China - Shanghai, Bustling Boom Town
Author: John Riley

Like many international metropoli composed of immigrants,
Shanghai is a bustling boom town. Rapidly becoming a world
economic powerhouse, there is more construction occurring in
Shanghai than anywhere else on Earth.

For the traveler there is also a variety of things to do.
Situated on the banks of the Yangtze River delta and being one
of the largest cargo ports in the world, there are trips down
that mammoth waterway daily.

Once largely a den of thieves and prostitutes and the center of
China's opium trade, business in the 'City on the Sea' has
evolved. It now hosts the country's stock market alongside
thousands of other businesses. Home to some of the finest
restaurants, one of the world's largest hotels and high rise
buildings, Shanghai has moved well beyond its grimy past.

The Bund (Wai Tan) is one of the more popular tourist
destinations in Shanghai. Despite the German sounding name, the
area retains its international flavor.

Neo-classical buildings and a waterfront promenade attract
thousands daily. Tourists jostle with the local street vendors
while admiring the 1925 Nissin Kisen Kaisha Shipping building.
The restaurant on the seventh floor is a local favorite.

Others prefer the roof terrace restaurant at the 1916 Union
Assurance building. From here, visitors can enjoy a spectacular
view of Pudong, the center of Shanghai's resurgence as a major
world city.

High-priced boutiques offer shopping that even a Parisian or
Manhattanite will envy. Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Ralph
Lauren and dozens of others now have stores here.

After 400 years in existence, the Yu Yuan Gardens retain their
reputation as one of the city's most sought out tourist
destinations. The botanical treasure trove offers five acres of
Chinese creativity in horticulture.

Xintiandi is another of Shanghai's many refurbished areas. It's
now home to elegant restaurants and upscale clubs, yet retains
many features of its 19th century architecture.

The Ten Thousand-Flower Pavilion, Grand Rockery, Hall of Jade
Magnificence and other sections will each offer sights and
aromas to anyone looking for an oasis in the busy metropolis.

One of the newer additions to Shanghai's burgeoning list of
attractions is the Shanghai Museum. Opened in 1996, it features
11 modern galleries that display both ancient and contemporary
artifacts.

Be sure to allow at least a week to see Shanghai properly. Even
at that, you'll find that - like visiting Manhattan - there will
still be more to see on a second trip.


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