Shanghai. It is hard to imagine how this modest fishing village of Yangzte River mouth has grown into the largest city in China and the eighth largest in the world. And it has also become the pride of China for many other reasons: to be a great and progressive city with a proud and glorious past. It is an epicenter for art and culture as well as for trade. Moreover, this cosmopolitan city has much to offer the curious tourists and has become a popular destination among travelers from the East. For those unfamiliar with this city, And why not take a chronological approach to sample sites with the history of Shanghai? Part One: Empire Period – Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD.) In the area of Puxi (west of river), visit Yuyuan, a private garden of Ming traditional style built in 1559 and opened in 1961. You will find rock gardens, cloisters, pavilions, corridors, ponds and many scenic spots.

Second part: thirties Visit the Bund (Wai Tan), whose streets are dominated by European architecture. This area was the commercial and financial district of Shanghai and in it were placed government buildings and foreign companies. Scroll through the French Concession, a neighborhood full of houses shikumen, art-deco buildings, cafes and shops. The city's hedonistic past is evident in the many colonial-style buildings. If you really want to know what is going shopping in Shanghai, nothing beats the Nanjing Road. Part Three: XXI Century Cross Huangpu River to reach Pudong and find the Wall Street of China. If you want to enjoy a spectacular view of the city from above, climb the Tower of Oriental Pearl, one of the tallest buildings in the world. There is an extensive choice of hotels in Shanghai, as well as an endless array of dining options from the rich food from street stalls of Wujiang Road to the elite and expensive restaurants in Xintiandi. In China many traditional festivals are held and, if those who prefer to get the heart of Chinese culture, it might be a good idea to plan your trip to coincide with any of these events. However, avoid the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), held in February, as most of the sites close. For more information, visit the official website of Shanghai.