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Shanghai, China is known as one of the world's largest cities (seventh overall) with a unique charm and culture which makes it a popular tourist destination. Shanghai's influence on culture and commerce is undeniable. Shoppers will love the high fashion for sale, history buffs will enjoy the many museums and historic sites, and food fanatics will revel in the cuisine offered by many renowned restaurants. Let's take a tour of Shanghai.
 Shanghai is becoming well known for its wonderful shopping. One of the more popular sites for shopping in the Shanghai, China area is Nanjing Road. For shopping and site-seeing, Nanjing Road is a must-see destination, and each day it attracts thousands of fashion-seeking shoppers from all over the world. Be prepared to walk the three and a half miles of premier shopping featuring more than 600 businesses from which to choose. Shoppers will also be happy to know that there are about a hundred or so traditional stores and specialty shops that still provide choice silk goods, jade, embroidery, wool, and clocks.
Site seeing is also worth a try as open-air bars, abstract sculptures, and street musicians liven up afternoon and evening strolls. If you don't want to walk, a trackless sightseeing train provides a comfortable tour of the night-transformed pedestrian street. When shopping is completed, it's time to take in some of Shanghai's history.
Located in the center of downtown Shanghai in People's Square, Shanghai Museum is a large museum of ancient Chinese art. The museum style and presentation surround visitors with artifacts demonstrating ancient wisdom and philosophy. The Shanghai museum features eleven different galleries and those galleries cover most of the major categories of Chinese art: ancient bronze, ancient ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, ancient sculpture, jade, coins, Ming and Qing furniture, seals, and minority nationalities. The Shanghai museum is also home to a very special ancient ceramics collection. There are over 500 pieces from the various Chinese dynasties, some dating all the way back to the Neolithic age. After a day at the museum, a period of relaxing and reflecting may be needed at the Yuyuan Garden.
 The Yuyuan Garden is a famous classical garden located in Anren Jie, Shanghai. The garden is located on about five acres, but many attractions are hidden within this area.
There are six main scenic areas in the garden: Sansui Hall, Wanhua Chamber, Dianchun Hall, Huijing Hall, Yuhua Hall and the Inner Garden. Each area features several scenic spots within its borders. Upon entering the garden, visitors will encounter a large rocky structure aptly named a rockery. The true treasure of Yuyuan Garden is the Exquisite Jade Rock. Located across from Yuhua Hall, it is one of the three famous rocks in the southern region of the Yangtze River. This rock is unique for when water is poured into the rock from top; the water will flow out from each hole creating a spectacular sight to see. Once the sights of the Yuyuan Garden have been taken in, it's time for some authentic Chinese food.
 Shanghai, China is known worldwide for its delicious cuisine. Some notable restaurants include 1221, Crystal Jade, and Bao Luo. 1221 is known as one of the most stylish Chinese restaurants in Shanghai. Housed in a renovated old Chinese mansion, the home-style Shanghainese cuisine includes dishes such as sliced you tiao (fried bread sticks) with shredded beef, a whole chicken in green onion soy sauce, and an impressive stuffed duck.
Crystal Jade is one of the more popular restaurants in Shanghai. The family style atmosphere features cuisine that is a fusion of Cantonese and Shanghainese, including such delights as shrimp with ham and double-boiled chicken soup.
Bao Luo is housed in a three-story renovated French Concession home and features several rooms full of large round tables that can seat parties of up to 20 people. Bao Luo is another extremely popular restaurant in the downtown Shanghai area. Adventurous eaters should try the deep-fried snake, which is brought live to the table in a bucket before the scales are shaved off for a salad and the rest is deep fried. Other eaters can try basic favorites such as drunken shrimp or sweet and sour fish.
Shanghai, China welcomes hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world each year. Visitors enjoy its old world charm has along with its modern style. From the wonderful shops of Nanjing road, to the beauty of the Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai, China is sure to please. Wherever you come from and whoever you are, you will find Shanghai an ideal destination.
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