CHINA - Shanghai & Beijing - A Tale of Two Cities

Grasping the enormity of the most populated country in the world is best reflected in its two teeming cities, Shanghai and Beijing where each provides you with a unique glimpse into the past and future of China.

Shanghai
If you had traveled to Shanghai 10 years ago, and returned today, you would see a very different city. Shanghai today is a modern 21st Century city, with tall modern high rise buildings, amazing nightlife and construction everywhere.

Finding the old sights and sounds of the old city is becoming more difficult as the city’ rapid development produces almost instant change almost everywhere.

Shanghai sits on the Yangtze River delta midway on China’ Pacific coastline, half-way between Beijing and Hong Kong. This cities history can still be found in a few of the remaining historic areas and building – many which were constructed in the 19th century when the British, French and Americans had concessions in the city. A must area to visit is an area called the “Bund” where these remarkable buildings from old European days are beautifully lit up at night and have been magnificently restored and are still in use today.

Across the river from the Bund is the Pudong New Area, home of the Oriental Pearl Tower, the tallest tower in China, the jinmao Tower, the world’s tallest hotel and the first commercial magnetic train. Pudong is also the home to museums, an ocean aquarium and a riverside promenade that provides stunning views of the Bund.

Shanghai is usually a business destination for travelers. However, if you are coming for a China vacation, or traveling through on the way to somewhere else, Shanghai has many must-see experiences and it is a good way to introduce yourself to the wonders and challenges of travel in China. As you travel throughout the city, you will quickly notice it is the power-house of China, the money-making machine that drives the Chinese economy continually forward.

For those who love shopping, Shanghai is paradise. Shanghai offers world-class shopping with the all the authentic designer stores located along Nanjing Xi Lu, China’s version of Rodeo Drive or New York’s Fifth Avenue. If you are a bargainer, then the city is filled with small markets that feature knock-off versions of designer jewelry, fashions and the like.

When visiting Shangahi, and if you have time, just outside the city, one or two hours on a bus or train you will find some real treats. Tranquil lakes….beautiful Chinese gardens…and ancient villages. Just an hour by local bus in Zhujiajiao and about two hours away by bus or train is Suzhou, as well as Hangzhou. They provide a wonderful contrast to Shangahi which wants to be the biggest, best and most important city in the world.

Beijing
Beijing is the capital of the People’s Republic of China. The city is the nation’s political, economic, cultural and educational center. The city is located in northern China and has a long and illustrious history that started some 500,000 years ago. For more than 800 years, Beijing was a capital city – from the Yuan Dynasty to the Ming and Quing dynasties. Thirty-four emperors have lived and ruled China in Beijing and it has been an important trading city form its earliest days.

Beijing is a city in transformation, as they prepare for the 2008 Summer Olympics. However, you can still become acquainted with “old Beijing” by exploring its many teahouses, temple fairs, Beijing’s Hutong and Courtyard and enjoy the Peking Opera.
Other must see attractions include Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square and the Mao Zendong Memorial Hall flanked on each side by The Great Hall of the People, the home of China’s legislative body, and the China National Museum.

Walking from Memorial Hall, visitors can then stroll to the entrance to The Forbidden City, a centerpiece of China’s Imperial past. You will stroll through the numerous court yards and halls and quickly develop a sense of feeling the history of Chinese royalty throughout the numerous courtyards and halls.

China’s spiritual and philosophical past can be found throughout the city. Visit The Temple of Heaven and the Ancient Observatory located in TianTin Park south of the Forbidden City. The Lam Temple is the most visited religious site in Beijing, with five main halls housing hundred of Buddha images. Close by is the Temple of Confucius.

No trip to Beijing is complete without taking day trips to areas surrounding the city. The Summer Palace is a must destination and The Great Wall is one of the most popular sites in the country

Dwelling too much on the historical past of Beijing may give the impression that it is little more than an ancient city but this is definitely no the case. Strolling around Beijing, you will find it has much in common with any other cities in the world. There are towering skyscrapers, busy shopping malls and an endless stream of traffic. Nowhere else on earth will you find such a variety of gourmet Chinese restaurants offering the very best of the eight different styles of Chinese cuisine as well as western style dishes.

After a day’s exploration of the city, nighttime can hold other surprises for you. These can vary form traditional performances such as the Beijing Opera, acrobatics and martial arts. However, no description of the city is complete without the mention of all the friendly people who throng the streets. Everywhere you will encounter smiling faces and a welcome. All these things will add up to make your Beijing vacation a true cultural experience of a lifetime.