Usually, these first lines are used to introduce you to the topic and give you a vivid idea about what to expect from the blog entry. However, just the first thought about my last trip evokes a hurricane of emotions and memories in me, which I can't put into a few lines. It was my second time in China, and I was fortunate enough to visit two cities, one of which was a farming village until around 1553. Its ideal geographic position on the east side of China was the trigger for its skyrocketing trading development with the West. Now, it is acknowledged as one of the greatest and wealthiest financial, innovation, and technology hubs in the world.
The city I am talking about is Shanghai.
Yes, it's crazy; I still cannot get over the fact that I was able to explore the city's beauty. But it makes me also realize that summer vacations are over now, shirts and dresses turn into sweaters and scarfs, and umbrellas replace sun cream. Before anyone falls into this autumn/ cold weather depression, let me share with you some memories of my last trip to Shanghai, also known as "Upon-the-Sea."
The first thing one connects with Shanghai is its skyline with an assortment of skyscrapers in different styles and forms, especially the one with the pearls. The Shanghai Oriental Pearl Tower is located in Pudong Park in Lujiazui and is the world's sixth and China's second tallest TV & radio tower. Its constructions ended in 1994 with a height of 468 meters (1.536 feet). It has 15 observatory levels which are called Space Modules, one of which is the Sky Galleria (263 m / 863 ft above sea level). Being in one of those pearls, you have an incredible 360-degree view upon Shanghai and the Huangpu River. And for those of you with strong nerves, you can take the stairs down to go on the Transparent Sky Walking observatory platform (259m / 850 ft). The first few seconds might be shocking and nerve-racking for you, but afterward, you'll be one of the other dozens of tourists taking pictures on the glass floor. Whether it is the feet-on-the-glass shot or fancy poses on the glass, either way: I believe the cleaning lady has far less work to do on this floor. :)
After 10 000 pictures, tourists can explore the small shopping center in the tower as well as exhibition facilities such as the Shanghai Municipal History Museum.
This museum focuses on Shanghai's history from the year 1843 (opening the port) to 1949 (communist take-over) offering more than 30.000 items to marvel at.
While losing track of the number of skyscrapers from the bird's eye view, you can get taken your breath from the Huangpu River... By taking a cruise! Firstly, the meaning of the river's name is Yellow River and embodies one of Shanghai's landmarks. It is 113 km / 70 miles long, that's the reason why you can book different cruises from 50 min to three hours long.
Those minutes, when you go on the boat at daylight, settle in, wait for the ship to depart and suddenly the night sky dominates the scenery; those minutes reminded me of visits to great theatres. Sitting in a theatre hall, which emanates the architectural masterwork, you look full of excitement for the lights to darken, the curtains to open, and the play to begin. In Shanghai, this moment of "opening the curtains" has shattered everything that I had expected. As soon as the cruise set off, dreamy music started to play, and one could cherish all those skyscrapers illuminating in diverse colors and motives.
Shanghai's status and reputation scream modernity, innovation, and technology, but there is (at least) one quarter which procreates that this city is diverse. Tianzifang can be found in the Huangpu district and is known as the artist quarter. The background story is that from the end of the 20th century, its location as a meeting point for trade and its low rent attracted many artists to open their studios. In 2005/2006, the quarter was restored and gave place to many small shops, cafes, and restaurants to delight visitors. You will encounter tons of food stands, clothing stores, and souvenir shops. Be ready to bargain with the vendors as the prices can be easily doubled for foreigners.
It does not come as a surprise for anyone that China has a long and rich history. The city Suzhou, northwest of Shanghai, has a 2500-year-old history, as it was established in 514 B.C.
Due to the vast number of canals crossing this city, Suzhou is also called "Venice of the East" covering an area of 42% with water. Since the 14th century, Suzhou has been the capital of silk and still is a leader in silk production. Further, it was a center of trade and craft, causing the Grand Canal of China to go through Suzhou. Nowadays, this city is a special economic area (since 1985 to be precise) and attracts many tourists for its old architecture, history and gardens.
Those gardens are praised for their charming natural beauty and harmonious construction.
During my trip, I visited the Lion Forest Garden, which was built in 1342.
It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for the large and labyrinthine grotto of Taihu rocks at its center (total area 1,1 hectares). If you choose to follow the path of stones, be prepared that it will get pretty tight. Not only does the road make you climb and balance your way through, but you also need to watch your head enormously, especially if you are above average tall.
Another tip I would give is visiting this place when the ground is not wet because, otherwise, your visit to the garden might turn out into a sliding park. By the way, it is said that the shape of those rocks resembles lions, that's why the name.
- Lion Forest Garden -
If you are fatigued after the visit, you may relish another bout tour on the River Sightseeing Cruise which is accompanied by local traditional live music. It is different from what we expect from Chinese music but worth having heard it once. The boat is old-designed and has many sitting opportunities with pillows, making the tour even more relaxing.
Back in Shanghai, there is another fantastic garden as a monument to explore: the Yuyuan Garden. Located in the northeast of the Old City of Shanghai, it has an area of two hectares with rockeries like peaks, cliffs and caves; pavilions, and towers. The buildings in and around the garden reminded me of all the Chinese movies with the typical Chinese architecture: those black roofs, furniture out of wood with Chinese symbols and greenery.
- Yuyuan Garden -
As I have already mentioned, Shanghai is adored for, among other things, its technology and innovation.
The ERA Interaction of Time Shanghai Circus World is a complete confirmation for that. What we usually expect from a circus are animals, clowns, and acrobatics, BUT this circus performs on a whole other level. I don't want to reveal much. What can be said is that you won't see any animals but high-tech performances with... you have to watch the show yourself. :))
This circus was created by the director of The Cirque du Soleil, and it fuses traditional Chinese acrobatics with great music, decorations, and special effects. During the two-hours-long show, the audience will experience a journey through China's past, present and future.
I guess the architects have not for nothing drafted, built and called the Shanghai TV tower the "Oriental Pearl", this city truly sparks beauty. Whether you want the most glamorous or the most savings-friendly trip, Shanghai offers you a place with reams of opportunities to have the best stay you can ever imagine.
I certainly had. Thank You, Shanghai!
XOXO
Diana
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