Shanghai

Shanghai, China

A century ago, its story began to unfold. But no one expected at the time that this humble small fishing village had set itself firmly on a road to fame and fortune and would one day let the world hear its roar.

Shanghai is a city that;s been exposed to a century's worth of western influences, a poster child of China's phenomenal economic success, an inviting, multicolored mosaic, an appealing tourist destination pulling in travelers in droves from far and wide. Old homes lining equally old backstreets stand in stark contrast to modern high-rises. The songs of the choir in the cathedral of Xujiahui blend in with the incense smoke of the Jade Buddha Temple. Teahouses and bars attract a constant stream of patrons. Shopping arcades tempt shoppers to blow a lot of dough.

Nothing should come as a surprise. Reason: Shanghai was, and still is, at the forefront of style; Shanghai is where China's economic heart beats.

Getting around

• The Bund

  The Bund stretches for 1.5 kilometers along Shanghai's most essential waterway and Mother River - the Huangpu River. With its 52 buildings of different styles, it has earned its reputation as the outdoor museum of world architecture and is a window on the decadent Shanghai in the old days. Behind them are the high-rises which frame the city's skyline.

• Lujiazui

  In 1990, this area was nothing but farmhouses and small warehouses hemmed in by paddy fields and the boggy banks of the Huangpu River. But only over a decade later, it has become Shanghai's financial district replete with iconic landmarks like Oriental Pearl Tower and World Trade Center, where you will feel overwhelmed by the city's heads-turning commercialism.

• Chenghuangmiao

  Chenghuangmiao, or City God Temple, is another quaint place that reveals a slice of the city's past. It's stood there for nearly six centuries since it was built in the Ming period. Today, owners of numerous food stalls greet crowds with their loud hawks.

• Tianzifang

  This typical Shanghai neighborhood is the former site of some state-run plants. Today, it's Shanghai's avant-garde art leader, with interesting creations housed in old buildings.

• Xintiandi

  This area teeming with Shanghai's culturally imbued old homes known as Shikumen is stirringly evocative of Shanghai's past. Today, it's a hive of activity for diners, shoppers and entertainment and leisure seekers. Yesterday, today and tomorrow meet in Xintiandi.

  
  
  
• Disneyland

  Chinese elements add extra luster to the American authentic creation in Shanghai, which is Asia's third and the world's sixth Disneyland Park. Rides and attractions will put your kid and yourself on a high.