West lake

Introduction 

Located in the southwest direction of downtown Hangzhou which is 180 kilometers southwest of Shanghai. The West Lake measures 3.2 kilometers in length by 2.8 kilometers in width by 2.3 kilometers in depth covering an area of 6.5 square kilometers. The West Lake is rated top ten amongst scenic attractions in China and it was UNESCO listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2011. The area of West Lake is divided into five different sections by three course ways and mountains. Three man made islands stand in the West Outer Lake which is the Mid-lake Pavilion, Lesser Paradise Island and the Ruangong Islet. Two pagodas face each other across the lake Leifeng Pagoda to the south and Baochu Pagoda to the north and there are three islands on the lake.

The lake is believed to be a dating site according to legends. Two spirits Bai Suzhen; a white snake spirit and Xu Xian; a mortal man fell in love after meeting on a boat on West Lake and they got married. However an evil monk Fa Hai separated the two by imprisoning Xu Xian but Bai Suzhen tried to rescue her husband to no avail and was later also imprisoned under the Leifeng Pagoda located by the lake. After so many years the two were rescued by Xiao Qing who was the sister to Bai Suzhen and from then the couple lived together happily ever after.

Things to see and do on a visit 

Su Causeway

This long causeway stretches 2.8 kilometers long with willow trees and other plants on either side. There are six bridges along this causeway including the Suppressing Dike Bridge, the Locking Waves Bridge, Crossing Rainbow Bridge, the Eastern Lakeside Bridge, the Viewing Hills Bridge and the Reflecting Ripples Bridge. In spring, the causeway is endowed by green willow buds and pink peach blossoms form a charming scene.

Winery Yard and Lotus Pool

Located in the northwest side of the lake this area used to be occupied by a winery during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) enclosed by lotus flowers. During summer a sweet fragrance summons the area from the lotus flowers and winery taking visitors back in time during the Song Dynasty. The scenic spots available here are the Bamboo Garden, the Lotus Pool, Yuehu Lake, the Winery Yard and the Lakeside Woods. 

Moon over the Peaceful Lake in Autumn

Since ancient times, West Lake has been the best spot to view the beauty of the full moon. On the night of the Mid Autumn Festival, the moon shines full and bright inside each of the three pagodas on the water. The light of the moon casts the most magical reflection on the pagoda windows and on the water.

Broken Bridge in Winter

Constructed in 1921, this Broken Bridge measures 8.8 meters long by 8.4 meters wide. During winter the West Lake area is beautiful and less crowded and the bridge appears to be broken because snow in its middle part melts unlike the snow on its ends which remains lingering and glistened by the sun to create a spectacular scene. 

Orioles House

Located at Qingbo Gate at the outer most part of West Lake this garden is the biggest imperial garden in the West Lake that was named Landscape Gathering Garden during the Southern Song Dynasty. At the center of the garden is the Orioles House with a gigantic birdcage with willows of different species flying especially the time around the month of March. This whole view attracts tourists both from home and abroad.

Flower Pond

Located at the southern end of Su Causeway, the Red Carp Pond forms a charming park with a variety of trees and flowers covering 20 hectares including a peony garden which blooms in April and the famous goldfish pond. There are five scenic spots: the red carp pond, the great lawn, the flower harbor, the peony garden and the groves. The park connects the West Inner Lake with the South Lake and the red carp pond swarms with red carp and visitors can stand on the rails of a zigzag bridge to feed the goldfish. Towards the west of the red carp is a peony garden which forms a frenetic scene when in full bloom. For years, poets have expressed their admiration if the area through poems, artists have drawn and produced paintings and calligraphy sets.

Leifeng Pagoda

Located at the Evening Glow Mountain to the south of the West Outer Lake, Leifeng Pagoda stands at 70 meters high and was constructed by the king of the Wuyue Kingdom to appreciate the pregnancy of his concubine during the Five Dynasties and Ten States Period between 907 and 960. It has however been damaged and renovated several times but remains standing to date for visitors to have a panoramic view of the lake. At dusk, the evening glow reflects the spectacular pagoda to the rippling lake.

Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds

The Twin Peaks are the South Peak and the North Peaks. The South Peak measures 256.9 meters high and the North Peak is at 355 meters high. The two faced each other in a separation distance of 5 kilometers creating an exceptionally beautiful scene especially when it is cloudy or after a heavy downpour when only the two tops peaks can be seen through thick fog hence the name 'Two Peaks Piercing the Clouds'. Back in the days pagodas and Buddhist temples were constructed on the top of the two peaks creating a hot spot for tourists.

Nanping Hill

Located on the south of the West Lake, Nanping Hill is at least 100 meters high and 1000 meters long and on its foot is Jingci Temple built by the king of the Wuyue Kingdom in 954 during the Five Dynasties and the Ten States Period. The Xingjiao Temple is also located at the foot of the hill and has been in existence since its inception in the fifth year (972) of the Kaibao Period during the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). Bells ring at dawn and drums are beaten at dust in these temples and they vibrate and resonate in melodious waves because of their location in the midst of rocks and caves of the Nanping Hill.

Three Pools Mirroring the Moon

Situated to the south of the Lesser Paradise Island, the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon are actually three stone towers surrounded by water. The towers were constructed during the Tianqi Period between 1621 and 1627 in the Ming Dynasty and stand at the height of 2.5 meters with 2 meters above the water levels separated from each other in the shape of a regular triangle at a distance of  62 meters. The towers are made of stone pedestals, empty spheres, round cover, hexagonal pavilion and a pear-shaped top. In addition, there are six holes evenly distributed around the sphere. At night when there is a full moon and candles are lit inside the sphere, the holes together with the full moon in the sky get reflected in the water creating an illusion like there are many moons which are a very unique scene attracting many visitors. This image is printed on the one yuan banknote.

Boat Riding

One of the best ways to explore the West Lake is on a cruise to the islands of the lake. There is a wide variety of boats that visitors can choose from in the lake such as the self rowing boats, large painted boats and small rowing boats. Cruises are available either during the day or at night.

Biking

At the West Lake visitors can follow the best biking routes to appreciate and admire the lake’s beauty at their own pace. The most popular biking routes are the Su Causeway and Bai Causeway where most of the lake’s scenery can be found and no vehicles are allowed to the sites.

Drinking Tea

Visitors can spend their resting time at the lakeside sipping Tea leisurely. This down time gives visitors the chance to taste local snacks with the tea as they admire more of the beauty of the lake and listen to the history of the area. This can also be a chance to interact with locals. 

Music Fountain of West Lake

Located at the Third Park Dock on the West Lake, this music fountain area measures 126 meters long and comes to life twice a day and four times in the evening. Visitors can enjoy the fountain show for 15 minutes. 

Night show

This night show is a live outdoor evening performance at Yuehu Lake Scenic Area incorporating music, lights and dances. Its main point is to express ancient folklore between Xu Xi'an and Bai Suzhen and a sad love story between Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai. It tells a beautiful love story in five acts: First Encounter, Falling in Love, Saying Goodbye, Memories and Impressions. The show is normally from March to December and visitors can enjoy this marvelous event.

Lingyin Temple

Introduction 

Lingyin Temple is also known as the Temple of Soul's Retreat. It was built in 328 AD by an Indian Monk, Huili. The temple is popular and gets hundreds of tourists and pilgrims and even thousands during peak seasons. In 1961 it was listed as a protection provincial historical and cultural site considered to be a leading center for research relative to Chinese Buddhist culture. The Temple is long and narrow and is located between Peak Flown From Afar and North Peak to the northwest of the West Lake at Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province. The Temple contains an important collection of Buddhist literature and has become a great center for information to those who wish to study aspects of Chinese Buddhism. 

The temple came into existence since the Eastern Jin Dynasty between 317 and 420AD. Legend has it that an Indian monk, Huili, choose this location of the temple based on the locations natural scenery. He felt the need to choose this location as a home to Immortals and that is how he gave the temple the name: the Temple of the Soul's Retreat. During the Five Dynasties (907-960 AD) the King of the Wu Yue State expressed a sense of devotion to Buddha and initiated a large scale development of the temple. The main building that can be seen today was restored after the temple was destroyed. 

Things to see and do on a visit

Inscribed Tablets

At the entrance, if the first hall of Lingyin Temple is a tablet inscribed with words penned by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty. The emperor was pleased by the sight of the temple shrouded in mist amongst the trees that surround it hence giving it the title 'Cloud Forest Buddhist Temple'. This great hall has double eaves and is at least 60 feet in height.

The Laughing Buddha

At the Hall of the Heavenly King is the statue of Maitreya which appears to be bare, fat and wearing a smiling face. The Buddha is said to be able to endure all intolerance and laugh at every laughable person in the world. The hall has articulately painted ceiling decorated with phoenixes and dragons.

Hall of the Great Hero

Also known as Da Xiong Bao Dian, this hall of the Great Hero has seven rooms wide, five rooms deep and is a single storey construction. Its double eaved roof rises up to 33.6 meters high creating what is believed to be the highest single storey building to be found in China. The hall is also home to a statue of Sakyamuni carved from 24 sections of camphor wood with an overall height of 24.8 meters making it one of the largest wooden statues in China that are covered with a gold leaf. The statue is also surrounded on either if its sides by twenty saints who are protectors of justice. Twelve disciples guards are seated along the rear wall of the wall and they form an imposing and impressionable scene.

Cool Spring Pavilion.

This Cool Spring Pavilion has constructed a thousand years ago during the Tang Dynasty and is the most favored location amongst visitors who wish to linger through it during the heat of summer.

Dine

There is a vegetarian restaurant near the temple known as Lingyin Vegetarian Restaurant serving typical Chinese cuisine that is specifically vegetarian.

Shanghai Museum

Introduction 

The Shanghai Museum is located in Huangpu District at the People's Square right at the center of Shanghai. It is a large museum of ancient Chinese art, wisdom and philosophy. Its exterior design takes the shape of a round dome representing heaven and a square base that symbolizes a squared land.

The museum is divided into eleven galleries and three exhibition halls. The eleven galleries display Ancient Sculpture, Calligraphy, Ancient Bronze, Ancient Ceramics, Ancient Jade, Paintings, Ming and Qing Furniture, Coins, Seals and Minority Nationalities.

Things to see and do on a visit

Bronze 

The bronze ware of the Zhou and Shang dynasties contribute to the learning of ancient civilization with over 400 pieces of exquisite bronze wares. Tourists can learn and see the rich culture of bronze. Visitors can see Da Ke Ding (food vessel) originally from Shaanxi province measuring 93.1cm high and weighing 201.5kg with 3 hoof feet. It is a symbol of power and social level whose surface bears inscriptions of 290 characters giving the vessel essential respectable status being one of the only two biggest round bronze Dings with inscriptions in China. In addition to this, there are smooth and excellent carvings of beast faces and curly lines. Da Ke Ding is used for the study of the economy and history of the West Zhou dynasty.

There is an Ox-shaped Zun (Wine Vessel) is a unique and rare vessel for heating liquor because of its descriptive shape of an imposing and strong ox. It was made during the late Autumn and Spring periods between 699 BC and 476 BC. The vessel combines heating and filling liquor and is the only one found in the Shanghai Museum.  

In the museum, there are also bronze relics such as a vessel for measuring volume known as Fangsheng of Shangyang displaying the advancement of ancient Chinese in mathematics and instrument manufacture. There is an old water container called Pan of Zi Zhong Jiang with sculptures of birds, fishes, turtles and frogs.

Ceramics 

Another treasure in the museum is the ancient ceramics collection. Visitors can appreciate over 500 pieces of ceramics like the grey pottery from the Neolithic Age. Celadon or tri-colored glazed potteries of the Shang, Zhou and Warring states of the Han and Tang Dynasty. Blue, white and black glazed painted porcelain from the Song, Jin and Liao, and the brilliant works from Jingdezhen, Jiangxi which was the center of the industry during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. The beauty of fire and clay on the displays in addition to uniquely shaped works such as the Celadon Li shaped Censer and a masterpiece from Longquan kiln that represents high skill sets of celadon from ancient China. The Celadon Begonia in the shape of a Bowl from Yue kiln in Tang dynasty looks like a full blooming begonia flower. An olive vase with a peach pattern, known as a Peerless Treasurable Vase, has fresh pink peaches growing on vigorous light green branches with perfectly ordered blossoms in color yellow and rose. The Figure Playing Lute created from Sichuan displays a relaxed and satisfied player who is enchanted by the sound of music.

Paintings 

The museum is home to over 120 pieces of outstanding works of Chinese paintings from renowned artists from the Tang dynasty to modern times. Visitors can see authentic work such as Mr. Sun’s silk painting work from the Tang dynasty displaying multiple techniques and undivided efforts. There are also fancy paintings and vivid pieces all over the museum to amuse visitors. 

Calligraphy 

Shanghai Museum has a unique collection of works of calligraphy from thousands of years ago to the Qing dynasty to allow visitors with the opportunity to appreciate the brilliant writing of all styles. For instance, Ya Tou Wan Tie, Letter from 317 AD to 420 AD is one of the most important pieces housed in the museum displaying both talent, the use of art in a graceful charm and conveys a message in the most informal way. Pieces of Zhu Zhishan can also be seen and they express his wild personality amongst many other pieces from other renowned individuals. 

Jade 

In the Shanghai Museum, visitors can see beautiful jade wares with delicate carvings and learn more about its decorative and symbolic meaning in addition to its fortune and many other magical significance of the rock in ancient China. Visitors can also see pieces such as Cong with the Anthropomorphic Mask, the Hindustan Octagonal Case, the Funerary Face, Gu with Three Chi-dragons Design and the flying bird design. Another renowned piece is the 4,200-year-old Jade Divine figure standing at 10.3 centimeters high as the only one of its kind in the world testifying the best quality of jade glittering through the translucent material. 

Sculpture 

The Gallery of Chinese Ancient Sculpture focuses mainly on Buddhist sculptures in the key colors of black, red and gold. The Head of Kashyapa showcases a simple yet unadorned inner beauty with a broad forehead, fine brows, kind sight and warm smile. The kneeling Bodhisattva stone sculpture is also worth a visit and the Thousand Buddha Stele with countless carvings of Buddha. 

Seal 

At the museum, the importance of seals in history from the Western Zhou to the end of the Qing Dynasty is displayed. There are more than 500 seals of different materials. For instance, the Seal with Inscription Jin Gui Yi Di Wang is a rare masterpiece made of gold and is more than 1,650 years old. Furthermore, there is the seal with Inscription Wu Yi that is a seal character transformed from the images of fish and birds amongst many other seal to enable visitors to learn more about their history and origin. 

Other Exhibits

Shanghai Museum also has a huge collection of other valuable treasures. There is a collection of over 7,000 pieces of currency showing its origin and development over time from the time Bronze was being used till the Modern era.

There is also a gallery showing a refined garden like a residence during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Visitors can see the elegant and fine ancient designs from back in the days to the development of modern designs. 

In addition, there is a colorful display for the minority nationalities ranging from metal wares, clothes, pottery, bamboo wares, sculptures and lacquer.

Former French Concession (FFC)

Introduction 

The Former French Concession is a former concession of France which lasted between 1849 and 1943. It occupies an area of around 8 kilometers stretching west of the Bund. It is to the east of Huashan Road, to the south of Yan’an Road, to the west of Huangpu River and to the north of Zhaojiabang Road Xujiahui Road. 

The French consulate office was allowed to recreate 66 hectares into their liking to improve Franco Chinese relations and expand the consulate’s land. In addition to French government officials, other wealthy civilians from Britain, Russia and the USA also lived in this elegant location creating it into what it is today. The Former French Concession history dates back to 1849 when it developed to be the greatest and most prosperous French Concession in China. In the 1920s it was the most prosperous area in Shanghai and in 1943 the government took it over and shut the French concession that had been in power for close to 100 years. 

Things to see and do on a visit

Residential area

A visit to the neighborhood clearly brings out a perfect juxtaposition from other Shanghai neighborhoods with its unique architecture and tree-lined streets. At Sinan Road, there are at least twenty garden houses on opposite sides representing almost all the residential buildings that were in Shanghai since the early 20th century. The FFC is a great residential area amongst foreigners and expats. Visitors can see residences of Soong Ching Ling: the Honorary President of the People’s Republic of China, Sun Yat Sen and Zhou Enlai. 

Strolling, shopping and eating 

FFC is the best place to take long walks along tree-lined streets, perfect boulevards, narrow alleyways protected by wrought iron gates featuring cafes, restaurants, breweries, boutiques, antique stores and galleries giving visitors a feeling of the spirit of walking in the foreign land of Europe. Walking along streets such as Wukang Lu, Wulumuqi Lu, Fuxing Lu, Dongping Lu, Changle Lu, Julu Lu, Taojiang Lu, Yongfu Lu, Xinle Lu and Tai'an Lu guarantee a good time whether you are looking to shop for international products such as  European cheese, jams, all kinds of oils, wine, exotic herbs, local fresh produce and local merchandise. There are also art stores, galleries, exhibitions and artistically decorated buildings. Middle Huaihai Road is one of the busiest streets keeping up with the latest trends and is home to numerous top-rated restaurants. Visitors who wish to relax over a meal or drink can find both indoor and outdoor establishments serving both local and international cuisine.

Fuxing Park

At Fuxing park, visitors can see how dominant the European influence is. The park is full of life with people showcasing the art of water calligraphy, elderly couples dancing away to classical hits as others practice tai chi

Moller Villa

This Moller Villa is situated at the corner of South Shaanxi Road on Yan'an Middle Road. It is a Nordic style garden villa that was constructed by an Englishman named Moller who lived in Shanghai. Moller wanted to fulfill his daughter’s dream by building this villa. It has a small gate, colorful walls and tiles, Chinese glazed tiles, gothic spires and buddha statues. Visitors feel like they are walking in a fairy tale somewhere in northern Europe when they visit this place. Its interior was inspired by a luxurious cruise ship and its floors were paved with fine wooden strips to form the pattern of seaweed and kelp.

Yu Garden

Introduction 

A completely restored classical Chinese Garden located on number 137, Anren Street in Huangpu District near the Old City God Temple, Yu garden occupies an area of approximately 20,000 square meters and is ranked as one of the must-see destinations in Shanghai. It was inaugurated 400 years during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) and was owned by Pan Yunduan, a government official. Pan built this garden for his parents as a place for relaxing in their old age and gave it the name Yu which is a Chinese name that means satisfying and pleasing. Pan hired expert horticulturists to design the layout of the garden making it the most famous and the biggest garden of his time. However, the garden really cost him a fortune to the extent of making him bankrupt.

It has more than 40 scenic spots and are divided into six sections by five walls. The six scenic spots include the Ten Thousand-Flower Pavilion, the Lotus Pool, Grand Rockery, the Hall of Jade Magnificence, the Hall of Heralding Spring and the Inner Garden. The garden was later inherited by Zhang Zhaolin, who was Pan’s granddaughter's husband and was then passed down to different owners. 

Between 1760 and 1780, the garden was face-lifted by a group of merchants and the West Garden was eventually opened to the public. The gardens went through damage for a couple of times during the 19th century. However in 1842, the garden succumbed damage due to the First Opium War when the British army used the Huxinting Teahouse, during the Taiping Rebellion, the Small Swords Society used Dianchun Hall as its headquarters. Between 1956 and 1961, the garden was repaired by the Shanghai government and was later opened to the public in 1961. 

Things to do and see on a layover 

Exquisite Jade Rock and Carvings

This exquisite jade rock is the true treasure of Yu Garden and is amongst three other famous rocks in south China. The jade rock measures 3.3 meters in height and weighs 5 tonnes. It is shaped beautifully and has spikes and is porous with 72 holes. It is a very unique rock and has interesting characteristics that fascinate tourists. For instance, when water is poured from the top of the rock it will flow out from every single hole creating the most flattering view and also when a joss stick is burnt from below the rock, smoke magically flows out through all the holes. 

In addition to the big rocks, there are also small brick carvings and clay sculptures that are very interesting to look at.

Yuhua Hall

Yuhua Hall is located in front of the exquisite Jade Rock to appreciate the existence of the magical rock. The furniture inside the hall was made during the Ming Dynasty using top-grade rosewood and displays the most natural and graceful looks. 

Flower Show

Every year there are flower shows such as the orchid show is held in April, plum flower show held in January and chrysanthemum show held in September. The shows are organized by private individuals. 

Great Rockery

In the garden, there is a great rock that is known as the Great Rockery built with thousands of tons of rocks standing at 14 meters high and is the oldest and largest rock in the southern region of the Yangtze River. From the top of the rock, visitors can get a bird's eye view of the garden.

Lantern Show

This Lantern Show is held every New Year from first January to eighteenth of every lunar calendar. 

Sansui Hall

Sansui Hall was named from the book of the history of Han Dynasty which means propitious and lucky. It was constructed at a height of 9 meters with five rooms this hall is the most accommodating area in the garden that was used initially used as an entertainment area for events and ceremonies. 

Cuixiu Hall

Located at the foot of the Great Rockery near Cuixiu Hall, this elegant and quiet hall is surrounded by the most magical flowers and old trees. Visitors can also walk through curio shops in the hall.

Wanhua Chamber

This delicate building is enclosed by spring bamboo surrounded by cloisters. Right in front of the chamber are two old trees. One of which is believed to have been planted by Pan and has over the years grown to 21 meters high.

Nine Bend Bridge

This Nine Bend Bridge is zigzag in shape and is also part of the Yu Garden. When night falls, the area around the bridge glows under colorful lights creating a very attractive scene. During the Chinese New Year, lantern exhibitions are held here and they attract great crowds. Locals believe that walking across the bridge brings people good luck in that the number nine symbolizes auspiciousness.

Painting and Calligraphy Exhibition

There are paintings and calligraphy exhibitions sometimes held in the garden where famous artists display their work, inscriptions and couplets. 

Food and Shopping

Outside of the garden, visitors can also taste numerous Shanghai snacks like Nanxiang steamed buns, chop rice cakes and crispy fried cakes that are really juicy and soft. On the bazaar, visitors can shop for souvenirs like jewelry, antiques, decorations, arts, handicrafts, lanterns, silk, crafts and many more products. 

Bund

Introduction 

The Bund popularly known as Wai Tan is a renowned waterfront on the west bank of Huangpu River in Huangpu District, Shanghai. The waterfront stretches for 1500 meters from Waibaidu bridge to the east of Jinling Road and it faces the Oriental Pearl Tower. There are 52 different classical buildings bearing western, Baroque, Romanesque, Gothic and Chinese styles which make up the financial center of old Shanghai and the concentration zone of foreign trade agencies. The area is located on East Zhongshan number one road and is recognized as the pride and symbol of Shanghai.

The name Bund is of Anglo Indian origin and it means an embankment of a muddy waterfront. The area where the Bund stands now used to be a muddy towpath for boats from Huangpu River. In 1842 after the First Opium War Shanghai opened up and became an open port where Great Britons settled. In 1845 the British colonialists seized the Bund and set up the British concession. Afterward, many other foreign nations such as the United States of America, France, Russia, Italy, Belgium, Japan and Netherlands set up their distinct buildings raising the status of Shanghai to become Asia’s leading cosmopolitan and thriving financial and commercial center. 

Things to do and see on a visit 

The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel

This sightseeing Tunnel is a three to five minutes ride that goes through colorful lights in a distance of about 646.7 meters running between Puxi and the Oriental Pearl Tower in Pudong.

Sunset on Waibaidu Bridge

Waibaidu Bridge is the best place to have a view of the old Shanghai complex. When the sun sets this bridge is shrouded by golden rays and creates a romantic scene for love birds. Many film directors and producers choose this location for scenes and it has become very famous amongst locals and tourists alike. 

Stroll at the waterfront avenue

Strolling along a mile-long stretch at the Huangpu waterfront from the north end to the south end gives visitors the perfect opportunity to see colonial-era architecture from western roots that are graceful and rich antiques. Visitors get to see arches from ancient Greece, Spanish balconies, pointed Gothic roofs and Baroque columns.

Cruise on the Huangpu River

A cruise on Huangpu River presents visitors with the chance to see historical architecture and soaring skyscrapers on the opposite side of the river. At night the buildings on the banks are illuminated and present a very enchanting view of Shanghai. The florid Bund night view from a Huangpu River cruise. Dazzling lights completely enlighten the area and exhibit the magnificence of the buildings on the banks and flashing light shadows reflect on the floating river water. 

Most of the cruises last as long as thirty minutes to three and a half hours cruises. In addition there is a ferry ride across to Pudong where visitors can also experience the scenic views on both sides of the river.

Watch the Locals Doing Their Morning Exercises

At the Bund, locals can be seen taking their regular morning exercises. Some will be seen jogging, walking, practicing tai chi and flying kites.

Spend Some Time in Huangpu Park

At the northern end of the Bund is Huangpu Park. It is like a small oasis situated between the Bund and busy shopping areas. The manicured lawn and gardens particularly stand out as there is not much green space in this part of Shanghai. It is a wonderful place to have a rest and to take photos, day or night.

Where to Shoot Panoramic Views of the Bund?

There are three ideal locations to see the full view of the Bund: Pudong Binjiang Avenue, on a Huangpu River Cruise, and one of the skyscrapers in Pudong like Shanghai World Financial Center, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai Tower. If you want to take beautiful photos of the Bund, we advise you to hire a guide who can give you tips about when and where to go. A knowledgeable guide can arrange different places to take photos according to the weather.

Appreciate high rises across the Huangpu River

At the Bund, visitors can feel the charm of the exotic old Shanghai and also experience modern Shanghai across Huangpu River dominated by dense high rises in Pudong New Area on the opposite bank. There are buildings such as the Shanghai Tower, the World Financial Center, the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower and the top four highest skyscrapers in the city. These skyscrapers dominate the skyline and create a perfect backdrop for photographers. 

Pudong New Area

Introduction 

Pudong New Area is located in the east of Shanghai right in the middle of China’s open area along the coast covering a total area of 533.44 square kilometers with a population of 2.8 million people as of 2013. In 2005 the Shanghai municipal government set a strategy to structure a socialist and harmonious society, to advance scientific development and to execute the Four Center national strategy. After 16 years of elaborate planning and implementation, the project achieved its goal and now Pudong is the window of China's reform. Right now there are more than 360 foreign and domestic institutions, security companies, future and property right companies in Lujiazui finance and trade zone. Leading to the financial exchange scale of Shanghai to rank first place in China.

Pudong has the most interesting business experience in the city and has since become home to new foreign talent, investors and world-class innovations. The area where Pudong sits today used to be covered in farms, rice paddies and marshes but is now characterized by office buildings on skyscrapers owned by at least 2000 foreigners amongst which is a General Motors plant producing the renowned Buicks. 

Futuristic first free trade zone area formerly farmland transformed with a vibrant financial center aimed at promoting international level influence in the global market. In addition to this, it is also an area full of glitzy attractions like Century Park and a serene outdoor environment viable for activities like boating, cycling and golfing. 

Things to do and see on a visit 

Oriental Pearl TV Tower

The most recognizable building in Shanghai that faces the Bund and has a long standing symbol of China with eleven spheres of different sizes connected by three towering columns. The Oriental Tower is also renowned for its glass bottomed sightseeing deck that allows visitors to get the most beautiful views of the city. It also houses a museum recounting the rich history of China.

Shanghai Tower 

Shanghai Tower is the tallest buildings in Shanghai standing at 632 meters high with 127 floors and 5 basement levels. It is one of the newest towers in the area with observation decks, sky gardens and a museum.

Shanghai World Financial Centre 

Shanghai World Financial Centre is the third tallest skyscraper in Shanghai and the fifth tallest in the world exhibiting monetary talents, art and cultural exhibitions and information from all over the world. Visitors can see the world’s tallest observation deck at 474 meters high and experience the contrast between old and new Shanghai with buildings such as the Bund, Jinmao Tower and Oriental Pearl TV Tower. 

Jinmao Tower

Jinmao Tower is one of the tallest buildings in Shanghai that was once competing with buildings such as the Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia and the Willis Tower in Chicago in terms of height. The Tower stands at 1,380 feet high and has 88 floors covering an area of 2.3 hectares. Its construction began in 1994 and was completed in 1999 by an architect by the name Adrian D. Smith. It now houses financial and trade businesses in addition to a five-star hotel.

Shanghai Science and Technology Museum

The most sought after museum offers both an educational and fun venture. It has a world of robots center, a space navigation center, four science theaters, thirteen permanent exhibitions amongst other temporary exhibitions. 

Century Boulevard

This is the largest park in Shanghai spanning 5 kilometers from Oriental Pearl TV Tower to Century Park. It is a botanical garden with trees of willows, cherries, redbuds and Camellias.

Shanghai Ocean Aquarium 

Covering an area of over 22,000 square feet right next to Oriental Pearl TV Tower, this ocean aquarium is home to one of the world's longest underwater tunnels displaying shark caves, coral reefs among other waterline exhibits. The aquarium also includes a fun and informative section dedicated to China’s aquatic life.