A trendsetter in these fast-changing times, Shanghai is the epicentre of Asia’s growth as an emerging world power. Redefining itself at lightning speed and fast paced to the core, this bustling metropolis in the Orient has reconciled its’ past and present with ease and the evidence is everywhere. With soaring sky scrapers, Shanghai outshines even Beijing and is a party capital in its own right. Likened to Hong Kong for its love of all things contemporary, this unabashedly futuristic city is a breath of fresh air in a country that is morphing its’ identity to match its’ progress.
Famed as one of the globe’s busiest shopping districts Nanjing Road is also the retail hub of Shanghai. Ideally located in the heart of the city, it is spread out across the west-east route spanning the region from The Bund to People’s Square while the western quarter runs from People’s Square to Jing’an District. As one of the world’s longest shopping hubs, stretching across 6km this century old business district welcomes a whopping one million visitors each day.
Divided in to two sections, namely east Nanjing Road and west Nanjing Road and known as one of the globe’s seven great roads in the 30’s, this shopping district has a lot to offer in terms of attractions, entertainment and amusements. People’s Square is one such point of interest that is worth the visit as it features a picturesque park where one can enjoy a leisurely stroll or feed the ever inquisitive pigeons dotting the park grounds. The Shanghai Museum with its extensive collection of historic relics and the world’s finest compilation of Chinese bronzes is another must-see venue in addition to the breathtaking Jing’an Temple and the illustrious Shanghai Art Gallery. The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall is another highlight along Nanjing Road as it houses a large scale model of Shanghai’s landscapes in 2020 as well as a look back in to the structural changes the city went through the ages to achieve its current state.
Those with a flair for the arts can experience a performance by the Beijing Opera at the opera house located in Fuzhou Lu 710. Drastically different from European operas , Chinese opera features acrobatic feats while some only contain song and music in an artistic representation of Chinese heritage and culture. Classic opera enthusiasts can opt for the Shanghai Grand Opera Palace on the western quarter of the park which is also renowned as one of the top ten opera venues in the world. The Shanghai Acrobatics Show is also a treat for the children and adults alike as the typically 90 minutes show rarely disappoints as some of the nation’s best acrobats and performers take the stage.
The eastern quarter features the Central Market and the Nanjing Road pedestrian mall where some of the city’s biggest and oldest department stores and local retail shops are located in addition to a number of old and grand restaurants, cafés and eateries. West Nanjing houses the Shanghai Exhibition Centre, and several upscale shopping malls and retail outlets where luxury goods and high-end items are easily available. Bargain hunters should not forget to drop in to the quaint boutiques near these sky piercing giants as discounts are sure to be found.
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is a lovely vehicle-free walkway where book lovers are bound to stumble upon a treasure or two in the many book stores in the area. The Foreign Book Store is a preferred spot for tourists while the Shanghai Book City which stocks mainly Chinese titles is popular among Chinese literature fans.
When it comes to scrumptious snacks and fine restaurants, visitors will find a wide range of eateries to suit their tastes and budget. For those who are looking for delicious goodies that don’t pinch your pocket try the shops down Wujiang Road close to Nanjing West Rd Station, Xiaoyang Shengjian or Da Niang Shui Jiao which serves mouth-watering Chinese dumplings and soups. Saizeriya offers Italian dishes at a fraction of the cost in a tranquil setting while other affordable diners include Bali Laguana and CoCo Ichibanya. The restaurants in Huanghe road are ideal for food connoisseurs who don’t mind splurging for a special meal, Kathleen’s 5 serves local and international favourites with a French touch in an elegant surrounding.
Those in search of a luxury boutique hotel in Shanghai will be more than satisfied with The Langham Yangtze Boutique Shanghai which offers modern amenities in a comfortable setting. Captivating and charming, it is arguably one of the finest if not the best luxury hotel in Shanghai.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
