Shanghai Vacations, China

Travel Shanghai China, An amazing city.
I live, work, play in Shanghai, China's largest city, largest port; a city of 16 million people, (many millions more during holidays and festivals), a city wanting to be the biggest, best and most important in the world.

If you had been able to Travel Shanghai 10 years ago, and returned today, you would see a very, very different city. Shanghai today is a modern, 21st Century city, with tall, new shiny buildings, amazing nightlights, a wonderland.

Finding the old sights and sounds of the old city is becoming more difficult as the city's rapid development produces almost instant change, almost everywhere.

Shanghai is a Chinese city of surprises: - a bizarre, and sometimes brutal, colonial history (British, French, American, Italian, Japanese) and dark days exploited as an Opium trade hub. Mix that with ancient Chinese culture and today we have a city urgently trying to leave its colourful past behind and which will soon be compared, in class and elegance, with any major city in the world.

When you Travel Shanghai China, you will quickly notice it is the power-house of China, the money-making machine that drives the Chinese economy continually forward.

Shanghai is usually a business destination. However if you are coming for a China vacation, or traveling through on the way to somewhere else, Travel Shanghai China has some must-see experiences and is a good way to introduce yourself to the wonders and difficulties of Travel in China.

There is still a lot for the visitor to see and do in Shanghai. Bars, Clubs, Business, the incredible skyline of beautiful tall buildings as far as you can see. The 21st century architecture. However, the truth be told, when you Travel Shanghai China, the city itself does not have a lot of cultural feel about it. Shanghai is the financial center of China.

I could talk all day about what great fun it is to live here; it's a lively vibrant place that moves at an extraordinarily fast pace. I will cover some of the highlights but you need to see and feel the place personally to fully appreciate it.

Some Shanghai Highlights
• The beautiful colonial-style buildings along the river; an area called the "Bund" where these remarkable buildings from old European days are marvelously lit up at night, and have been beautifully restored; the contrast between the Old and the New is quite a sight.

• The most famous shopping street and lighting effects in China, Nanging Rd, is just a short walk from the Bund.

• The famous Xintain Di district: - this area is the social hub of Shanghai, the very best in chic and style, expensive cars, fine wine, the best restaurants, a very happening place.

• At the southern end of another famous shopping street, Huai Hai Rd, is an area known as the "French Concession", where peaceful tree-lined streets with wonderful colonial-style villas would make you think you were actually in Europe.

• A must thing to see and do, is to visit the viewing platform at the top of the Jin Mao Tower, the third highest building on earth, the tallest with an hotel inside (the Hyatt). This stunning building is 89 stories high and the view of the city from the top is spectacular. A very special treat is to have a buffet dinner at the Hyatt on the 53rd level, then go up to the bar on the 89th floor and enjoy a drink and the view, which at night will amaze you.

• Shop !!! There are Antique markets, Bird and Bug markets, Commodity markets, Clothes and Fabric markets, local markets and a very famous market where you can buy all the world's best brand names, at amazingly low prices. Shanghai is a shopper's heaven, come with a small suitcase and leave with a big one.

Secret Treasures
If you come to Travel Shanghai China and have time, just outside the city, one or two hours on a bus are some real treats. Would you like to see tranquil lakes?... beautiful Chinese gardens?... ancient villages?

Here are a few places that are very close to Shanghai which can often be overlooked when one comes to Shanghai. These cities, towns and villages are the real deal and a must-see adventure.

Just an hour by local bus is Zhujiajiao, About two hours away by bus or train is Suzhou, as well as Hangzhou. As I grow this site, I will add places that are more interesting.

Enjoy Shanghai…I do!! John Mckenna http://www.Travel-the-Real-China.com

About the Author:

Hi I'm John Mckenna, I am from New Zealand and have lived in Shanghia China now for 3 years. I own and operate http://www.Travel-the-Real-China .com my site provides experienced based Travel and Tour information on the wonders of Travel in China, the Real China, Ancient China, China at its very best.

Things To Do in Shanghai

The Bund (Wai Tan), Shanghai
This is a designated section of Shanghai’s port along the

Huang Pu River lined with beautiful neo-classical buildings and a

waterfront promenade that is packed with tourists, locals and street sellers.
Attraction type: Historic walking area; Street

Xintiandi, Shanghai
This former neighborhood of old Shikumen has been reincarnated into

Shanghai’s glitzy and contemporary district featuring fine restaurants,

upscale clubs and boutiques.
Attraction type: Neighborhood

Garden of Contentment (Yu Yuan Garden), Shanghai
This five-acre garden consists of six sections separated by

boundary walls: Grand Rockery, Ten Thousand-Flower Pavilion,

Hall of Heralding Spring, Hall of Jade Magnificence, Inner Garden and Lotus Pool.
Attraction type: Garden

Oriental Pearl Tower (Dongfang Mingzhu), Shanghai
Speed to the top of the world’s third tallest TV and radio tower for a

spectacular view, or just gaze at this beautiful structure from afar,

especially striking when lit up at night.
Attraction type: Architectural building; Observation deck/tower;

Landmark/point of interest; History museum

Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai
Attraction type: Religious site; Architectural building; Monument