Shanghai is home to a famous waterfront promenade known as the Bund, Shanghai Tower, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Ascott Heng Shan Shanghai. East China’s commercial, cultural, and technological hub is this sprawling metropolis that attracts visitors from all across the world, the majority of whom are business travellers. The city offers all the modern conveniences: a comprehensive public transport system, world class restaurants, the latest in entertainment and service apartment. Shanghai is the most futuristic city in China and also its largest by population.
Another highlight of the city is the Yu Garden, also known as the Yuyuan Garden. Yu is a Chinese word that translates to peaceful. The Chinese believe it is over four hundred years old and was built in the Ming Dynasty. During this time it said to have been the private garden of the Pan family. It was built by Pan Yunduan in 1577, an officer of the Ming Dynasty, as a gift to his parents. Yuyuan Garden occupies a vast area of twenty thousand square metres. Even today, the garden boasts an exquisite layout and fine architecture, complete with traditional pavilions and tranquil ponds. A five ton jade rock takes pride of place, while a number of halls and buildings house ancient furniture, paintings, works of calligraphy, sculptures and carvings. Together with the Confucian Temple in Nanjing, the Panjiayuan Market and Glass Street in Beijing, it has been named a National Cultural Market.
Yu Garden can be found in the center of Shanghai’s Old City, only a few blocks away from the Bund. It is frequently used for flower shows, painting or sculpture exhibitions, tea ceremonies and lantern festivals. The Yuyuan Market, selling souvenirs and local snacks, spans over ten shopping streets and is located right beside the garden.
Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+
