SHANGHAI
Shanghai- one of the most populous and arguably the most developed city of People's Republic of China is also one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The city is one of the tourist hotspots and is growing in popularity among the tourists day by day.
The city has always been of great importance to the country of china, right from the 10th century AD. From that time, Shanghai was becoming a busy seaport; so much so, a protective wall was built around it to protect it from the invaders. However, the importance of the city grew in leaps and bounds during the 19th century, again thanks to its excellent port and strategic location. During the 1950’s and the ‘60’s Shanghai grew to an industrial center and center for revolutions. Today, the city is one the most important economic centers of china, as well as Asia; and the port of Shanghai is the busiest in the whole world.
The name Shanghai is made up of two Chinese characters- Shang and Hai, literally meaning ‘above, up or on’ and ‘sea’. So the name adds up to “on the sea”. It is clear from the name itself how much the economy, culture and heritage of the city is dependant on the sea.
The city is located on the mouth of Yangtze River leading onto the East China Sea. Right now, port of Shanghai comprises of 5 chief working zones:
- Yangtze River estuary.
- Yangshan deep water port.
- Huangpu River mouth at Wusongkou.
- Pudong coastline (East China Sea)
- Waigaoqiao.
If you are planning to visit this picturesque and beautiful city, we encourage you to pay a visit to the port’s designated tourist area. The area is known as The Bund (Wai Tan). This historic street is lined with a lot of beautiful neo-classical architecture, and also a brilliant waterfront promenade flocked by tourists, street sellers and locals.
Another beautiful tourist spot along the Shanghai port is Pudong. This is the newest district of Shanghai on the eastern side of the river. The main attractions of Pudong being the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, Shanghai Municipal Museum and Jinmao Tower.
Apart from the port, the city of Shanghai is also famous for the tourist attractions like Yuyuan Gardens (a historical garden destroyed and rebuilt more than once in the past, now beautifully landscaped and maintained with winding walkways and koi-filled pools). Longhua Temple (a peaceful and quiet Buddhist temple that will calm your mind and help you find your inner self). Or else, you can take a walk down the The Bund (a reminder of the colonial past of Shanghai, with a lot of historical buildings and local culture).
There are a lot of hotels, both cheap and luxurious, in Shanghai; and a tourist, no matter what his budget is will find one to his/ her liking in the city.
Shanghai is an interesting mix of Eastern and Western culture. And the city is welcoming to the tourists. If you are planning to visit the city, we must say you will have a great time visiting the port city of Shanghai.