Shanghai
Shanghai is the largest port in China, located on a delta, where the Yangtze River Meets the East China Sea.
Described in the past as “Whore of the Orient” and “Paris of the East”, Shanghai is a city heavily influenced by western culture, in fact the city's name itself, in typical western terminology, means ‘By the Sea'.
The Bund stretches a distance of almost 2 kilometres and is a symbol of modern Shanghai. The architecture is hugely varied, with glimpses of 1930's New York along with many other historical styles. With its numerous restaurants and neon lights, the Bund paints an amazing picture at nighttime.
If you want a feel of the recent past, visit Old Shanghai. You can experience the Chinese City, with its narrow lanes and packed houses. The International Settlement, with heavy influences from Britain, Europe and Japan and The French Concession.
Yuyuan Garden is the most famous garden in Shanghai, built during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). Classically designed, it combines several different landscapes, with an array of beautiful scenery.
Shanghai has three temples all worth a visit. The Jade Buddha Temple, a Buddhist temple built in 1882. The Longhua Temple dates even further back, built during the Five Dynasties (907 - 960) and the Jing'an Temple, even older and built during the Three Dynasties over 1700 years ago.
The Grand View Garden is located 65 kilometres from the city centre. It covers an area of 11 square kilometres and combines features from both northern and southern China.
Shanghai Museum can be found in the People's Square and is one of the four largest museums in China. With 10 exhibition halls, the museum houses a large and rich collection of treasures.
