There's so much to see and do in Shanghai that even the locals sometimes complain that they'll never get to do it all. With the help of the Shanghai Municipal Tourism office, we've picked out a few of the must-sees for your attendees:
The Bund
The picturesque Bund, the area along the Huangpu River described as a living museum of modern world architecture, is an emblem of Shanghai—52 buildings tower over the river along the western side of the Bund. The wide riverfront promenade along the eastern side of the Bund provides a captivating view of Shanghai.
Yuyuan Garden & Bazaar
The Yuyuan Garden, located on the road of the same name in downtown, is perhaps the best example of the classical gardens of Shanghai. Built in 1559, the garden makes ingenious use of a rather small space, and is definitely the No. 1 must-see in Shanghai.
The neighboring Yuyuan Bazaar, also known as "Old City God's Temple Market," is a shopping center full of fine examples of architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Longhua Temple
Built during the Five Dynasties, the Longhua Temple is the largest and one of the most venerated temples in Shanghai. Apart from its long history, visitors from around China come to see the peach blossoms in the courtyard.
Pedestrian-only Nanjing Road
Flanked on both sides by shopping centers, department stores, specialty stores, restaurants, and cultural facilities, Nanjing Road is the most sophisticated shopping and tourist complex in Shanghai. Every day it welcomes a throng of more than 1 million visitors.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower faces the Bund across the Huangpu River at Lujiazui, the busiest part of Pudong. The tallest TV tower in Asia, an elevator whisks visitors to the tower's observation deck for truly stunning views. The tower has restaurants, shops, recreation centers, and a hotel.
People's Square
Refurbished and expanded in 1994, this is the political and cultural center of Shanghai. The square is home to the Shanghai New Museum, City Hall, an underground shopping center, and the Grand Shanghai Theatre.
Arts & Crafts Research Institute
Established in 1956, this is China's first comprehensive center for the study of Chinese arts and crafts. The institute is staffed with virtuoso craftsmen who demonstrate woolen needlepoint tapestry, embroidery, ivory carving, jade carving, dough modeling, and porcelain carving.
