Shanghai

SHANGHAI ATTRACTIONS

Jade Buddha Temple - The Temple is still in operation with over 70 monks residing within its walls. The Temple was built between 1911 and 1918. The bright saffron exterior walls do not prepare you for the magnificence within. A 1.9 m high white jade Buddha was installed here after being brought to the site by a monk who bought it from Burma in 1882. A seated Buddha, encrusted in jewels, is said to weigh 1,000 kls. In the large hall are three gold-plated Buddhas and artifacts abound within the Temple with approximtely 7,000 Buddhist sutras lining the walls. Be sure to visit the Antiques and Curio Store where you can purchase miniature sandalwood drums and gongs amongst many other interesting momentos.

Yu Garden - The Yu Garden is situated downtown in Shanghai and is over 400 years old. It is said to be the most beautiful garden south of the Yantze River. A little over 5 acres it's design follows the Suzhou Garden Design of a world of microcosm with 30 pavilions linked by corridors, artificial hills, bridges over lotus pools, groves of bamboo and walls occupied by stone dragons. The surrounding bazaar is packed with traditional and modern shops, restaurants and temples. Try to visit during the week as the weekend can be very busy, to say the least.

Shanghai Bund - a former foreign settlement with imposing buildings of the colonial period. The Bund is an Anglo-Indian term for the embankment of the muddy waterfront. Between 1920 and 1965, the city sank several metres. Water was pumped back into the ground but the "Venetian" threat remains. Concrete rafts are used as foundations for highrises in this spongy mass.

Shanghai Pearl Tower - The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is the highest TV Tower in Asia and third highest in the world.. It is situated by the Huangpu River and stands 468 m high. The Tower consists of 15 spheres at different sizes and different levels creating an artistic impression of large and small pearls dropping onto a jade plateau. A popular tourist attraction.