Shanghai

In 1553, a wall was built around them, and a small town over the sea appeared. Until the XIX century, Shanghai had remained in the shadow of history without any particularly significant mentions. During the Opium Wars, the city experienced a breathtaking rise and a strong economic boom. Thanks to its advantageous geographical location, Shanghai became a major port. It served as a transportation hub for silk fabrics, opium, spices, and many other exotic goods all over the world. At the same time, emigrants from all over Europe flock here. 

The first trolleybus passed through the streets of Shanghai on November 15, 1914. It has the oldest trolleybus system in the world which is still operating today. 

The history of the city did not go without fatal events, wars, and revolutions. But it had survived and by the middle of the XX century had acquired the status of a powerful industrial, commercial, and cultural center of China. 

By 1949, the time the civil war had ended, the city was home to 6 million people and was considered to be one of the largest cities in China. The Communists won the war, supported by the local population, which prevented the previous government from implementing a plan to destroy the city completely. But the victory of the Communist Party did not bring prosperity to the city at the time: the authorities introduced high taxes and persecuted the so-called "bourgeois class".

It was not until 1992, when China took the course towards a market economy, that Shanghai quickly outperformed almost all other major cities in China (Shenzhen and Guangzhou). 

Shanghai entered the XXI century with ambitious plans to become not only a world-class city but also the center of all East Asia.

• Visit the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, which is the fifth-highest in the world and one of the most important symbols of Shanghai. We recommend doing this in the evening when the illumination is turned on, and the tower starts shining with thousands of lights.
• Climb the skyscraper of the Shanghai Tower and enjoy the views of the magnificent city from a height of 546 meters. The high-speed elevator will take you to the top in just 10 seconds. Please note that you must have a passport in order to get there.
• Go from one bank of the Huangpu River to the other through an underwater tunnel by tram. Here you will witness a grandiose light show with musical accompaniment.
• Be sure to stop by a small street cafe. This is where you can fully understand that you know nothing about Chinese cuisine. Try steamed pork dumplings (xiaolongbao). They are known for their very thin dough and a large number of different spices. A dish is served with dark Chinese vinegar.
• Take a walk on the Lujiazui Circular Pedestrian Bridge. It is a real masterpiece of architectural and engineering thought, an excellent place for extraordinary and beautiful photographs. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views.
• Visit the unique Yuyuan Garden. It is divided into seven picturesque themed zones. Created over 500 years ago, the garden becomes more and more beautiful and never ceases to amaze.
• Go to the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, the largest in Asia. Here you can see more than 10,000 representatives of marine flora and fauna from all corners of the globe.
• Admire one of the most famous skyscrapers in the world — the Shanghai World Financial Center, located in the Pudong district. It is impossible not to admire this masterpiece of modern architecture.
• Buy some strange things that are nowhere else in the world. An original souvenir can be, for example, a fan to cool the noodles.
• Enjoy the beautiful Waitan waterfront, the identity of which is protected by the city authorities. Here you will fully dive into the atmosphere of old Shanghai and feel the spirit of the ancient East.