Shanghai express

CEBU, Philippines —  No, this is not about that old movie. Instead, this is about prosperous modernity and discovering how the ancient country has adeptly adapted to the times. Now with more direct flights between Cebu and China, it has become easier to visit the world’s second biggest economy.

It would seem somewhat intimidating to travel to this huge country for several valid reasons – the language barrier, its geopolitical reputation, and unfamiliarity with its rules and customs. But, in fact, China is definitely one of the world’s most exciting and rewarding places to visit.

Unlike the typical go-to destinations among first-time travelers, such as Hong Kong and Singapore, there’s just a lot more to see and discover in the world’s most populous nation. China is a much bigger area.

One of the amazing cities to visit in China is Shanghai, its largest economic and trade center. The city is China’s financial center. And more interestingly, while Shanghai exudes an atmosphere of vitality and modernity it is still able to retain its cultural heritage.

A visit to this city introduces one to its futuristic lifestyle and a taste of its colonial past. It’s an Asian city that rivals New York and London in terms of modernity. Shanghai is being touted as the “Paris of the East.”

For first-time travelers to Shanghai, here are five spots to visit to get a better sense of what this amazing Chinese city has to offer:

The Bund Promenade

You’ve never been fully to Shanghai if you haven’t been to the Bund, the mile-long stretch of waterfront promenade along the west bank of the Huangpu River. This is the best place to get a fantastic view of Shanghai’s futuristic skyline on the other side of the river. The bund is regarded by many as a symbol and embodiment of the city’s charm as a bustling and history-rich metropolis; thus, it is a must-see attraction of Shanghai.

It is best to explore the Bund by strolling from the north end to the south of the promenade and enjoy the old buildings of various architectural styles – including Gothic, baroque and neoclassical styles – along the stretch. Roaming around the Bund gives a better understanding of the age-old charm of Shanghai.

Nanjing Road

Hailed as China’s premier shopping district, Nanjing Road is another must-see for visitors to Shanghai. The 5.5-kilometer shopping street starts at the Bund in the east and ends in the west at the junction of Jing’an Temple and West Yan’an Street. The century-old Nanjing Road has been attracting thousands of fashion shoppers from all over the world. Over time, it has been restructured, undergoing significant changes with the mushrooming of modern shopping malls, specialty stores, theaters and global hotels.

The Shanghai Tower

For visitors who aren’t afraid of heights, the 632-meter Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest skyscraper and the world’s second is the place to be. Its 119th floor observation deck ushers in a 360-degree bird’s eye view of the city. While queues of tourists wanting to go up are usually long, the wait is definitely worth it.

‘Lujiazui’ Central Business District

Lujiazui, lying on the east bank of Huangpu River and facing the Bund, is Shanghai’s central business district and is popularly referred to as the “Wall Street of China.” Visitors can admire the charm of Shanghai as a global metropolis when they see the modern skyscrapers sprouting on all sides of Lujiazui. Shanghai’s four tallest landmarks – the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center and Shanghai Tower – stand next to one another.

Yuyuan Classical Street

To get a glimpse of ancient vibes of Shanghai, one shall visit the Yuyuan Classical Street. This place is also offers a shopping opportunity for tourists. It has a good number of small streets and lanes where visitors can find restaurants, tea houses and traditional shops. It is a great place to sample local snacks and buy souvenirs.

The area is also where the well-known Yu Garden is found – a private garden of the Pan family during the Ming Dynasty. The garden is said to be the largest and most prestigious in Shanghai during its time. It has a unique design with its ornate halls, elaborate pavilions, glittering pools, zigzagging bridges, pagodas, archways, and impressive rockeries.

It no longer takes as long to visit China. And the country is more open now. If really pressed for time, visitors may just go straight to Shanghai – this main city gives everyone a good whiff of the progressive country that China is today.