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SHANGHAI TRAVEL GUIDE
Shanghai is a true blending of East and West. With more than 18 million residents living in this city, it is one of the most populous in China. Since Shanghai developed an open national policy in 1978 it has grown in leaps and bounds to become a major financial and economic centre of the world. Western companies have poured into Shanghai and over 300 of the top corporations have opened branches in this city. Hundreds of thousands of tourists pour into this city yearly to see this fascinating mix of modern West and Ancient East.
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SHANGHAI WEATHER - When To Go
Summer (June, July, August) is the peak season of travel to Shanghai. However the summer season is very muggy and temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius. Autumn, during late September to mid-November, and spring from April through mid-May are the best times to travel, as temperatures are pleasant and mild. In addition, due to the beautiful weather, this is the time many festivals and fairs are held. If you do not mind the freezing temperatures of Winter, where it can drop below freezing, this is also a good time to visit Shanghai as there are not many tourists which means you can find some great deals on hotels in Shanghai. Avoid Shanghai during Chinese New Year as many workers are on vacation and transportation can be very difficult.
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SHANGHAI ATTRACTIONS - Things to See & Do
Shanghai is cut in half by the Huangpu River. The west bank is the older part of the city and is known as Puxi. All the skyscrapers that mark the Shanghai skyline can be found in the modern part of the city called Pudong.
Begin a tour of Shanghai in Pudong with a stop at the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. It is 468 meters tall and reflects the modern era of Shanghai. Take a trip up to the top for great views of the city. The Shanghai History Museum is also located here and is worth a visit. Try to visit early in the day, as this is a major tourist attraction and can get crowded.
Take a stroll on the Bund when the weather is calm and sunny. On the south side of the Bund are all the newer finance and corporate buildings while, along the west there are some amazing examples of early 20th century architecture. Musicians gather in the area to play to the public and there are always fun activities occurring along the river.
For the avid shopper do not miss a trip to Nanjing Road. There are over 600 shops along a 5.5-kilometer stretch. Or head the Shanghai Xin Tian Di with its traditional shikumen (stone gate) homes. This area has a lot of art galleries, bars and cafes that are frequented by the upper crust of Shanghai.
To take a break from the city noises and sights visit Yuyuan Garden. This garden was built in the Ming and Oing Dynastic styles. There are six distinct areas with The Grand Rockery located in the centre of the garden and the most popular area by far. There are sparkling pools, shaded alcoves and pavilions and bamboo and jasmine strewn about the garden. Travel to the garden early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Once in the garden look for the Exquisite Jade Rock that was to be delivered to the imperial court until the boat sank just outside of Shanghai. Purchase some fish food to feed the Koi scattered throughout the ponds. Near the entrance in the Mid-Lake Pavilion Teahouse that has been patronized by Queen Elizabeth II and Bill Clinton. There is also a bazaar here and is worth a walk through if you can stand the din of the sales hawkers and the plethora of shoppers.
Art and history lovers should plan on spending a full day at the Shanghai Museum. There are over 120,000 Chinese artefacts including paintings, pottery, calligraphies and many other treasures. The museum itself looks a bronze cooking vessel called a Ding. The 120,000 exhibits gradually walk the visitor through the history of China.
The Jade Buddha Temple located on the West Nanjing Road, is the most well known Buddhist temple in Shanghai. There are 2 White Jade Buddhas, one is sitting and the other is recumbent symbolizing nirvana. While it is an active place of worship, visitors are always invited to stop in.
The Longhua Pagoda and Longhua Temple is the oldest monastery in Shanghai. It was built in the 10th century. There are 5 halls beginning with the Laughing Buddha Hall. The Evening Bell-Striking ceremony is a popular event to attend. The temple is known for its 6500kg bell contained in the bell tower to the side of the entrance. A vegetarian restaurant is on premises for a quick bite to eat. Visit the temple during the Longhua Temple Fair which occurs on the third day of the third month of the lunar calendar (April or May). A quick walk on Longhua road will lead to the Longhua Flower & Bird Market where the ambler can view a myriad of songbirds chirping away.
The Shanghai Zoo is a great place to go with children or for a picnic on the acres of soft green grass. There are over 200 species of animals from all over the world. There is a Children’s Zoo with pigs and goats that can be fed by hand. Pony rides are also available. Some of the exhibits are less than perfect but all in all the kids will have a great time.
Another place the kids will love is the Shanghai Aquarium. The visitor can take a tour of worlds different water ecosystems. Start in China at the Yangzi River then head over to Australia followed by South America. Finish the tour with a look at the Antarctic waters and the aquatic life that survives in this frigid environment. There is a 155m tunnel that runs under the water tanks and provides an awesome view of the fish swimming overhead.
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SHANGHAI - Eating Out & Nightlife
Begin the evening at one of the many 24-hour Tea Houses spread throughout Shanghai. Enjoy an after dinner cup of tea before setting out to one of the bars, discos or karaoke clubs. Shanghai Xin Tian Di is a great place for the first time visitor to enjoy the nightlife in Shanghai. Open air bars are the most popular venues and home to many white-collar workers where they congregate to discuss business. Hengshan Road is where the first bars in Shanghai were opened. It is still a very popular area to party for the locals, and can be the busiest part of city at night.
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SHANGHAI - Getting Around & Local Transport
Transportation in Shanghai is well organized. The road network allows taxis and buses easy access to all parts of the city. However, try to avoid the Inner Ring Road at rush hour as it can get very congested. There are 5 subway lines that travel throughout the whole city. This is the fastest way to travel but once again avoid using the subway between 7-9:30am and 5:30-8:30pm as this is rush hour. There are ferries everywhere along the Huanpu river to shuttle travellers between the east and west banks.
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SHANGHAI FLIGHTS - FLYING THERE FROM THE UK
Both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic offer direct flights to Shanghai from London.
Other flights (involving a connection on mainland Europe or Middle East) can be found via big online flight-booking websites such as Expedia.co.uk or ebookers.com.
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