Visiting Top Shanghai Attractions
When you travel to Shanghai, do not worry about the time and join the Shanghai City Highlights and Outskirts Tour. Then, you will not miss the top Shanghai attractions such as the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai Museum, and Zhujiajiao. Visiting Shanghai will give you an impressive and exciting experience with this short tour.
As a modern city, Shanghai has the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the Shanghai Museum. The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is the highest TV Tower in Asia and is the third highest one in the world. The Shanghai Museum is the best museum in Shanghai and it is a museum of ancient Chinese art. Though an emerging metropolis, it still possesses age-old classical gardens and streets dating back to the Ming dynasty.
Iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower
As an international symbol of Shanghai, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower is a wonderful place to take photos and get a bird's-eye view of the whole of Shanghai. It is really relaxed and happy place to have distant views of the Sheshan, Chongming Island, and the Changjiang River on a sunny day. You can also have a meal in the Revolving Restaurant which revolves one circle per hour while you are visiting the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. You can visit the Oriental Pearl TV Tower together with the Bund and Huangpu River because they are so close to each other. Please look at Shanghai/Mt. Huangshan Tour for more information.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower, not only a symbol of Shanghai's skyline but also a testament to China's rapid modernization and architectural ambition, stands prominently along the city's bustling waterfront. This iconic structure, reaching skyward with its distinct spheres and futuristic design, has captivated visitors and locals alike since its completion in 1994. Its unique appearance, often likened to pearls dropping onto a jade plate, is not just a feast for the eyes but also a marvel of engineering and design.
Architectural Significance
The tower's design is a significant departure from traditional Chinese architecture, incorporating elements of modernity and futuristic concepts. It consists of three main spheres, the largest of which is located at the bottom, with two smaller spheres above it. The tower is supported by three enormous columns that start underground, making it a masterpiece of modern engineering. The structure's design symbolizes the city's embrace of the future while maintaining a connection to its cultural past.
Attractions and Facilities
Beyond its architectural grandeur, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower offers a variety of attractions that appeal to all ages. The tower houses several observation decks, providing unparalleled views of Shanghai's ever-changing skyline. The highest observation deck, known as the Space Module, stands at an impressive height of 350 meters, offering 360-degree views that stretch into the horizon.
The Revolving Restaurant, situated in the second-largest sphere, combines culinary delight with scenic views, offering a unique dining experience that slowly unfolds the city's panorama over the course of an hour. This feature is especially popular among visitors seeking a memorable meal with a view.
Nighttime Splendor
At night, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower transforms into a luminous beacon, with LED lights adorning its structure. These lights create a dazzling display that can be seen from various points across the city, adding to the tower's allure as a nighttime attraction. The light show is not only a beautiful spectacle but also a symbol of Shanghai's vibrant energy.
Accessibility and Connectivity
Strategically located in the Lujiazui district of Pudong, the tower is easily accessible by public transportation, making it a convenient destination for tourists. Its proximity to other major attractions, such as the Bund and the Huangpu River, allows visitors to plan a comprehensive tour of Shanghai's most iconic sights in a single day.
The Cultural Treasure of Shanghai Museum
Nestled in the heart of Shanghai's bustling metropolitan area, the Shanghai Museum stands as a beacon of cultural heritage and historical profundity on the vibrant People's Square. This esteemed institution is not merely a museum; it is a treasure trove of ancient Chinese art, offering an unparalleled journey through China's rich and diverse cultural history. For those planning a trip to this magnificent city, the Shanghai Museum is an indispensable stop, promising an enriching experience that delves deep into the essence of Chinese civilization.
A Journey Through Time
The Shanghai Museum's architectural design itself is a testament to its cultural significance, resembling an ancient Chinese bronze cooking vessel called a ding. This symbolic choice reflects the museum's dedication to preserving and celebrating the depth of Chinese heritage. Within its walls, the museum houses over 100,000 artifacts, spanning millennia of Chinese history. These collections encompass a wide range of mediums, including ancient bronzes, ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, sculptures, jade, coins, furniture from the Ming and Qing dynasties, and artifacts from China's numerous ethnic minorities.
Exploring the Galleries
The museum is thoughtfully divided into ten distinct galleries, each dedicated to a specific aspect of Chinese art and history. This organization allows visitors to navigate through different time periods and themes, making the vast collection more accessible and engaging.
- The Bronze Gallery displays an exquisite collection of Chinese bronzes, charting the evolution of this art form over thousands of years.
- The Sculpture Gallery showcases Buddhist sculptures, revealing the profound influence of religion on Chinese art.
- The Ceramics Gallery offers insight into the development of Chinese pottery and porcelain, with pieces that range from the Neolithic age to the Qing dynasty.
- The Painting Gallery features scrolls that capture China's landscapes and philosophies over centuries.
- The Calligraphy Gallery highlights the beauty and complexity of Chinese script, from ancient inscriptions to more contemporary works.
- The Jade Gallery displays the sophistication of Chinese jade carving, with pieces that symbolize status and moral integrity.
- The Ethnic Minorities Art Gallery celebrates the rich cultural diversity of China's ethnic groups through clothing, artifacts, and art.
- The Coin Gallery traces the history of Chinese currency, reflecting economic and social changes over time.
- The Furniture Gallery in Ming and Qing styles illustrates the exquisite craftsmanship and daily life of ancient China.
- The Seal Gallery explores the significance of seals in Chinese art and official documents, showcasing intricate designs and materials.
A Cultural Immersion
Visiting the Shanghai Museum is more than a simple tour; it's an immersive experience that offers a profound understanding of China's artistic achievements and historical depth. Each exhibit is meticulously curated to not only display artifacts but also to tell the stories of the people and periods they represent. This approach makes the museum's vast collection both educational and deeply moving, providing visitors with a tangible connection to China's past.
Planning Your Visit
Located conveniently in the Huangpu District, the Shanghai Museum is easily accessible and serves as a perfect starting point for exploring the surrounding areas, including the bustling Nanjing Road and the serene Yu Garden. Visitors are encouraged to allocate several hours to fully appreciate the museum's exhibits, making it an ideal itinerary item for those looking to immerse themselves in Shanghai's cultural landscape.
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The Timeless Charm of Zhujiajiao
The Zhujiajiao will bring you into the ancient time. If you are interested in the Shanghai tours, please get more information from WindhorseTour's Shanghai-Guilin-Yangshuo Tour.
When you travel to Shanghai, you should never miss the best-preserved ancient town - Zhujiajiao. As one of the famous Shanghai attractions, Zhujiajiao with a history of more than 1,700 years is located in a suburb of Shanghai city. The little fan-shaped town glimmers like a bright pearl in the landscape of lakes and mountains. As a typical water village, boating in Zhujiajiao is a perfect way to experience how people used to move around in the olden days. Here, you will see that thousands of ancient buildings line along the river. Some are many hundred years old. You can walk along the street and go sightseeing with the old buildings.
Zhujiajiao, often referred to as Shanghai's Venice, is a window into the rich tapestry of ancient Chinese life and culture. This quaint water town, with its well-preserved architecture and traditional lifestyle, offers a stark contrast to the modern metropolis of Shanghai. As you meander through its narrow cobblestone streets and across its iconic stone bridges, you're transported back to a time when life moved at the rhythm of the canals that weave through the town.
A Journey Through Waterways
The essence of Zhujiajiao lies in its waterways, which have served as the lifelines of the town for centuries. A boat ride through these ancient canals is not just a tourist attraction; it's a passage through history. The gentle splash of oars in water, the whisper of the wind, and the serene ambiance provide a soothing backdrop as you glide past historic houses and under stone arch bridges, each with its own story.
The Architectural Marvels
Zhujiajiao is home to numerous well-preserved buildings and residences that date back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Fangsheng Bridge, the largest stone arch bridge in Zhujiajiao, offers breathtaking views of the town and is a testament to the architectural prowess of ancient China. The Kezhi Garden, with its beautiful landscapes and exquisite pavilions, showcases the sophisticated garden design of traditional Chinese aesthetics. Walking through these sites, visitors gain insights into the architectural and cultural heritage that has been meticulously preserved through the ages.
Culinary Delights and Handicrafts
A visit to Zhujiajiao is incomplete without indulging in the local cuisine. The town is famous for its traditional snacks and dishes, such as zongzi (rice dumplings), crispy fried pork, and river shrimp, offering a taste of authentic regional flavors. Alongside its culinary delights, Zhujiajiao is a treasure trove of handicrafts and art. The bustling marketplaces and quaint shops are filled with hand-made souvenirs, including intricate silk embroidery, bamboo crafts, and traditional Chinese paintings, making it the perfect place to find a unique memento of your journey.
Cultural Experiences
Zhujiajiao is not just a place to visit; it's a place to experience. The town frequently hosts cultural events and festivals that celebrate traditional Chinese customs and arts. From dragon boat races to lantern festivals, these events offer visitors a unique opportunity to engage with the local culture and traditions, adding another layer of richness to the Zhujiajiao experience.
A Tranquil Retreat
In the midst of Shanghai's fast-paced urban life, Zhujiajiao offers a serene and tranquil retreat. Whether it's wandering through its ancient alleys, enjoying a peaceful boat ride, or simply sitting by the canal watching the world go by, Zhujiajiao provides a much-needed respite and a chance to reconnect with the simpler aspects of life.
When you travel to Shanghai the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai Museum and Zhujiajiao are strongly recommended for you. Have a great time in Shanghai.
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