Shanghai, From Towering Skyscrapers to a Picturesque Old Town

Brightsun travel
Jul 27, 2017 · 3 min read

Shanghai, in China, is one of the fastest growing cities on the planet. But as well as being an ultra modern city with one of the tallest buildings in the world, the city has pockets of history and culture that will transport you back in time. When you are ready to go, Brightsun Travel has discounted airfares to Shanghai all year round, so you can experience the old and new in Shanghai this holiday.

A Sci-fi Skyline

The incredible metropolis of Shanghai, a city that has developed at such warp speed that it boasts contemporary skyscrapers and urban architecture like no other Chinese city, has an almost sci-fi skyline, which includes one of the tallest buildings in the world, the Shanghai Tower, towering above old laneways and local markets.

Contemporary Architecture

Across Shanghai you will find incredible architecture, centred around the Pudong district, where you can go to the top of the Oriental Pearl Tower, or the Jinmao Tower, for a bird’s-eye view of the city. Or head to the Power Station of Art, Shanghai’s answer to the Tate Modern, and explore a contemporary gallery housed in a former power plant.

Traditional Shanghai

Almost as an antidote to the city’s mega-skyscrapers, a tour of the city’s Old Town would reveal Shanghai’s more traditional side. Head to the historic district of Bund, and you will discover many heritage buildings that have been preserved for their cultural importance, including Art Deco and neoclassical buildings, old hotels and classic buildings housing traditional British Gentlemen’s clubs.

Shikumen

In some parts of Shanghai, like in Tianzifang, you can walk through Shanghai’s last remaining shikumen complexes, alleyway complexes (or gated communities) that traditionally provide low-rise dwellings for families, and part of the city’s historic landscape. In Xintiandi you could tour the Shikumen Open House Museum and imagine what life in Shanghai was like just a few decades ago.

Wuzhen

When you are ready to leave the city, just 90 miles from Shanghai, is the ancient water village of Wuzhen, built around waterways and canals, where you can experience the traditional side of China, showcasing a very different way of life to its more space age neighbour. Here you can take a boat trip along winding canals and imagine what life was like in ancient China.

Getting there

Contact Brightsun Travel about a wide range of direct and cheap flights to Shanghai, and take a memorable city break to China this holiday.

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