Shanghai Highlights

'Paris of the East,' 'Queen of the Orient;' Shanghai is situated on the mouth of the Yangtze River. China's largest, and unquestionably most international city, Shanghai is home to the world's busiest port. The city's development over the past few decades has made it one of the most important economic, commercial, financial and communications centres of China. Though its beginnings are now a distant memory, Shanghai started off as a small seaside fishing village, gaining county status in 1291 during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368 AD).
Sightseeing, shopping, business, and superb nightlife are a short list of Shanghai's many attractions. A popular route for tourists starts off in the shopping areas surrounding People’s Square and along the Huangpu River . A trek across the river to Pudong New Area will bring you face to face with The Oriental Pearl Tower .
Considered a modern symbol of Shanghai, the giant space-age needle stands at an impressive 468 meters (1536 feet) high and dominates the skyline. Though waits in line can be no less than excruciating, tourists can visit the tower's observation deck and see spectacular views of the city. The 88th floor of the nearby Jinmao Tower is also a great place to observe Shanghai from above. Back on the ground, another popular stop is Yu Garden , Shanghai's largest ancient garden with six distinct areas. Nanjing Lu Pedestrian Street , 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles) long with over 600 shops, is considered the 'No. 1 commercial street in China,' a fact emphasized by a daily crowd of around 1.7 million. Huaihai Road is the place to find the latest in fashion, while Sichuan North Road caters to the demands of ordinary folk. In addition, Xujiahui Shopping Center is also well-liked and recommended by local people.
Another sight not be missed is the Bund , situated on the east bank of the Huangpu River . A long-standing symbol of Shanghai, the 1.5 km Bund is home to an assortment of European colonial architecture ranging from Romanesque to Art Deco. Trading houses from Europe and North America were once took up residence on the famous street, leading to a financial and architectural boom in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A new finance and commercial area has since spread south of the Bund , for surpassing its early beginnings. Sites of note include the former Cathay Hotel (now called the Peace Hotel), the Customs Building, and the former HSBC headquarters (now used by the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank).
As locals put it, 'blessed are those born in Shanghai as they have the most chances to taste delicate food.' Shanghai food is not one of China's Eight Major Cuisines; however, it is a choice blend of the best parts of all major national cooking styles. It's safe to say that tourists and locals alike can enjoy all the best food from home and abroad when in Shanghai. Ben Bang Cuisine, literally meaning 'local,' makes great use of fresh fish. Though holding some similarities to Cantonese-style cooking, which also makes excellent use of fresh seafood, fish done Shanghai style has a stronger soy flavour and richer colours. Xiangyoushanhu (named after the fizzling sound made when hot oil is poured over the eel.) and Babaolajiang (Eight Auspicious Pepper Sauce) are the two typical dishes. The Eight Auspicious Pepper Sauce is not a dressing but a dish containing a mlange of shrimp, peanuts, pork, bamboo shoots, chicken, tripe, and sauce. This dish offers a true taste of Shanghai's delicate cuisine.
Snacks also take up a large share of the table—and stomach—in Shanghai homes. Gaoqiao muffins, glutinous rice dumplings, pear paste candy, and five-spiced beans are some of the most gleefully scarfed down. Temple of the Town Gods Bazzar is a good place to try these snacks. For dinner, cold noodles help fill a rumbling stomach and beat the summer heat. Other varieties like yangchun noodles and won tons are also popular. But be forewarned: The Shanghai won ton suffers, at times, from an identity crisis. Although divided into the opposing categories of big and small won tons, both are found comfortably at home in a bowl of lightly seasoned chicken broth. If variety is what you expect from a menu, Shanghai cuisine's extensive choices will not disappoint.
Shanghai is also well known for its superb nightlife. Xin Tian Di , one of the city's trendiest entertainment areas, houses chic cafs, restaurants and some of the hottest clubs around town. The area is made up of a series of restored Shikumen-style buildings, which are distinct to Shanghai and blend Eastern and Western styles of architecture. If you're looking for stylish boutiques, fine dining, coffee or something a little harder, Xin Tian Di seems to be the place of the moment. The coveted area is located around South Huangpi Road and Xingye Road.
Name:Shanghai Shanghai
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