1 The Bund 上海外灘
The Bund is one of the symbols of Shanghai.Located along the Huangpu River,the Bund shows off Shanghai's outstanding foreign buildings,most of which were erected before 1937.To the Europeans,the Bund was Shanghai's answer to Wall Street.
“The Bund” was derived from the Anglo-Indian term that literally means “a muddy embankment.” At the beginning of the 19th century,the area was a mere shallow waterfront covered with reeds.
At the northwestern end of the Bund was Huangpu Park.It was forbidden territory to Chinese people for years,unless they were accompanying employers.Today,the park is free and open to everyone; it is a well-maintained walkway providing excellent views over the river to Pudong and down the river to the old Customs House and other colonial relics.
On the west side of the Bund are various towering buildings of different architectural styles,including Gothic,Baroque and Romanesque.The combination of these structures creates a unique boulevard that resembles the Liverpool Docks and 1920s New York City.
Today,the Bund is in the process of another transformation.The building,identified by a crowing dome,is the old Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank,which was completed in 1921.For many years it has housed the Shanghai People's Municipal Government.The statues that once lined the Bund no longer exist.The pair of bronze lions that once stood outside the Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank are now housed at the Bund History Museum.
2 The Oriental Pearl TV Tower 東方明珠電視塔
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is located in Pudong Park in Lujiazui,Shanghai.The tower,surrounded by the Yangpu Bridge in the northeast and the Nanpu Bridge in the southwest,creates a picture of "twin dragons playing with pearls".The entire scene is a photographic jewel that excites the imagination and attracts thousands of visitors year-round.
This 468 meters high tower is the world's third tallest TV and radio tower surpassed in height only by towers in Toronto,Canada and Moscow,Russia.However,even more alluring than its height is the tower's unique architectural design that makes the Oriental Pearl TV Tower one of the most attractive places anywhere.
Visitors travel up and down the tower in double-decker elevators that can hold up to fifty people at the rate of seven meters per second.The elevator attendants recite an introduction to the TV Tower in English and Chinese.Once you reach your destination,you will be amazed at the variety of activities available as the various spheres and columns actually house places of interest,commerce,and recreation.
It is amazing that this ultra-modern tower combines ancient concepts such as the spherical pearls,with 21st Century technology,commerce,recreation,educational and conference facilities.Truly,"oriental pearl" is the most suitable name for this tower.