Shanghai. Nicknamed the “Paris of the East” and simultaneously the “New York of China.” It’s a place where, in one second, you ride the fastest train in the world, and in the next, you stand before buildings constructed for colonial bankers. Prepare for incredible speed, dazzling lights, and a surprising Slovakian connection!
Shanghai’s greatest visual draw is its incredible contrast along the Huangpu River.
The Bund (Colonial Era Monument): On the western bank of the river stretches the historic waterfront, The Bund. It’s a row of 50 buildings constructed in the 19th and 20th centuries, blending Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque styles. They resemble European metropolises and stand as testimony to the era when the city was governed by world powers.
Pudong (The Futuristic Skyscraper Forest): Directly opposite stands Pudong, the hyper-modern answer to the 21st century. It’s the only place in the world where three buildings over 400 meters tall stand next to each other, including the Shanghai Tower.
💡 TIP: Take a 50-minute evening cruise around 7:00 PM. It’s the best way to experience this most beautiful and brightly illuminated skyline in Asia!
2. A Speed You Must Experience: The Maglev Train
Shanghai is not satisfied with ordinary speeds. If you want to know what traveling into the future feels like, board the Maglev train.
- The World’s Fastest: This is the fastest commercially operated train in the world, using the principle of magnetic levitation.
- A Numerical Marvel: It covers the 30.5 km route from Pudong Airport to the city in a staggering 8 minutes with a maximum speed of 431 km/h (268 mph)! Be sure to check the speedometer between 9:00 AM and 10:45 AM and 1:00 PM and 4:47 PM, when it runs at maximum velocity.
3. The Slovak Connection: Architect László Hudec
Few people know that the architectural legacy of Shanghai from the interwar period is credited to a Slovak.
- Park Hotel: The first skyscraper in all of Asia was built in 1934 and designed by architect László Hudec from Banská Bystrica.
- A Masterpiece: During his 28 years in Shanghai, Hudec designed up to 60 buildings that are still considered masterpieces and serve as a picturesque reminder of the city’s cosmopolitan, vibrant era.
4. Shanghai Tower: Dinner Above the Clouds
The Shanghai Tower is not only the third-tallest building in the world (632 m / 2,073 ft) but is also home to a Guinness World Record.
- Heavenly Jin: Located on the 120th floor, at a height of 556 meters (1,824 ft), is the Heavenly Jin restaurant, listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the highest restaurant in the world. Breakfast or dinner with such a breathtaking view is an unforgettable experience.
5. The Moving Temple
Shanghai has managed to combine the most modern engineering with deep respect for tradition.
- Jade Buddha Temple: One of the most famous and largest Buddhist monasteries in the city, built at the end of the 19th century.
- A Technological Wonder: In 2016, the main temple hall, weighing 2,200 tons, was lifted and shifted along rails by 30 meters (98 ft)! The reason was to enlarge the courtyard and protect it from overcrowding, thus preserving the sanctuary for future generations.
6. China’s Venice: An Escape from the Rush
If Shanghai’s pace tires you out, tranquility is just a short trip outside the city.
- Zhujiajiao Water Town: This ancient village (1,700 years of history) is known as “Shanghai’s Venice.” Here, you can stroll across stone bridges, crossing the river systems, and observe picturesque views that are the exact opposite of the skyscraper skyline.
7. The Oldest Shopping Street and the Commerce Ritual
Shanghai is a shopping paradise, and has been for centuries.
- Nanjing Road (Nanjing Lu): This immense shopping street is the oldest in all of China. With the first department store opening in 1921, it remains the pulse of consumerism. In the evening, colossal flashing neon signs transform it into an ultra-modern and energetic pavement that never sleeps.
Shanghai is simply a ride. It’s the perfect mix of tradition, luxury, architecture, and a fierce, unparalleled pace. Go explore this true Pearl of the Orient!