Shanghai: What a Difference a Decade Makes
Shanghai is unrecognisable as the city it was just ten years ago. Development has stormed ahead – skyscrapers now replace the derelict city centre warehouses, factory developments surround the city and new entertainment complexes are the norm – and it’s now a mecca for forward-thinking tourists. Backpackers wanting a hostel in Shanghai can expect to get top quality, innovative dwellings for their cash in keeping with their futuristic surroundings once they step out the door.
‘Shanghai’ literally means ‘on the sea’ and its logistically excellent location has led the city to become China’s leading port. It’s now a vibrant and eclectic city which its 16 million residents can be proud to call home. It’s safe to say there are a lot of people living here, which could be a bit of a shock for any traveller coming to the city, but this hasn’t stopped almost seven million tourists descending on the city each year.
Today’s Shanghai is a modern, 21st Century city filled with shiny high buildings that at times eclipse the shady history of the city, but at others celebrate its colonial history – just the way the tourists like it. Shanghai is now the most expensive city to live in in China, but the standard of living is very high and as the powerhouse behind China, Shanghai is the key player in the Chinese economy.
Things to do in the new Shanghai
Because of all this, the city has much to offer tourists. The top five must-sees and tours in Shanghai are definitely very different from what they would have been ten years ago.
1. The Nan Jing Rd has been well developed over the last ten years with all the popular high street chains setting up shop. The road is 3km long making it the longest street in China. Walk down it and you’ll see how the street has changed over the years with the times – at the start you’ll see huge Colonial architectural buildings and as you walk to the west you’ll come to new modern department stores and shopping malls.
2. For the trendiest area head to the Shanghai Xintiandi. Built in 2001 in its city centre location, the entertainment area sprawls 30,000 square metres. You’ll find all you need in retail, entertainment and culture – including restaurants with every cuisine imaginable, cinemas, fitness centres, classy boutiques and accessory shops.
3. Completed in 2008, the Shanghai World Financial Centre is another must do on the list. It’s the second tallest building in the world at 492metres (1,614ft) – make sure you visit the observation deck at 474m (1,555ft) to snap some great skyline shots.
4. The Bund in Shanghai has recently been restored. The main target was the Waibaidu Bridge at the northern end. The world’s first all-steel bridge is regarded as the city’s landmark bridge and is now counted as part of the Heritage architecture. The road leading up to it has also been altered in the last few years to create a double-levelled roadway for more green space.
5. The amount of markets and unique shops has increased vastly in the last few years. Now there are antique markets, bird and bug markets, clothes and fabric markets and brand name markets. Whatever your budget, in the last few years Shanghai has become a shopper’s paradise for all.
