Travel blogs
The two “sides” of Shanghai
Updated: 2011-06-24 17:23
By Daniele87 (chinatraveldepot.com)
Shanghai represents the most populous city in China with a population that reach more than 23 million people; it constitutes the most developed city in China, as it can be seen from the landscape on the picture. The city in the past 20 years has gained more famous attracting different kind of tourist as the financial capital is a mix between East and West culture. In 2010 the city hosted the 2010 world Export, verifying the biggest number of visitors ever for an event. It is possible to fly to Shanghai thanks to one of the China Flights.
Shanghai as many of the most developed cities in western countries, is divided in two districts by the Huangpu River. The west area is named Puxi (older part of the city) while the east Pudong, (new part of the city) is characterized by innovative developments and a modern landscape. Different types of tourist can choose where to better accommodate having the opportunity to choose between “Modern” or “Old” side of Shanghai, booking at one of the Shanghai hotel.
From a tourist point of view Puxi, being the older part of the city has more historical background; this is especially visible in the walled Old City district. The latter indeed remained the same without any western influences, and tourists can still experience the authentic China. The Old City district includes many must-see attractions, such as: the Xiaotayuan Mosque Dajing Tower, Old City wall, Yuyuan Garden, Chenxiang Temple and the Temple of Gods. The latter constitutes the core of the Old city, indeed during the past each walled city had a temple devoted to an immortal God on purpose of protection. The City God Temple was mainly known as the Jinshan (Gold Mountain, an island not far from Shanghai) and further transformed into City God Temple in 1403 with the embracement of the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty. Nowadays the City God Temple not only refers the temple itself, but it also includes the traditional commerce market around the temple, which is characterized by more than a hundred typical Chinese shops, date back almost a century. Furthermore the Temple of Gods is situated nearby the Yuyuan Garden which is considered one of the finest Chinese gardens in the province.
As previously said a tourist never get bored in Shanghai, indeed after having visited the historical district of Puxi, tourist can enjoy the eastern part of the city (Pudong) mainly characterized by western influences and developments. Indeed even if this district represents the newer part of the city, it includes many must-see attractions. For instance the Pudong district includes the Oriental TV tower which is the third tallest building in the world, representing one of the most recognised symbols of the new Shanghai. The tower gives the opportunity to its visitors “to step on the sky” thanks to the outdoor viewing platform set at 259 meters. Beside the Oriental TV tower is located the Jinmao Tower, which is the 3rd highest Chinese tower, at the 55th floor of the tower is possible to enjoy an Italian meal with a breath-less view of the city landscape for no more than 150 RMB (almost 20 dollars per person).
Also Pudong welcomes families thank to its entertaining and educational content such Shanghai Science and Technology Museum and the century park which offers bike rental. However the attraction that families cannot miss out is the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium. It is a high standards exhibition over two floors, including a system of glass tunnels that gives the opportunity to stay closer with sharks turtles and other sea creatures. The area is also famous for its shopping experience which is one of the most unforgivable in the world, offering the best brand quality and choice around the world. Shanghai tours offers lots of services and tour around the area helping tourist to find their way around also providing Multi-language tourist guide.
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