"BIG numbers, BIG treasures, BIG menus, BIG efficiency. All quite mind boggling. Thanks to Liz at Forever Young Adventures for organizing our trip of a lifetime." Jenni. South Africa
WHAT to see in SHANGHAI
Shanghai
Shanghai is the largest city in China, located at the mouth of the Yangtze River, it is an exciting blend of oriental and western cultures and of the past and present. Its European-style buildings from the Colonial era can be seen standing alongside typical Chinese structures and ancient temples, in startling contrast with the space-age Pudong business district across the river. It is a flourishing international metropolis, known worldwide for its highly developed industry, commerce, and finance and its convenient land, air and sea transportation, rich tourist resources. Here, you'll find colonial neighbourhoods, historic homes, museums, temples, art galleries, parks, nightlife, amazing restaurants, theatres and shopping paradise. Shanghai occupies a total area of 6,341 sq km with a total resident population of 24 million. This is one of the world's most exciting cities. Here the old and new of the east and west mix into a pulsating megalopolis filled with intrigue and surprises. Shanghai boasts many beautiful landscaped enclaves, plenty of spectacular buildings and its share of fascinating tourist attractions. Even if you don't like big cities, Shanghai will seduce you with her irresistible charms! Don't miss a visit to the Urban Planning Museum to see the past, present and future of this wonderful city, often referred to as the Paris of the East
THE BUND
"Bund" derives from an Anglo-Indian word for an embankment along a muddy waterfront. This is where the first British company opened an office in 1846. It has been the epitome of elegance throughout its 100-year history. The Bund is good place for a leisurely stroll and a view of the Huangpu River and the space-age Pudong business district on the opposite bank. Buildings in Greek, Renaissance and Baroque styles can be viewed in the western part of the Bund. Known as a miniature museum of international architecture, the Bund has dozens of high buildings standing along the shore and overlooking the shuttling sailing vessels on the Huangpu River. Don’t miss seeing the Fairmont Peace Hotel, a wonderful piece of Art Deco reminiscent of a bygone age.
NANJING ROAD
Nanjing Road East and West is China's longest commercial street, lined with big department and specialty stores, upscale boutiques, and a variety of fine restaurants, enjoying the reputation of "China's No.1 Street". It runs from the Bund, past People’s Square and beyond, through the heart of downtown Shanghai and is a fun place for sightseeing and people-watching. Explore the side streets where old Shanghai exists in contrast with the glittering modern metropolis.
About 18 billion Yuan or 2.17 billion US dollar of Shanghai investment has been fed into the ambitious project to build the century old Nanjing Road into a first-class commercial destination on a par with the Champs Elysee in Paris and Fifth Avenue in New York.
YU YUAN GARDEN
The Yu Gardens was built in the Ming Dynasty classical style over 400 years ago. With a total area of less than 5 acres, it has more than 40 attractions in the inner and outer gardens, Built in traditional Chinese style with numerous rock and tree garden areas, ponds, dragon-lined walls and numerous doorways and zigzagging bridges separating the various garden areas and pavilions. The surrounding Old Town bazaar area and backstreets provides good shopping opportunities, where traditional Chinese products are available on sale.
JADE BUDDHA TEMPLE
Jade Buddha Temple is a very famous Buddhist temple. In 1882, an old temple was built to house two jade Buddha statues which had been brought from Burma by a monk named Huigen. The temple was destroyed during the revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty. Fortunately the jade Buddha statues were saved and a new temple was built on the present site in 1928 hence its name, Jade Buddha Temple.
XIN TIAN DI
Xin Tian Di is an urban tourist attraction that holds the historical and cultural legacies of Shanghai. A fashionable pedestrian street, it is unique because of its concept of construction. Xin Tian Di retains the antique walls, tiles and exterior of the Shikumen housing of old Shanghai whilst its interior embodies a totally different world of international gallery, bars and cafes, boutiques or theme restaurants. You get to experience Shanghai in the 1920's and the sonic modern lifestyle of urbanites of the 21st century. Xin Tian Di is also a favourite place for nightlife in Shanghai.
MAGLEV TRAIN
At a top speed of 431km, this train takes you for the ride of your lifetime from Pudong Airport to in 7 minutes!
Eat and drink
Shanghai offers a dizzying array of restaurants, large and small, street food, markets and much more. Try Xiao Long Bao, perhaps the most famous Shanghai dish: small steamed dumplings full of tasty (and boiling hot!) broth and a dab of meat. The connoisseur bites a little hole into them first, sips the broth, then dips them in rice vinegar to season the meat inside. Another Shanghai delicacy not to be missed is Dazha Xie (Shanghai hairy crab) crabs prepared whole - best eaten in the winter months (Oct-Dec) and paired with Shaoxing wine to balance out your yin and yang. Ask about our options for personally guided UnTour food tours with a local Shanghainese expert.
ACROBATIC SHOW
A multimillion-dollar stunning acrobatic extravaganza and the first of its kind in China. ERA is a multimedia odyssey whose inspiration is a direct result of the combination of traditional Chinese acrobatic arts and modern technology. Not only will you be amazed by the acrobats' control and precision, you will be enchanted by the world that is created through the use of multimedia, technology, lighting and sound effects, elaborate costumes, original live music and a lot more.
