Pudong

The city’s newest district was, until 20 years ago, just marshy flatland. However, with the opening of the economy in the 1980s, Shanghai, long neglected by the party for its bourgeois past, suddenly sprang to life and began expanding. The result is nothing short of spectacular and Shanghai’s skyline has taken on a new silhouette, which rivals that of Hong Kong, New York or Sydney.

Pudong’s two most famous and dramatic structures, the Jinmao Tower and the space-rocket-like Pearl Oriental TV Tower manage to make various other impressive buildings fade into the background. While ascending these towers is great for the ride and also gives 360-degree views, part of what makes Shanghai’s skyline so impressive are these two super-tall buildings. When looking out from them, I always feel something is missing from the panorama! Next to the Jinmao, a new tower is rapidly climbing skywards and, when complete, the ShanghaiWorld Financial Center, at 101 floors, will eclipse its neighbor (but not Taipei’s 101 Tower, the world’s highest).

To appreciate the Bund from Pudong, take a walk along the Riverside Promenade which is lined with cafés which, while expensive, offers great views, especially when the sun sets and gives way to the evening lightshows (from 7 pm). The sights below can be reached by subway line #2 to Lujiazui.

Pearl Oriental TV Tower, 1 Shiji Dadao (daily 8 am- 10 pm; ¥35-100 – see text for details; Lujiazui subway, or the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel. Shanghai’s signature building, completed in 1994 looks fresh from the set of a scifi movie. The three cylindrical concrete supports give the appearance that the space-rocket of a tower is poised for take-off, an apt metaphor for Shanghai’s explosive re-launch as China’s financial capital. The tower contains 12 “pearls” or circular constructions, the three largest housing observation areas and restaurants. To go to both the first and second pearls costs ¥85, or ¥70 to choose just one (obviously the second commands better views). To gain access to all three pearls, the highest of which is 875 feet, tickets cost ¥100, or ¥200/280 respectively, including lunch (11 am-2 pm) or dinner (5-9 pm). At the base of the tower, the Shanghai Municipal History Museum (daily 9 am-9 pm; ¥35 or entry with a tower ticket) is definitely worth a visit. The museum contains over a thousand exhibits tracing Shanghai’s social history since the mid-19th century, including its “foreign paradise” past.

Jin Mao Tower, 88 Shiji Dadao (daily, 8:30 am-9 pm, ¥50). No trip to Shanghai would be complete without a visit to this breathtaking structure. With 88 floors, it is the tallest building in China and the highest hotel (1,575 feet) in the world. Designed by an American team of architects, Skidmore, Owings & Merril, it has become a symbol of modern Shanghai, fusing tradition and modernity, East and West. The building takes its shape from traditional Chinese pagodas, with 13 distinct tiers, and is made from steel and glass. The number of floors, 88, isn’t a matter of chance – eight implies wealth and prosperity. There is an observation deck (¥50) on the 88th floor offering 360- degree views of the city (choose a clear day since visibility can be poor). For only a little more money you can enjoy the expansive vistas with a cocktail or cup of coffee at the café on the 54th floor of the Hyatt (next to reception), the numerous restaurants on the 56th floor or, better still, from Cloud 9, on the 87th floor.