Shanghai
Attractions
Shanghai, often abbreviated as Hu or Shen , is one of the four direct-controlled municipalities of the People’s Republic of China. It is the most populous city proper in the world, with a population of more than 24 million as of 2014. It is a global financial centre and transport hub, with the world’s busiest container port. Located in the Yangtze River Delta in East China, Shanghai sits on the south edge of the mouth of the Yangtze in the middle portion of the Chinese coast. The municipality borders the provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang to the north, south and west, and is bounded to the east by the East China Sea.
Climate
Shanghai climate is generally mild and moist, with four distinct seasons – a pleasant warm spring, a hot rainy summer, a comfortable cool autumn and an overcast cold winter.
The weather of Shanghai in July and August is the hottest, with more than 10 days at temperatures above 35 C (95 F). The coldest time is from the late January to early February. The spring from March to May is recommended as the best time to pay a visit.
Yuyuan Garden
Yuyuan Garden is a famous classical garden located in the Old City of Shanghai. It was finished in 1577 by a government officer of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) named Pan Yunduan. Yu in Chinese means pleasing and satisfying, and this garden was specially built for Pan’s parents as a place for them to enjoy a tranquil and happy time in their old age.
The Bund
Known as the ‘Museum of International Architecture’, The Bund is a must-do when you’re in Shanghai so you can take in the city in all its glory along the waterfront, whilst getting a great view of the skyline. It’s also worth a stroll along The Bund at night when the traditional western-style lampposts are lit up, illuminating the array of eclectic buildings lining the promenade.
Nanjing Road
Starting at The Bund, Nanjing Road is Shanghai’s most prominent shopping district. It’s completely pedestrianized and offers various eateries, bars, clubs, high-end and high-street shops making it a shopping Mecca.
Oriental Pearl TV Tower
Shanghai’s most iconic building which dominates its skyline. Instantly recognizable with its two red spheres and unique structure, it has the feature most synonymous with the city. You can visit the tower and take the super-fast, 50-person elevator which travel 7 meters per second to take you up to each sphere. The tower houses the Municipal History Museum, a futuristic space city, shops, restaurants, conference rooms and luxury hotel suites.
Jade Buddha Temple
Indulge your spiritual side and go and visit the ‘Sitting Buddha’ and the ‘Recumbent Buddha’ of the Jade Buddha Temple. The temple was rebuilt after being destroyed during the revolution during the Qing Dynasty, but the Buddha’s survived.
Nightlife
Shanghai Portman Acrobatic Show
Acrobatics has always been a huge part of Chinese culture so a visit to a show is a must-do in Shanghai. The acrobats have been trained rigorously since they were 6 or 7 in order to perform the intricate routines which have gained them a reputation as the world’s best!
Shanghai Bars and Clubs
Shanghai offers an array of different night-time options to rival its western counterpart, New York, perhaps even surpassing it! From night river cruises, incredible restaurants, lively clubs and decadent bars, Shanghai really does cater for everyone. Find out more about Shanghai’s nightlife here.
