Shanghai
Shanghai is the largest city in the world by population in city proper. The city proper, which occupies 750 square kilometres, is strategically situated on the banks of the Huangpu near the mouth of the Yangtze.
Shanghai became a town of importance in the 13th century when it was named a county seat. Tourists can still see old Shanghai, or the Old Town, which, until the early part of the 20th century had its own wall. The colonial legacy of Shanghai is a particularly complex. 19th century treaties gave up large areas of the city to the British, the French and, later, the Americans. Modern day Shanghai bears many
visible signs of colonial influence, including suburban English
and French villas, and the Liverpool-style waterfront that
seamlessly marries European style with a Chinese setting. The
newly opened Economic Development Zone of Pudong is
situated close to the city proper, occupying 518 square
kilometres. Within this new area is the Free Trade Zone of
Waigaoqiao Bonded Area, which generates billions of dollars
from both Chinese and foreign investors.
Today, Shanghai is a global epicentre of industry, commerce, technology, finance, transportation and communications. Known as a nightless city, many shops open for business nightlong, under flashing neon lights. It’s no wonder that this city attracts so many travellers from all around the world. This cosmopolitan city is a must-see on a tour to China from Canada, where people can experience Chinese society of the past and present.
Yangpu Bridge
At 8.5 kilometres in length, Yangpu Bridge is the world's second largest and tallest twin-towered, double-cabled drawbridge. Each side of the bridge has computerized lifts that take sightseers to the top of the 150-metre towers. With a net height of 46 metres, 50,000-tonne vessels can easily pass through. The bridge looks even more spectacular at night by the light of over 600 lamps. Yangpu Bridge is located across the Huangpu River, in the southeast of Shanghai.
Tianzifang
Tianzifang is an arts and crafts enclave that grew out of a renovated residential area in the French Concession area. It comprises a neighborhood of labyrinthine alleyways off Taikang Road. Tianzifang is known for craft stores, coffee shops, art studios and narrow alleys. It has become a popular tourist
destination in Shanghai both for its preservation of local Shikumen
architecture and its unique cultural offerings.
Nanjing Road
Nanjing Road is Shanghai’s shopping haven. It offers an array of
stores, restaurants, sweet shops and nightclubs. It’s truly a must on
any China tour to Shanghai.
Zhujiajiao
This 1700-year-old water town, located near Shanghai has a history is well known all across China. This town is sometimes referred to as the 'Pearl Stream'. The old-fashioned bridges and beautiful riverboats make Zhujiajiao are a must visit destination.
Yu Yuan Garden
Yu Yuan Garden is a 16th century garden maze of colorful pavilions, ponds, stone dragons, arching trees and flowers. These elements surround an iconic zigzag bridge. This 2-hectare garden is located in the ancient City God Temple.
Huangpu River
The Huangpu River flows through the city of Shanghai. A cruise on this 110-kilometre river offers China travellers a wonderful view of Shanghai's urban buildings, new industrial zones and the Yangtze River estuary, in luxury and style.
The Bund
The Bund, also known as the Wall Street of Asia and, during the Cultural Revolution, Revolution Boulevard, stretches for approximately 1.6 kilometres along the Huangpu River. Distinctive ‘30s-era buildings line the waterfront, among which the elegant Peace Hotel towers over the city offering wonderful views. The waterfront park is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike, and the side streets offer quaint ‘20s- and ‘30s-style restaurants and shops.
Shanghai Museum
Situated in the People’s Square, the ShanghaiMuseum is a museum of ancient Chinese art with a collection of over 120,000 pieces. The building has a round top and a square base, in keeping with the ancient Chinese perception of the world as "round sky, square earth.”
Jade Buddha Temple
This famous temple was built in 1882. With an area of 8,000 square
metres, it has an attractive restored main hall and contains the
remarkable Jade Buddha, one of two brought back from Burma by a
local abbot. The most famous is the seated Buddha statue carved out
of a single piece of white jade, standing 1.9 metres tall and weighing
one tone. Visitors can also see a number of ancient sculptures, rare
paintings and Buddhist scriptures housed in the temple.
Children's Palace
The Children’s Palace provides after-school education for children between the ages of 6 and 16. Here, children participate in over 100 different interest groups ranging from the arts to applied technology and attend a variety of literary and art performances.
Former Residence of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen
This is where Dr. Sun Yat-Sen and his wife lived from 1918 to the
end of 1924. The garden-like residence is set amid old camphor
trees and occupies 4,300 square metres. Sun Yat-Sen’s widow,
Soong Ching Ling returned to live here from 1948 to 1963, and
China tour-goers will note that all the interior furnishings remain as
they were during this time. Notably, this house is where Dr. Sun
Yat-Sen, Li Dazhao, and other representatives of the Chinese
Communist Party met in 1922 to discuss Kuomintang-Communist
cooperation and the reorganization of Kuomintang.
Carpet Factory
In this Shanghai carpet factory, China tour-goers can see thousands of workers making rugs and carpets of all sizes, colors and descriptions. The weaving department is one of the most active and fascinating sights for tourists. Items can be purchased and shipped back home to Canada and elsewhere on request.
Jade Carving Factory
Jade carving is an ancient Chinese art. Visitors on a China tour package may have a chance to see the handiwork firsthand. Jade is used for both small figurines and large works of art, which can take months to finish.