Attractions
The Bund
Once the most famous street in Asia, the Bund is a picturesque promenade lined with Art Deco buildings along the Huangpu River. Take a walk along the east bank for a great view of Shanghai, especially at night. Hop aboard one of the boats at Shiliupu Pier just south of the Bund for a trip down the river to the mouth of the Yangtze River. Boats depart regularly and the entire trip takes about three hours.
Shanghai Museum
The Shanghai Museum, located on the south side of People’s Square, is hands down one of the finest museums in all of China. Eleven galleries – including the Ancient Chinese Sculpture Gallery, the Ceramics Gallery and the Ancient Chinese Bronze Gallery – display more than 120,000 artifacts, from costumes and jewellery to paintings and ancient masks. An architectural wonder in itself, the museum was designed to resemble a bronze ding, an ancient Chinese pot used for cooking. Originally founded in 1952 at a different location, the newest trove opened in 1996 at People’s Square. Pay a small fee for an audio phone in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese or Spanish, and tour the massive space, savouring China’s cultural and artistic history.
Address: Renmin Da Dao 201
Telephone: (0)21 6372 3500
Website: www.shanghaimuseum.net/en
Transport: Bus 574, 71, 123, 46, 123; Tunnel bus 6, 934; Subway 1, 145, 2
Opening time: Daily 9am to 5pm
Admission: Free
Yuyuan Garden
An impeccably designed and detailed Chinese garden, Yuyuan Garden was constructed during the Ming Dynasty and for more than 450 years has sustained merchants, British colonialism and World War II war wounds. Today, spectacular gardens, lotus pools and pavilions cover five acres of a landscape that is simultaneously lavish and simple. After meditating among the Grand Rockery and Inner Garden, step outside to the Town God Temple Market, a cauldron of souvenir stands, discount shops and food stalls. Brush up on your bargaining skills before hitting the stalls – these Chinese merchants mean business.
Address: No.137 Anren Street, Huangpu District Shanghai 200010
Telephone: 021-63260830
Transport: Metro 10 Yuyuan Garden station
Opening time: Daily 8:30 am to 5pm
Admission: ¥40
