Oriental Pearl Tower (东方明珠)

Oriental Pearl Tower (Figure 1) is a TV tower which is located at the tip of Lujiazui of Pudong District, adjacent to Shanghai International Convention Center, opposite of the Bund. With the height of 468 meters, the Oriental Pearl Tower is the highest tower in Asia and the third highest in the world. The TV tower is composed of pedestal, three gigantic columns, upper sphere, middle sphere, lower sphere, five small spheres and a moving capsule, etc. The whole tower is supported by three huge columns that start from the underground. It is said that the designer was inspired by a verse of Tang Dynasty poem Pipa Xing by Bai Juyi. The verse describes a sprinkling sound of pipa (a Chinese instrument), just like pearls falling on the jade plate.

Figure 1: Oriental Pearl Tower

Shanghai Bund (上海外滩)

Shanghai Bund (Figure 2) is a waterfront area in central Shanghai. The Bund is an area of Huangpu District which runs along the west bank of Huangpu River. With length of 1,700 meters, the Bund extending from Waibaidu Bridge (Garden Bridge in English) in the north to East-2 Zhongshan Road in the south is world-known destination and landmark of Shanghai. The Bund usually refers to the building and wharves on this section of road. Facing Huangpu River, the Bund houses 52 buildings of various architectural styles including Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance, Neo-Classical and Art Deco so that it is nicknamed the world expo of architectures. Chen Yi Square is a famous spot on the Bund. The only bronze statue of Chen Yi (the first communist mayor of Shanghai) standing on the square. On weekends, the concert is held in the front of the statue of Chen Yi.

Figure 2: Shanghai Bund

China Pavilion at Expo 2010 (上海世博会中国国家馆)

The China Pavilion at Expo 2010 (Figure 3) colloquially known as the Oriental Crown, was the largest national pavilion at the Shanghai Expo and the largest display in the history of the World Expo. It was meticulously designed with profound meaning and symbolism. The architectonic feature of the building was inspired by the Chinese roof bracket known as the dougong as well as the Chinese ding vessel. The pavilion showcased China’s civilisation and modern achievements by combining traditional and modern elements in its architecture, landscaping and exhibits. After the end of the Expo 2010, the building was converted to a museum.

Figure 3: China Pavilion at Expo 2010

City God Temple (城隍庙)

City God Temple (Figure 4) or Chenghuang Temple is a Taoist Temple located in Huangpu area near the Yuyuan Market. The original temple, constructed in Ming Dynasty, was destroyed and the present temple was rebuilt in 1926. After renovation, it was opened to the public in 1995. The City God Temple not only refers to the temple complex but also the traditional commercial district around the temple. There are more than 100 shops in the area and most buildings of these shops are about 100 years old. The temple is composed of several halls. Because of its popularity, businesses were set up nearby and the surrounding streets became a busy marketplace. Therefore, the marketplace surrounding the temple is the good place to buy Shanghai local products and small wares and taste local famous snacks.

Figure 4: City God Temple