Seeing Shanghai In The Evening & During My Weekends
Shanghai City Guide By Sean Toh
Hope all of you had a great Christmas & a fruitful 2006. It’s a brand new year and 2007 is the - Year of The Pig according to our Chinese Lunar Calendar.
Let me start the year by wishing all of you a great year ahead fill with prosperity and good health.One month just before the Christmas, I was spreading wealth in Shanghai by imparting and educating some kids in Pei Ming High School. Click here to read the full story of me – Sean Toh Spreading Wealth In Shanghai.
It was an enjoyable and a busy 2 weeks working and seeing Shanghai in the evening and during the weekend. Although I had been to Shanghai several times, the economic development and progress in Shanghai is just too fast, tremendous and unbelievable!
Although I did not had much time but I did squeeze some time out to enjoy Shanghai and share my experience with all of you now. First, let me introduce you to a brief history of Shanghai and introduce some of the places of interests that I managed to sightsee for this trip. Let’s start with the history now!
Shanghai, Hu for short, is situated on the estuary of Yangtze River of China. It is the largest industrial city in China. Covering an area of 5,800 square kilometers (2,239 square miles), Shanghai has a population of 18.7 million, including 2 million floating population.
Originally, Shanghai was a seaside fishing village and in time its gradual development led to it being granted County status on August 19th, 1291 during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). Hence this day became the anniversary of the founding of Shanghai. Today's Shanghai is a multi-cultural metropolis with both modern and traditional Chinese features. Bubbling Shanghai shows off every aspect of her unique glamour.
Serving as the largest base of Chinese industrial technology, the important seaport and China's largest commercial and financial center, shanghai draws the attention of the whole world.
Modern Shanghai has three key areas of interest to the visitor. These comprise Sightseeing, Business and Shopping centered upon People's Square and along the Huangpu River. The city's Cultural Center with its public activities and community facilities and finally the main Entertainment and Holiday Tourism area is located at Mt. Sheshan, Chongming Island, Dingshan Lake and Shenshuigang Area.Known as "the Oriental Paris", Shanghai is a shopper's paradise. One of the musts for tourists is Nanjing Road. Huaihai Road intrigues those with modern and fashionable tastes, while Sichuan North Road meets the demands of ordinary folk. In addition, Xujiahui Shopping Center, Yuyuan Shopping City, Jiali Sleepless City are thriving and popular destinations for those who are seeking to buy something special as a memento of their visit.
SHANGHAI TIPS
Even though temperatures can go up to 40 degrees Celsius in the summer, temperatures in restaurants and hotels tend to be low. However, this trip was cold and wet and I managed to fall ill due to my body inability to adapt to the cold temperature.Haggling is a must when buying from a normal clothing or gift store. Bargaining a 2000RMB coat down to 100RMB is not rare.
Do not haggle when buying food or when buying items from a supermarket or large department store.
Most parking tickets are 10RMB per hour, and have several floors. You leave your car on a platform on the main floor; then, the platform rises and shifts to make room for other cars.
Depend on the taxi. In fact, many Shanghainese people with cars ride taxis when going short-distance.Starter fees for taxis are around 12RMB in the city. Starters fees are lower in the countryside. You can check by looking at a sticker on the taxi. After you get on, a distance-recording machine on the taxi starts ticking away, and the fee is based the distance traveled.
If you want, you can try fighting over the bill with your Chinese host at a restaurant. This is a popular ceremonious action in China that displays politeness, where friends jestingly fight over the bill. Usually, it is obvious who the host is: the one who first suggested eating out normally pays the bill.
ORIENTAL PEARL TV TOWER
The Oriental Pearl Radio and Television Tower stands in Pudong Park in the new and developing Lujiazui district on the banks of the Huangpu River. The tower was once the highest building in the city but now, although it's spire reaches higher than the Jinmao Building, it pales in insignificance compared to its mammoth neighbor.
The design for the Tower incorporates eleven spheres (or "pearls") and three gigantic columns linking the green grass below to the blue sky above. There are six high speed passenger elevators (although there are usually queues) inside the column taking visitors up to the viewing platform which affords great views over the city. One of the most impressive aspects of the building is the lighting. A computer controlled system alternates the light on the tower dependent on the weather conditions.
Although the Tower has now been surpassed in terms of height and design, many Chinese still see it as a fantastic symbol of the new Shanghai. Photographs and Postcards of the Building when it was first completed illustrate the gargantuan changes that have taken place in a short space of time here.
How to get Oriental Pearl TV Tower :
1.Ferry Boat from Puxi 2.Tunnel bus 3. The new tube line to Pudong station
NANJING ROAD
Hope all of you had a great Christmas & a fruitful 2006. It’s a brand new year and 2007 is the - Year of The Pig according to our Chinese Lunar Calendar.
Let me start the year by wishing all of you a great year ahead fill with prosperity and good health.One month just before the Christmas, I was spreading wealth in Shanghai by imparting and educating some kids in Pei Ming High School. Click here to read the full story of me – Sean Toh Spreading Wealth In Shanghai.
It was an enjoyable and a busy 2 weeks working and seeing Shanghai in the evening and during the weekend. Although I had been to Shanghai several times, the economic development and progress in Shanghai is just too fast, tremendous and unbelievable!
Although I did not had much time but I did squeeze some time out to enjoy Shanghai and share my experience with all of you now. First, let me introduce you to a brief history of Shanghai and introduce some of the places of interests that I managed to sightsee for this trip. Let’s start with the history now!
Shanghai, Hu for short, is situated on the estuary of Yangtze River of China. It is the largest industrial city in China. Covering an area of 5,800 square kilometers (2,239 square miles), Shanghai has a population of 18.7 million, including 2 million floating population.
Originally, Shanghai was a seaside fishing village and in time its gradual development led to it being granted County status on August 19th, 1291 during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). Hence this day became the anniversary of the founding of Shanghai. Today's Shanghai is a multi-cultural metropolis with both modern and traditional Chinese features. Bubbling Shanghai shows off every aspect of her unique glamour.
Serving as the largest base of Chinese industrial technology, the important seaport and China's largest commercial and financial center, shanghai draws the attention of the whole world.
Modern Shanghai has three key areas of interest to the visitor. These comprise Sightseeing, Business and Shopping centered upon People's Square and along the Huangpu River. The city's Cultural Center with its public activities and community facilities and finally the main Entertainment and Holiday Tourism area is located at Mt. Sheshan, Chongming Island, Dingshan Lake and Shenshuigang Area.Known as "the Oriental Paris", Shanghai is a shopper's paradise. One of the musts for tourists is Nanjing Road. Huaihai Road intrigues those with modern and fashionable tastes, while Sichuan North Road meets the demands of ordinary folk. In addition, Xujiahui Shopping Center, Yuyuan Shopping City, Jiali Sleepless City are thriving and popular destinations for those who are seeking to buy something special as a memento of their visit.
SHANGHAI TIPS
Even though temperatures can go up to 40 degrees Celsius in the summer, temperatures in restaurants and hotels tend to be low. However, this trip was cold and wet and I managed to fall ill due to my body inability to adapt to the cold temperature.Haggling is a must when buying from a normal clothing or gift store. Bargaining a 2000RMB coat down to 100RMB is not rare.
Do not haggle when buying food or when buying items from a supermarket or large department store.
Most parking tickets are 10RMB per hour, and have several floors. You leave your car on a platform on the main floor; then, the platform rises and shifts to make room for other cars.
Depend on the taxi. In fact, many Shanghainese people with cars ride taxis when going short-distance.Starter fees for taxis are around 12RMB in the city. Starters fees are lower in the countryside. You can check by looking at a sticker on the taxi. After you get on, a distance-recording machine on the taxi starts ticking away, and the fee is based the distance traveled.
If you want, you can try fighting over the bill with your Chinese host at a restaurant. This is a popular ceremonious action in China that displays politeness, where friends jestingly fight over the bill. Usually, it is obvious who the host is: the one who first suggested eating out normally pays the bill.
ORIENTAL PEARL TV TOWER
The Oriental Pearl Radio and Television Tower stands in Pudong Park in the new and developing Lujiazui district on the banks of the Huangpu River. The tower was once the highest building in the city but now, although it's spire reaches higher than the Jinmao Building, it pales in insignificance compared to its mammoth neighbor.
The design for the Tower incorporates eleven spheres (or "pearls") and three gigantic columns linking the green grass below to the blue sky above. There are six high speed passenger elevators (although there are usually queues) inside the column taking visitors up to the viewing platform which affords great views over the city. One of the most impressive aspects of the building is the lighting. A computer controlled system alternates the light on the tower dependent on the weather conditions.
Although the Tower has now been surpassed in terms of height and design, many Chinese still see it as a fantastic symbol of the new Shanghai. Photographs and Postcards of the Building when it was first completed illustrate the gargantuan changes that have taken place in a short space of time here.
How to get Oriental Pearl TV Tower :
1.Ferry Boat from Puxi 2.Tunnel bus 3. The new tube line to Pudong station
NANJING ROAD
Nanjing Road was the first commercial road in Shanghai. In the early 20th century, there were only four department stores along this stretch. Today, it has become the number one place for shopping in the city. The money at work in the road has encouraged many companies and businesses over the years to set up bases near here. Nanjing Road is fantastically located, stemming off the Huangpu River and the Bund at a right angle and linking the city's main commercial and residential districts to the mouth of the river. The road to the east of Xizang Road is called Nanjing Dong Road while the road to the west is known as Nanjing Xi Road.
In the past few years, mammoth changes have taken place here. The street was beginning to look a little down at heel and Huaihai road was pulling the wealthier customers away from here. A huge improvement plan was put into action and completed just in time for Chinese New Year. New shopping centers have been erected and a large section of the street has been pedestrianised. There are also some first class hotels scattered along the road including the Peace Hotel, and the Portman. In the evenings, the street looks at its best, with neon lights and advertising billboards illuminating the glorious buildings along the road.
SHANGHAI MUSEUM
In the past few years, mammoth changes have taken place here. The street was beginning to look a little down at heel and Huaihai road was pulling the wealthier customers away from here. A huge improvement plan was put into action and completed just in time for Chinese New Year. New shopping centers have been erected and a large section of the street has been pedestrianised. There are also some first class hotels scattered along the road including the Peace Hotel, and the Portman. In the evenings, the street looks at its best, with neon lights and advertising billboards illuminating the glorious buildings along the road.
SHANGHAI MUSEUM
The Shanghai Museum was originally housed within the City Library on Nanjing Road until 1995. This spectacular building is now the centerpiece of People's Square. The Museum is a harmonious combination of square shapes and circular ones, epitomizing the Chinese traditional concept which imagines heaven as round and earth as square. The design is also in keeping with Feng Shui principles and this perfectly symmetrical building is said to resemble a large Chinese cooking pot with two handles protruding from either side. In the evenings, smoke bellows out of the vents in the building, making the museum literally appear to be simmering away in the center of the city.
As well as embodying the modern spirit of the city, the museum also houses a great permanent collection and hosts various exhibitions throughout the year. Even if you are not a big museum fan, this place is worth a visit.
The displays are well presented and labeled in English and Chinese and it's an excellent indication of the cultural wealth existing in the city. The museum boasts over 120,000 pieces, including bronze, ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, sculpture, ancient Chinese coins, jade furniture, and western art.
Opening hours:Daily 9am-5pm
How to get to The Shanghai Museum :
Take the subway to People's Square station
FORMER RESIDENCE OF SUN YAT-SEN
Not far from one of the main Shopping districts and in the heart of the French Concession, is the former residence of Dr. Sun Yatsen. Dr. Sun, founder of the Chinese Nationalist Party and his his wife, Madame Song stayed here between 1918 and 1924. This small home is a charming relic of times gone by and a visit here is a great way to break up a shopping trip to Huaihai Lu and remind yourself of how Shanghai used to be. Dr. Sun and his wife were supported by overseas Chinese in Canada who collected money to purchase the house in support of Dr. Sun's revolutionary activities. It was here that Sun Yatsen reshuffled the Chinese Nationalist Party (kuomintang), reached an agreement for cooperation between the Chinese Nationalist Party and the Chinese Communist Party, and made out his plan for the "International Development of China."
Today, all the rooms are arranged as they were when Dr. Sun lived here and the house is a fascinating insight into the life of the revolutionary man. The small entrance fee lets you wander round the house and gardens and refreshingly, this is one sight which is usually peaceful and free from the crowds.
Address:No.7 Xiangshan Road.
How to get to The Former Residence of Sun Yat-sen :
Take the subway to Huaihai Lu and then walk, or take a taxi.
FORMER RESIDENCE OF SONG QINGLING
Madame Song Qingling was the wife of the revolutionary, Sun Yatsen. Song lived at this house on Huaihai Lu at various stages in her life until she died in 1948. Song Qingling (unlike her sister Meiling) remained faithful to the revolutionary cause throughout her entire life and was made an "Honorary President" of the People's Republic. The house here was built in 1920, and is a pretty western-style three-storied villa. Both this house and Sun Yatsen's former residence are fascinating insights into old Shanghai. There is a pleasant garden here too. On the downstairs lobby walls hang portraits of Dr. Sun Yatsen, Chairman Mao and Madame Song taken when Mao came to visit. It was in a room here that Song Qingling met leading members of the party and government, and entertained numerous foreign heads of government. Upstairs are Song Qingling's bedroom and office, and a quaint display of what are designated to be "cultural relics" that she used during her lifetime.
How to get to The Former Residence of Song Qingling :
Take the subway to Hengshan Road station and walk about twenty minutes.
Address: No.1843 Huaihaizhong Road.
OLD CITY GOD'S TEMPLE
As well as embodying the modern spirit of the city, the museum also houses a great permanent collection and hosts various exhibitions throughout the year. Even if you are not a big museum fan, this place is worth a visit.
The displays are well presented and labeled in English and Chinese and it's an excellent indication of the cultural wealth existing in the city. The museum boasts over 120,000 pieces, including bronze, ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, sculpture, ancient Chinese coins, jade furniture, and western art.
Opening hours:Daily 9am-5pm
How to get to The Shanghai Museum :
Take the subway to People's Square station
FORMER RESIDENCE OF SUN YAT-SEN
Not far from one of the main Shopping districts and in the heart of the French Concession, is the former residence of Dr. Sun Yatsen. Dr. Sun, founder of the Chinese Nationalist Party and his his wife, Madame Song stayed here between 1918 and 1924. This small home is a charming relic of times gone by and a visit here is a great way to break up a shopping trip to Huaihai Lu and remind yourself of how Shanghai used to be. Dr. Sun and his wife were supported by overseas Chinese in Canada who collected money to purchase the house in support of Dr. Sun's revolutionary activities. It was here that Sun Yatsen reshuffled the Chinese Nationalist Party (kuomintang), reached an agreement for cooperation between the Chinese Nationalist Party and the Chinese Communist Party, and made out his plan for the "International Development of China."
Today, all the rooms are arranged as they were when Dr. Sun lived here and the house is a fascinating insight into the life of the revolutionary man. The small entrance fee lets you wander round the house and gardens and refreshingly, this is one sight which is usually peaceful and free from the crowds.
Address:No.7 Xiangshan Road.
How to get to The Former Residence of Sun Yat-sen :
Take the subway to Huaihai Lu and then walk, or take a taxi.
FORMER RESIDENCE OF SONG QINGLING
Madame Song Qingling was the wife of the revolutionary, Sun Yatsen. Song lived at this house on Huaihai Lu at various stages in her life until she died in 1948. Song Qingling (unlike her sister Meiling) remained faithful to the revolutionary cause throughout her entire life and was made an "Honorary President" of the People's Republic. The house here was built in 1920, and is a pretty western-style three-storied villa. Both this house and Sun Yatsen's former residence are fascinating insights into old Shanghai. There is a pleasant garden here too. On the downstairs lobby walls hang portraits of Dr. Sun Yatsen, Chairman Mao and Madame Song taken when Mao came to visit. It was in a room here that Song Qingling met leading members of the party and government, and entertained numerous foreign heads of government. Upstairs are Song Qingling's bedroom and office, and a quaint display of what are designated to be "cultural relics" that she used during her lifetime.
How to get to The Former Residence of Song Qingling :
Take the subway to Hengshan Road station and walk about twenty minutes.
Address: No.1843 Huaihaizhong Road.
OLD CITY GOD'S TEMPLE
(Laochenghuangmiao)is a major yet relatively inactive, Taoist temple in Shanghai. It is located in the area south of Yan'an Road on the Fangbang Zhong Road.
During the Ming Dynasty, Zhangshouyue, the head of Shanghai County, dedicated a temple to the local city god. Since then, the City God's Temple has been destroyed several times and the current temple was built in 1926. During the the war of resistance against Japanese invasion during World War II, local merchants built a new City God's Temple in the Foreign Concession (between Lianyun Road and West Jinling Road). That area is now a highrise residence building. The "former" temple is known as the Old City God's Temple. The Old City God's Temple and the enclosed Yuyuan Gardens are not only famous tourist sites but also popular shopping attractions. There are boutiques, shops selling local specialties, as well as large jewelry stores, department stores and fabulous local snack restaurants to be found here.
How to get The Old City God's Temple :
The Temple is situated in the heart of the Yuyuan bazaar.
LOCAL CUISINES OF SHANGHAI
During the Ming Dynasty, Zhangshouyue, the head of Shanghai County, dedicated a temple to the local city god. Since then, the City God's Temple has been destroyed several times and the current temple was built in 1926. During the the war of resistance against Japanese invasion during World War II, local merchants built a new City God's Temple in the Foreign Concession (between Lianyun Road and West Jinling Road). That area is now a highrise residence building. The "former" temple is known as the Old City God's Temple. The Old City God's Temple and the enclosed Yuyuan Gardens are not only famous tourist sites but also popular shopping attractions. There are boutiques, shops selling local specialties, as well as large jewelry stores, department stores and fabulous local snack restaurants to be found here.
How to get The Old City God's Temple :
The Temple is situated in the heart of the Yuyuan bazaar.
LOCAL CUISINES OF SHANGHAI
Shanghainese food is not known for being the best in China! However, over the years Shanghai has become a city that excells at bringing together many different kinds of cuisine. This wonderfully modern and fashionable city has excellent European Continental cuisine in stylish restaurants such as "M" on the Bund and French, German and American cuisine are widely available here. There are a couple of excellent Indian restaurants in the Tandoor and Hazara. Italian, Indian, Thai, Mexican, Vietnamese and even Brazilian and Cajun cuisine are also on offer here and the style and decor in many of the city's best places such as Face and Ali YYs, is beautiful and unique.
Beyond the various cuisine of the world, Shanghai is a center for the culinary culture of China. Here, you can taste famous dishes and culinary styles from all over China. Bifengtang is a great chain serving delicious Cantonese cuisine. Beijing, Yangzhou, Suzhou, Wuxi, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Fujian, Chaozhou, Henan, Anhui, Hunan as well as vegetarian and Xinjiang cuisine are all available with exceptionally high quality and authenticity in this city. Shanghainese cuisine too can be very delicious and 1221 is a beautiful place to sample the city's unique dishes. Explore our dining index for the best that Shanghai has to offer.Some of the best and most interesting culinary offerings one can find in Shanghai include: Nanxiang Steamed Pork Dumplings, Local River Crabs, Vegetarian Steamed Buns, Chicken and Duck Blood Soup, and Niangao with Spare Ribs. Shanghai's world-spanning culinary styles, superior dining environments, cosmopolitan atmosphere and high quality of service make the city a haven for all those who crave variety and excitement on their plate. A wide variety of cuisines can be found in the City and today Shanghai offers a plethora of culinary delights focusing on the traditions of Beijing, Yangzhou, Sichuan, Guangzhou as well as its own local dishes. Shanghai's restaurants are among the finest to be found in China and they welcome diners from anywhere at any time.
Shanghai is the only city that encapsulates all kinds of mix architectures from the west, ( European, American, Italian, Russian, etc.) as well as the east. It’s the only city in the world that preserve it’s rich old historical buildings as well as architectures that are modern and beautiful in designs. All I cay say is Shanghai is a city for those love million times of Piccadilly Circus of London in the east.
Sean Toh
Beyond the various cuisine of the world, Shanghai is a center for the culinary culture of China. Here, you can taste famous dishes and culinary styles from all over China. Bifengtang is a great chain serving delicious Cantonese cuisine. Beijing, Yangzhou, Suzhou, Wuxi, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Fujian, Chaozhou, Henan, Anhui, Hunan as well as vegetarian and Xinjiang cuisine are all available with exceptionally high quality and authenticity in this city. Shanghainese cuisine too can be very delicious and 1221 is a beautiful place to sample the city's unique dishes. Explore our dining index for the best that Shanghai has to offer.Some of the best and most interesting culinary offerings one can find in Shanghai include: Nanxiang Steamed Pork Dumplings, Local River Crabs, Vegetarian Steamed Buns, Chicken and Duck Blood Soup, and Niangao with Spare Ribs. Shanghai's world-spanning culinary styles, superior dining environments, cosmopolitan atmosphere and high quality of service make the city a haven for all those who crave variety and excitement on their plate. A wide variety of cuisines can be found in the City and today Shanghai offers a plethora of culinary delights focusing on the traditions of Beijing, Yangzhou, Sichuan, Guangzhou as well as its own local dishes. Shanghai's restaurants are among the finest to be found in China and they welcome diners from anywhere at any time.
Shanghai is the only city that encapsulates all kinds of mix architectures from the west, ( European, American, Italian, Russian, etc.) as well as the east. It’s the only city in the world that preserve it’s rich old historical buildings as well as architectures that are modern and beautiful in designs. All I cay say is Shanghai is a city for those love million times of Piccadilly Circus of London in the east.
Sean Toh
Labels: City Guide, Holidays, Shanghai, Tour Guide
posted by Sean Toh at
12:17 AM
