Things to see in Shanghai

Shanghahi is an exceptionally absorbing city, with walkable

downtown and a range of attractions that, in their variety and magnificent, can seem overwhelming. from its hyper modern towers to its early modern heritage architecture, and from tis glistering nightspots to its galleries and museums, it offers almost too much of everything, to visitors of every imaginable taste and interest.

For the Shanghainese, the Huangpu is the "mother river" upon whose western bank their city as born. The city's principal division, between Puxi (west of the river) and pudong (to the east) is decided by reference to the huangpu. The Old City is situated on the western side of the river, where shanghai's center of gravity existed from ancient times until the beginning of its recent opening in the early 1990s and the rise of Pudong. 

The Old City was defined by a substantial wall from 1553 to 1911 and its contour is still quiet distinct. Although its Old City has been quiete comprehensively constructed, it still provides the most concentrate taste of SHanghai's pre-modern life. It remains a very popular destination for both locals and tourists, who are drawn by its shooping and dining attractions, by its classic  Yu Garden and lively City God Temple.

Occupying an irregular quadrangle between Fuyou Lu to th enorth, Anren Jie to the East, Fangbang Lu to the South and Jiujiaochang Lu to the West, the Old City of today is an attractive amalgam of historical theme-park and genuine heritage., where large malls constructed in traditional big roof Chinese style wrap themselves around cluster of important historical sites and structures. 

These include the Nine Bend Bridge,, whose zigzag course is designated to disorient malign spirits, as it crosses an ornamental pond ot connect Yu Garden with the ancient Huxinting Tea House (a favorite among the visiting dignitaries). Traditional performing arts can be enjoyed at the nearby Yu Yuan Stage and attached Layang Shadow Picture Theater.

The streets in teh immediate vicinity of the Old City are maong the city's best antique hunting grounds, as well as snack-food heaven, with Fangbang Middle Road and Sipailou Rd as top spots for this. The area is also rich in religious heritage, from an extraordinary variety of traditions, from teh Chengxiang, White Could and Wenmiao Temples, the Spanish-baroque Dongjiadu Cathedral built in 1853 and two mosques: the Xiao Fuyou Mosque built in 1870 and the Hui Hui Peach Orchard Mosque.