03303 412131
Her location makes Shanghai a gateway for sea bourn trade with the Chinese interior. Conquered time and again by western armadas, the city continued to thrive as a port, trading in silk, tea, and opium.
Until 1842, Shanghai was merely a tiny fishing village. Today, Shanghai has a distinctively western flavour combined with its ancient past.
A testimony to Shanghai's colonial era, stately European buildings in art deco style line Shanghai's most famous landmark, Zhong Shan Road: also known as the Bund, the city's spacious waterfront a boulevard along the Huangpu River lined with parks. Endless flotillas of sampans edge the Huangpu River, dividing old and new Shanghai. From the historic buildings of the Bund to the futuristic architecture of the Shanghai Tower, Shanghai's skyline is a testament to its status as one of the world's most dynamic cities.
Culturally, Shanghai is a melting pot of traditional Chinese customs and modern influences. The city's diverse neighbourhoods, such as the French Concession and Tianzifang, showcase a blend of colonial-era architecture, trendy boutiques, art galleries, and bustling street markets. Visit the Jade Buddha Temple, which houses a host of white-jade Buddha statues that were given as gifts from Burma or maybe Yu Yuan where you will find tranquil gardens hidden behind high walls in the Old Quarter of Shanghai. Inland lies Suzhou, with its majestic Grand Canal and classical gardens, as well as equally significant Hangzhou, terminus of the Grand Canal and the centre of China's legendary tea industry.
From upscale shopping malls like Nanjing Road and Xintiandi to vibrant nightlife spots in the former industrial area of Xuhui, Shanghai offers endless opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Additionally, the city hosts international events such as the Shanghai International Film Festival and the Shanghai Fashion Week, attracting visitors from around the world and further solidifying its position as a cultural and economic powerhouse.
