Shanghai is chaotic, overcrowded, overbuilt, clogged with traffic, exuberant and China tours totally unapologetic. Some years ago, the government figured out that funding Shenzhen and other economic development areas didn't make as much sense as allowing a place like Shanghai to find its own way in the world. So they stopped taking revenues out of the city, and let the city plan and spend on its own future.
Now Shanghai revels in prosperity and confidently assumes its place as the commercial centre of Yangtze River cruises China, not to mention its food and fashion capital. The new architecture is stunning, and that word can be taken to mean anything at both ends of the taste spectrum. It is as though any design will do so long as it gets your attention. You have to be a city person to enjoy Shanghai.
It's not the oldest city in China, having been a fishing travel to Shangri-la village 700 years ago, and only becoming a city around 200 years ago, so ancient sites are not the main thing here. But it's a great place to wander and browse, shop, to see old and new, and to be pleasantly surprised.
Other people also like to read:China educational tours
No comments:
Post a Comment