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Known throughout the world as "Pearl of the Orient" Shanghai is a
modern and fast paced city, rich in history, culture and with a wealth of areas
and sites just waiting to be explored. One of the nicest aspects of Shanghai
is that the crowds here are much more manageable than in a city like Beijing.
This is largely because there are no great ancient sites which people flock
to. Rather, this is a city to be walked, wandered, explored and discovered in
your own time and, in your own style. One approach however, is to investigate Shanghai"s former Concession areas
and the wealth of treasures they hold. What makes Shanghai particularly attractive
are the many different styles of architecture and design throughout the city.
Shanghai was once divided up into different "Concessions" or districts
and the boundaries of these areas still remain today. The famous, Bund
was home to the "British Public Park" and this boulevard has a plethora
of colonial structures to visit, all reminders of Shanghai"s days of decadence.
The Japanese and the French Concessions too, are fascinating areas to explore.
The French quarter is a particularly charming district to wander, and there
are many former residences to look at and discover something about old Shanghai
and the people who lived here. The area known as the "Chinese City"
is also worthy of a visit. Take a break from the tourists around the Yuyuan
and do some serious antique shopping or just lose yourself amidst the old alleys
and streets. Shanghai is a spectacularly modern city and the pace of
development here is unbelievable. The newest area of the city, Pudong, is almost unrecognizable from the way it was when development began here
10 years ago.
Two of the most impressive city structures can be found here, the Jinmao Tower and the Oriental TV Tower. |
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