What is Shanghai known for? 

Shanghai is known the world over as a vital financial hub with throngs of businessmen and visitors arriving in the city. But this large and ultra-modern city is also known for many other unique things and experiences that set it apart from other financial hubs in the world. The jade items, its fine silks and the link to the ancient silk route, the ancient towns and streets, The Bund, a popular hangout for visitors and so much more. Discover below some of the best things Shanghai is famous for.

The Authentic Shanghai Cuisine

Scallion Noodles |Image via Unsplash

Also known as Hu cuisine, this is one of the most popular styles of cooking in China using fresh vegetables, freshwater food and seafood and adopting steaming, braising and deep frying to prepare the dishes. With a few Western influences in it, Hu Cuisine has some appealing dishes relished by visitors. Find a few of them below including street food.
Red Braised Pork Belly - A firm favourite with visitors using Shanghai apartments, the tender chunks of braised pork belly are thoroughly caramelized and are served in a mouthwatering sweet sauce, a great combination with creamed potatoes.

Scallion Noodles – Scallions are fried till golden brown with egg noodles tossed into it along with soy sauce. A simple and tasty noodle dish which can be eaten with a meat or seafood dish.

Xiao Long Bao – These are delicate and semi-transparent dumplings filled with flavourful pork eaten with a hot and spicy broth.

Braised Eggplant – Stewed in a mix of Chinese wine, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chilli with a dash of sugar, this wholesome vegetable dish offers a mix of sweet and savoury tastes.

Excellent Shopping

Visiting Paris of the East must justify some form of shopping even if it is merely window shopping. But be assured that you will pick up at least a few things to take for your loved ones as authentic Shanghai products are so charming and fascinating tempting shoppers to buy.

Silks – Having been a manufacturer and exporter of silks to the world, many silk items like robes, tapestries, clothing etc. can be bought at various reputed shops in the city, and these are often selected by guests from hotels like Citadines Xujiahui Shanghai during their visit.

Ceramics – Ceramics are also famous in China with many visitors picking these delicate ornaments and porcelain items for use back home.

Fans – Not only do they give comfort during hot weather they also represent a feminine accessory. Some of these ladies' fans are beautifully handmade with silks adorned with Chinese designs and are picked up as souvenirs.

Apart from shops selling these enchanting products a lot of shopping malls and shopping streets offer many branded products giving hours of pleasure to visitors in different areas of Shanghai, do get directions to the closest ones to you from the hotel.

A variety of unique experiences

Amongst so many places one can experience in Shanghai these few places give those special vibes of excitement, inspiration or serenity that make you enriched to have experienced them.
The Zhujiajiao Ancient Town - This is one of the ancient towns in the Jiangnan-style water towns of Shanghai, which has been around for 1000 years, do a stroll, enjoy a refreshment at the local café and soak in the inspiring atmosphere.

Jade Buddha Temple - A much-venerated temple including 02 White Jade statues of Lord Buddha which are rare and show expertise of craftsmanship with one in a seated position and the other in a reclining position. This temple is worth a visit to appreciate these statues and experience an aura of serenity.

The Bund – Situated on the West bank of Huangpu River, this place exudes an aura of excitement in seeing the contrast of Old Shanghai against the modern as can be witnessed here. It is especially beautiful at sunset when the skyline gets lit up.

Amazing Attractions

Witness the ultra-modern elements of Shanghai as can be seen from its architectural wonders, the 4 mega towers transforming the skyline of Shanghai.

Oriental Pearl TV Tower – An iconic construction with an outstanding design, this stands at a height of 468 m.

Shanghai Tower – The tallest building in China at 632 m and 128 floors, and the second tallest tower in the world.

Shanghai World Financial Centre - This tower at a height of 492 m and 101 floors is home to leading financial institutions, consulting companies and law firms.

Jin Mao Tower – Standing at 420 m height, this skyscraper is modelled similarly to an ancient Chinese pagoda with each level though similar to the preceding one, being narrower as it rises.