SHANGHAI-PEDIA

Fuxing Park

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 08:39:49 -0700

[YEAR: 1985]
[LOCATION:121.4642003126202,31.21941165125683]
[CATEGORY: Park]
[DISTRICT:Luwan]
[FEATURE: French Concession]
[ALIAS: French Park]

Fuxing Park is located at Luwan District of Shanghai and carries the history of the city. It was originally named Gujiazhai Park after the local Gu family who opened it over 100 years ago. The park was renamed the French park after it was bought by the French for the purpose of stationing armies in 1900, and became the largest public garden in French Concession. After World War II broke out, the Japanese Government took over the administration of the French Concession, the park name then became Daxing Park. After 1945, its name was finally changed to Fuxing Park.

Today, Fuxing Park is the only French style park in Shanghai, showcasing symmetrical fountains and flowerbeds. It is well designed and many different trees provide shelter from the sun here for residents in the hottest months of the year. As a result, it is also called "carpet garden". There is also a slightly surreal sculpture of Marx and Engels in the park that was completed on the ninetieth anniversary of Engels' death on August 5, 1985.

One of the best things about the park is the bar and restaurant here . Once you have had a wander, watched the Tai Chi and seen Marx-Engels, why not pop in here for some great "tapas" or a drink. The Restaurant is right next to one of Shanghai's best modern art galleries too. ShangArt often have brilliant and radical exhibitions by artists from throughout China. It is always worth popping in to this small and friendly gallery to see what is on display.

Dr. Sun Yat-sen Former Residence & Memorial Hall 孙中山故居纪念馆

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 08:39:38 -0700

[YEAR:1920 ]
[LOCATION: 121.463041,31.218206]
[CATEGORY: Memorial Site]
[DISTRICT:Luwan]
[FEATURE: French Concession]

Dr. Sun Yat-sen was a Chinese political leader often referred to as the Father of Modern China. He was the first provisional president when the Republic of China (ROC) was founded in 1912.

Dr. Sun Yat-sen Former Residence & Memorial Hall, No.7 Xiangshan Road is the address of the residence, located in former French Concession, which was bought by some Chinese living then in Canada for Dr. Sun Yat-sen to support his revolutionary activities. Dr. Sun and his wife, Song Qingling, lived in this house in 1920-1924. After Sun's death, Song continued to live here until 1937.

During his stay here, Dr. Sun reformed the Kuomintang and entered the first round of cooperation with the Communist Party of China. In addition, he had written several books in this house. Now, articles on display in this residence include the sword, military maps and writing tools once used by Dr. Sun.

Xujiahui 徐家汇

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:32:00 -0700

[YEAR: 1600]
[LOCATION: 121.4337513510059,31.19577044607086]
[CATEGORY: Streets]
[DISTRICT: Xuhui]
[ALIAS: Zikawei]

Xujiahui is an area in the Xuhui District of Shanghai. Its history can be traced back to Ming Dynasty. Xujiahui literally means "property of Xu family at the junction of two rivers" in Mandarin. The "Xu family" actually refers to the family of Xu Guangqi (1562-1633), China's most notable Catholic convert, also a great agricultural scientist of ancient China. Xujiahui was once the ancestral home of Xu Guangqi and his family. The two rivers refers to Zhaojia Bang and Fahua Jing. Xujiahui is also the place where Catholicism began to be spread in Shanghai.

Xujiahui was on the west border of the former French Concession of Shanghai. Pronounced in the old Shanghainese dialect of Wu Chinese, it is called "zi-ka-wei". During the 18th century it was known by Shanghai's western residents as "Ziccawei". With land donated by Xu Guangqi's family and those acquired by other means, the Society of Jesus established a grand cathedral as well as an entire one square mile complex that covers most of present-day Xujiahui. In addition to the cathedral, the mainly French Jesuits also built orphanages, monasteries, schools, libraries and an observatory. Xujiahui began to show heavy influence of Catholicism.

The St. Ignatius Cathedral also referred to as Xujiahui Cathedral, is a Gothic Roman Catholic cathedral, located on Puxi Road, in the Xujiahui district of Shanghai. It was built in 1847 as one of the first structures to be built by the Jesuits. It was later reconstructed in 1906. Designed by English architect William Doyle, it is said to have once been known as "the grandest cathedral in the Far East." It can accommodate 2,500 worshippers at the same time. Before 1920s, it was the highest architecture in Shanghai. The cathedral was featured in the opening scenes of Steven Spielberg's 1987 film Empire of the Sun. Today, the cathedral is attended by over 2000 people every Sunday.

Other structures that can still be seen today include Xuhui College on 68 Hongqiao Road, now renamed Xuhui Middle School. Established by Jesuits in 1850, Xuhui College was the first educational institution in China to offer a fully western curriculum.

Now it's mainly a commercial district of Shanghai. On the location of a former brick factory now stands the Xujiahui park, which was completed in 2002. The park also contains a man-made pond and meandering brook, basketball courts, and a children's playground. The Shanghai Conservatory of Music, located to the park , often stages free performances during the Spring and Autumn months in the park.

The main Xujiahui shopping district is centered around the intersection of the streets Hongqiao Rd, Huashan Rd, Zhaojiabang Rd and North Caoxi Rd. Each of these streets terminates at the intersection, which is home to three supermarkets, six major shopping malls and nine large-scale office towers. Everything from cosmetics to cars to cucumbers is available within five minutes, but the type of product that Xujiahui is most famous for is electronics. It is one of the biggest places for people to get electronic equipment, from computers, cameras to game consoles as well.

Duolun Road 多伦路

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:24:35 -0700

[YEAR: 1911]
[LOCATION: 121.4769171065002,31.26444678844772]
[CATEGORY: Streets]
[DISTRICT: Hongkou]

Duolun Road is a significant and commemorable street in Shanghai. It was built in 1911. The shaped road's both ends were joined to the prosperous North Sichuan Road near Lu Xun Park and Hongkou Stadium. The length of it is only about half a mile. The street is both narrow and short, and is also winding and deep and quiet, edged by little buildings of various styles, row upon row. The road today is a famous pedestrian street for tourism and commerce. The history of Shanghai is showed concentratively in one aspect in Duo Lun Road and its surrounding areas, which can be, in fact, summarized as:" Shanghai, a city of hundred years, can be seen in Duo Lun, a little street."

Duolun Road was built by the Municipal Committee of Shanghai, which was at that time the construction administration of the Shanghai International Settlement. However the road was located outside the international settlement. Such events often happened in the semi-colonized Shanghai, which was called constructing the roads beyond the settlement area. At that time, the road was named Darroch after a Britain missionary, who went to China and met with the emperor Guangxu of Qing Dynasty (1636-1912).

It was in 1920s and 1930s when the road met its golden time. A lot of writers and social elites lived there, which made the area a place yielding thoughts and literature. Among them were reputable writers like Lu Xun, Guo Moruo, Mao Dun and Ye Shengtao, as well as those members of the influential Association of Left-wing writers like Ding Ling, Sha Ting and Qu Qiubai. Also lived there certain amount of governors or politicians like Kong Xiangxi, Bai Chongxi, Tang 'Enbo and Chen Yi.

Duolun Road is also an epitome of historic architecture of the last century in shanghai. The Islamic-style house of Kong Xiangxi was elegant building along the road. The residence of Tang 'Enbo is of a neoclassic French-style which was once popular in the city. The local church Hong De Hall, also known as Fitch Memorial Church, was in a mixed-style of east and west. The former campus of the art university of China in traditional style was also the commemorable place where the association of left-wing writers was founded. In the surrounding blocks, the dense Lilong housing is the most significant and typical urban texture of old Shanghai.

Duolun Road is no doubt a historic road which witnessed the time when Shanghai was modern.

Nanjing Road 南京路

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:23:44 -0700

[YEAR:1851]
[LOCATION: 121.470197439,31.236683103]
[CATEGORY: Streets]
[DISTRICT: Huangpu]
[ALIAS: Nanking Road]

Nanjing Road, also known as Nanking Road, which attracts over 1 million visitors daily, is the main shopping street of Shanghai and is one of the world's busiest shopping streets. It is called the No.1 Shopping Street of China. Today's Nanjing Road comprises two sections, Nanjing Road East and Nanjing Road West. In some contexts, "Nanjing Road" refers only to what was pre-1945 Nanjing Road, today's Nanjing Road East, which is largely pedestrianised. Today, its eastern section is in Huangpu District and extends from The Bund west to People's Square. The western section begins at People's Square and continues westward towards Jing'an District.

The history of Nanjing Road can be traced back to the year 1851. At that time it was called Park Lane, which comes from the Bund to He’nan Road. In 1854, it was extended to Zhejiang Road, and eight years later, once more extended to Xizang Road. In 1865, it was named formally Nanking Road by the Municipal Council, which administered the International Settlement. In Chinese it was usually referred to as the Main Road. In 1943 the International Settlement was annulled, and after World War II the government changed its name from Nanking Road to East-Nanjing Road, meanwhile named the former Bubbling Well Road West－Nanjing Road, and give a general name of the two roads Nanjing Road, which with five kilometres total length.

As early as in the beginning of 20th century, eight big department stores were established along the street one after another, such as Sincere, Wing On, Sun Sun, and The Sun. Today, East Nanjing Road is a dedicated commercial zone. Located here are most of Shanghai's oldest and largest department stores, as well as a variety of domestic retail outlets, and some traditional eateries with a long history.

Tourists and guests often celebrate various holidays and festivals at Nanjing Road, such as the Chinese New Year, New Year's Eve, Christmas and Shanghai Tourism Festival. Some parts of the buildings and shopping malls seen in front of the Nanjing Road today may host a fireworks display over the main isle of the street.

People's Square 人民广场

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:22:57 -0700

[YEAR: 1861]
[LOCATION: 121.4701479857395,31.23090242605536]
[CATEGORY: Streets]
[DISTRICT: Huangpu]
[FEATURE: People's Square]
[ALIAS: Renmin Square]

People's Square is a large public square just off of Nanjing Road. It has become one of the most important landmarks of Shanghai. On the north-east of the square stands the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall and the Shanghai Grand Theatre is on the north-west. Between two buildings stands the City Hall. In the south lies the Shanghai Museum, covering 58,000 square meters. In front of it is a big fountain of People's Square. Many pigeons can be seen flying here and there.

Prior to 1949, People's Square was a part of the horseracing course of Shanghai. During the Sino-Japanese War, it was used as a military camp of Japanese. Then it became a club for American army in the War of Liberation. After gambling and horseracing were banned by the new Communist government, a part of the race course became the People's Square, which included a large avenue and spectator stands for use during parades.

In the 1990s, major changes were made to the square. The Shanghai Municipal Government was moved from the former HSBC Building at the Bund, and the Shanghai Museum was also moved away from its previous site in a former office building. More recent additions include the Shanghai Grand Theatre and the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall were built in this area. People's Square is also the site of Shanghai's municipal government building, and is used as the standard reference point for measurement of distance in the Shanghai municipality.

Other parts of the race course still remain today. The clubhouse buildings became the Shanghai Art Museum, while part of the race track became People's Park, a public park.

The Bund 外滩

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:40:54 -0700

[YEAR:1840]
[LOCATION: 121.4860426620846,31.23847752340768]
[CATEGORY: Streets]
[DISTRICT: Huangpu]
[FEATURE: The Bund]

The Bund is an area of Huangpu District in Shanghai. It's one of the most famous tourist destinations in Shanghai.The area centres on a section of Zhongshan Road within the former Shanghai International Settlement, which runs along the western bank of the Huangpu River, facing Pudong, in the eastern part of Huangpu District. The Bund usually refers to the buildings and wharves on this section of the road, as well as some adjacent areas.

Located along the Huangpu River, the Bund shows off Shanghai's outstanding foreign buildings, most of which were erected before 1937. In the 1930s, the string of buildings hosted the city's financial and commercial centers, and the world's greatest banks and trading empires established a base here, including banks and trading houses from Britain, France, the U.S., Russia, Germany, Japan, The Netherlands and Belgium. A building boom at the end of 19th century and beginning of 20th century led to the Bund becoming a major financial hub of East Asia. The former French Bund, east of the walled city was formerly more a working harbourside.

By the 1940s the Bund housed the headquarters of many, if not most, of the major financial institutions operating in China, including the "big four" national banks in the Republic of China era. However, with the Communist victory in the Chinese civil war, many of the financial institutions were moved out gradually in the 1950s, and the hotels and clubs closed or converted to other uses. The statues of colonial figures and foreign worthies which had dotted the riverside were also removed.

The Bund centres on a stretch of the Zhongshan Road, named after Sun Yat-sen. To the west of this stretch of the road stands some 52 buildings of various western classical and modern styles, including Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque. They are called "The International Architectural Exposition''.

At the northern end of The Bund, along the riverfront, is Huangpu Park, once called British Public Gardens,which was under the control of the Brits in 1930s. It was forbidden territory to Chinese people for years, unless they were accompanying employers. That's why the park is famous for the sign reported to have proclaimed "No dogs or Chinese", although this exact wording never existed. Today, the park is free and open to everyone, in which is situated the Monument to the People's Heroes, a tall and abstract concrete tower which is a memorial for the those who died during the revolutionary struggle of Shanghai dating back to the Opium Wars.

Near the Nanjing Road intersection stands what is currently the only bronze statue along the Bund. It is a statue of Chen Yi, the first Communist mayor of Shanghai. Further east is a tall levee, constructed in the 1990s to ward off flood waters. The construction of this high wall has dramatically changed the appearance of the Bund.

From the Bund, you can also see the Oriental Pearl Television Tower and many skyscrapers in Pudong located on the other side of the Huangpu River.

Xintiandi 新天地

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:46:25 -0700

[YEAR: 2000]
[LOCATION: 121.4699757503329,31.22273563049794]
[CATEGORY: Streets]
[DISTRICT: Ruwan]
[FEATURE: French Concession]

Shanghai Xintiandi, is an urban tourist attraction imbued with the city's historical and cultural legacies. It is near the site of the First Congress of the Communist Party of China. It is composed of an area of restored traditional Shikumen (stone gate) houses on narrow Long-tangs (alleys) which is a special old form of building architecture only found in Shanghai, a modern shopping mall with a cinema complex, and some adjoining houses which now serve as book stores, cafes and restaurants. Xintiandi means "New Heaven and Earth" in Chinese, and is considered one of the first lifestyle centers in China.

Xintiandi is divided into the North and South Blocks. In the North Block, antique buildings with their modern interior design, decorations and equipment play host to a dazzling array of restaurants specialising in French, American, German, British, Brazilian, Italian, Japanese, Taiwanese and Hong Kong cuisine, putting on display the full international dimension of Shanghai Xintiandi. The dividing line between the two blocks, Xingye Road, is the site of the First Congress of the CPP. In the South Block, modern architecture is the motif while Shikumen is an accompaniment. A shopping, entertainment and leisure complex of 25,000 square metres in the South Block opened in mid 2002. Aside from a series of international restaurants representing the flavors of the world, there are classy boutiques, accessory shops, a food court, a movie cinema, a great one-stop fitness centre as well as 88 Xintiandi Executive Residence, which offers luxurious serviced apartments.

The marketing of xintiandi is mainly targeted towards overseas visitors, who seek to experience the romanticised atmosphere of old Shanghai. The area was developed by the Shui On Group during the re-development of the surrounding area, when similar shikumen houses were demolished wholesale. The houses in Xintiandi were then restored, and now house an art gallery, cafes, and restaurants. Today, Xintiandi has developed into a commercial and entertainment hub in Shanghai that fully accomplishes Shui On's goal: "Yesterday meets tomorrow in Shanghai today".

Zhouzhuang Town 周庄镇

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 09:13:59 -0700

[YEAR: 1086]
[LOCATION: 120.8405103234644,31.11744681811393]
[CATEGORY: Town]
[DISTRICT: Kunshan]

Zhouzhuang, one of the most famous water-rich towns in China, is situated in Kunshan City, 92 km northwest of Shanghai downtown. It is noted for its profound cultural background, well-preserved ancient residential houses, elegant waters and traditional lifestyle with a strong local flavor.

In the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476BC), Zhouzhuang was a part of the fief Yaocheng, called Zhenfengli. Zhouzhuang got its present name in 1086 during the Song Dynasty, in the memory of Zhou Digong, a very devout Buddhist, who donated this piece of land to the Quanfu (Full Fortune) Temple.

The town covers an area of 3600 hectares. Most of its residential houses, about 60 percent of the total, were built during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Zhouzhuang is well known for its beautiful environment and simple architecture. Although more than 900 years have past, its architectural style is still well preserved.

Zhujiajiao Town 朱家角镇

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:53:58 -0700

[YEAR: 300]
[LOCATION: 121.0565732119105,31.11199490695496]
[CATEGORY: Town]
[DISTRICT: Qingpu]

Located in a suburb of Shanghai city, Zhujiajiao Town is an ancient water town well-known throughout the country. It has a history of more than 1700 years .In the period of the three kingdoms there were already country fairs in Zhujiajiao and the business prospered in the Ming Dynasty.  Now Zhujiajiao is a graceful and quiet town. walking on the zigzag stone pathway and the winding long lanes, you would feel like walking in an elegant and fresh painting, small rivers shaded by willow trees, bridges over the river, houses dated back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, unsophisticated local people, all of these are the charm of the small town.

Chengxiang Ge Temple 沉香阁

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 22:49:56 -0700

[YEAR: 1600]
[LOCATION: 121.4852841770837,31.22912545103475]
[CATEGORY: Buddhist]
[DISTRICT: Huangpu]

Chengxiang Ge Temple, also known as Ciyun Temple, located in Shanghai Old Town, is the most famous Buddhist nunnery in Shanghai. The temple was originally built in 1600, the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty.

It's famous for its statue of Kwan-yin, the Goddess of Mercy in China. The Kwan-yin statue was carved from chenxiang wood (sandal wood), so the temple was named.

It has came through many difficulties over the hundreds of years, as the war and disaster. During the Cultural Revolution, the temple was occupied by a factory. However, Chengxiang Ge Temple now becomes a well-known tourist destination in the neighborhood of City God Temple of Shanghai and Yuyuan Garden.

Jinjiang Amusement Park 锦江乐园

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 22:01:07 -0700

[YEAR: 1984 ]
[LOCATION: 121.403335,31.140175 ]
[CATEGORY: Park]
[DISTRICT: Xuhui ]

Jinjiang Amusement Park is a large amusement park in downtown shanghai. It is located in Meilong district in southwest shanghai, a booming district. Roller coasters, rides and the Asia's largest ferris wheel are all here in this amusement park.

Century Park 世纪公园

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 11:18:29 -0700

[YEAR: 2000]
[LOCATION: 121.5469816123279,31.21726115576729]
[CATEGORY: Park]
[DISTRICT: Pudong]

Century Park is the largest park of the city of Shanghai. It is situated in Pudong New Area. The Shanghai Science and Technology Museum is located nearby.

The Century Park is a modern Chinese Garden that embodies the integration of between Oriental and Occidental cultures and between man and nature. It mainly consists of large lawns, forests, and lakes. There are a number of beautiful scenic areas such as the Central Lake Island, the Huiwu Square, the Rural Garden, the International Garden, and the Thin Forest Lawn. Bird Protection, experiencing scientific advances, scientific experiments and children's amusement facilities are available .

The Century Park offers a variety of activities for tourists who wish to enjoy themselves. Tourists can fish, fly kites or simply have a picnic.

Oriental Land 东方绿舟

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 20:17:31 -0700

[YEAR: 2001]
[LOCATION: 121.014071416507,31.10455828191349]
[CATEGORY: Park]
[DISTRICT: Qingpu]

Oriental Land, located on the shores of Dianshan Lake in Qingpu District, serves not only as recreational and social center, but also the "lungs of the city."

The Oriental Land covers an area of 3.7 square kilometer, 1.3 of which is waters. The Oriental Land consists of 8 zones, including the Knowledge Boulevard, the Bravery & Wisdom Area, the National Defense Education Area, the Survival Challenge Area, the Scientific Exploration Area, the Water Sports Area, the Sporting Training Area and the Life Practice Area. The Knowledge Boulevard, one of the largest sculpture gardens in the world, is lined with 162 sculptures of famous personalities in the world history.

Oriental Land is Shanghai Municipal Off-campus Youth Activities Encampment. It’s the milestone education project supplementary to the existing Children's Palace, Youth Center of Science & Technology Education, museum, activity center, etc.

The well-structured outdoor education program in Oriental Land offers a range of practical activities, such as rock climbing and outdoor survival techniques. Students from six international schools, including Shanghai American School, the Britain International School, and Shanghai Singapore International School, have already enjoyed challenging and unfamiliar experiences at the camp.

Oriental Land serves not only as an outdoor education base, but also an ideal weekend getaway for stressed city dwellers looking to return to the happiness of nature.

Gongqing Forest Park 共青森林公园

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:41:14 -0700

[YEAR: 1956]
[LOCATION: 121.5453428848614,31.32189579395233]
[CATEGORY: Park]
[DISTRICT: Yangpu]

The Gongqing Forest Park is located at Yangpu District of Shanghai. Here is a unique parkland on the western shore of the Huangpu River is a leafy, wooded and tranquil slice of countryside in town. It's the second-largest park of Shanghai and the largest park in Puxi.

The park site used to be a piece of Huangpu River beach. In 1956, Shanghai municipal government called on the masses to dredge the river and turned its silt into a tree nursery. In 1986, the nursery was turned into a park was open to the public.

Gongqing Forest Park, the north garden, is known for its botanic scenes, with nearly 200,000 trees and over 200 species. It has hills, lawns, lakes, streams, woods, and bamboo groves, forming a natural serene area full of idyllic appeal. It boasts 10 major scenic spots, such as Cedar Grove, Jungle, Mirroring Water, Commemorative Tree-planting Garden, Horse Riding, displaying a special forest scene of naturalness, peacefulness and wildness. The South Garden is a theme park of bamboo culture and has created a lovely bamboo scenery in the south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. The garden, with its undulating landscape, green hillocks, dense groves, clear streams, little bridges, flowing water, and fragrant bamboos, is the first ecologically-designed recreational greenland in Shanghai.

In the park, horseback riding, roller coasters, merry-go-rounds, go-kart rides and a rock-climbing wall are among the entertainment options. To get around Gongqing, you can walk, catch a shuttle, ride a tandem-bike or boat.

Jiao Tong University 交通大学

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 08:06:05 -0700

[YEAR: 1896]
[LOCATION: 121.429780005157,31.20095987424546]
[CATEGORY: Campus]
[DISTRICT: Xuhui]

Jiao Tong University located in Xuhui district of shanghai is one of the oldest and most influential universities in China.

In 1896, Nanyang Public School was founded in Shanghai by an imperial edict issued by Guangxu Emperor, under the Business and Telegraphs Office of the imperial government. Sheng Xuanhuai, the proposer of the edict, became the first president and was regarded as the founder of the university.

In 1904, the Ministry of Commerce took over the school and changed its name to Imperial Polytechnic College of the Commerce Ministry a year later. In 1906, the college went under the Ministry of Posts and Telegraphs and changed its name to Shanghai Industrial College of the Ministry of Posts and Telegraphs. When the Republic of China was founded, the college was run by the Ministry of Communications and changed its name once again to Government Institute of Technology of the Communications Ministry. In 1918, the republic government founded the School of Management and it became one of the oldest academic institutes.

In the 1930s, it was known as the "Eastern MIT" due to its reputation of nurturing top engineers. In 1938, the Ministry of Education took over the university and renamed it National Jiao Tong University (also known as Chiao Tung University).

In 1952, engineering faculties from outside were absorbed to create a specialized engineering university. A bigger rearrangement came in 1956 for the school when the People's government decided strategically to send a significant amount of its faculties to Xi'an to help create another top engineering school. Afterwards, the university was officially renamed Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

The University has nurtured large numbers of outstanding figures. Jiang Zemin, the President of the People's Republic of China graduated from Jiao Tong University.

Fudan University 复旦大学

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 20:24:55 -0700

[YEAR: 1905]
[LOCATION: 121.4988501773374,31.29952405998709]
[CATEGORY: Campus]
[DISTRICT: Yangpu]

Fudan University located in Shanghai, is one of the oldest, most prestigious and most selective universities in China. Its institutional predecessor was founded in 1905, shortly before the end of China's imperial Qing dynasty. It is a comprehensive university highly ranked in physical and social sciences.

Initially known as Fudan Public School in 1905. The school name, two Chinese characters Fu Dan (復旦) were chosen by the distinguished Chinese scholar and educator, Father Ma Xiangbo, from the Confucian Classics, means "Itinerant as the twilight, sun glows and moon luminesces".

In 1917, became a private university named the Private Fudan University, and moved the campus to Jiangwan where the university is still located today. When the Second Sino-Japanese War started in 1937, Fudan ever had to move to the inland city Chongqing temporarily, and the private university finally became a national university. Eight years later, with the Chinese victory in the war, the university moved back to Shanghai.

In 1952, Fudan was the first university to be adjusted by the People's government. The original departments were changed, and Arts and Science departments from at least ten other universities in eastern China were added.

Shanghai Maglev Train Museum 上海磁浮交通科技馆

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:22:53 -0700

[YEAR: 2007]
[LOCATION: 121.553270817,31.204744744]
[CATEGORY: Museum]
[DISTRICT: Pudong]

The first operational high-speed conventional maglev railway in the world, the Shanghai Maglev Train from downtown Shanghai Pudong to the Pudong International Airport, was inaugurated in 2002. The highest speed achieved on the Shanghai track has been 501 km/h (311 mph), over a track length of 30 km. Shanghai Maglev is constructed by Transrapid in Germany.

Shanghai Maglev Train Museum was built in 2007. The museum, at Longyang Road Station by the Shanghai Maglev Line, displaying models of the city's maglev train and offering interactive games that teach people about the train's technology. On the ground floor of the station, the museum has five sections covering 1,250 square meters, documenting the technology's birth, the Shanghai line, technology, advantages and future prospects.

To explain the Maglev technology to ordinary people, museum designers display real and model components of tracks and the train. Visitors can find bilingual information beside each of the exhibits. They have also created a unique video game that encourages children to "assemble" a section of the Maglev line in a simulated program.

Visitors can also try two gym bicycles to test their speed, and calculate how much fast the Maglev train runs than pedal power. With regard to environmental concerns about the technology, managers have installed two devices to test magnetic field strength. Visitors can compare the magnetic fields of a cell phone and the Maglev train - tests showed that a cell phone produces a field 20 times stronger than that of the train.

The museum also compares the Maglev's noise level with other means of transport. Models are also shown of most Maglev trains around the world, and a documentary is screened about the technology's development.

Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center 上海城市规划馆

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:21:15 -0700

[YEAR: 2000]
[LOCATION: 121.470497847,31.233343889]
[CATEGORY: Museum]
[DISTRICT: Huangpu]

The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center is located on People's Square, adjacent to the municipal government building.

The Exhibition Hall is a 6 story building, with two basement levels, which displays Shanghai's urban planning and development. Exhibitions include models of planned and recent developments, as well as Shanghai's history. The centrepiece of the exhibition is a huge scale model of the city of Shanghai, showing all existing and approved buildings. Visitors can view the model at "ground level", or ascend a gallery running around it for views from above.

Shanghai Science and Technology Museum 上海科技馆

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:21:03 -0700

[YEAR: 2001]
[LOCATION: 121.5376752334004,31.22077986308461]
[CATEGORY: Museum]
[DISTRICT: Pudong]

Shanghai Science and Technology Museum is located at 2000 Century Avenue. It's a large museum is the largest museum in Pudong, close to Century Park, the largest park of the city. The construction of the museum costs 1,75 billion RMB, and the floor area is 98 000 square meter.

There are 12 main exhibits open to the public, including "Spectrum of Life", "World of Robots" and "Information Era". As the biggest science theaters in Asia, the museum incorporates an IMAX 3D Large Format Theatre, an IMAX Dome Theatre and an IWERKS 4D Theatre.

Shanghai Museum 上海博物馆

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:19:13 -0700

[YEAR: 1952]
[LOCATION: 121.4705758229396,31.23025449373731]
[CATEGORY: Museum]
[DISTRICT: Huangpu]

The Shanghai Museum is a museum of ancient Chinese art, situated on the People's Square in Shanghai.

The museum has a collection of over 120,000 pieces, including bronze, ceramics, calligraphy, furniture, jades, ancient coins, paintings, seals, sculptures, minority art and foreign art. It has eleven galleries and three special temporary exhibition halls. The Shanghai Museum houses several items of national importance, including one of three extant specimens of a "transparent" bronze mirror from the Han Dynasty.

In 1952, the museum founded and first open to the public in the former Shanghai Racecourse club house. In 1959, it moved into another building at Henan Road which previously housed insurance and bank offices. Then in 1992 it allocated a piece of land on People's Square by the Shanghai municipal government, as its new site. Its current building is 29.5 meters high with five floors, covering a total area of 39,200 square meter. Designed by a local architect, the new museum building is designed in the shape of an ancient, bronze, tripod cooking vessel called a ding. It is said that the inspiration for the design was specifically provided by the Da Ke Ding, now on exhibit in the museum. The building has round top and a square base, symbolising the ancient Chinese perception of the world as "round sky, square earth".

Shanghai Art Museum 上海美术馆

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 05:00:30 -0700

[YEAR: 1933]
[LOCATION: 121.4664118304254,31.2326108324558]
[CATEGORY: Museum]
[DISTRICT: Huangpu]

The Shanghai Art Museum is an art gallery in the city of Shanghai. It is located in the former clubhouse building of the Shanghai Racing Club, was built in 1933. Today, it is the home of the Shanghai biennial and stands adjacent to People's Square, bordering on Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Grand Theatre, Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall and People’s Park.

It covers a total space of 18,000 square meters and boasts more than 8,000 existing collections. Apart from the clock tower, the main building has four stories above the ground and one story under the ground. Every year more than 60 exhibitions are held and around 300,000 visitors received. The special session "Shanghai Biennale" held once every two years is one of China’s most important events and seminars, counting an international known featured project.

By storage, the museum actively carries out the study both in theory and in art galleries focused on China’s contemporary art history and offers optimum condition for storage, exhibition display, educational fair, foreign exchanges and other events.The museum is undoubtedly an elegant and decent arts temple.

Baiyun Guan Taoist Temple 白云观

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:48:50 -0700

[YEAR: 1882]
[LOCATION: 121.479049, 31.226729]
[CATEGORY: Taoist]
[DISTRICT: Huangpu]

Baiyun Guan is the head Taoist temple and Taoism historical site in Shanghai. It originated from the Qing Dynasty, taoist Xu Zhicheng constructed the Lei Zu Palace, and renamed the palace as "Baiyun Guan" in 1888. Originally the temple was built in 1882, but moved to a new location near Dajing Ge in 2006.

The temple is one of only two Taoist temples in China to possess the precious Ming Dynasty Taoist Scripture, the other is the much larger Baiyun Guan in Beijing. Nowadays, the scripture is the treasure of Baiyun Guan, has already moved to the Shanghai Library for collection.

The two-story temple is housed in a courtyard building with red walls, lattice windows and doors, and a beautiful ornamented roof. Incense-bearing supplicants pray before a dizzying array of gilded Taoist deities, each entrusted with a specific cause. If your timing is right, you may be able to catch a Taoist service, which is highly ritualized, often resembling pageants complete with music, chanting, and processions of monks in colorful robes.

Shanghai Confucius Temple 上海文庙

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:15:17 -0700

[YEAR: 1294]
[LOCATION: 121.4831770418996,31.21958116665954]
[CATEGORY: Confucian]
[DISTRICT: Huangpu]

Shanghai Confucius Temple is the only ancient architectural complex combining temple and school in downtown Shanghai to worship China's great thinker and founder of the Confucian culture, Confucius. It is a sacred place for profound Confucian culture. Since its establishment in 1294, the temple has existed for more than 700 years, during which it was moved several times. The current site was chosen in 1855, occupying an area of 1.13 hectare. It is a municipal site for protecting cultural relics.

Confucius Temple, categorized into family temple, state temple and school temple, is an imperial construction to worship Confucius and other representatives of Confucian culture. Shanghai Confucius Temple distinguishes itself by combining the state temple with school so that it is a place not only for worship but also for education.

Shanghai Confucius Temple complex was a splendid architecture elaborately designed with pagodas, small bridges, flowing water and lush greenery which make the place a unique Jiangnan garden. It is also known as the school palace, the highest learning institution in Shanghai in ancient times.

Nowadays, there is a book and snack market on the weekend. People enjoy the prosperous views there.

Dajing Ge Pavilion 大镜阁

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 02:57:48 -0700

[YEAR: 1560]
[LOCATION: 121.4783394246464,31.22646832697117]
[CATEGORY: Taoist]
[DISTRICT: Huangpu]

Dajing Ge Pavilion is a part of the Shanghai old city wall following the course of today's Zhonghua Road and Renmin Road loop.

In 1553 during the Ming Dynasty, Shanghai built a city wall to defend itself against Japanese pirates. Which had 10 gates. And the Dajing Ge was on the top of the wall, colloquially known as the Temple of Guan Yu. Guan Yu is sometimes called the Taoist God of War, probably because he is one of the most well-known military generals in Chinese history.

All that remains today is the Dajing Ge on the wall of 50m. The visible section of the remaining dates to the Qing Dynasty, as is evident by brick markings bearing the names of Qing emperors Xianfeng (1851-1861) and Tongzhi (1862-1874).

City God Temple of Shanghai 城隍庙

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 11:38:41 -0700

[YEAR: 1403]
[LOCATION: 121.4872338577803,31.22818735904233]
[CATEGORY: Taoist]
[DISTRICT: Huangpu]

City god is the deity in Chinese mythology, responsible for the affairs of the city. There are temples dedicated to the local city gods in many medium to large cities of China.

City God Temple of Shanghai was built in 1403, during the Yongle era of the Ming dynasty. The temple lies within the old city walls, on the Middle Fangbang Load nowadays.

For five thousand years, residents of the old city as well as nearby areas visited the temple to pray for good fortune and peace. The popularity of the temple also led to many business, turning the surrounding streets into a busy marketplace.

During the Cultural Revolution, the temple was closed down. For many years, the main hall was a jewellery shop. Until 1994, the temple was restored to its former use as a temple, with resident Taoist priests.

Today it is the central feature of a large retail and entertainment district. The Temple, together with nearby Yuyuan Garden and the surrounding streets, are now part of a large pedestrian zone.

Songjiang Mosque 松江清真寺

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 09:34:30 -0700

[YEAR: 1341]
[LOCATION: 121.2225388741551,31.00802333324429]
[CATEGORY: Muslim]
[DISTRICT: Songjiang]

The Songjiang Mosque, located at Songjiang District, is the oldest mosque in Shanghai City. The mosque was first established during the Zhizheng reign (1341-1368) of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the government ordered to rebuild the mosque in 1391. After that, the mosque underwent three expansions in the dynasty. During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), it experienced four renovations. Therefore, the mosque still keeps the architectural styles of the Yuan and Ming dynasties.

The mosque faces the north. Around the mosque there used to be graveyards of Muslims. The mosque combines the Arabic columns and vault with the Chinese architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The main buildings include the main hall, a prayer niche, a corridor, two sermon halls, a mimbar and a water house, etc. The prayer niche and the mimbar are the representative constructions in the mosque. Four steles from different dynasties are preserved in the mosque.

In 1980, the Shanghai municipal government listed the Songjiang Mosque as a cultural relics unit under its special protection. In 1989, the mosque reopened to the public.

Fengjing Town 枫泾镇

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 04:31:44 -0700

[YEAR: 1275]
[LOCATION: 121.0143940477009,30.88905616495545]
[CATEGORY: Town]
[DISTRICT: Jinshan]

Fengjing Town is the southwestern gateway of the metropolitan Shanghai city.

The time-honored history of Fengjing Town can be traced back to over 1500 years ago when a country fair came into form. In the 12th year (1275) of Zhiyuan Reign of Yuan Dynasty, the town of Bainiu (meaning "white buffalo") was officially established here, which was later renamed as Fengjing Town in the Ming Dynasty.

Fengjing Town has always been a town typical of water-rich elements south of the Yangze River, as the covered corridor along river and the ancient bridges clearly reveal. In the town, today's tourists can also visit a former site of the People's Commune during the Cultural Revolution.

Lu Xun Park 鲁迅公园

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 22:57:54 -0700

[YEAR: 1905]
[LOCATION: 121.4799371759943,31.27502983946077]
[CATEGORY: Park]
[DISTRICT: Hongkou]

Formerly called Hongkou Park for the district it lies in, this park was established in 1905, by Shanghai International Settlement's Municipal Council. Today, it offers a small amusement park and a great inflatable playground for kids.

The park has been renamed for China's best-known 20th-century writer, Lu Xun (1881-1936), who lived in this neighborhood from 1927 until his death. Known as the "father of modern Chinese literature" because of his role in developing the modern style of Chinese prose as well as in helping simplify the Chinese script.

Visitors can also find Lu Xun Memorial Hall and tomb in the park. Lu Xun died in 1936. And moved the tomb to Hongkou park in 1956, Chairman Mao penned an inscription on Lu Xun's tomb.

The memorial hall devoted to his life, displays his many books and old photographs, as well as his hat, goatskin gown, and death mask.

University of Shanghai 沪江大学

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 02:02:49 -0700

[YEAR: 1906]
[LOCATION: 121.552777,31.295898]
[CATEGORY: Campus]
[DISTRICT: Yangpu]

The University of Shanghai was established in 1906 as Shanghai Baptist College, supported by Northern and Southern Baptists of America.

Its campus, along the Whangpoo River about six miles east of the center of Shanghai, commands a unique riverside campus view and makes up a historical building complex.

The campus was ready for occupation in 1909 with the completion of the main administrative and classroom building, Yates Hall. In 1917, the University of Shanghai became registered in Virginia state in the US. By 1918 the University had added more than twenty acres of land to its campus and five new buildings. It was was a pioneer in coeducation in China, opening its doors to women in 1920.

The Sino-Japanese War brought major disruption to the University of Shanghai. On April 8, 1938, University president Herman C. E. Liu was assassinated by the Japanese.

By 1952 the campus was taken over by the People's Government and the era of Christian higher education in Shanghai had passed. Today the campus is a part of the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology.

St. John's University 圣约翰大学

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 07:48:54 -0700

[YEAR: 1879]
[LOCATION: 121.412830,31.227940]
[CATEGORY: Campus]
[DISTRICT: Changning]

St. John's University was an Anglican university located in Shanghai. Before the Chinese Civil War it was regarded as one of the most prestigious universities in Shanghai and China.

The university campus was located on a bend of the Suzhou Creek in Shanghai, and was designed to incorporate Chinese and Western architectural elements.

The University was founded in 1879 as "St. John's College" by Samuel Isaac Joseph Schereschewsky. St. John's began with 39 students, and taught mainly in Chinese mandarin and Shanghainese. In 1891 it changed to teaching with English as the main language. The courses began to focus on science and natural philosophy.

In 1905, St. John's College became St. John's University, and became registered in Washington state in the US. It thus had the status of a domestic university in the US Graduates of St John's could proceed directly to graduate schools in the US. As a result, the university attracted some of the brightest and wealthiest students in Shanghai at the time. It was the first institution to grant bachelor's degrees in China, starting in 1907.

In 1952, the university was broken up and its faculties were joined with similar faculties from other universities to create several specialist universities. The campus became the site of the East China University of Politics and Law.

Fitch Memorial Church 鸿德堂

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 09:20:15 -0700

[YEAR: 1925]
[LOCATION: 121.478021862,31.264077974]
[CATEGORY: Christian]
[DISTRICT: Hongkou]

The Fitch Memorial Church (also called Hongde Temple in Chinese) is a Christian church located in Hongkou. George Field Fitch (費啟鴻), a missionary of American Presbyterians North, served in China for more than 50 years, died in 1923. In memory of G.F. Fitch, the church was built in 1928.

Unlike most churches in Shanghai, the building is designed in a traditional Chinese temple form, and there is a Chinese style bell tower.

Jade Buddha Temple 玉佛禅寺

Sat, 09 Aug 2008 20:48:54 -0700

[YEAR: 1882]
[LOCATION: 121.4402445836484,31.24324638619004]
[CATEGORY: Buddhist]
[DISTRICT: Putuo]

The Jade Buddha Temple. As with most modern Chinese Buddhist temples, the current temple draws from both the Pure-land and Zen traditions of Mahayana Buddhism. It was founded in 1882 with two jade Buddha statues imported to Shanghai from Burma by sea. These were a sitting Buddha (1.95 metres tall, 3 tonnes), and a smaller reclining Buddha representing Buddha's death. The temple now also contains a much larger reclining Buddha made of marble, donated from Singapore, and visitors may mistake this larger sculpture for the original, smaller piece.

Longhua Temple 龙华寺

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:38:20 -0700

[YEAR: 242]
[LOCATION: 121.4470028905578,31.17621182466645]
[CATEGORY: Buddhist]
[DISTRICT: Xuhui]

The Longhua Temple (literally translates as "Lustre of the Dragon Temple") is a Buddhist Temple dedicated to the Maitreya Buddha in Longhua Town of Shanghai. Although most of the present-day buildings date from later reconstructions, the temple preserves the architectural design of a Song Dynasty monastery of the Buddhist Chan sect. It is the largest, most authentic and complete ancient temple complex in the city of Shanghai.

The temple was first built in 242 AD, during the Three Kingdoms Period. According to a legend, Sun Quan, King of the Kingdom of Wu, had obtained Sharira relics, which are cremated remains of the Buddha. To house these precious relics, the king ordered the construction of 13 pagodas. Longhua Pagoda, part of the Longhua temple complex, is said to have been one of them. Like the function of the pagoda, the name of the temple also has its origin in a local legend according to which a dragon once appeared on the site. The temple was destroyed by war towards the end of the Tang Dynasty and rebuilt in 977 AD. The present architectural design follows the Song Dynasty original. However, whereas the core of the present Longhua Pagoda survives from that period, most buildings in the temple proper were rebuilt during Qing Dynasty.

The tallest structure Longhua Temple complex is the Longhua Pagoda, it stands 40.4 metres high.

Jing'an Temple 静安寺

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:20:58 -0700

[YEAR: 247]
[LOCATION: 121.4406489195182,31.22500022700824]
[CATEGORY: Buddhist]
[DISTRICT: Jing'an]

Jing'an Temple (translates as "Temple of Peace and Tranquility") is a Buddhist temple on West Nanjing Road.

The first temple was built in 247 AD, at the time of the Kingdom of Wu, during the Three Kingdoms period. Originally located beside Suzhou Creek, it was relocated to its current site in 1216 during the Song Dynasty. The current temple was rebuilt once in the Qing Dynasty. During the Cultural Revolution, it was converted into a plastics factory. It was converted back to an active temple following reconstruction in 1983, and most recently completely renovated in late 2003.

The Jade Buddha Hall, where a 3.8-meter jade Buddha sits in the center. It is the largest sitting jade Buddha statue in China.

Zhenru Temple 真如寺

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 09:08:44 -0700

[YEAR: 1320]
[LOCATION: 121.396242218544,31.25152476580283]
[CATEGORY: Buddhist]
[DISTRICT: Putuo]

The Zhenru Temple is situated in Zhenru Town at the northwestern edge of Shanghai city. The temple was built in in 1320 AD, during Yuan Dynasty.

The Grand Hall in the temple complex is the oldest wood frame building preserved in Shanghai today.

Tianma Shan Hill 天马山

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 12:04:21 -0700

[LOCATION: 121.150360024,31.076008352]
[CATEGORY: Park]
[DISTRICT: Songjiang]

The name translates as "Heavenly Horse", Tianma Shan Hill lies 10 kilometres to the southwest of Sheshan Hill. The hill looks like a winged horse about to take to flight, hence its name.

Tianma Shan is the largest forest area and the highest elevation of mountains in Shanghai. A seven-tiered pagoda built in 1079 is situated on the hill.

Huzhu Pagoda 护珠塔

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 12:03:44 -0700

[YEAR: 1079]
[LOCATION: 121.145767076,31.076167189]
[CATEGORY: Buddhist]
[DISTRICT: Songjiang]

The Huzhu Pagoda is situated on Tianma Shan the highest hill in Shanghai.

During World War II, invading Japanese troops burned to ashes the largest temple on the Tianma Shan Hill and took precious Buddha statues back to Japan with them. A wonderful pagoda, however, survived. The Huzhu Pagoda out-leans the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy by more than one degree, according to a report in the People's Daily.

Built in 1079, the seven-tiered, octagonal pagoda is 20 metres high.

According to historical records, at one time people who climbed to the top of the pagoda could see as far as the Yangtze River where it joins the East China Sea.

In 1157 during the Southern Song Dynasty, the emperor sent a holy relic, the bones of Sakyamuni, to the temple and had them stored within the pagoda. Legend has it that since then, a mysterious Buddhist light can be seen emanating from the pagoda on holy days.

At a later date, Song Dynasty coins were found between the bricks at the base of the pagoda. This attracted swarms of gold-seekers who dismantled the northwest part of the bottom of the pagoda. And gradually the pagoda began to lean to the southeast. Today a large hole, about two metres in diametre, bears witness to the ransacking the pagoda once suffered.

She Shan Hill 佘山

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 20:28:09 -0700

[LOCATION: 121.1873812091132,31.09592179601497]
[CATEGORY: Park]
[DISTRICT: Songjiang]

She Shan is a 90-meter hill in Shanghai, 30 kilometers away from downtown Shanghai.

She Shan Cathedral is located on the western peak of She Shan Hill. It is the largest Christian church building in East Asia and was at one time the destination of pilgrims from across Asia. The church was completed in 1935.

The Sheshan observatory is on the top of West Sheshan Hill, the highest geological point in Shanghai. The oldest building of the observatory was first founded by a French catholic missionary in 1900. Now served as an astronomical museum.

She Shan Cathedral 佘山圣母大教堂

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 21:28:26 -0700

[YEAR: 1925]
[LOCATION: 121.187870,31.096185]
[CATEGORY: Christian]
[DISTRICT: Songjiang]

She Shan Cathedral is located on the western peak of She Shan Hill. It is the largest Christian church building in East Asia and was at one time the destination of pilgrims from across Asia.

The official name of the church is the Church of the Holy Mother in China. The first church on She Shan hill was built in 1863. During the Taiping Rebellion, Jesuit missionaries bought a plot of land on the southern slopes of the hill. A derelict Buddhist monastery had stood on the site. The remaining buildings were demolished, and a small building was constructed as living quarters for missionaries, and a small chapel. At the peak of the hill (where the Maitreya hall had stood), a small pavilion was built in which was placed a statue of the Madonna.

In June 1870, unrest in Tianjin led to the burning of churches there. The Shanghai Jesuits prayed at the statue of the Madonna and pledged to build a church to her honour in return for her protection. Subsequently, construction of the church began. Wood was shipped in from Shanghai, and stone bought from Fujian. All material had to be ported to the peak by hand. The church was completed two years later. This first church was in the form of a cross, and incorporated features of both Chinese and Western architectural features. A veranda was placed outside the door, with ten columns. Eight stone lions were placed before the church. In 1894, several ancillary buildings were added. These included a chapel half-way down the hill, a shrine to the Sacred Heart, the Virgin Mary, and St Joseph. Fourteen Stations of the Cross were constructed along the path to the Church.

In 1925, the existing Church was found to be inadequate, and it lagged far behind other churches in Shanghai in terms of size and ornamentation. The church was demolished and rebuilt. Because the Portuguese priest and architect was very stringent about the quality of construction, the whole project took ten years to finish, and the church was completed in 1935.

In 1942, Pope Pius XII ordained the She Shan Cathedral a minor Basilica. In 1946, the Holy See crowned the statue of Our Lady of Zose (Zose being the Shanghainese pronunciation of She Shan) at the apex of the tower.

She Shan Cathedral was heavily damaged during the Cultural Revolution. The stained glass windows of the church, carvings along the Via Dolorosa, the statue atop the bell tower, and various other works of iconography were destroyed. After the Cultural Revolution ended, the damage was gradually repaired. The statue was initially replaced with a simple iron cross, and a replacement statue was installed in 2000.

The church occupies an area of 1 hectare and is about 70 feet (20 metres) tall. It is a rectangular Latin cross in shape, and in classical Basilica form. Entrances are placed in the north, west, and south. The main door is in the south-west. The nave is 55.81 m long, 24.68 m wide. The ceiling is 16.46 high, and the church can seat 3000. The altar is placed at the eastern end, and is built of marble with gold trim and in-laid jade. The exterior is mainly granite, and part of the roof is covered in Chinese-style color-glazed tiles.

The 14 Stations of the Cross are situated at the end of each zig-zag path up the steep hill leading to the church. At the mid level in an open square where there are two shrines, one in devotion to the Sacred Heart and the other to the Virgin Mary.

She Shan Observatory 佘山天文台

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:15:40 -0700

[YEAR: 1900]
[LOCATION: 121.188812,31.096087]
[CATEGORY: Museum]
[DISTRICT: Songjiang]

The Sheshan observatory is on the top of West Sheshan Hill, the highest geological point in Shanghai.

It has two areas, one to the west of the She Shan Cathedral, and the other to the east. The two areas are known as the new and old areas respectively.

The old area was first founded by a French catholic missionary in 1900. Now the French-style construction has become an astronomical museum, with a 40cm double refracting telescope also built in 1900, which was the largest telescope in East Asia at that time. It is one of a few telescopes in the world that observed Halley's comet both in 1910 and 1986.

The new area is for professional observation and study. It is not open to the public.

Yuehu Lake 月湖

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 05:42:54 -0700

[YEAR: 2000]
[LOCATION: 121.2011380417224,31.10212921460832]
[CATEGORY: Park]
[DISTRICT: Songjiang]

Yuehu, the name translates as "Moon Lake", located in She Shan area, it's Shanghai's largest artificial lake.

Shanghai Wild Animal Park 上海野生动物园

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:20:48 -0700

[YEAR: 1995]
[LOCATION: 121.7115688809378,31.05611938177576]
[CATEGORY: Park]
[DISTRICT: Nanhui]

There are many rare and endangered animals at the Shanghai Wild Animal Park, at Sanzao Town in Nanhui District, about 35 kilometers from the city center. The park is one of China's biggest wild animal parks and covers an area of 153 hectares. There are over 200 rare species and over 10,000 animals from all over the world, including giraffe, zebra, white rhinoceros and hunting leopards. Some indigenous animals under special protection include giant pandas, golden monkeys, south-china tigers, and Asian elephants and many others.

The Shanghai Wild Animal park is divided into two areas: one for walking, and one which is accessible to buses. There is a herbivore zone, a free zone, aquatic bird lake, bird zone, animal kindergarten, pet monkey park, rare animal park, animal performance zone, sea lion performance zone and other spots in this Park.

The walking area allows a close look at many gentle animals on foot. During a leisurely walk you will see Australian kangaroos, Asian Sika deer, African ring-tailed lemurs and Latin American yellow and blue macaws and more.

The bus enclosure takes you among zebra, yak, deer, elephant and some other fierce beasts. Be forewarned though: the bus park is not suitable for all, especially young children or those with a delicate temperament. Sometimes, you may encounter unpleasant even gruesome sight.

There is also a special animal zoo which is a hit with small kids where they can have a close-up look at the lovely animals.

Jiading Confucius Temple 嘉定孔庙

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:20:55 -0700

[YEAR: 1219]
[LOCATION: 121.2487023262097,31.3832963063181]
[CATEGORY: Confucian]
[DISTRICT: Jiading]

The Confucius Temple, situated in Jiading town 19km/12mi northwest of Shanghai, was built in 1219 and restored during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. In 1958 the municipal museum of Jiading was erected here where, among other exhibits are kept 90 stone tablets with old inscriptions.

Huilongtan 汇龙潭

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:20:01 -0700

[YEAR: 1588]
[LOCATION: 121.2500160996987,31.382709154819]
[CATEGORY: Garden]
[DISTRICT: Jiading]

Huilongtan Garden is located in Jiading Town. The garden is adjacent to Confucian Temple. The garden got its name from the Huilong Tan pool (translates as "Pool of Convergent Dragons") in the front. The 400 year old pool was dredged up in Wanli period of Ming Dynasty (1588). It is said that five streams converged at the site of the Huilong Tan and the situation is just like five Chinese dragons winding their way. Yingkui Hill in the centre of the pool. Seen from above, the hill is like a pearl surrounded by dragon-like green water, which forms an impressive natural beauty.

By the side of the pool is Kuixing Pavilion with double overhanging eaves. Kuixing is the God of Literature in China.

Dongping Forest Park 东平森林公园

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:18:54 -0700

[YEAR: 1959]
[LOCATION: 121.4818969429717,31.68620185121477]
[CATEGORY: Park]
[DISTRICT: Chongming]

Dongping National Forest Park is located at the north side of the central Chongming Island, the third largest island in China. It is 12 kilometers from Nanmen Port. It is the largest man-planted forest in the Eastern China . Dongping Forest Park grew out of Dongping Forest Farm which was enclosed and founded in 1959.

Nanxiang Twin Pagodas 南翔双塔

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 02:36:32 -0700

[YEAR: 960]
[LOCATION: 121.302601100987,31.29317876579634]
[CATEGORY: Buddhist]
[DISTRICT: Jiading]

Nanxiang Twin Pagodas is the only one of the oldest brick pagoda in the structure of Chinese pavilions.

The twin pagodas located by the side of the main street in Nanxiang Town of Jiading District, were built in the Five Dynasties period (907-960).

A beautiful story is about Nanxiang Temple. When a farmer was digging the land he suddenly exposed a piece of stone. And ever after it he often saw two cranes standing on it. At that time Buddhism was on vogue and so it was deemed something wonderful as some monks said. They set out for almsgiving in order to build a temple on the spot. When the temple came to completion the two cranes flew southwards with no more return, hence the temple is called "Nanxiang", which means "fly to south" in Chinese.

Though the temple was burnt in Qing Dynasty , the twin pagodas are still there standing opposite each other in the east and west.

Xilin Pagoda 西林塔

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 02:46:52 -0700

[YEAR: 1265]
[LOCATION: 121.219518, 31.009449]
[CATEGORY: Buddhist]
[DISTRICT: Songjiang]

Xilin Pagoda standing in Songjiang District. It was originally built in the Xianchun reign (1265-1274) of the Southern Song Dynasty. There used to be a Xilin Temple with a pagoda called Chong'en, popularly known as Xilin Pagoda. Rebuilt in 1387, the Hongwu reign in the Ming Dynasty, with the name changed to Yuanying.

Built of brick and wood the pagoda is an octahedron of seven stories with stone staircase built inside which is still intact. Due to a long time disrepair what remains was only the verandas and brick-body of the pagoda. In 1992, the wooden structure was rebuilt as the original style of the Song Dynasty.

This elegant and exquisite pagoda is decorated with delicate brick statues of Buddha.

Square Pagoda 方塔

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 01:06:22 -0700

[YEAR: 1068]
[LOCATION: 121.2414677601634,31.00654615770375]
[CATEGORY: Buddhist]
[DISTRICT: Songjiang]

It is also named Xingshengjiao pagoda, which was built sometime between 1068 and 1077 during the Northern Song Dynasty. Many changes were made during repairs in the Ming and Qing dynasties, but the main structure and style remained Northern Song Dynasty. In 1974 the staircase on the ground floor was rebuilt and the pagoda was restored to the style of the Northern Song Dynasty.

Each side of the square pagoda's ground floor is six meters long. The first story has balconies surrounded by wooden banisters. The balconies and pent roofs on each storey were made of both brick and wood. The pagoda has nine levels on the exterior and is 48.5 meters high. Each wall is divided into three parts by brick relief columns, with a door in the middle.

The interior of the pagoda is constructed like a hollow tube. Each level has wooden floor slabs and stairs, common in brick- and wooden-pagodas during the Tang Dynasty, Five Dynasties and Northern Song Dynasty.

The pagoda as a whole is simple and neat, characterized by architectural methods of the Tang and Five dynasties. It is an important example of traditional styles between the Tang and Song dynasties.