Tian Zi Fang (田子坊) was an area that we visited while we were in Shanghai. Kate had planned for a visit to Tian Zi Fang …
Tian Zi Fang (田子坊) : An Arts enclave in French Concession Shanghai!
Shanghai
Oriental Pearl Tower Shanghai (东方明珠塔) : Is it worth a visit?
Oriental Pearl Tower Shanghai (东方明珠塔) is a radio and TV tower in the city of Shanghai. Towering at 468 metres, the Oriental Pearl Tower offers splendid views over the entire city of Shanghai. The only shortfall was a cloud of haze affecting the views when we visited. Nonetheless, this post will tell you all the things to see and expect at the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai!
Views from the Oriental Pearl Tower Shanghai
Entry tickets to the Oriental Pearl Tower costs between 120RMB to 220RMB (approximately $24 to $44), inclusive of entry into the Shanghai History Museum. While we were there, we noticed that there were ALOT of people. It was actually quite noisy when we reached the observation deck, due to the chatter and conversations that took place within. In addition, the hazy skyline also dwindled the experience somewhat. Nonetheless, views over the city, the Bund as well as the Huang Pu River was still quite amazing.
At the transparent observation deck, you may have to “jostle” for prime spot. The best spots are already taken by the official photographers. However, if you ask politely, they may offer you the spot and even take a quick shot for you 😉
After the visit to the observation deck, we returned downstairs to visit the Shanghai History Museum which was a great addition to the tour at the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai. Here are the highlights from the visit…
Shanghai History Museum at Oriental Pearl Tower
The Shanghai History Museum tells of how life was like in the golden era of Shanghai in the 1930s. There were many interesting exhibits which really showcased how the rich and famous enjoyed life then in China. What really caught our eye though, was the wedding sedan shown in the picture above. For the bride to sit within the sedan, the decorative structure has to be taken apart piece by piece. After the bride sat within, it would then be placed back piece by piece again! What a piece of art!
The address of Oriental Pearl Tower is located at 1 Century Ave, Pudong, Shanghai, China.
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We hope you have enjoyed our coverage of the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai History Museum! Do let us (and other readers) know if you have other interesting information, in our comments section below!
Qibao Old Town (七宝老街) : A feel of historic Shanghai!
Qibao Old Town (or old street; known as 七宝老街 in chinese) is a historic area of Shanghai and is easy accessible via the Shanghai Metro by alighting at the Qibao Station. At Qibao Old Street, you’ll be able to not only enjoy a variety of street foods but also experience the old architecture, especially along the Puhui River.
What to do at Qibao Old Town Shanghai
There are many things to do and attractions in Qibao Old Town in Shanghai. Instead of explaining all that we saw, we’ll show all the amazing and beautiful pictures we took at this scenic and picturesque old town!
As you can see from the pictures above, one of the most beautiful shots can be taken from the bridge with views of the old town. Besides scenic shots of the old town and its intricate architectural structures, the other highlight of visit Qibao is the FOOD!
Things to eat at Qibao Old Town Shanghai
Check out the live demonstration on the making of the Dragon’s Beard Candy!
What we enjoyed about the food at Qibao Old Town is that it is similar to the night markets of Taiwan. Walk and eat, eat and walk!
But if there’s one thing you should try here, it’s the Shanghai ‘soup’ dumpling aka 上海小笼包! Do let us know if you have any other food recommendations at Qibao Old Town in the comments section below!
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We hope you have enjoyed our coverage of Qibao Old Town in Shanghai! Remember to take more shots of the old town and of the beautiful bridges! Happy Travels Everyone!
Yu Garden Shanghai : Discover the secrets within!
Yu Garden Shanghai (also known as Yu Yuan 豫园） is a garden attraction in the old city of Shanghai. It was built some time in the 16th century but had swapped owners several times before finally being rebuilt, reopened and reinstated as a national monument in 1982.
Today, Yu Garden Shanghai is not only a must-visit attraction in Shanghai, but is also a garden with several secrets for visitors to discover…
Old City Shanghai
Description of Yuyuan Garden
Jiuqu Bridge – Bridge with 9 bends @ Yu Garden
Huxin Pavilion – Teahouse in the centre of the lake at Yuyuan
Yu Garden ticketing office
Yu Garden Shanghai Attractions
Before we move on to uncover some secrets within Yu Garden, here are some main attractions of Yuyuan Garden…
海上名园 – Famous garden, north of the river
The engraved stone that greets you at the entrance to Yu Garden
First hall of Yu Garden Shanghai
Picturesque Yu Garden Shanghai views
One of the many garden views in Yu Garden
Platform made of stone in Yuyuan
Bridge across a lake in Yu Garden
The famous 玉玲珑 of Yu Garden
Zooming in on 玉玲珑
玉玲珑 is the famous centre piece of Yu Garden. Also known as the “Naturally Hollowed Jade Boulder”, it embodies a saying “瘦漏皱透“ meaning, Skinny, Leaky, Wrinkled and Transparent. In essence, the saying describes the jade boulder and its uniqueness, with a word play of these 4 words that rhymes. The saying describes the jade boulder as skinny and wrinkled-looking and because of the holes formed in it, it allows light (transparent) to shine through and water (leaky) to seep through.
Yu Hua Hall
Description of Yu Hua Hall
Yu Hua Hall was the study room of the original owner of Yu Garden – Pan Yun Duan. Constructed in the Ming Dynasty, approximately in the 16th century, you’ll soon realise the uniqueness of the furnitures within. They are firstly entirely carved out of wood, no nails used. But more interestingly, you’ll find that the bold outlines of the furniture actually resembles the outlines of modern furnitures today. Meaning to say, trends will return to fashion 500 years later?
Zhao Wall within Yu Garden Shanghai
Description of Zhao Wall
Ancient Opera Stage Yu Garden – whose secret we’ll reveal later…
Another view of the Yu Garden Opera Stage
Secrets within Yu Garden Shanghai
In this section, we’ll reveal some secrets which you may otherwise not notice if you do not look at them carefully…
蝙蝠鹿豫园
This mosaic placed on the floor of exits actually signifies (through the deer), 出路平安 – safety when you leave and enter the house. The bats on the other hand (because of the 2nd part of the word in chinese) signifies 福 or fortune (blessings). The coins surrounding the entire mosaic signifies 财源广进 or influx of wealth.
Talk about significance of a picture eh?
Zoomed in view of the Ancient Opera Stage
Now for the secret of the ancient opera stage…If you take a closer look at the centre of the ancient opera stage, you’ll realise that there’s this spiral cone-shaped structure that is painting in gold. In fact, it acts as an olden day “amplifier” that increases and amplifies the sounds of the performers so that the audience can better hear the performance even though they may be seated a distance away!
Window in Yu Garden Shanghai
Is this window really just a window? If you notice closely, the words 福禄寿喜 are written on the four corners of the frame signifying fortune, prosperity, longevity and happiness!
Framing with a window
This window was created so that when people look through it, they may see an alternate view of the garden, as though the garden is “framed” within the window. How cool is that?!
Dragons of Yu Garden Shanghai
Yu Garden Shanghai is said to be “protected” by many different dragons all around its premise. The different dragons have different characteristics and also tells of which era they are from…
Dragons guarding the entrance to the inner gardens of Yu Garden
Smiley playful dragons – one of the oldest ones in the garden
Another pair of dragon guarding an entrance
A majestic looking dragon
Anything interesting about this dragon? Not unless you look behind…
Yes, a dragon with a spine!
How to get to Yu Garden Shanghai
Map of Yu Garden Shanghai
Yu Garden Shanghai is located at 218 Anren St, Huangpu, Shanghai, China
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The next time you visit Yu Garden Shanghai, we hope you’ll look out for these “hidden secrets” and hopefully discover some secrets of your own as well!