Sightseeing in Shanghai - what to see. Complete travel guide

Regarded as the 'Oriental Pearl', Shanghai is known for its intriguing blend of Chinese and Western cultures. This charming old-aged city is not only China's center of economy, finance, trade and navigation, but also a cosmopolitan metropolis on the western bank of the Pacific Ocean. Just like magnolia in bloom (the symbol of the city), Shanghai is full of life and vitality. Shanghai is one of the most populous and developed cities in the People's Republic of China. It is located on the estuary of the Yangtze River. North of city, the river pours into the East China Sea. Owing to its advantageous geographic location, Shanghai has become a prosperous busy port.

Shanghai dates back to the Neolithic Period. This area was marshland until the Song Dynasty (AD 960-1126), when Mongols and other northern nomad invaders officially established the town. The increasing trade turned Shanghai into a prosperous place. By 1291, it became a county capital. After that the economy saw even greater development, especially in cotton and textile industries. After 1840, the British Army opened Shanghai as a treaty port and set up their concession. The city flourished as a center of commerce between east and west. Following the example, many other countries also opened enterprises engaged in shipping, printing, architecture, pharmacy, and public utilities. Shanghai and Western power coexisted for almost a century. After a prosperous period of time, Shanghai started to suffer from World War II. The lack of raw material resulted in economic downturn and severe recession. In 1943 British and Americans gave up their colonial rights to their new allies - the Nationalist Chinese. They took over Shanghai after the Japanese surrender in 1945. However, four years later, the city again fell to the Red Army.

Under the Communists, Shanghai's businesses were nationalized and most foreign firms moved their offices from Shanghai to Hong Kong. The city also fell out of favour with the political elite until the Cultural Revolution, when Mao Zedong decided to make it the new power base. Shanghai was a centre of Cultural Revolution until Mao's death in 1976. The fortunes of Shanghai have been revived in the result of the great reforms started in 1978. Supported by the government as the 'dragon's head' of China's economic development, Shanghai has attracted massive investments. Its economy has increased by over 10% for 15 consecutive years. This huge development and urban regeneration is still seen today. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

China's richest city, Shanghai competes successfully with rival Asian cities such as Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok. It welcomes people from all over the world to enjoy its special cosmopolitan atmosphere. You will like futuristic skyscrapers and fantastic hotels. There are a lot of restaurants noted for their authentic cuisines. Dining will be one of the most remarkable and enjoyable aspects of your trip to Shanghai! Shanghai Nights Shanghai has much to see, including Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the modern symbol of Shanghai; Shanghai World Financial Center, the highest multi-purpose skyscraper in China; Shanghai Museum; Yuyuan Gardens; Jade Buddha Temple and Jin Mao Tower. The best time to visit the city is autumn or spring.

Part II
Shanghai is the most populous megapolis in the world, the largest seaport and the most important business and cultural center of the world. The incredibly beautiful and dynamic city welcomes millions of guests from all over the world. Some people like its large-scale shopping malls and thousands of entertainment venues. Others are interested in the cultural events of the city. The priceless sights do not leave anyone indifferent.

An active development of the city is increasingly conditioned with its profitable strategic position. It has a status of a major shopping center since ancient times. For the first time the name «Shanghai» was mentioned in the 11th century. The name of the city can literally be translated from Chinese as "the upper sea". The first settlement has appeared much earlier on site of the city. Shanghai was a part of the largest district Songjiang . In 1553 people started to build fortification walls in Shanghai. Soon it was given a status of the city and it became an independent administrative unit. Given the fact that being at one time the large county, now Songjiang is one of the districts of Shanghai. We can imagine how fast was the development of the young city.

Overlived a mass of destructive wars and disasters, today the city comes out in all its greatness. Among the main features of modern Shanghai there are amazing contrasts which dawns almost in everything: architecture, lifestyle of the indigenous population, cultural traditions and even cooking. People who like excursions will be pleased surprised with a huge number of preserved historic buildings of different eras in the city. Now some of them board with modern skyscrapers and futuristic buildings of large economic organizations.

Shanghai is a permanent place for holding cultural and entertainment events of the global scale. Followers of event tourism can take a trip literally at any day and be confident that they will have an opportunity to participate in any large-scale event. You should definitely pay attention to the personality of local citizens. Among the brightest features are the diligence and punctuality. They are very attentive people, who take their responsibility to any work. Many indigenous inhabitants work 7 days per week. In addition to responsible attitude to their work citizens of Shanghai are responsible for family relationships. It is common to think that the head of the Shanghai family is a woman. In many ways this statement is right. Many spouses make it their business to do some household duties. They cook perfectly and spend a lot of time with children.

An amazing city of contrasts, Shanghai, can offer you perfect conditions for different kinds of a recreation. One of the busiest places in the city is the Huangpu embankment The Bund . There are very interesting excursions on river boats. Admires of shopping choose the busy street Nanjing Lu for having a rest. It contains a continuous series of colorful shopping centers, stylish boutiques and saloons.

Travelers who are interested in history can walk in Old Town of Shanghai. It will give many wonderful impressions. Nobby modern skyscrapers and harmonious Imperial palaces, mythical lovely pagodas and temples including a priceless incarnation of history museums and ultra-modern exhibition complexes – it is just a part of attractive features of the dynamic city which is improving every minute.

Shanghai is an excellent place for shopaholics. Travelers will easily purchase a ton of exclusive items in this gorgeous place. As a rule, tourists like buying Chinese tea, some sorts of which are more expensive than gold. Local tea is famous for its strong taste. In the city, there are many specialty stores that sell tea and various accessories for brewing it. Besides that, Shanghai has been famous for its quality silk for several centuries. Local craftsmen use it to make wonderful clothes.

It is possible to buy silk fabric of different shades in local markets and in shopping centers. Dongtai market remains one of the best places to shop. In addition to gorgeous silk and popular souvenirs, this market is a great place to purchase interesting antiquity items and artworks by local craftsmen. Many tourists visit Shanghai to buy inexpensive jewelry, so there is no wonder why the city is home to Sunshine, the first jewelry market in Asia. This is the place to purchase truly unique elite jewelry that is both affordable and of the high quality. Finally, there is a separated market specializing in electronics. Named Cybermart, this market never ceases to attract numerous fans of gadgets.