My Top tourist attractions in Shanghai.

Are you planning your first visit to Shanghai? Well, the city offers a combination of both the ancient and modern attractions. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Shanghai that should top a first timer’s list.

Huangpu River
This river enhances the beauty of the city. Take the Huangpu River Cruise which is a program specifically designed for tourists. The cruise starts from the Bund and goes upstream. Make sure you reach the Wusong Mouth, an inlet of the sea that the Yangtze and Huangpu Rivers flow into. If you are lucky, you will witness the awesome spectacle of “three waters mingling together”. This spectacle is due to the difference in color of the three body of waters meeting i.e. blue-grey water from Huangpu River, yellow colored and silt ridden water from Yangtze River and the blue colored water from the East China Sea.

Shanghai Bund
Located on the west bank of Huangpu River and stretching from Waibaidu Bridge all the way to East Jinling Road, the Bund is a renowned landmark in Shanghai. It is full of architectural designs that will leave you awed. Many of the buildings here are remnants of the colonial era, constructed before 1930. Here you will find architectural styles such as the Gothic, Romanesque and the Baroque. Along the Bund you will also find the Waibaidu Bridge built in 1906 to replace the original toll bridge. As well, visit the Bund History Museum which doesn’t charge any fees to enter and the Bund Sight Seeing Tunnel.

The Oriental Pearl TV Tower
Standing at 468 meters high, this tower is the 4th highest tower in Asia and 6th in the world. It is located on the Eastern bank of Huangpu River facing the beautiful Bund. It is composed of spheres and columns. In addition, the Nanpu Bridge in the South West and the Yangpu Bridge in the Northeast surround it creating a picture of dragons playing with pearls. It has viewing desks from which you can enjoy the lovely views of the Bund, Yangtze River and the Chongming Island. You can also sample the tower’s revolving restaurant and experience an all rounded view of the city.

Jade Buddha Temple
Situated in the Western part of Shanghai, this Buddhist temple was first built in 1882 to keep two Buddha statutes brought from Burma by Huigen, a monk. It was later destroyed during the revolution that ousted the Qing dynasty. However, the statutes were saved and another temple built on the site in 1928. Visit this temple to view these rare cultural and porcelain artworks. You don’t have to be a Buddhist to visit this temple, thus, make a visit and experience its peaceful and inspiring atmosphere.

Yuyuan Garden
This garden was established during the Ming dynasty. Occupying an area of 20,000 square meters, the garden has numerous ancient constructions. It has a stone exhibition gallery that has many stone engravings and sculptures. Other attractions here include the grand rockery, the exquisite jade rock and the Sansui hall which was built to entertain guests and later for announcements of imperial edicts.

Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
This is one of the largest ocean aquariums in the world. Its viewing tunnel is the largest in the world. The aquarium is composed of two pyramid-shaped buildings. The main building is divided into different zones with an exhibit of 300 types and over 15000 water creatures. You will find various rare fishes here such as jelly fishes, leafy sea dragons, emperor penguins and poison dart frogs. The displays are fine-tuned to represent the geography and culture of the different places in the world by pictures and voices.

Zhujiajiao Water Town
This town is a little far away from Shanghai but it will be with your time. Located 47kms away and south of the Yangtze River, it has over 1,700 years of history. Due to its gorgeous waterways, old streets cemented with stone and many buildings that go back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, it is referred to as the “Venice of Shanghai”. Visit the Kezhi garden and the Yuanjin Shrine and take walks on the zigzag pathways and winding lanes to experience the full charm of this town.

Shanghai has many more captivating attractions, therefore, make sure you check out these and in addition explore many others that will help you appreciate the charm and beauty of the city and its surroundings.

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