Easily China's richest city and the leading trendsetter in fashion, design and the arts, Shanghai is the best city in the country for dining and shopping. With legions of futuristic skyscrapers, glitzy restaurants, bars, hotels and shopping savvy it competes with rival Asia cities such as Hong Kong and Singapore.
The Bund, is the symbol of Shanghai and features grand buildings built in the 1930's. Nanjing Road is considered to be the 'No. 1 commercial street in China' where you will find over 600 shops that on average are visited by some 1.7 million people each day. Here, you could purchase everything wanted, spanning from special and cheap souvenirs to the luxurious world famous brands. Xin Tian Di has become a hot and fashionable pedestrian street in the center of the city with outdoor cafés, bars and romantic restaurants that can be seen everywhere.
Yuyuan Garden is the largest of Shanghai's ancient gardens with Ming and Qing architectural styles. The Grand Rockery, in the center of the Garden, is the most renowned sight. The Jade Buddha Temple is one of the most famous Buddhist shrines in Shanghai. Although many people come to worship each day and burn incense at this very holy and active shrine, visitors are welcome.
Modern Attractions include the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, This unusual structure that dominates the skyline is a great attraction to visitors. World Financial Center, the highest multi-purpose skyscraper in the country, attracts more and more visitors to appreciate the beautiful panorama of this modern city. Jin Mao Tower, with its ingenious combination of the elements of traditional Chinese culture with the newest architectural styles of the time, make the tower one of the best-designed buildings.
Other Modern Attractions include the Shanghai Tower, Ocean Aquarium, People Square, Disneyland, Happy Valley, Wild Animal Park, Lupu Bridge, Botanical Garden, Sheshan National Holiday Resort.
Longhua Park is famous for the ancient Longhua Pagoda and Longhua Temple, the Evening Bell-Striking Ceremony and the peach blossoms. Zhujiajiao and Qibao Ancient Town id where ancient houses huddle by the rivers running through the towns. Fengjing Ancient town, Shanghai Old Street, Ancient Yi Garden, Jing'an Temple, Confucius Temple, Shikumen Residence are also "must see" attractions from the past.
Shanghai Museum is a veritable treasure house of ancient Chinese art and houses 120,000 precious relics that dates back 5,000 years. If you are interested in visiting more museums, The Site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China, The Former Residences of Sun Yat-sen, Song Qingling, Chenyun and Pingpu Revolutionary Memorial Hall, The Memorial Hall of Fushou Garden, as well as some specialized museums, including Tobacco Museum, Automotive Museum, Science and Technology Museum and Urban Planning Exhibition Hall.