Shanghai – Luxury Hotels, Shopping and Sightseeing

Shanghai is the most densely inhabited city in China. Sitting at the mouth of the Yangtze River, this city reflects the blend of western and eastern cultures in its architectural designs. For those who stay in luxury hotels, Shanghai provides a variety of pleasures. From shopping in the high-end stores along Nanjing Road to exploring the history of the country at the Shanghai Museum – this city provides visitors with much to arouse their interests, varied though they may be. The Bund – The Symbol of Shanghai Look out the windows of any of the luxury hotels – Shanghai beckons. The architecture can truly amaze. For variety, no place is more astounding than the Bund or Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu (East Zhongshan 1st Road). Positioned on the west bank of the Huangpu River, this area runs along it from the Waibaidu Bridge to Nanpu Bridge, enclosing some 1500 metres. Within these confines, a visitor can find 52 buildings representing various architectural styles of the early 20th century. The Bund represents a triumph of international architecture. Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, French Baroque, Neo-Renaissance and American-Chinese architecture are prominent. Architects include Lazlo Hudec, the noted Hungarian designer, Parker and Palmer, H. H. Kung and Austrian G. H. Gorden. Their contributions to Art Deco structures include the Sassoon House, Park Hotel, Peace Hotel, Grand Hotel, the Metropole Hotel and the Capital Theatre. Stroll along the Boardwalk as it stretches along the Bund and the Huangpu River. Across the water, you can view the towering skyscrapers and bright lights of the new Shanghai. These contrast sharply to the beautiful lines of the neoclassical Jardine Matheson Building at 27 Bund, or the Art Deco construction of the Bank of Taiwan at 16. Pudong – Modern Shanghai Pudong is the modern side of Shanghai. It is the business sector, the financial centre across from the Bund. From its 468-metre tall Oriental Pearl TV Tower to its 5 star luxury hotels, Shanghai reveals its bustling, expansive side in Pudong. Yet, you can also view the history of the city unfold in the excellent Shanghai Municipal History Museum. Later, stop for a drink on high. Take the supersonic elevator to the top of Grand Hyatt Hotel to Cloud 9 on the Jinmao Tower, the peak of the hotel. The Tower also has an observation deck perched on the 88th floor. Nanjing Road – Premier Shopping District You can go on a frenzied shopping spree and visitors can purchase the usual gifts and goods from their luxury hotels. Shanghai, however, offers so much more. Catch a cab or walk to the premier shopping district in the city and China – Nanjing Road. This 3.4-mile stretch of road boasts over 600 businesses. Everything from designer boutiques and upscale stores to traditional shops offer you their wares. Select from the newest fashions and creations from Dunhill, Tiffany and Mont Blanc. Alternatively, you can purchase yards of rich silk goods and jade items. More Shopping Delights If you don't see what you want along the Nanjing Lu, don't worry. Other high-end and interesting possibilities are often a mere stone throw from many of the city's luxury hotels. Shanghai can draw you into the shopping delights of the small shops, artist's studios and outdoor cafes that are part of Taikang Lu. You can also find excellent items at the international boutiques on Huaihai Lu and nearby streets. For a change, you might also stop and look what the city's antique and pseudo antique markets have to offer. Try Chine Antiques at Dongtai or Hu and Hu. Both offer high-end furniture and other items. You can also opt to explore the more eclectic and often questionable Fuyu Antique Markets on Fangbang. Shanghai – Luxury Hotels, Shopping and Sightseeing is a post from: Traveling China from Traveling China http://www.chinaya.org

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