Shanghai Hosts World Expo 2010

15 September, 2010 in B. WRITER'S DIARY by Roger Allnutt by Roger | 279 comments

Fresh from its dazzling success at the recent Summer Olympics in Beijing China has again been stunning the world with its next blockbuster event, the 2010 World Expo, running for 184 days to 31 October.

If Beijing is the administrative capital of China then Shanghai has always been the financial hub of this now booming country where the pace of change is quite overwhelming. New skyscrapers seem to sprout overnight to such an extent that there are now over 4500 buildings in Shanghai of 25 storeys or more. The range of architectural designs is amazing yet all seem to blend together to form a fascinating visual pattern.

The World Expo 2010 site is located on both sides of the Huangpu River that divides central Shanghai into two, mostly between the Nanpu and Lupu Bridges. The master plan is based on the concept of ‘City of Harmony’ comprising the harmonies between man and nature, the past present and future and every individual human being. Over 200 countries and international organisations have participated in World Expo 2010. It is possible to climb the 300 odd steps of the central span of the Lupu Bridge (similar in design to Sydney’s famous Harbour Bridge).

The site has a total area of 5.28 sq km and it is amazing to think that the present site containing old docks, factories and warehouses was transformed into a thriving expo site with a World Expo Centre, Expo Performance Centre, Expo Boulevard, and around 70 major pavilions provided by countries participating at Expo 2010., The architectural designs of these pavilions are at the cutting edge of architectural design.

Naturally the Chinese, after the success of the Bird’s Nest and Ice Cube at the Beijing Olympics went all out to replicate this achievement and the China Pavilion, in ‘Forbidden City Red’ consists of three parts, the Chinese national pavilion, the joint pavilion of domestic provinces and autonomous regions, and the pavilion of Hong Kong, Macau and (interestingly) Taiwan.

While the World Expo will be the centre of attention in 2010 Shanghai has much to offer the visitor at all times of the year. The world economic crisis does not appear to have affected the lifestyle of many of the local inhabitants if the number of shops, hotels, bars, restaurants and other places of entertainment are a guide.

Some of the ‘older’ attractions in Shanghai are still a must for every visitor including a stroll down the Bund, the famous promenade along the western bank of the Huangpu River. The word Bund comes from the Indian word for waterfront. The promenade along the Bund provides panoramic views augmented by the bustle of barges and pleasure craft passing by on the river. Family groups and couples stroll along pausing to watch exponents of tai chi, shadow boxing or even a colourful fan dance. At night the illuminations are a visual ‘wonderland’. As part of the development for Expo the road adjacent to the Bund is going ‘underground’ creating a wider promenade area for pedestrians.

Dominating the skyline on the eastern bank of the river across from the Bund is the 468m high Oriental Pearl Television Tower. The views from the Observation Deck, especially on a clear day, are stunning. While there don’t miss the Shanghai Historical Museum in the basement, a wonderful evocation of life in Shanghai through the ages. Another great view is from the observation deck on the 88th floor of the Jin Mao Tower (also houses the Grand Hyatt Hotel)

Many of the famous historic buildings from Shanghai’s 1930’s heyday still remain close to the Bund although name changes and different uses sometimes make them hard to identify.

The Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank was possibly the most important bank in Shanghai during the early years of the century 1996 the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank took over and have restored the marvellous marble columns and interior, the crystal mirrors and the frescoes that represent the overseas offices of the original owners and the ceiling painted with the signs of the zodiac.

The famous Peace Hotel (once called the Cathay) situated on the corner of Nanjing Road is due to reopen on 28 July 2010 after major renovation and will be the Fairmont Peace Hotel.

Centuries ago the centre of Shanghai was dominated by the lovely Ming Dynasty Garden now called the Yu Garden. The approach to the entrance is past the ornately decorated Huxingting teahouse, featuring upswept eaves and red lacquer panelling. Inside the gardens (built between 1559 and 1577) is a tranquil oasis of bridges over small pools, artificial mountains and many pavilions. Every step reveals a different scene.

Located in the People’s Square (once the site of a racecourse) the Shanghai Museum houses over 100,000 cultural relics in 21 categories highlighting bronze wares, ceramics, handwriting (calligraphy) and paintings. Some of the designs on the ancient pottery and porcelain are as fresh and modern as today’s designs.

Shanghai is a real mix of old and new, East and West especially in its shopping, bars and restaurants.

The best shopping streets are Nanjing Road with top end shopping malls such as Plaza 66, Shanghai Center and City Plaza. For real fakes at great prices (be prepared to bargain hard) try 580 Nanjing Road (West).

The choice of restaurants is endless from those at all the top hotels to some unique Shanghai haunts. If a ‘Hairy Crab Banquet’ takes your fancy make a booking at the Central Hotel for their signature dish while Ye Shanghai has great Shanghai cuisine.

The night scene is explosive with new properties opening all the time. Try Glamour Bar, newly renovated, creative drinks, very retro or New Heights Bar, on top of 3 on the Bund, relaxing with panoramic views from the terrace…Both are located close to the Bund.

Not to be missed is a performance by the amazing Chinese acrobats at Shanghai Circus City. I still can’t work out how they managed some of the acts including 8 motor cycles at one time in a large ‘globe.’

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