 With its management of the 2008 Olympic games a smashing success, China will try to outdo that event from May 1 to October 31, 2010 with the monumental Shanghai World Expo. In the same vein that its cultural footprints were made during a time when European civilization was in its infancy, China is beginning to make its mark on the modern world.
No one can deny that this country contributed much to the ancient civilizations in the past. With at least 5,000 years of cultural development as a background, the emerging new China will dazzle the visitors. Shanghai's World Expo will be the first world exhibition held in a developing country--perhaps a misnomer. With the fastest growing economy in the world, many believe China to be fully developed; and a tour of the Expo grounds and surrounding area will convince most doubters that China has achieved that ranking. |
| Shanghai, the place where the Communist Party of China was established, once was a city of adventurers and the wickedest place on earth where the term "to be Shanghaied" meant to be kidnapped for enforced service at sea . Today, Shanghai has been transformed into a forest of glass, concrete and steel high-rises with a population of 18 million and the major economic and industrial center of the country. It has become the city of achievement for those dreaming of wealth and power, and many call it a "City of Dreams". |
The Shanghai Stock Exchange, the largest in Asia; the pagoda inspired Jinmao Tower, among the ten highest buildings in the world; and Shanghai Diyi Babaiban Xinshiji, the largest department store in Asia are among the modern offerings of the city. Business opportunities, cultural activities and ongoing improvement in tourist facilities have made Shanghai a showcase of China's transformation.
On the eastern side of the city, modern structures seem to reach for the heavens. One that especially stands out is The Oriental Pearl TV Tower , a landmark in the city. From the observation areas in its 263-meter-high (826 ft.) upper sphere one can catch a splendid panoramic view of the city. Here, the skyline with its mushrooming eye-bulging edifices is a reflection of China's rush into the 21st century.
|
The Bund:
Lining both the western and eastern sides of Huangpu River, the newly renovated 1.5 km (1 mile) long Bund, an adaptation of the Hindustani word band (causeway or promenade), was in the past and continues today to be the city's throbbing heart.
The western side of the river is the original Bund - a diverse mix of architecture, from Baroque, Gothic, Roman, to early 20th century styles of structures. A good number of these once run-down buildings have been restored to their former magnificence and given a new lease on life. Banks, clubs, new eating places, and designers' shops are housed in these renovated buildings--a dazzling gallery of world architecture.
What makes this part of the Bund attractive is its wide promenade. In the morning, one sees the locals performing Tai Chi exercises or just relaxing. During the day locals as well as tourists stroll the promenade enjoying the view of the awesome structures across the waters and, sad to say, dodging vendors who attach themselves like leeches to the unwary to try to sell them fake Rolex watches .
The ultimate way to view the Bund to see how Shanghai is being reincarnated is at night from the 340 m (1,115 ft) high skywalk atop the 88th floor of Jinmao Tower, the highest observation deck in China. It is an overwhelming nightly display of colored lights turning night into day.
|
Nanjing Road Shopping:
Travelers when exploring the Bund should not miss the Nanjing Road, the foremost place for the tourists to shop in Shanghai. Honored as the country's 'Number One Street', the 'pedestrian only' section of the road has become a huge, well-known tourist shopping mall where traditional shops vie for space with modern Western chains. It is China's largest shopping center, a hub for business activity and a must for every visitor to Shanghai. However, the locals favor Huaihis Road--not quite as touristy.
Hidden within this huge metropolis of China, the old part of the city stands as a testimony to China's rich history. From here, wealthy merchants sent their goods to all of Asia and beyond. The remains of a city where emperors once strolled still are remarkable in their lure to tourists and other travelers.
|
Shanghai's Old Town:
|
 |
Tourists begin their journey in Shanghai's Old Town, whose history goes back for at least one thousand years. Stepping down from the bus, one is amazed at the exquisite architecture all around, the style going back to the days when the city was first established. Today, this ancient quarter is filled with new traditional style structures, housing, eating-places and souvenir stores, as well as other types of shops and stalls. Among the numerous gems to be found in this quarter of the city, are two historic structures: Yuyuan Gardens and the Old City God Temple (Chenghuang Temple).
Yuyuan Garden:
Visitors make their way through masses of people to the 400-year-old Yuyuan Garden, a haven of relaxation and solitude whose name some say means 'pleasure and happiness' while others assert it means 'make my parents happy'. It depicts the classical Chinese garden style and is a living portrayal of the finest landscaping designs from the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1911). One of China's finest looking classical gardens, it includes Pagoda-style pavilions, carp pools and bamboo clusters scattered throughout this classic Ming Dynasty garden. In its days of glory, it overflowed with traditional pavilions, rockeries and ponds artfully separated by latticed walls, windows and winding corridors - an earthly paradise for the nobility. |
Jade Buddha Temple:
|
 |
Yet another interesting attraction is the Jade Buddha Temple. It may be the oldest Buddha place of worship in Shanghai and is of special interest to visitors of all faiths for the exceptional qualities of the statues of recumbent Buddhas located within it. Made of whole white jade and covered with agates and emeralds, they are remarkable examples of Chinese art. The Buddha statues were brought from Burma by an abbot who was there on a pilgrimage in the late 19th century. The temple was built to house them over the remains of an earlier structure destroyed during an uprising.
|
Today, after years of stagnation, Shanghai, besides renovating its old structures, is reclaiming its former glory and has again become a major trading center - one of the leading commercial and industrial metropolises in the world. Not only on the Bund but in every section of this huge urban center old buildings are being restored, new roads have been constructed and older ones widened while technology of every sort is accessible to businessperson and tourist alike. It is said that a visit to Shanghai is a must for every traveler who wants to really know modern China and its rush into the 21st century.
The assertion of many of the city's guides when they say, "The transformation of the city has been like magic", their enthusiasm is not too far from reality.
|
Historic Places in Shanghai:
City God Temple, located just south of the Yuyuan Garden and built for a local deity, it is worth a visit.
Guyi Garden, a charming classical garden built during the Ming Dynasty.
Jade Buddha Temple, built in honour of two jade Buddhas brought to China from Myanmar.
Longhua Pagoda and Longhua Temple, the temple is the oldest and largest temple in Shanghai
Old City, filled with traditional Chinese architecture.
People's Square, Shanghai's largest public square.
Shanghai Museum, built in the shape of a large tripod, it houses 123,000 cultural relics.
|
Facts You Should Know Before You Go:
1) Foreigners travelling to China must apply to a local Chinese embassy or consulate for tourist visas.
2) The currency of China, the RMB or Yuan, is currently valued at about 6.7 to the U.S. dollar; and the same to the Canadian dollar. Conversion of foreign currency can be done in banks or hotels. China is one of the few countries in the world where hotels give the same rates as the banks. The exchange rate for traveller cheques is more favourable than that for cash. Also, most credit cards are accepted.
3) Taxi fares in China are always clearly marked on the taxi window. Most taxi drivers do not understand much English. Hence, visitors should have their destinations written down by a hotel clerk in Chinese and show the written destination to the cab driver.
4) Only some tap water in China is potable. However, bottled mineral water is on sale everywhere.
5) Public transportation in Shanghai is inexpensive and plentiful - cost - subways and elevated trains costs from 1 to to 3 Yuans. Taxis from airport to city are about 150 Yuans.
6) Tours can be arranged from almost all hotels. Two popular excursions are the City Tour and the Huangpu River Trip in evening.
7) Chinese cuisine in all its varieties, as well as most international foods can be found in Shanghai.
8) Check this site for hotels in Shanghai: http://www.hoteltravel.com/china/shanghai/hotels.htm
9) China has removed all departure taxes.
|
For Further Information, Contact:
China National Tourist Office, Toronto, 480 University Avenue, Suite 806 Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1V2, Canada, Tel: 416-599-6636, 1-866-599-6636, Fax: 416-599-6382, E-mail: cnto@tourismchina-ca.com; China National Tourist Office, New York, 370 Lexington Ave. #912, New York, NY 10017 USA, Toll Free: 1-888-760-8218, Tel: 1-212-760-8218, Fax: 1-212-760-8809 Email: ny@cnto.org
|
PHOTO CREDITS: Habeeb Salloum |
|
