Travel to Shanghai with MyChina.com

With an enormous population of over 20 million people, Shanghai is the world's 8th biggest city. Located on China's central eastern coast, this once small fishermen village has expanded into a huge port city and nowadays a center of modernized economy and technology. The city was seriously damaged during the revolution and the Japanese occupation, but was rebuilt and still holds some of China's finest historical and cultural treasures.

Places to See in Shanghai

The Bund, the former center of colonial Shanghai is the city's favorite tourist destination. It has many historical houses and ancient trading businesses that run along the Huangpu River's western bank.

The Yuyuan Garden was established in 1559 and is considered to be the prettiest and grandest garden in the area. Travelers can spend a whole day wondering through its 6 parts and admiring its remarkable beauty. It has caves, ponds, impressive towers, pools, bridges, halls and other magnificent sights.

Museum lovers would be happy to hear that Shanghai is proud on having some unique and important museums. Tourist should of course find the time to explore the wonders of The Shanghai Museum. This impressive building stands in the People's Square and keeps an intriguing collection of ancient Chinese art. For a more scientific experience, make a visit to the Shanghai Natural History Museum, one of the largest of its kind in the whole of China. Children and adults alike will truly enjoy the 140-million-year-old dinosaur skeleton of Mamenuchisaurus hochangensis, as well as the other fine collections and specimens.

The famous Jade Buddha Temple is a traditional Buddhist temple founded in 1882. It receives its name from the two statuses of Buddha, carved from Jade. Visitors to the temple will find a third, bigger Buddha status made of marble, a donation made by Singapore.

In spite its incredibly rich history Shanghai has a reputation of being the modern face of China. It is extremely urbanized and offers endless options for amusements, film making centers, roaring nightlife and commercial areas. The East Nanjing Road offers several interesting shops and at nighttime its neon light leaves a long lasting impression.

However, the real center for shopping, dining and entertainment in Shanghai is Xintiandi. Visitors might enjoy a walk through the restored "stone gate" houses which many serve as galleries. However, this area is also where visitors can ravish the newer and younger atmosphere of this lively city. The modern shopping mall with its huge cinema complex will manage to satisfy even the more enthusiastic shoppers. Notice though, that shopping in the area has become somewhat of a "status symbol" so prices can be pretty stiff. Near the mall there are fascinating book stores, dining places and lovely local cafes. But the time when Xintiandi area really flourishes is nighttime. Any day of the week tourists take advantage of the noisy dance bars, romantic restaurants, incredible shows and vivacious pubs.

If you want to learn more about Shanghai or get a better grasp of its weather, transportation and structure, take a look at travellerspoint.com/guide/Shanghai and if you want a better grasp of the city's nightlife, check out smartshanghai.com for more details.