Once upon a time in Shanghai

Shanghai is a popular tourist destination known for its historical landmarks such as The Bund, City God Temple and Yu Garden as well as the extensive Lujiazui skyline, many skyscrapers, and major museums including the Shanghai Museum and the China Art Museum. During one of trips to Shanghai about 5 years ago one of the places we've been to is the Yu Garden also know as Yuyuan. It lies next to the City God Temple in Shanghai’s Old City, which was dedicated to the city’s spirits, or protectors, in the 1400s. The classic Chinese-style gardens, complete with rockeries, ponds, pavilions and towers, feature several distinct areas separated by grey tiled ridges called “dragon walls”. The area surrounding the gardens holds endless opportunities to try street food and buy souvenirs. If you can’t make it to Suzhou in Jiangsu province, which is better known for its gardens, Yuyuan will surely not failed you. Next is Shanghai Disneyland. Many of the rides, attractions and characters have been redesigned to cater to a Chinese tourist audience. A group of Chinese zodiac gardens make up its centre – with the 12 animals represented by Disney characters – and instead of Main Street USA, there is Mickey Avenue. There’s also more live entertainment here than in other Disney theme parks. It’s a great choice if you need a break from traditional sightseeing in Shanghai And if ever you feel tired being surrounded by tourist crowds, I highly recommended Wan Shan bird and flower market. Flowers are sold alongside pet birds, fish, chinchillas and even crickets – from the tiny to the unnervingly massive – in this market, which sits at the junction of Tibet Road and Huiji Road. You’ll also find potted plants, such as bonsai trees and succulents, on sale. Antiques and jade are also sold nearby, in case you’re good for small mammals, and your aquarium and window box are both fully stocked. Temples can be a great way to find peace within the noise of Shanghai tourism and city life in general, whether or not you are religious. The Buddhist temple of Longhua is the oldest in the city and has a fascinating history, from its inception in 242CE to i#spooktaculartrip s use as a Japanese-run internment camp during World War II. I suggest you simply walk around the complex, or buy some incense and send up a prayer of your own. These attractions are a great place to start if you only have a few days to experience the city’s splendour and I know you’ll find something worth visiting around every corner in the largest city in China. #meetshanghai #shanghai #travelinspiration #travel #awesomepic #mytripvlog #meettheworld