Nothing says “ancient culture” more than the country of China; and one of its most famous cities, Shanghai is known throughout the World. In fact, it is a household name already, being constantly driven into our memory by the city’s colorful culture and yes, the food – oh, that wonderful food. However, the Shanghai of today is more than just a collection of ancient architecture. It is as modern as any of the great cities of the world but it retains that unique Chinese flavor that we all have grown to expect – and love.
Modern Shanghai has a skyline that is both ancient and futuristic. It is not uncommon to see pagoda temples standing side by side with the newest built mall. A great example of this would be the Shikumen, whose English translation literally means “stone gate” or “stone storage door.” The Shikumen is actually one of the oldest styles of Shanghainese residences: two or three story town homes, arranged in straight alleys and protected out front by a high brick wall (hence the name.) A walk through the alleys will let you see first hand how the ancient peoples of this race lived, probably selling and trading on the cobbled paths as they have for centuries on end. These days, parts of the Shikumen in Xintiandi are being renovated as a shopping center and a series of high end restaurants.
Speaking of Xintiandi, this place is also a wonderful place to spend the night with friends just eating great food and drinking beer. If you prefer a more affluent setting, all you need to do is walk a few feet to find a fine dining restaurant of whatever world cuisine you like – Chinese, Irish, Italian, Japanese… anything you like. Xintiandi in English literally means “New Heaven and Earth,” and it surely is.
Nonetheless, there are walking tours for all of you cultural buffs; and the city is replete with interesting places to visit. You should add these places to itinerary: Bund; City God Temple; Dongjiadu Cathedral; Longhua Temple; Jade Buddha Temple; Jing’an Temple; Jin Mao Tower; Ohel Rachel Synagogue; Oriental Pearl Tower; Shanghai Museum; the Shanghai Art Museum (near the People’s Square); the Shanghai Natural History Museum; She Shang Cathedral; Songjiang Mosque; St. Ignatius Cathedral (in Xujiahui); the Wenmiao; and the Xiaotaoyuan Mosque.
For nature trippers, we highly recommend you let your footsies rest in the very picturesque Yuyuan Garden. There are three other beautiful gardens in all of Shanghai, but Yuyuan Garden certainly makes our day. This is a very traditional garden patterned still after the Suzhou-Jiangnan style and covering almost 2 hectares of land. The garden is divided into: the Grand Rockery; Heralding Spring Hall; Inner Garden; Jade Magnificence Hall; the Lotus Pool; and the Ten Thousand Flower Tower.
Now, in China, there seems to be a correlation between shopping and food. You have to admit that this makes sense; after all that shopping (or even while shopping), food will be a welcome companion. We therefore highly recommend you spend your time on the Nanjing Road. Stores and food stalls here are open day and night, and yes, there are bargains after bargains. Although not necessary, you could always ask a local friend to accompany you while shopping. A favorite past time here of the locals is to know how to bargain for lower prices.
You may also want to check out the local listings for cultural shows. The Shanghai Grand Theater is home to Chinese Acrobatic Shows, and we can assure you that this is a show like no other.
