Shanghai tours, Chine Tours, Silk Road Tours

Shanghai evokes images of glamorous women, smoky business deals and Oriental mystery. With its western-influenced architecture it was the center of colonial foreign business. Shanghai is China's showcase city; its financial capital, fashion and industrial center. It is an amazing mix of the ancient and the hi-tech. It’s a dynamic multi-cultural metropolis. The Bund, its famous waterfront showcased European and American banks, trading houses, hotels, consulates and clubs along the shore. Fully restored, the spacious walkway is dotted with flowers and European style lights. Boats of all shapes and sizes go by and it is the perfect place to admire Shanghai’s skyline, especially by night. The Pudong business district sprouts new skyscrapers almost daily! The old French Concession has a more laid back feel and is home to many of the city’s upscale bars and restaurants.  The Shanghai Museum holds one of the best collections of Chinese art, from textiles to ceramics, jade and furniture, paintings and sculpture. The museum is testimony to the breadth and depth of China’s cultural history.

Shop the Huahuei and Nanjing roads. Enjoy the streets of traditional shops selling crafts, souvenirs and jewelry, open air cafes, street performers and even a sightseeing trolley. There is a covered pedestrian area and at night the neon signs create a lively atmosphere.  Don't forget to stop to refresh yourself with dumplings and tea and a stroll to the Temple of the Town Gods (Chenghuang) and the beautiful Yu Yuan garden. Every city in China has its own gods and the requisite temple. Shanghai is no different. Located within the old city walls Chenghuang temple is a large Daoist temple complex with a thriving commercial district nearby. It connects to the Yu Yuan Garden’s elegant five acres which include cloisters, rockeries, pavilions, streams and ornamental ponds.  Another oasis in this bustling city is the Jade Buddha Temple. Built in the style of the Song Dynasty to house its treasures the temple has upturned eaves and bright yellow walls, but the highlight is the 1.9 meter high white jade Buddha. Brought from Burma in 1882 it is encrusted with jewels. There are also three gold plated Buddhas in the large hall and another reclining Buddha, also in sparkling white jade, dazzling yet serene!

Cruise the canals or walk the old streets and stone bridges of Zhujiajiao. This ancient suburb of Shanghai attracts tourists with the tranquility of its streams shaded by willow trees and its quaint old riverside houses.

There are few cities in China which can match Shanghai’s phenomenal growth of the last few decades. It has always been a popular destination, but take lots of photos; you may not recognize the city the next time you visit!