Shanghai is one of the world’s largest seaports. Formerly the largest metropolis of the Far East, Shanghai has become China’s important center of economy, finance, trade, science and technology, information and culture. As a noted historic and cultural city, Shanghai attracts millions of tourists from home and abroad with its unique charm. Shanghai is also a cherished paradise for gourmets, boasting thousands of restaurants serving a complete list of well-known Chinese and international cuisines, among which the Shanghai food enjoys particular popularity among overseas visitors.
Situated in the downtown’s People’s Square, the world-famous Shanghai Museum features varied works of ancient Chinese art. The museum keeps a collection of over 120,000 pieces of precious cultural relics in 21 categories, such as bronzeware, ceramics, calligraphic works, paintings, Buddhist sculptures, jadeware, coins and imperial seals. Included in the carefully selected exhibits are a sizable number of fine works of famous artists and authors from various periods of history dating as far back as 6,000 years ago. The museum is installed with advanced security and fire alarm systems, multimedia educational facilities, a computerized resources library and building maintenance automation system.
The most attractive work of architecture is no other than the Oriental Pearl Tower standing by the bank of the Huangpu River. The 468-meter-tall Oriental Pearl Tower, in which the local residents take so much pride, ranks the tallest in Asia and the third tallest in the world. The tower consists of three huge “sky-support” columns and eleven large spheres of varying sizes. Standing on the observation floor and looking around, you will see across the Huangpu River the famous Bund lined up with a dazzling exhibition of architectural creations of international styles and the charming skyline of the whole city in the distance-endless soothing vistas that one will find it difficult to turn away from.