Shanghai Trip

7 - 13 Sep '25

I holidayed in Shanghai with my wife in September. If we don't count Hong Kong, Macau and airport transits, it was my first trip to China. We decided to choose Shanghai as the first Chinese city to visit as it offered a good mix of urban, city life together with heritage. True enough, the commerce and financial capital of China offered us that, and much more.

Shanghai is one of the world's major centers for finance, business and economics, research, science and technology, manufacturing, transportation, tourism, and culture. The city is located on the Chinese shoreline on the southern estuary of the Yangtze River, with the Huangpu River flowing through it (Wikipedia). It is famous for the Lujiazui skyline, which showcases the architectural marvels of China's financial hub. Famous buildings include Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Centre and Jin Mao Tower.

Shanghai is also famous for The Bund. My understanding is The Bund comprises of the waterfront along Huangpu river together with the neo-classical buildings of the early 20th century which have come to define Shanghai's legacy. These buildings define the financial and commerce district of old Shanghai, where many foreign banks and merchants set up offices in that area. For history lovers, the area came to be developed due to China losing the war against Western nations. While we know how Hong Kong was leased to the British after the Opium War, it also led to the Chinese government giving concessions (large lands) to foreign nations. In Shanghai, it resulted in the French Settlement and International Settlement. The settlements had their own laws and jurisdictions which were dictated by the foreign occupiers. In other words, the settlements were like a country of its own with China. The history of modern Shanghai is worth a museum trip, or trips. 😊

The defacto shopping street of Shanghai, Nanjing Road East, ends or begins at / from the Bund, depending on how one treats where the road begins. It is a pedestrian-friendly street where glitzy shopping malls line both sides of the street. Throngs of people, estimated to be a million, come to Nanjing Road East daily for shopping, entertainment or just have to a good time.

When there is Nanjing Road East, there is also Nanjing Road West. Similarly, it has modern shopping malls and offices, enough to delight locals and foreigners alike. One of the attractions at Nanjing Road West is the Shanghai Starbucks Reserve Roastery. It is different from the Starbucks Reserve we it functions as a roastery as well, allowing visitors to view and film the roasting of coffee beans. There are only five Roasteries worldwide.

Just next to the Starbucks Reserve and Roastery is a Louis Vuitton 'ship', yes a ship. It is a building extension from the shopping mall shaped as a ship. The LV shop / ship double hats as a LV museum. Inside the museum, we got the chance to learn about history of LV. Interestingly, I never realised that LV began as a maker of customised trunks / luggages for the rich, instead of the women handbags that we have come to know.

One of the highlights of the trip was the visit to The Communist Party of China History Museum in Xintiandi. Xintiandi is a neighbourhood lined with Shikumen buildings. Shikumens are residential buildings characterised by stone-framed doorways, narrow alleys and enclosed courtyards. Today, Xintiandi has been converted into a modern retail, dining and entertainment district with its centre piece being the Site of the First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). A mouthful, what was that? Well, in short, it is officially the birthplace of the Chinese Communist Party. We hear of the National Congress which is held every five years in Beijing. The National Congress charters the direction for the CCP which effectively charters the way going forward for China. Today, the National Congress is at its 20th edition, with the last one held in 2022. The First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party had a simple setup. It was held in a small room with an enclosed courtyard and attended by about thirteen delegates. Notably, Mao Zedong, the founder of the People's Republic of China was one of the delegates.

Nearby the Site of the First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party was a more modern museum which tells the history of CCP in more details. As each historical event unfolds, starting from how the Chinese were unhappy witht the Qing rulers, all the way to the birth of the PRC (I have not mentioned the ROC), a common theme is that people will reject the unjust and incompetent. Besides retelling the story of the CCP, the exhibition hall showcases each of China's Presidents's political doctrine /vision, and how it has benefitted the people.

During our trip, we also visited Shanghai Disneyland. It was certainly magical. Had a really good time. I didn't had to wait long for the rides and I certainly was transported to lots of magical kingdoms, befitting of Disney.

Besides the rides, one of the highlights was the train-themed parade called Mickey's Storybook Express. As expected of such rides, dozens of memorable Disney characters from Toy Story, Frozen, Tangled, Mulan and of course Mickey and friends led the train-themed parade accompanied by a high-energy medley of classic Disney melodies and theme songs.

The trip to Shanghai Disneyland was definitely memorable. Having gone to it, I understand the appeal of such theme parks and how it transports people to a magical kingdom, away from realities of modern life, albeit temporarily.

Summary

There were more places visited which I did not write about, such as the Yu Garden, Shanghai City Museum in Pearl Tower, People's Park and Shanghai Museum. I think those written above are enough to give a good idea of what Shanghai is. For us, it was more than just a restful getaway; it was an eye-opening experience that showcased the sheer power of China's economy, seen through the vibrant energy of its financial hub. With such a memorable experience behind me, I look forward to discovering my next Chinese destination.