canada) said:
To Anyone concerned,
I was In Shanghai in May of 2008 when I got married to a Lovely Resident of Shanghai.
Things To Remember:It is considered an insult to enter some one's residence while wearing your shoes.
2)Use both hands when giving or receiving money. Also when giving or receiving business cards use both hands.
I attempted to help clean the dinning table after supper. This was considered a social taboo.
Tipping is simply not done in shanghai.
Bonus pieces of information.Transportation costs inside China are bargain priced by North American Standards.I got a taxi ride of about 7 or 8 miles for about .30 Canadian.A Quart of Beer in a night club for about the same price.And remember no tipping.I would highly recommend doing your shopping with somebody from Shanghai so as to not get,"Shanghaied".Sometimes they can see you coming.I hope this helps.
6.
Jun. 28,2009 02:55 Reply
Ms.critti(India) said:
Hello,
I need help
I am traveling to Shanghai in the month of October 2009 to attend an expo at Shanghai International Convention center.Can someone help me with the affordable lodging places near the Convention center.
And also if i can get the information on how to reach the Convention Center, the nearest railway station and airport etc.
Thank you
Regards
Critti
Jun. 28,2009 21:35
Mr.James replied:
Here is the major hotels in Shanghai for you reference:
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/hotel/shanghai-hotels.htm
Shanghai International Convention Center is in Binjiang Dadao in Lujiazui. You can click for the hotels in Lujiazui area, some may be within walking distance from the convention center.
Hope it helps.
7.
Jun. 27,2009 04:43 Reply
Mr.vivek singh(india) said:
I have to attend a conference in Shanghai University of Electric Power in October 09. Please let me know of some budget hotels(20-30 US$) nearby. Also what would be the 3 best places to visit, in a 3 day stay.
Jun. 27,2009 22:49
Ms.Emma replied:
Super 8 or GreenTree Inn, near the North Bund. The places to visit: The bund, Yuyuan Garden. They are famous and not far away from where you live.
8.
Jun. 26,2009 09:12 Reply
Mr.heart(Thailand) said:
Hi
My name is Heart, Bangkok Thailand
Please, Tell me the living cost / Month in Shanghai. I will plan to study at Shanghai Normal University.
The living cost included food, service and transpotation.
Jun. 26,2009 20:31
Ms.Evelyn(China) replied:
Will you stay on campus or rent a house outside? If the cost doesn't include the house rental fee, I think about CNY1000 to CNY1500 is quite enough for a university student.
Jun. 27,2009 00:14
Mr.Heart(Thailand) replied:
I choose to live in university's domitory.
Where the most name famous university in Shanghai?
Shanghai Normal University is good or not?
The education agency in Thailand told me to study
there.
Thank for advance
Jun. 27,2009 02:03
Mr.Derek(China) replied:
The most famous univeristy in Shanghai is the Fudan University.
9.
Jun. 24,2009 04:32 Reply
Mr.James(USA) said:
Hi, I will staying one of the hotel in Puxi. Is there any recommand nightclub to bring my friend go?
Jun. 25,2009 20:36
Ms.Ruth(China) replied:
Hi. Mr. James, Puxi is a large area made up of Huangpu, Luwan, Xuhui, Jing'an, Putuo, Changning, Zhabei, Hongkou and Yangpu districts. Could you tell me which district you are arriving? Is this the hotel near to the Huangpu River? Shanghai is a huge city and many entertainment places can be found there. If you can give me more detailed information, I think I can help you find a good nightclub near your hotel.
Jun. 25,2009 20:45
Ms.Ruth(China) replied:
However, it does't matter if you really don't know that. The urban transportation of Shanghai is very good. It's very conveient to go from this district to taht district. Subways and buses are easily used. Here I recommend several popular nightclubs in Shanghai and their locations for you:
Baby Face: Wuxiandu Plaza, 138 Huaihai Road Middle, Luwan District
Muse: Tong Le Fang, 68 Yuyao Road, Jing'an District
Richy: inside the Fuxing Park, 109 Yandang Road, Luwan District
Muse 2: 5/F, Henglong Plaza, 1266 Nanjing Road West, Jing'an District
ClUB G PLUS: 5/F, Building 6, Nanli Plaza, Xin Tian Di, 123rd Lane, Xingye Road, Luwan District
10.
Jun. 23,2009 10:01 Reply
Mr.tiles(Ukraine) said:
hi, first time visit to shanghai end of july combining business with some time for pleasure, would appreciates advice on do`s & dont`s.. thank you..
Jun. 23,2009 23:02
Ms.Ellen replied:
Synbolic scene of Shanghai: nightscape and sunrise in the Bund; Xintiandi to see old Shanghai residence and western restaurants and bars are here too. Yuyuan Garden for private garden, snacks and souvenirs.
Not special dont's. Or if you have enquiries about some aspects, I would like to tell! :-)
Good day~
Jun. 24,2009 13:38
Mr.tiles(uk) replied:
Thank you Ms Ellen, really looking forward to my first visit to shanghai