Shanghai (which means ‘Upon the Sea’) was once the biggest and most developed city in the east. Originally a minor Chinese village it first rose to prominence during the Ming Dynasty and then flourished as a major port town under the Qing Dynasty, growing larger and more advanced. The city’s location by the Yangtze River not only led to its prosperity but also to its downfall as it made the city a target for foreign invaders. Although no longer living its halcyon days, the bustling city is still one of the finest in the Orient and no trip to China can be considered complete without enjoying the sights and sounds of the city.

Over the past two decades or so the city has reinvented itself into a global tourist destination offering tourists a plethora of attractions, a calendar full of events and an endless number of shopping opportunities. From crowded open air marketplaces to upscale shopping malls, the city has something for everybody. The major shopping regions in the city can be divided into ‘Four Roads’ and ‘Four Cities’.

Of the four roads it is Nanjing Road that is the most popular. Hailed as China’s most commercial road, Nanjing Road contains a variety of shops including some of which are over a century old. The prestige and history of Nanjing Road is only rivalled by Huaihai Road where one can find many shops selling designer goods. The other two streets are the North Sichuan Road, where one can get items at bargain prices, and the Middle Tibet Road.

When it comes to the four cities, Yuyuan Tourist Mart is the place to get anything Chinese, from souvenirs and handicrafts to antiques and jewellery. The Xujiahui Shopping City caters to budget shoppers and doubles as an entertainment centre, while the New Shanghai Shopping Centre is newer, chicer and aimed at a more discerning clientele. Rounding up the list is the Jiali Sleepless City, situated right in the heart of Pudong’s financial district.

Shanghai is an excellent city to visit with good public transport facilities and plenty of places to stay at. Tourists looking for a hotel in Shanghai with a convenient location can try The Langham, Yangtze, People’s Square, Shanghai. The 5 star hotel Shanghai is situated close to shops, parks and the Shanghai Museum.

 

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

Google+