Shanghai is divided into two parts by the Huangpu River: Puxi (west of the Huangpu River) and Pudong (east of the Huangpu River). Puxi is the older part of the city and hosts the majority of shops, restaurants and museums. Pudong is the modern part, and is recognized for its rather unusual yet extremely impressive high-rises such as Shanghai's tallest buildings, the Shanghai International Financial Center, Jinmao Building and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower.
Popular tourist attractions located nearby the Kerry Hotel Pudong include the International Expo Centre, the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum (Shanghai Kexue Bowuguan), Taikang Road, the First National Congress of the CCP (Zhonggong Yidahuizhi) and Sun Yatsen Residence.
A few Highlights of Shanghai
If you only have one day to make this a memorable visit, read 24 hours in Shanghai and Day Trip in Shanghai.
The Bund
The Bund has also been known as Zhongshan First East Road, which measures about 1.5 kilometers in length. It starts from Yanan East Road in the south and extends to Waibaidu Bridge on Suzhou Creek in the north. To its east is the Huangpu River. To its west are 52 classic buildings of Gothic and Baroque styles which used to house old Shanghai’s financial institutions and trading companies; therefore, the Bund is now acclaimed as an outdoor museum of international architecture.
Facing the Huangpu River, Shanghai’s mother river, the Bund has been a symbol of the city for over 100 years. It was not only witness to Shanghai’s legendary past, but also fully demonstrates to the world the city’s remarkable ability to absorb foreign cultures. The peaceful river, the long dyke and the green belt against the dazzling backdrop of charming buildings make the Bund Shanghai’s signature spot.
YU Garden
This ancient property owned by a Ming dynasty official is the only Ming garden in the northern part of the Old City. Built in 1559, the 2-hectare garden has been around for over four centuries. It boasts over 40 ingeniously conceived, well laid out ancient buildings, which have interesting names like Iron Panther, Moon Tower and Hearing-Waves Pavilion. With its pavilions, artificial mountains and ponds, it’s widely advertised as a gem of classic Chinese gardening and an oasis of calm marooned in the urban bustle. It is not only a tourist attraction, but also a worth-a-dedicated-trip shopping destination where trinkets, local products and famous snacks attract those ready to shell out.
Lujiazui
Lujiazui is Shanghai's leading financial center. Located on the bank of Huangpu River in Pudong New Area, it is now one of Shanghai’s most charming places. It provides the most convincing cross-section of cosmopolitan Shanghai. Lujiazui boasts not only an “outdoor museum of global architecture”, but also modern high-rises that frame the skyline of modern Shanghai. Lujiazui is just the spot where you marvel at Shanghai’s modernity. Lujiazui is home to myriad shopping venues, eating establishments and attractions. You can also trek up to the top of the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jinmao Tower and the World Financial Center for commanding views of the city.
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street
Shanghai's Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street sets an exemplary model for Asia's shopping scene. It's positioned for the middle-end and high-end brands and is visited by both the locals and visitors alike.
It's quite an experience to cruise through this 1200-meter pedestrian street paved with colored bricks and stones, with pedestrian traffic flowing irresistably and sightseeing trains trundling through small stalls and boutique shops. This is one of the best places where one can savor up Shanghai's signature modern metropolitan style, with the rickshaws, incense shops, and classic cigarette ads being a thing of past.
Xintiandi
Xintiandi, a modern leisure and entertainment neighborhood in downtown Shanghai, provides an interesting window on the city and the rest of the world, on city’s yesteryears, today and tomorrow. Culturally and historically imbued old homes which are known as Shikunmen and cover an area of nearly 30,000 square meters, have been turned into a hive of activity for diners, shoppers and entertainment and leisure seekers. Beneath the veneer of old bricks and roofs that have been preserved to this day and age are modern amenities. An easy stroll makes you feel you are transported back in time to a Shanghai of the 20’s and 30’s of the last century, but once you step into a door, the ambience of modernity is just overwhelming. Galleries, designer clothing shops, theme eateries, cafés and bars are everywhere. Street shows and trendy activities abound. Xintiandi is Shanghai’s new landmark. It is where tradition and modernity meet, a classy venue for urban slickers.
Mount Sheshan
Speaking of the mountains in the region of Shanghai, the first that comes to the mind of the locals is Mount Sheshan. The mountain, which was formed around 70 million years ago, has 9 peaks that are often likened to 9 flowers. This back garden of Shanghai is a great destination for sightseers, leisure-seekers and pilgrims. Interesting sites abound. Laid out like a rectangular Latin cross in an area of 1 hectare and rises to 70 feet, Sheshan Catholic Church is the landmark of the region. Sheshan Observatory built in late Qing dynasty (1644-1911) is China’s earliest facility of the kind, boasting Asia's largest 65-meter radio telescope. Sheshan Astronomical Museum located on the east side of the mountain is a national base for science education.
Fengjing
With a history of more than 1,500 years, Fengjing ancient town was once a key connection between Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. There are many bridges, temple, famous people and lanes in the town. The town is also known as the birthplace of the famed Jinshan Peasant Painting, which has won praise for its creative designs and bright colors that vividly represent the everyday life of the working people.
Shanghai Sculpture Park
It’s 120RMB to get into Shanghai Sculpture Park, which seems excessive for a park. But if you come for a day – and there’s enough to keep you here that long – it starts to seem better value. Not only does that entrance fee include a drink from the Cantonese Selene Restaurant on the lake, but it also keeps crowds to a minimum, even at peak times.
Links to more information
*Disclaimer: The posting of the links below are not a recommendation nor an endorsement by ISOPP 2018, ISOPP or ISOPP's agents and suppliers.
http://www.meet-in-shanghai.net/travel-city/top-highlights.php
http://www.timeoutshanghai.com
https://www.chinahighlights.com/shanghai/
https://www.chinaodysseytours.com/
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Around Shanghai
Need an idea for a day trip to explore the outskirts while in Shanghai? Read these Day Trip Ideas.