Shanghai, CHINA
Airing Date: Jul 19th, 2004
Shanghai is the most populated city in the world's most populated country. The city is home to 17 million people, which means the streets of Shanghai are extremely crowded.
Apart from being the largest and most densely populated city in all of China, it's also the most westernized, and despite becoming a great industrial centre, Shanghai has managed to keep its historic and cultural past alive too.
During the Opium War the British took control over Shanghai, opening it up to foreign trade, and it quickly became China's main trading port. Over the years, the combination of a growing number of foreign investors and cheap Chinese labour turned Shanghai into a prosperous industrial city.
When the Communist Party took over in 1949, all foreign businesses were forced to leave and the government began to focus on industrialization. As a result, Shanghai now has more than 10,000 factories in its city.
The Bund is the popular and picturesque waterfront area which stretches along the bank of the Huangpu River. Day or night, it buzzes with people coming to see the old buildings which line this part of the river.
It's a strong reminder of how Shanghai used to be when opium dens, gangsters and gambling gave this city a bad name. During the period of the Opium wars, the British took over Shanghai and they were soon followed by the Americans and the French. Their influence is seen in the architecture, its cosmopolitan cooking traditions, European-style housing and revolutionary relics, which explain why some parts of Shanghai may appear more European then Chinese.
Shanghai is said to be the best area for shopping in all of China. The most famous streets include Huaihai Road and Nanjing Lu. The Number 1 Department Store has twelve floors with 150,000 people passing through its doors daily - and it's just one of many places to shop!
If you fancy a break from shopping, head over to the Yu gardens. In 1559, the financial minister during the Ming Dynasty decided to build his parents a garden as a gift. It took him 28 years, and the result is beautiful.
Renmin Square is another great spot. Also known as the Peoples' Square, it's home to the Shanghai museum, which showcases China's 4,000 year history.
This area also boasts the Grand Theatre, where visitors can watch Chinese acrobats, and even the Urban Construction Planning Hall, which houses a giant model of what Shanghai will look like in the future. That future isn't too far away - parts of the city already look like they're straight out of a science fiction movie.
If you still have energy at the end of the day, Shanghai comes alive at night. There are great clubs and lots of karaoke bars to party the night away. Alternatively, you can enjoy a tasty meal of Chinese food or some of the many different types of cuisine available.
The facts
China Southern flies four days a week to Guangzhou with connecting flights to Shanghai. Prices start from $1072 from Sydney and $1055 from Melbourne.
China Southern Airlines
Tel: 02 9233 9788
Travel Indochina's 10 day Highlights of China tour includes a four night stay in Shanghai and costs from $2550, based on a twin share. If you would prefer to stay in five star accommodation, prices start from $3598. This includes staying at the Westin Shanghai.
Travel Indochina
Tel: 1300 367 666
Prices correct at 19/07/04
