On the central coast of China lies Shanghai, the country’s biggest city and a global financial and transportation hub. The city, scoring a population of the third largest in the world, is currently peaking in its significance not only in various business sectors, but also in tourism and culture.
A quick hour flight will get you from Seoul to Shanghai, not losing a single hour thanks to the one- hour time difference. Whether landing in Hongqiao or Pudong, your jaws will be dropping every second at the fascinating view of luxurious towers and shopping malls all around the city.
Speaking of skyscrapers, the Bund cannot be left out by any chance. At the waterfront area and protected historical district in the center of the city, modern skyscrapers along with the European style buildings and wharves bring out a great nightscape on Zhongshan Road. Even during the day, global record- breaking skyscrapers including Shanghai Tour, Shanghai World Financial Center, Oriental Pearl Tower, and Jin Mao Tower reflect in the Huangpu River to sparkle and shine.
Despite the city’s popularity for its historical sites, the Bund is not the only place to experience modern Shanghai. Shanghai Starbucks Reserve Roastery, located in the busy Nanjing Road, boasts its 2,700 square meter structure filled with the aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans. The roastery is a must visit not just for Starbucks fans, but all tourists and locals. Just taking a look around the iconic interior with its hand-hewn 10,000 hexagon- shaped ceiling tiles, the first Princi bakery in Asia, the longest Starbucks coffee bar in the world, and Starbucks’ first-ever in-store Augmented Reality experience will make you fall in love with Starbucks and the city in just a few minutes.
Food cannot be left out when talking about Shanghai, proudly representing Hu cuisine of the 10 great Chinese cuisines. Well known for its cooking of freshwater food, seafood, and seasonal vegetables, experience the light and delicately seasoned Shanghai cuisines. Some famous local specialties will be xiaolongbao (soup dumpling), cifantuan (sticky rice balls), peking duck, congyoubing (scallion pancakes), and douhua (soymilk custard).
After a great meal, it is now time to experience some tradition of the city. First will be Zhang Yuan, or Zhang’s Garden, the 141-year- old architecture complex recently reopened after restoration. The old residential area renovated into a comprehensive commercial and cultural landmark will surprise you with its photo-worthy luxury stores, and clean and diverse interior, providing a perfect site for an after-meal walk.
With its recently developing tourism industry, Shanghai provides various sites to experience the merge of the old and new, just like Zhang Yuan. Looking for a less touristy atmosphere, Tianzifang, a shopping and café area in the Old French Quarter, is where to be. Walk down the narrow, European-style alleys with a hint of traditional and modern Chinese additions, with chances to visit the small and trendy cafés and bars, as well as crafts shops and design studios.
If you enjoyed the atmosphere at Tianzifang, the next destination would have to be Wukang Road. Similarly having both French and Chinese traditions, the historic road in the Xuhui District was recognized as one of the National Historic and Cultural Streets of China in 2011. The 1.17-kilometer- long road is lined with a diverse range of architectural styles such as Mediterranean, French Renaissance, English, and Art Deco, making it a popular location for those interested in architecture and history. Whether you know of its complex history or not, just a walk down the quiet streets and capturing the iconic Wukang Mansion will be more than enough to satisfy your trip.
Shanghai, a similar yet different city compared to Seoul, is a place always be full of sight, taste, and enjoyment. No matter what you expect from Shanghai, you will get to see more of it by the time you end your journey.