Shanghai

Shanghai is the largest city by population in the world and has a rich and interesting history. Its location close to the Yangtze River Delta and the East China Sea has made it an important port for both Chinese and European traders for centuries. It is a global financial centre and has the world’s busiest container port. I expected a concrete jungle but was pleasantly surprised to find a vibrant, colourful, safe city with tree-lined streets, parks, temples and eclectic architecture. Shanghai has something for everyone and is perfect for a stop en-route to Europe (max 72hr visa free).

We wandered around Jing’An Temple, one of the most famous in Shanghai, its history dating back to 247 AD. The large square was filled with people milling around quietly. Some were lighting incense sticks and praying to statues in the different ornately decorated halls. Others were throwing coins at waterfalls and onto the rooves of structures to invite good fortune. In one hall is a goddess made of camphor wood 6.2m tall and weighing 5 metric tons. Opposite is the Jade Buddha Hall housing a 3.8m jade Buddha, the largest sitting jade Buddha statue in China.

An evening boat cruise down the Huangpu River is a great way to see the city lights. As the sun sets, the futuristic high rise buildings in Pudong light up in a display that rivals New York or London. Cruises start from The Bund, which was once Asia’s “golden mile” of finance and commerce and is on the west bank of the river facing the modern skyscrapers of Pudong on the other side. One of the main features of the Bund is the row of low-rise colonial buildings of interesting and varied architectural style including Art Deco.

Visit Yu Garden, established in 1577, a maze of classical Ming and Qing Dynasty pavilions, rock gardens, arched bridges and sparkling ponds surrounded by a lively bazaar where street vendors sell a wide range of food and goods. We were advised not to eat the street food but that restaurants were safe. Whilst there is a lot of junk for sale there are also a number of bargains but bartering is essential to get the best price.

Nanjing Road is the main shopping area, known as “Oxford Street of the East” most of which is pedestrian only, and has most international brands. The side streets are a stark contrast with small, colourful shops resembling street markets.

These are just a few things to do in this amazing and culturally diverse city. Highly recommended.