Shanghai: A City of Contrasts

One of the most intriguing aspects of Shanghai is the stark contrasts of the city. This was once the poorest area of China and it is now one of the most thriving. Before World War II, Shanghai was a place of complete poverty but after the war and with the rise of communism, this beautiful place showed that it too could be one of the richest places on earth. It is here that you will see vibrant colors, unique architecture and of course, find plenty of things to do! Visiting Shanghai, China is truly visiting one of the most interesting places on earth!

Perhaps the most visited place in Shanghai is The Bund. This is a section of the city that lies right alongside the Huangpu River and it is always packed with tourists! They come for the shopping and dining experiences but stay for the breathtaking views. The Bund represents some of what Shanghai is all about as you can see in this area particularly all kinds of buildings in different architectural styles including Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance to name just a few. Along with the shopping there are also many beggars and local vendors who try aggressively for a quick sale of their faux designer names so just be sure to look at the name closely before handing over your money.

Another place to spend some time shopping is Xintiandi. This mall is the perfect example of the contrast that is Shanghai. The shopping center incorporates both traditional style stone buildings with modern buildings made of glass and steel. The stores range from independent Shanghai sellers to major chain stores and the prices vary along with the type of store. This area is known to be one of the more expensive areas of Shanghai although it is still in keeping with what is considered the norm in the United States. Xintiandi is also a great place to go to experience the wonderful nightlife that Shanghai has to offer as well as a theater that plays English-speaking films.

If you’re looking to learn more about the actual Chinese cultural, you may want to visit the Shanghai Museum. In this four-floor building you can see a wide range of exhibits including Ancient Chinese sculpture, bronzes, ceramics, jade, ancient and modern Chinese paintings, seals, and coins. Floor plans are available so you can make sure that you can go directly to the displays you are most interested in. Audio tours are also available for rent in the main lobby if you’re the type who likes to have a guide along the way. The Shanghai Museum also has a tea room with a variety of different teas and sandwiches to nosh on.

The Garden of Contentment is a garden where you can go to experience the true peacefulness that China is so well-known for. This is a huge attraction in Shanghai so it’s best to get there in the morning before the crowds strip it of its serenity. However, you will see all kinds of different patterns and materials and the design of the garden is truly worth seeing. Walls are built right on top of rocks and in one particular are of the garden, a dragon’s tail adorns the top of rocks. This garden may epitomize the beauty and vibrant atmosphere that is Shanghai.