Shanghai was the largest city in the eastern part of the world during the 1930s, and was also the most prosperous. Today, it is the most populous city of China, and one of the most progressive cities. Even on the world arena, Shanghai is a name to reckon with.
Over the last few years, it has turned into one of the most vibrant and progressive cities in the world. What you want to see in Shanghai depends a lot on which time period interests you the most, from the ancient to the modern, the city has a little bit of everything to offer.
To get a glimpse of Shanghai of the past, you can visit the Yuyuan Gardens. An architectural wonder, it sure is a feast for the eyes. The garden complex also houses a temple inside. Although their construction was commissioned in the year 1559, they were built over a span of 19 years. Both the garden and the temple were destroyed in the Opium Wars, but were restored and opened to the public in the year 1961.
In the Xuhui Distrct of Shanghai, you can get a feel of how the city looked in the 1920s. The area has old regal buildings that really transport you back in time. This area is also fast developing into a shopping haven, what with numerous boutiques coming up everywhere.
But what is definitely hard to miss in this city is the new-age look that Shanghai is now acquiring. The skyline is dotted with high rises, especially in the Pudong area. But not just buildings and gardens, Shanghai also has great museums. The Shanghai Museum, for instance, is the museum in China. The exhibits belonging to the Bronze Age are specially worth seeing.
The Nanjing Street in Shanghai is the best place to shop in the city. But if you are interested in buying Chinese handicrafts or jewelry, you can do that at the Yuyuan Bazaar. Do not leave the city without sampling Chinese food. The city has its own form of cuisine that is mostly sweet and oily in nature. However, the emphasis while preparing food the Shanghai style is always on freshness of ingredients, and maintaining a balance between them. So savor Shanghai, the city, food, and the people. It will be an unforgettable experience.