Travel Notes in China

Here is a list of top places to visit in Shanghai.

1. Oriental Pearl Tower

Night scene of Oriental Pearl Tower

Standing on the banks of the Hangpu river the Oriental Pearl Tower is one of Shanghai’s most popular tourist destinations attracting over 3 million visitors a year.

Completed in 1995 and with a height of 468 m (1,535 feet) high, it takes a 7 metre a second lift ride to one of the three observation levels. The Space Module level is located at 350 m (1148 ft) whilst the Sightseeing Floors sit at 263 m and 90 m (295 ft) (Space City). Alternatively enjoy a meal in the revolving restaurant at the 267 m (876 ft) level.

2. Shanghai Municipal History Museum

Shanghai municipal history museum A merchant in grocer

Located at the foot of the Oriental Pearl Tower this is a must see. Divided into three main display areas this is a hugely impressive and fascinating introduction to the history of Shanghai using a stunning array of models, manikins and detailed dioramas.

3. The French Concession

Shanghai’s French Concession area is a unique blend of western and eastern, old and new. A beautiful and elegant reminder of the influence of French style on Shanghai, the French Concession area is an attractive mix of the tree-lined streets and Art Deco residential architecture (reputedly the world’s largest). Discreet cafes, chic boutiques, bars, restaurants and guesthouses offer a refreshing and classy alternative to the neon frenzy of the city’s generally megalomaniac streetscape.

Shanghai’s French Concession is next to XinTiandi in Shanghai. It locates between Julu Lu to the north and Huai Hai Lu running through the center, plus Mao Ming Lu and surrounding area to the south of Huai Hai Lu.

4.The Bund
The Bund is possibly Shanghai’s most famous landmark and has been Shanghai’s heart since the mid 1800’s. Stretching 1.5 km along the Huangpu River and enjoying spectacular views across the Hungpo River to the Pearl Oriental Tower and the other impressive skyscrapers in Pudong, the Bund is adorned with dozens of historical European colonial buildings that once housed numerous banks and trading houses from Britain and around the world.

Among the 52 buildings of various architectural styles such as Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Neo-Classical, and Art Deco (Shanghai has one of the richest collections of Art Deco Architectures in the world) are the Peace Hotel, the HSBC Building and the Customs Building. The Peace Hotel (formerly Cathay Hotel), also known as the Sassoon Building.

5. Jade Buddha Temple
The Jade Buddha Temple was founded in 1882 with two jade Buddha statues imported to Shanghai from Burma – the first is a sitting Buddha 1.95 metres tall and weighing in at 3000kg. The second is a smaller reclining Buddha representing Buddha’s death.

The Jade Buddha Temple is a flourishing temple with over 70 resident monks some of whom you will doubtless see praying. In addition to the traditionally peaceful and tranquil ambiance you will also find an amazing range of ancient carvings, paintings and precious Buddhist cultural relics.

6. Shanghai Museum

Shanghai Museum possesses a collection of 120,000 precious works of art. Its rich and high-quality collection of ancient Chinese bronze, ceramics, painting and calligraphy is specially celebrated in the world. It locates at the very center of the city, the People’s Square. The 29.5 meters high new building has a construction space of 39,200 square meters. Its unique architectural form of a round top with a square base, symbolizing the ancient Chinese philosophy that the square earth is under the round sky, is a distinguished architectural combination of traditional feature and modern spirit. The present Shanghai Museum has eleven galleries and three special temporary exhibition halls.

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