Revisit old Shanghai
It is indeed very rare to see a city which flaunts two absolutely contrasting images and still manage to thrive effortlessly, keeping uniqueness of the both in one piece.
On one hand it showcases Dragon’s ever-booming economy and on the other it exhibits a varied vintage cultural diversity. Evolving from a small port town in the 19th century to a true metropolis now, Shanghai, is a traveler’s paradise.
Old Shanghai
The city has endured Japanese pirates, entertained colonial entrepreneurships and even embraced immigrants all around the globe. The fame which ‘Paris of the East’ had in those days was such that it was aptly dubbed as ‘The Athens of China’ although Shanghai literally means — upon the sea in Mandarin. The major tourist attractions of old Shanghai are:
The Bund
The first British Settlement in China, this street on the river Huangpu is perhaps one of the best examples of Sino-European architecture and a stroll on this road gives you an imbibing impression of Bombay in the British Raj. These neoclassical masterpieces now are the headquarters of the major Chinese Banks and Media houses.
Xintiandi
Translated as ‘The new heaven’ and situated in the heart of old Shanghai it is one of the better places in the city to get the feel of how daily chores were in Shanghai a few centuries ago. Peculiar to the city, these traditional Shikumen buildings are busy antique shops with some very authentic Chinese restaurants to tickle your taste buds. Xintiandi, is definitely worthwhile.
Yuyuan Garden
Away from the hustle-bustle of the old Shanghai, this garden really is sort of an oasis with lots of history blossoming in it. The centre of attraction here is a splendid 3.3 meters hollow Jade rock. Originally opened to public in 1780, it underwent some major renovation in the recent past and was declared a national monument in 1982.
Shanghai Museum
Located at the ever packed People’s Square it is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums of Shanghai. It compiles a wide range of ancient artifacts, porcelain, currencies etc. One whole section is dedicated to the lifestyle of the diverse minorities of China which I personally felt was the highlight of the museum. Special exhibitions on the collection of some renowned museums around the world are always on display too. Some other attractions of old Shanghai are — Jade Buddha Temple, Longhua Pagoda Temple, Confucius Temple and former residence of Sun-Yat Sen (The first President of the provisional
Republic of China).
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