Shanghai is the best place known to explore ancient Chinese culture. Apart from being the abode the modern business and culture, you will love to explore the places that speak about age-old history. If you have gone through the history of China, these places would surely impress you. You may book your flight tickets to land to Shanghai at the earliest and get the best possible deal.
- The Bund: You may stroll along the Bund (Wai Tan) and become a part of Shanghai’s bustling crowd. Explore the waterfront, buildings here, and admire the architectural styles like Baroque, Gothic, and Bareux which constitute the majority of the ancient structures. Pose photos near the flood controlled walls, which is known as the Lovers Walls. There are some other iconic places, famous skyscrapers like the Pearl Tower, and many others that seem to pierce the sky. While you plan a trip to Shanghai, make it mandatory to visit the Bund.
- Zhujiajiao Ancient town: The Zhujiajiao town is known for having a rich cultural background which is divided by rivers and stone bridges. The town was established almost 1700 years ago, and it contains some archaeological sites that were prominent almost 5,000 years ago. Seems like standing amidst a time machine, observing the Qing dynasty spice shops, rice stores, post offices, and banks. You may opt for a gondola ride to meander along with the well-preserved heritage sites along the riverbank. This is one of the major attractions to Shanghai, in case you are eager to explore the history.
- Jade Buddha Temple: Visit the Jade Buddha temple that contains various cultural relics and other works of art. While you enter the Grand Hall, your eyes will catch various statues with precious metals. While you reach the northern section of the temple, your eyes will catch a glance of two jade statues of Buddha. One in a recumbent pose and the other in a sitting posture. Both the statues are covered with emeralds and agates, a specialty of the place. Move to the eastern part of the temple, and you’ll find a restaurant where local sumptuous dishes are served at a very moderate price.
- Xitang ancient town:Xitang is an ancient water town crisscrossed by nine rivers, visited during the autumn and the spring season. The city has a series of eight sections that are linked by the traditional stone bridges and amid the narrow streets. Your eyes will catch various temples and antique residences. The well-preserved buildings, lanes, corridors, and bridges bring artistic value and glorify the aesthetic choice. There are a set of archaic residential houses, having auspicious cultural values from the times of Qing and Ming dynasties.
- Former French concession: Explore the tree-lined avenues which represent European style, has cafes, restaurant, concept bars, breweries as well as the Art Galleries. The concession came to an end in 1943, but the residential and retail district still remains as a popular center for Catholicism in China. If you opt for a walking tour, you will probably discover the religious and cultural buildings built by Russians, Americans, British as well as the French. Apart from all the high-end stores, you may visit the normal street-side shops where a bit of bargaining could make you a winner.
- Jingan temple: Shanghai’s famous religious centre is the Jingan Temple, which is a four-headed mounted lion on a huge pillar. The bug Buddha temple offers a sanctuary and retreat for pilgrims and tourists who are alike. While built-in the 247 CE, this big Buddha statue is 12 feet tall and weighs 11 tons. The large Ming period bronze ball is of great significance. You will have the chance of praising the eighteenth-century painting and calligraphy by the renowned Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou, and it’s favoured by the Europeans. The first tramcar of Shanghai started from this centre.
- Tongli town: Tongli, also known as Futu is one of China’s best-preserved water towns, has a millennium-old history. Explore the streets where renowned poet, painter, scholars gather and contribute to the pride of the nation. The ancient town that bears a poetic name has fifteen rivers and five lakh lakes. The architecture here represents the Qing and Ming dynasty rule, who ruled from 1368 to 1911. The spectacular gardens are known for their designs that reflect harmony.
You will simply love the culture of China, the Mandarin language, and raise the rich historic past. In fact, if you have time, get indulged in fun-filled activities like cooking class or learning the language Mandarin.