Did you know that Lumpia traces its roots from China? And rightfully so because in the Philippines, Lumpiang Shanghai next to pancit is a common dish during celebrations.
And I'm so happy because finally, I was able to set foot, not in Lumpia, but in Shanghai, China.
Compared to Manila, Shanghai is an advanced metropolitan city. Not only meaning the fidelity of Wifi connection everywhere. The financial district of the communist country is also a hot pot of different cultures. For one, parts of the city were once conquered by different nations, and today foreigners are everywhere because of business.
The city of Shanghai is subdivided into the "old" and "new", as they say. On the WEST side of the Huangpu River is Puxi, the old side where historical architecture can be admired. Pudong, on the EAST, is the cosmopolitan version. It's the home to Shanghai's famous backdrop: Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center and Shanghai Tower.
Here are the places and activities I was able to relish in Shanghai. Some are highly recommend, others is up to the traveler to decide:
Must-See and See-For-Yourself Places and Activities
1. The Bund on Puxi side of the river
It is perhaps one of the most prominent cityscape around with Shanghai's famous buildings on the frontier.
I've seen it both during daytime and nighttime. Huangpu River dividing it adds the drama that sometimes picture cannot capture. It's a delight to the eyes. It's like a look in the future. But best seen at nighttime where dancing lights are on display including LED advertisements on the building's facade. Tried to catch a picture of me with I <3 data-blogger-escaped-font="" data-blogger-escaped-shanghai.="">
It could have been more beautiful if I could see the clouds. Apparently, Shanghai sky is polluted.
2. The Bund on Pudong side
If on Puxi side it's a look in the future, The Bund on Pudong Side is like a lookback from it. Almost the same venue but different scenario. The old buildings from Shanghai can be seen from this side of the river. Thanks to Huangpu River, it's like looking at Shanghai in different perspectives.
I recommend to see both, at night.
3. Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) Observatory
SWFC used to be the highest building in Shanghai at 100 floors or 492 meters high. Although Shanghai Tower took the spot already, it was still worth visiting. Barely 360 degrees of Shanghai skyline, on the left side upon entrance high buildings are in view but they were never as high as SWFC (except for the tallest now). Jin Mao, a high building too looked small in this height. What's amazing on this part is the close up view of Oriental Pearl Tower.
On the right is just flat, rows after rows of Shanghai neighborhood. In my mind, it's like the contrast of Puxi and Pudong. High rise on the left, low buildings on the right.
In the Observatory, there's also clear portion on the floor (view point) where you can look through down. It was scary at first. Good thing the glass was kind of frosted (or dirty) that you know you're stepping on something.
Thrilling it was, yes. All these at 180 RMB. Best at night, too.
4. Shanghai Circus World- ERA: Intersection of Time
They say it's a must see show in Shanghai, and I agree. Got the second to the last tier at 220 RMB ticket for ERA: Intersection of Time.
It was heart stopping and the cast were brilliantly amazing. Pictures were not allowed to be taken, but I'm a blogger. Can't help it.
5. French Concession
It's a breeze to walk along French Concession. It was called such because before, this part of the city was colonized by France. As such, buildings were designed after the taste of France. And the houses were a delight to the eyes.
It was also where we ate local Chinese food and bought dried tea leaves. What's amazing in this part of the globe is that they have different kinds of tea leaves depending on the need. I bought sunflower because it washes down toxins from the body. A great pasalubong for my parents.
Unlike in Manila, their weather is relatively cold making the stroll a pleasing activity.
6. Nanjing Road
Another busy street in Shanghai. Aside from malls, there are also boutique shops on street level.
7. Yuyuan Garden
Yuyuan is a traditional Chinese area in Shanghai. Inside, there are shops for pasalubong but the main attraction was the old Chinese building on a water-feature.
There's also Yuyuan Garden but it's a paid area so didn't bother. Just bought pasalubong from keychains to t-shirt. And hey, bargaining is allowed but in Mandarin, of course.
8. XinTianDi
Typical Chinese homes converted to shops, now it's quite a high-end place where yuppies go at nighttime. Went there at daytime to take pictures of their Architecture. Went back again to cap the night.
9. Jing'an Temple
I have this notion that in China, a temple is a must visit place. Problem is, I'm not a Buddhist. So only looked at it outside. Jing'an a relatively new temple. I believe in Beijing, there many of these to enjoy.
These pictures were taken across the temple. Went back again at Kerry Center in Jing'an after.
10. Fuxing Park
One relatively small Park in Shanghai. Just went inside due to walking fatigue. Surprised to see that inside, there were lots of old people just enjoying the coolness of nature.
I feel quite envious because in Manila, I don't know any park full of flowers in bloom such as in Fuxing. I saw how they value culture (even if the communist brought all down, though). Plus, it's amazing that the old ones can have park to themselves in the middle of the city.
11. People's Square
This one is a relatively huge Park. Went there by Shanghai subway. Though not as pretty as Fuxing or even Yuyuan, this spot has a special place in their history.
12. Maglev Train
Maglev or Magnetic Levitation train. This pride of Shanghai, is a must especially when going back to the airport (bring itinerary plane ticket to get 10RMB discount).
Maximum speed is at 301 kph but you won't feel the rush. Only when there's a train speeding on the opposite site. It was amazing!
The 1 hour ride to the airport was just taken at 15 minutes.
13. Just stroll around Puxi area
Near the Bund, there are views worth indulging in. Such as these:
And oh, went inside Fairmont Peace Hotel, too.
14. Try other local transport such as their commuter train
They have a complicated map but lucky to be with a local.
Shanghai malls are also interesting. Was able to visit these three:
1. Kerry Center
2. K11
3. IAMP
Is there anything I missed? Where else is a must-see in Shanghai?
Shanghai Tips:
After a few days on this side of the globe, here are my tips to consider:
1. No FB and Instagram- Taiwanese connect to a VPN connection to access these sites. Although Chinese have their own version of these. Viber is very weak too so I suggest to download the WeChat app for communication and connect it to FB to post photos realtime.
2. Worse than that, no Google. Imagine if you're out on a workday and needs to access GMAIL? Terrible, right? Yahoo is fine but slower. If you can ask them to send files thru WeChat, much better.
3. Buy a local sim if in dire need to communicate. Tried China Unicom. And unlike in the Philippines, they are more on the calls side. They offer big mobile data allocation, too. But what use is this without access to our social media? Research, can be. Free wifi connection in the city also needs a local number for registration.
4. Most Chinese can't understand English. Better learn a few words. Or download a translate app. I tried to say "comfort room" in Chinese to no avail. They can't understand my accent!
5. Water scarcity! Well not really but people there are tea drinkers. Water in the restos are usually bought, or else they'd give hot water. Buying outside, though can just cost 2RMB per bottle.
6. Go to free museums. Didn't had the time to but I heard it's worth the visit.
I wish that more Filipinos can go out the country. A progressive city is a sight to see, not only meaning Shanghai of course. If only our roots can travel alot, it will make us wiser, it will help us realize what we're loosing.
Anyhow, I didn't mean to end on a sad note. To those whose sails are China-bound, enjoy!
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