Shanghai
Hu for short, is a renowned international metropolis drawing more and more attention from all over the world. Situated on the estuary of Yangtze River, it serves as the most influential economic, financial, international trade, cultural, science and technology center in East China. Also it is a popular destination for visitors to sense the pulsating development of the country. In addition to its modernization, the city's multicultural flair endows it with a unique glamour. Here, one finds the perfect blend of cultures, the modern and the traditional , and the western and the oriental. New skyscrapers and old Shikumen together draw the skyline of the city. Western customs and Chinese traditions intertwined and formed the city's culture, making a visitor's stay truly memorable.
Hu for short, is a renowned international metropolis drawing more and more attention from all over the world. Situated on the estuary of Yangtze River, it serves as the most influential economic, financial, international trade, cultural, science and technology center in East China. Also it is a popular destination for visitors to sense the pulsating development of the country. In addition to its modernization, the city's multicultural flair endows it with a unique glamour. Here, one finds the perfect blend of cultures, the modern and the traditional , and the western and the oriental. New skyscrapers and old Shikumen together draw the skyline of the city. Western customs and Chinese traditions intertwined and formed the city's culture, making a visitor's stay truly memorable.
The skyline of Shanghai
Longhua Pagoda & Longhua Temple
is the oldest temple in Shanghai for its long history of over 1,700 years, first built in 242 AD during the period of the Three Kingdoms. Most of the buildings were reconstructed during the reign of the Emperor Tongzhi and Guangxu in the Qing
Longhua Temple is the largest temple in Shanghai with an area of over 20,000 square meters. The whole courtyard was built strictly in the style of traditional Buddhist symmetry and it's in accordance with the Chinese concept of beauty.
Longhua Pagoda is seven-storied, 40.4 meters high and stands in front of the Longhua Temple, with brick body and wooden staircases. Each storey is smaller than the storey below, and all the levels are encircled by balconies and banisters. The pagoda has been rebuilt several times, but the style of the Song Dynasty still remains to today. text source: travelchinaguide.com
is the oldest temple in Shanghai for its long history of over 1,700 years, first built in 242 AD during the period of the Three Kingdoms. Most of the buildings were reconstructed during the reign of the Emperor Tongzhi and Guangxu in the Qing
Longhua Temple is the largest temple in Shanghai with an area of over 20,000 square meters. The whole courtyard was built strictly in the style of traditional Buddhist symmetry and it's in accordance with the Chinese concept of beauty.
Longhua Pagoda is seven-storied, 40.4 meters high and stands in front of the Longhua Temple, with brick body and wooden staircases. Each storey is smaller than the storey below, and all the levels are encircled by balconies and banisters. The pagoda has been rebuilt several times, but the style of the Song Dynasty still remains to today. text source: travelchinaguide.com
Xiahai Temple
Its name is due to its location on the dock from where to enter the river. The temple was constructed during the time Emperor Qianlong on throne (1736-1795), Qing Dynasty. At the beginning, it has only 9 rooms covered an area over 1 Mu. The Sea God statue was placed in it and it became the place for fishermen to pray for their safe sailing. The temple was destroyed during Emperor Jiaging on throne (1796-1820) Qing Dynasty, Bhiksuni Xin Yi re-constructed it, and it was managed by Bhiksuni from then on. In the 4th year of Emperor Xianfeng on throne and the 21st year of Emperor Guangxu on throne, Master Facheng and Master Fuxing constructed more than 30 rooms in succession on this area. All these rooms were destroyed during the Anti Japanese War, 1937. Master Guisheng collected money and re-constructed the temple in 1941, when there were 36 rooms covered an area of 8 Mu. During the "Cultural Revolution" (1966-1976), the temple was forced to cancel all religion activities.
The temple was restored and opened to the public again on 31th January, 1991. There was an opening ceremony of the Buddha statue in the Grand Hall of Xiahai Temple on 6th June, 1992. and Master Changxiu was selected as the manager of the temple. There held an opening ceremony of renovating and expanding of the temple on 3th July, 1999. The new building includes the Grand Hall, The Depositary of Buddhist texts, The Deva-kings Hall, The Bell Tower and Drum Tower, East and West Dormito-ries, etc. All the buildings looks like Ming and Oing Dynasty building's style, and cover an area of 4278 square meters. text source: travelchinaguide.com
Its name is due to its location on the dock from where to enter the river. The temple was constructed during the time Emperor Qianlong on throne (1736-1795), Qing Dynasty. At the beginning, it has only 9 rooms covered an area over 1 Mu. The Sea God statue was placed in it and it became the place for fishermen to pray for their safe sailing. The temple was destroyed during Emperor Jiaging on throne (1796-1820) Qing Dynasty, Bhiksuni Xin Yi re-constructed it, and it was managed by Bhiksuni from then on. In the 4th year of Emperor Xianfeng on throne and the 21st year of Emperor Guangxu on throne, Master Facheng and Master Fuxing constructed more than 30 rooms in succession on this area. All these rooms were destroyed during the Anti Japanese War, 1937. Master Guisheng collected money and re-constructed the temple in 1941, when there were 36 rooms covered an area of 8 Mu. During the "Cultural Revolution" (1966-1976), the temple was forced to cancel all religion activities.
The temple was restored and opened to the public again on 31th January, 1991. There was an opening ceremony of the Buddha statue in the Grand Hall of Xiahai Temple on 6th June, 1992. and Master Changxiu was selected as the manager of the temple. There held an opening ceremony of renovating and expanding of the temple on 3th July, 1999. The new building includes the Grand Hall, The Depositary of Buddhist texts, The Deva-kings Hall, The Bell Tower and Drum Tower, East and West Dormito-ries, etc. All the buildings looks like Ming and Oing Dynasty building's style, and cover an area of 4278 square meters. text source: travelchinaguide.com
Sieh Yih Chapel
This three-story building was designed by Hungarian architect, who named Huder in 1929 with Byzantine style. The entire building was served as taking place burial ceremonies and prayer sessions. A Roman-style tower with 4 copper bells and Gothic arched windows were set up in the north of the hall. When the bells ring, bell tone could reach 10 miles away. Its outer walls are painted in yellow stucco mortar with fish scale patterns. In 1960s the cemetery was destroyed, the Chapel and Bell Tower were retained to nowadays. In 1974 it was used as the warehouse of Shanghai Zoo. Sieh Yih Chapel was giving the title of Shanghai excellent historical building in 1994. From 2008 it returned to religion service. In 2014 it was listed as Municipality Protected Historic Site.
This three-story building was designed by Hungarian architect, who named Huder in 1929 with Byzantine style. The entire building was served as taking place burial ceremonies and prayer sessions. A Roman-style tower with 4 copper bells and Gothic arched windows were set up in the north of the hall. When the bells ring, bell tone could reach 10 miles away. Its outer walls are painted in yellow stucco mortar with fish scale patterns. In 1960s the cemetery was destroyed, the Chapel and Bell Tower were retained to nowadays. In 1974 it was used as the warehouse of Shanghai Zoo. Sieh Yih Chapel was giving the title of Shanghai excellent historical building in 1994. From 2008 it returned to religion service. In 2014 it was listed as Municipality Protected Historic Site.
Fahua Buddhist Temple
The Bund
also called Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, is a famous waterfront and regarded as the symbol of Shanghai for hundreds of years. It is on the west bank of Huangpu River from the Waibaidu Bridge to Nanpu Bridge and winds 1500 meters (0.93 mile) in length. The most famous and attractive sight which is at the west side of the Bund are the 26 various buildings of different architectural styles including Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Classicism and the Renaissance. text source: travelchinaguide.com
also called Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, is a famous waterfront and regarded as the symbol of Shanghai for hundreds of years. It is on the west bank of Huangpu River from the Waibaidu Bridge to Nanpu Bridge and winds 1500 meters (0.93 mile) in length. The most famous and attractive sight which is at the west side of the Bund are the 26 various buildings of different architectural styles including Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Classicism and the Renaissance. text source: travelchinaguide.com
Nanjing Road
China's premier shopping street, 3.4-mile-long Nanjing Road, starts at the Bund in the east and ends in the west at the junction of Jing'an Temple and Yan'an West Street. Today it is a must-see metropolitan destination attracting thousands of fashion-seeking shoppers from all over the world. After the Opium War (1839-1842), Shanghai became a treaty port. Nanjing Road was first the British Concession, then the International Settlement. Importing large quantities of foreign goods, it became the earliest shopping street of the city. text source: travelchinaguide.com
China's premier shopping street, 3.4-mile-long Nanjing Road, starts at the Bund in the east and ends in the west at the junction of Jing'an Temple and Yan'an West Street. Today it is a must-see metropolitan destination attracting thousands of fashion-seeking shoppers from all over the world. After the Opium War (1839-1842), Shanghai became a treaty port. Nanjing Road was first the British Concession, then the International Settlement. Importing large quantities of foreign goods, it became the earliest shopping street of the city. text source: travelchinaguide.com
People's Square and surronding
Yuyuan Garden
a classical garden that dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), was owned by a government officer named Pan Yunduan. Yu in Chinese means pleasing and satisfying, and this garden was specially built for Pan's parents as a place for them to enjoy a tranquil and happy time in their old age. It has over 400 years, is 20000 square meters and contains all elements of a classical Chinese garden: pavilions, halls, rockeries, ponds and cloisters. text source: travelchinaguide.com
a classical garden that dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), was owned by a government officer named Pan Yunduan. Yu in Chinese means pleasing and satisfying, and this garden was specially built for Pan's parents as a place for them to enjoy a tranquil and happy time in their old age. It has over 400 years, is 20000 square meters and contains all elements of a classical Chinese garden: pavilions, halls, rockeries, ponds and cloisters. text source: travelchinaguide.com
Old City God Temple
Built in Yongle Reign of Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), commonly known as Chenghuangmiao, was built to protect the safety of the people in the city, and the gods are regarded as patron saints in Taoism. With an area of 2,000 square meters includes nine palaces. The Temple enshrines three town gods: Huo Guang a famous general of Western Han Dynasty (202 BC- 9 AD), Qin Yubo, a celebrity of Yuan Dynasty (1271 - 1368), and Chen Huacheng, sacrificed in the First Opium War (1839 - 1842). text source: travelchinaguide.com
Built in Yongle Reign of Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), commonly known as Chenghuangmiao, was built to protect the safety of the people in the city, and the gods are regarded as patron saints in Taoism. With an area of 2,000 square meters includes nine palaces. The Temple enshrines three town gods: Huo Guang a famous general of Western Han Dynasty (202 BC- 9 AD), Qin Yubo, a celebrity of Yuan Dynasty (1271 - 1368), and Chen Huacheng, sacrificed in the First Opium War (1839 - 1842). text source: travelchinaguide.com
Huxinting Tea House
a beautiful pavilion that stands in the center of small artificial lake in the middle of Shanghai, constructed during the Ming Dynasty and it is attributed to an official named, Pan Yundan. Originally, both the lake and the great pavilion were considered as a part of the Yu Garden. In 1784, the pavilion went through renovations and in 1855 was converted to a teahouse, a meeting place for merchants and elites. To get to the main pavilion need to cross a zig-zag style bridge (according to traditional Chinese beliefs, this zig-zag design is for keeping the evil spirits from getting into the pavilion).The exterior of the Tea House is brightly colored in rich red and white color which is adorned by intricate Chinese patterns, with a pointed roof. The furniture and fixtures inside are still reminiscent of the ancient Chinese style. text source: travelchinaguide.com
a beautiful pavilion that stands in the center of small artificial lake in the middle of Shanghai, constructed during the Ming Dynasty and it is attributed to an official named, Pan Yundan. Originally, both the lake and the great pavilion were considered as a part of the Yu Garden. In 1784, the pavilion went through renovations and in 1855 was converted to a teahouse, a meeting place for merchants and elites. To get to the main pavilion need to cross a zig-zag style bridge (according to traditional Chinese beliefs, this zig-zag design is for keeping the evil spirits from getting into the pavilion).The exterior of the Tea House is brightly colored in rich red and white color which is adorned by intricate Chinese patterns, with a pointed roof. The furniture and fixtures inside are still reminiscent of the ancient Chinese style. text source: travelchinaguide.com
Jade Buddha Temple (Yu Fo Si 玉佛寺)
has a history of over 130 years. In 1882 of Qing Dynasty the Buddhist monk Huigen from Mount Wutai, went on a pilgrimage visit to Mount Emei and holy Tibet, got to India and finally reached Burma to take five pieces of Jade Buddha and prepare to send back to Mount Wutai, one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China. On the way he passed Shanghai, he left two – one is the sitting Buddha and the other is the reclining Buddha and built a temple called Jade Buddha Temple. Later, it was destroyed in the war and rebuilt in 1918. This is how the temple was named.
Jade Buddha Temple is a Song-dynasty-style architecture with precise complex and harmonious structure. On the central axis, there are Hall of Heavenly Kings, Daxiong Grand Hall, and Jade Buddha Chamber. On the left and right side, there is Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva Hall, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Hall, Manjusri Bodhisattva Hall, Reclining Buddha Statue, Copper Buddha Hall, and so on.
In the Jade Buddha Chamber (玉佛楼), it worships the treasure of the temple – Jade Buddha. It is 1.95 meters tall with a well-rounded face, crescent-shaped eyebrows, half-opened eyes looking down, a straight nose, and a closed mouth with lips up. It puts its left hand on the left leg and right hand dropping down naturally. Jade Buddha is exquisitely carved with smooth and elegant lines.
Text source: chinadiscovery.com
has a history of over 130 years. In 1882 of Qing Dynasty the Buddhist monk Huigen from Mount Wutai, went on a pilgrimage visit to Mount Emei and holy Tibet, got to India and finally reached Burma to take five pieces of Jade Buddha and prepare to send back to Mount Wutai, one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China. On the way he passed Shanghai, he left two – one is the sitting Buddha and the other is the reclining Buddha and built a temple called Jade Buddha Temple. Later, it was destroyed in the war and rebuilt in 1918. This is how the temple was named.
Jade Buddha Temple is a Song-dynasty-style architecture with precise complex and harmonious structure. On the central axis, there are Hall of Heavenly Kings, Daxiong Grand Hall, and Jade Buddha Chamber. On the left and right side, there is Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva Hall, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Hall, Manjusri Bodhisattva Hall, Reclining Buddha Statue, Copper Buddha Hall, and so on.
In the Jade Buddha Chamber (玉佛楼), it worships the treasure of the temple – Jade Buddha. It is 1.95 meters tall with a well-rounded face, crescent-shaped eyebrows, half-opened eyes looking down, a straight nose, and a closed mouth with lips up. It puts its left hand on the left leg and right hand dropping down naturally. Jade Buddha is exquisitely carved with smooth and elegant lines.
Text source: chinadiscovery.com
Shanghai Changfeng Park
With an area of 366,000 square meters, it is a large-scale landscape park and a perfect combination of water and mountains. Open to the public since 1959, it is an ideal place for local people and tourists to relax. There are more than 20 scenic spots in Changfeng Park, including Sliver Hoe Lake, Hill of Iron Arms, Maple Island, Ocean World Park, and the bronze statue of Lei Feng (an example of selflessness and modesty in Chinese culture). Among these scenic spots, Sliver Hoe Lake (Yinchu Lake) and Hill of Iron Arms (Tie Bi Hill) are the "must-see" sights. text source: travelchinaguide.com
With an area of 366,000 square meters, it is a large-scale landscape park and a perfect combination of water and mountains. Open to the public since 1959, it is an ideal place for local people and tourists to relax. There are more than 20 scenic spots in Changfeng Park, including Sliver Hoe Lake, Hill of Iron Arms, Maple Island, Ocean World Park, and the bronze statue of Lei Feng (an example of selflessness and modesty in Chinese culture). Among these scenic spots, Sliver Hoe Lake (Yinchu Lake) and Hill of Iron Arms (Tie Bi Hill) are the "must-see" sights. text source: travelchinaguide.com
Oriental Pearl TV Tower
The tower, surrounded by the Yangpu Bridge in the northeast and the Nanpu Bridge in the southwest, creates a picture of 'twin dragons playing with pearls'. The entire scene is a photographic jewel that excites the imagination and attracts thousands of visitors year-round. more at: www.travelchinaguide.com
The tower, surrounded by the Yangpu Bridge in the northeast and the Nanpu Bridge in the southwest, creates a picture of 'twin dragons playing with pearls'. The entire scene is a photographic jewel that excites the imagination and attracts thousands of visitors year-round. more at: www.travelchinaguide.com
Shanghai World Financial Center
Standing in the center of Lujiazui Finance & Trade Zone in Pudong and neighbouring Shanghai Tower and Jinmao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) was completed in August 28, 2008, being the second tallest skyscraper in mainland China. Having 101 floors with a height of 492 meters, it ranked the top in the heights of roof and usable floor by the time when it was built, announced by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH).
Jin Mao Tower
The 88-stories Jin Mao Tower was completed in 1999. It is 420.5 meters tall and covers an area of 2.3 hectares. The architect, Adrian D. Smith, of this skyscraper ingeniously combined the elements of traditional Chinese culture with the newest architectural styles of the time, which makes it one of the best-constructed buildings in China.
Shanghai Tower
finished in 2015, it stand 632 meters high, and will rank as China's tallest and second only to the world at large. The foot print takes up 30,368 square meters with floor space of about 576,000 square meters, with 5 basement levels, 121 floors above ground and 5 podium floors. text source: travelchinaguide.com
Standing in the center of Lujiazui Finance & Trade Zone in Pudong and neighbouring Shanghai Tower and Jinmao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) was completed in August 28, 2008, being the second tallest skyscraper in mainland China. Having 101 floors with a height of 492 meters, it ranked the top in the heights of roof and usable floor by the time when it was built, announced by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH).
Jin Mao Tower
The 88-stories Jin Mao Tower was completed in 1999. It is 420.5 meters tall and covers an area of 2.3 hectares. The architect, Adrian D. Smith, of this skyscraper ingeniously combined the elements of traditional Chinese culture with the newest architectural styles of the time, which makes it one of the best-constructed buildings in China.
Shanghai Tower
finished in 2015, it stand 632 meters high, and will rank as China's tallest and second only to the world at large. The foot print takes up 30,368 square meters with floor space of about 576,000 square meters, with 5 basement levels, 121 floors above ground and 5 podium floors. text source: travelchinaguide.com
Jingan Temple
Century Park
Expo Center
Gucun Park
Covering a total area of 430 hectares, Gucun Park is known as the Shanghai Cherry Blossom Festival. Visitors enjoy cherry blossoms in spring, have fun nearby the lotus pond in summer, smell the fragrance of fragrens in autumn and appreciate plum blossoms in winter. During the year is a great place to admire tulips, orchids, rape flowers, daffodils and other flowers, Tairyo cherry blossoms, Kawazu cherry blossoms, Introrsa cherry blossoms, etc. Text source: meet-in-shanghai.net
Covering a total area of 430 hectares, Gucun Park is known as the Shanghai Cherry Blossom Festival. Visitors enjoy cherry blossoms in spring, have fun nearby the lotus pond in summer, smell the fragrance of fragrens in autumn and appreciate plum blossoms in winter. During the year is a great place to admire tulips, orchids, rape flowers, daffodils and other flowers, Tairyo cherry blossoms, Kawazu cherry blossoms, Introrsa cherry blossoms, etc. Text source: meet-in-shanghai.net
Walking around
National Day
October 1st, 1949 was the memorial day for the founding of the People’s Republic of China. One thing should be noted is that the PRC was not founded on that day, but on September 21st, 1949. text source: travelchinaguide.com
October 1st, 1949 was the memorial day for the founding of the People’s Republic of China. One thing should be noted is that the PRC was not founded on that day, but on September 21st, 1949. text source: travelchinaguide.com
Shanghai Cuisine