Memories of 20 July 2004
Shanghai
Today was supposed to be a free and easy day but we will have guided tour in the morning and we will be on our own from lunch onwards. As usual, the buffet breakfast. By 8.55am, we were at "Song Qing Ling Ling Yuan".
[Soong Ching Ling's Mausoleum]
Soong Ching Ling died of illness in Beijing on May 29, 1981, at the age of 90. On June 4 the same year her ashes were buried at the Soong's burial ground in the Wanguo Cemetery at 1290 Hongqiao Road in the southwest of Shanghai. Built in 1932, the burial ground covered an area of 10 hectares where Soong Ching Ling's parents were buried. Now it has been expanded with a memorial square built in front of her tomb.
The mausoleum, which was approved in February 1982 by the State Council as one of the key national cultural relics under state protection. Here is the memorial square paved with square granite. Covering an area of 1,729 square metros, 48 metros long and 39 metros wide, it is large enough to accommodate 2,000 people in holding memorial ceremonies. This is the white marble statue of Soong Ching Ling in sitting posture. It is 2.54 meters tall with a 1.1-meter high pedestal. The design of the statue was based on four patterns chosen from a number of designs made by artists in the country and finally produced by five sculptors under the instruction of the famous sculptor Liu Kaijou. It took more than four months for the Workers of the Architectural Art and Sculpture Factory in Beijing to carve the statue out of white marble quarried in Fangshan County, Beijing.
A solemn unveiling ceremony of the statue was held on January 27, 1984 on the 91st anniversary of Soong Ching Ling's birthday. Behind the statue is a semicircular belt of cypresses. Set off by the verdant cypresses, the jade-white marble statue presents a tranquil and solemn scene.
The Soong's burial ground is a few steps higher than the memorial square. At the east and west ends of the steps are two flower beds, each with a huge pine tree. You can have a complete view of the burial ground when you walk up the steps. The burial ground faces south. It is all paved with square granite. In the middle of the graveyard is the marble outer coffin of Soong Ching Ling's parents with a granite tombstone inscribed with the names of her parents and names of Soong Ching Ling and her other five brothers and sisters who erected the tombstone. Perhaps you have noticed that some of the characters on the tombstone are red and others are black. This is a traditional Chinese custom. The red ones are the names of those who are still alive, whereas the black ones are those who are still alive, whereas the black ones are those of the deceased. Therefore, the family name and the names of those who erect the tombstone are written in red, while the names of the dead are written in black. Since the family name of the dead belongs to the whole family and not to any individual, it does not disappear with the person when he dies but is carried on by his descendants.
Comrade Soong Ching Ling's tomb lies to the east of her parents'. The outer coffin is built of marble, as white as jade, while the horizontal tombstone is of plain granite, 1.2 meters long and 0.6 meters wide. On the tombstone are carved, "The tomb of Soong Ching Ling (1893-1981), Honorary Chairman of the People's Republic of China, erected on June 4, 1981." On both sides of the tomb are exhibition halls wherein on display are relics of Soong Ching Ling's life story, giving a picture of her revolutionary activities, her study and living.
In the north of the Soong's burial ground are camphor, cypress and pine trees. In the flower beds on both sides of the tomb and all around the memorial square are planted various kinds of flowers, plants and trees which Comrade Soong Ching Ling used to love best, such as camphors, pines, lilacs, crape myrtles, azaleas, winter-sweets, white Chinese roses, white magnolias. The whole burial ground tastefully laid out appears solemn and quiet. Madame Soong was specially attached to Shanghai, because Shanghai was not only her birthplace but also a place where she had lived most of her life and carried out revolutionary activities. It was here that she came in contact with many revolutionaries and progressive friends. It was from here that she sent large quantities of medical supplies to the liberated area to support the people's army. It was also here that she met a number of foreign friends after liberation. In her lifetime she mentioned time and again that in Shanghai there was Dr.Sun Yat-sen's former residence and things left by him, and besides, her parents were buried here. She said that she loved the city so much that she would loved to have her ashes buried here. Our Party and government, respecting her last wishes, had her ashes buried in the Soong's burial ground in the Wanguo Cemetery of Shanghai. In the mausoleum there are no magnificent buildings or huge tombstones, and it is simple and unadorned. People come here in endless streams to pay their respects to her. Obviously, the monument of Soong Ching Ling is in the hearts of the people.
"Soong Ching Ling's Mausoleum" was a very big place and there were a statue of her in the garden. We took some pictures here and we bought into the display room where there were many Fengshui pictures. Here, we were told of the Fengshui and the "Pi Qiu". But something unhappy happened here. So shall skip this part.
At 11.30am, we reached "Cheng Huang Miao", we were able to walk around the place and buy things. We bought some local foodstuffs, handicrafts, bags before we went off to the last visiting point. We left at about 12.30pm.
[Shanghai Cheng Huang Miao]
Located next to the Yu Garden and also known today as the Yu Garden Market, the City God Temple was built in the fifteenth century during the Ming Dynasty. Originally a temple built to honor the Han statesman Huo Guang (68 B.C.), it is a busy market today, specializing in traditional arts and crafts. Outside, however, it still looks like a temple.
One hundred years ago, as more and more pilgrims came to worship in the temple, many peddlers began to open shops near the City God Temple. Slowly, a popular, old-fashioned market came about. Today, around the temple and in a circumference of one-third of a mile there are more than one hundred small shops and restaurants. It is not only an ideal shopping place for Shanghai residents--they can find things unobtainable elsewhere and they dine at their favorite restaurants, but also an 'Must' tourist and shopping center where visitors loitering among a cluster of shops, restaurants and recreation facilities invariably find themselves making a tour of discovery of local folklore and Ming and Qing architecture.
Today's City God Temple Bazaar is composed of specialty stores selling traditional Chinese arts and crafts, medicine and souvenirs. Over a hundred small stores stand side by side, beautifully laid with a large collection of commodities, each with its own unique feature and alive with shoppers, keeping the style of traditional Chinese town streets.
At 1.45pm, we reached "Xiang Yang Lu", the last point for our guided tour, then we will be on our own. "Xiang Yang Lu" was famous for its imitation goods. At "Xiang Yang Lu, you can get all the different brands of high-class products here. We bought a few bags and went to take-away our lunch.
[Xiang Yang Lu]
Xiangyang Market is the place to get brands for less. Sometimes you get even three of more designer labels on the same garment, and as the service is not with the par of designer boutiques, you may already guess that the items sold here are fake.
There are more than a hundred stalls selling bags, garments, watches, movies, CDs and other items worth replicating. If you’re going to buy something, check the item carefully, as you don’t have any rights for claims. Note that your home country may have a strict rule for pirated items, and the customs may take them away and give a fine instead.
The police raids the place from time to time, so the selection may be limited. Come again in a few days and the stalls have been supplied new items. Prepare for heavy pestering for watches, DVDs, bags and scarfs. Remember to smile while saying no, so nobody looses face.
As requested by some of the members, the bus sent us back to the hotel. On the way to the hotel, "Xiao Cai" asked whether we want to go for an additional tour at S$50. We decided to join in since it's another 1/2 day program, can kill time and don't had to think about where to go. Total 6 out of 20 people joined the additional tour. I think maybe they don't like the local tour guide, "Xaio Cai". We reached the hotel at 3.00pm.
We had lunch at the hotel, food which we take-away from one of the restaurants in Xiang Yang Lu. The food from that restaurant were not too bad. So had a quite full lunch.
At about 4.30pm, we met at the hotel lobby then we proceeded to "Wai Tan". Forget to mention, as only 8 of us including "Xiao Yuan" & "Xiao Cai", so "Xiao Cai" sent us around using his vehicle. He got a mini-van.
[Wai Tan- The Bund]
The Bund (Wai Tan) 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. 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.
“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 (once called British Public Gardens). More of a pedestrian walkway than a conventional park, this area was also under the control of the Brits. 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.
Approximately at 6.00pm, we reached "Jin Mao Da Sha". The building was 88 storeys high and the lift only take 45 secs to reach the vistor centre. Actually, we went to take a look at the Hyatt Hotel and the cost of 1 night stay at Hyatt Hotel will cost a sum. From the vistor centre, one can see the surrounding of "Jin Mao Da Sha". The roads, Oriental Pearl TV Tower , the skies, all can be seen from here. It's quite a nice place.
[Jin Mao Tower]
Jin Mao Tower is 420.5m high, with altogether 88 stories and total construction area of 290,000 square meters. It is a perfect combination between the Chinese Traditional Architecture Style and the advanced technologies of the world.
The spacious, bright and magnificent lobby occupies the first and second floors. From 3F to 50F is large space of office block without column, with each story of 4 m high and 2.7 m net high. 51F and 52F are used for mechanic and electronic equipment. From 53F to 87F is the highest deluxe five -star hotel of the world --the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Shanghai.Especially in the middle hall with height of 152m and diameter of 27m, the 28 winding corridors, after being illuminated by neon lights, are colorful and attractive, which make you feel as if you were in a time-space tunnel. The Observation Deck on 88F has a construction space area of 1,520 square meters. It is the highest and biggest Observation Deck of China, breaking the Guineas Record of the Shanghai Great World. Adjacent to the tower is a skirt building of auxiliary facilities, shopping area and entertainment site for business office.Jin Mao Tower represents the top level of architectural science & technology.The tower has the most advanced glass screen wall with the frame bonderized, which almost eliminates light pollution.
In the tower, the new mode of self-rescue is adopted in the fire-fighting and life guarantee system instead of the traditional mode of rescue by others. The best vertical transportation system includes the special lift of the tower , which only takes 35min to reach the office floor and the in-the-air abutment function, etc. The intelligent system of the tower controls all the function and areas, with the information highway leading to each office table and room. Because of its advanced and leading technologies, the tower is a landmark in the history of the world architecture.
We did not went to "Oriental Pearl TV Tower" but we could see from "Jin Mao Tower". Because "Jin Mao Tower" was a newer attraction, we decided to go "Jin Mao Tower" instead of "Oriental Pearl TV Tower". Anyway, "Jin Mao Tower" will be more worth the money cause one can go to the top of the building "but Oriental Pearl TV Tower" can only go until the middle. So "Jin Mao Tower" better.
[Oriental Pearl TV Tower]
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 (1,536 feet) 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. The base of the tower is supported by three seven-meter wide slanting stanchions. Surrounding the eleven steel spheres that are "strung" vertically through the center of the tower are three nine-meter wide columns. There are three large spheres including the top sphere, known as the space module. Then there are five smaller spheres and three decorative spheres on the tower base. The entire structure rests on rich green grassland and gives the appearance of pearls shining on a jade plate.
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 during the rapid 1/4-mile ascent. 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.
The inner tower is a recreational palace, while the Shanghai Municipal History Museum is located in the tower's pedestal. The large lower sphere has a futuristic space city and a fabulous sightseeing hall. From here, on a clear day a visitor can see all the way to the Yangtze River. The base of the tower is home to a science fantasy city. The five smaller spheres are a hotel that contains twenty-five elegant rooms and lounges. The pearl at the very top of the tower contains shops, restaurants, (including a rotating restaurant) and a sightseeing floor. The view of Shanghai from this height fills you with wonder at the beauty that surrounds you. When viewed from the Bund at night, the tower's three-dimensional lighting makes it a delight of brilliant color.
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. All of this and it really is a TV and radio tower that services the Shanghai area with more than nine television channels and upwards of ten FM radio channels. Truly, "oriental pearl" is the most suitable name for this tower.
Moving off from "Jin Mao Tower, we went to "Shanghai Grand Theatre". But perhaps it was due to peak hours, we took quite some time to reach "Shanghai Grand Theatre". There was an acrobatics show at 7.30pm inside the "Shanghai Grand Theatre". The acrobatics show was very extraordinary and it was my first acrobatics show. So quite tense & nice to view. Took quite a lot of pictures of the acrobatics and the best part of the show was 3 motorbikes moving in a steel circle.
[Shanghai Grand Theatre]
Located at the People's Square, the city's hear t, the Shanghai Grand Theatre occupies an area of 2.1 hectares, facing the People's Boulevard in the south, along Huangpi Beilu in the west, next to the Shanghai Municipal Building in the East. With its unique style and beautiful outlook, the the-atre has become a representative building in Shanghai, whose existence renders the People's S-quare virtually the city's center of politics and culture.With a total construction area of 62,803 square meters and a total height of 40 meters, the Sha-nghai Grand Theatre has 10 storeys, two for underground, two for lofts and six on the ground .
Designed by Charpentier's France, the new style architecture combines the Eastern and West-ern flavor. It looks like a crystal palace in the light at night as the white arc-shaped roof joins co-herently with the light-sensitive glass curtain wall.The lobby of Shanghai Grand Theatre is approximate 2000 square meters with the white as its main tone, which signifies elegant and pure. A large chandelier, formed by six pan-pipes shaped lamp, is suspended in the lobby. The floor is made of a rare marble called "Greece Crystal Whi-te". The patterns shaped like piano digital, together with the pillar and the stairs, are full of rhyth-ms.
While being inside, it's really like staying in a musical world.At the theatre, which is made up of three parts, such programs as the opera, ballet and sympho-ny can be performed. The Shanghai Grand Theatre has three theatres. With 1,800 seats, the ly-ric theatre is divided into the auditorium, the 2nd-floor, the 3rd-floor and six balconies. The drama theatre has 750 seats and the studio theatre has 300 seats.
The acrobatics show ended at about 9.30pm, we had our dinner at 10.00pm-dinner at "Mao Long". One of the featured restaurant in the magazine. The food there were very nice. It was about 11.30pm or so when we reached the hotel to rest for the day.
My Thoughts:
Today, unhappy events unfolded, so were actually quite upset over it but haizzz, what can I say. Despite so, I had a fun day today. Had to be happy. Went to various shopping areas to shop today. Bought kinda of lots of things also. But I really like "Jin Mao Tower", 45 secs to the vistor centre. Kind of different in air pressure, from ground floor to higher floor and there was even a lift meter inside the lift that moves when the lift went up. The place was very nicely decorated. With the glass panels, everything was just amzaing.
"Shanghai Grand Theatre" was a very beautiful place, can be compared to Esplande. But of course, "Shanghai Grand Theatre" was much more grand. The design was marvellous. The acrobatics show was good too. "Jumping over the rings", " Bicycle show", "Motorcycle Show" was great. Love to watch the "Motorcycle Show". First one motor went into the steel ring, then followed by the 2nd motor and then the 3rd motor. All 3 motors spining in one steel ring. It was great but I think it was too dangerous.
Dinner at "Mao Long" was great cause at "Mao Long", we were treated to many local dishes. "Xiao Cai" knew the shop owners well so they cooked for us even though they were already prepared for closing. So touched. The food were great too, no wonder they were featured on the tour book.
Today ended very well cause I think I have a wonderful time even though unhappy things happened in the morning. But it went out of my mind soon. Plan for my route tomorrow cause it will ready be a free and easy day, not more tour guides along. Also, we have to pack our luggages cause we will be flying off tomorrow night. A busy night of packing but too lazy, leave it till tomorrow morning.
Today was supposed to be a free and easy day but we will have guided tour in the morning and we will be on our own from lunch onwards. As usual, the buffet breakfast. By 8.55am, we were at "Song Qing Ling Ling Yuan".
Soong Ching Ling died of illness in Beijing on May 29, 1981, at the age of 90. On June 4 the same year her ashes were buried at the Soong's burial ground in the Wanguo Cemetery at 1290 Hongqiao Road in the southwest of Shanghai. Built in 1932, the burial ground covered an area of 10 hectares where Soong Ching Ling's parents were buried. Now it has been expanded with a memorial square built in front of her tomb.
The mausoleum, which was approved in February 1982 by the State Council as one of the key national cultural relics under state protection. Here is the memorial square paved with square granite. Covering an area of 1,729 square metros, 48 metros long and 39 metros wide, it is large enough to accommodate 2,000 people in holding memorial ceremonies. This is the white marble statue of Soong Ching Ling in sitting posture. It is 2.54 meters tall with a 1.1-meter high pedestal. The design of the statue was based on four patterns chosen from a number of designs made by artists in the country and finally produced by five sculptors under the instruction of the famous sculptor Liu Kaijou. It took more than four months for the Workers of the Architectural Art and Sculpture Factory in Beijing to carve the statue out of white marble quarried in Fangshan County, Beijing.
A solemn unveiling ceremony of the statue was held on January 27, 1984 on the 91st anniversary of Soong Ching Ling's birthday. Behind the statue is a semicircular belt of cypresses. Set off by the verdant cypresses, the jade-white marble statue presents a tranquil and solemn scene.
The Soong's burial ground is a few steps higher than the memorial square. At the east and west ends of the steps are two flower beds, each with a huge pine tree. You can have a complete view of the burial ground when you walk up the steps. The burial ground faces south. It is all paved with square granite. In the middle of the graveyard is the marble outer coffin of Soong Ching Ling's parents with a granite tombstone inscribed with the names of her parents and names of Soong Ching Ling and her other five brothers and sisters who erected the tombstone. Perhaps you have noticed that some of the characters on the tombstone are red and others are black. This is a traditional Chinese custom. The red ones are the names of those who are still alive, whereas the black ones are those who are still alive, whereas the black ones are those of the deceased. Therefore, the family name and the names of those who erect the tombstone are written in red, while the names of the dead are written in black. Since the family name of the dead belongs to the whole family and not to any individual, it does not disappear with the person when he dies but is carried on by his descendants.
Comrade Soong Ching Ling's tomb lies to the east of her parents'. The outer coffin is built of marble, as white as jade, while the horizontal tombstone is of plain granite, 1.2 meters long and 0.6 meters wide. On the tombstone are carved, "The tomb of Soong Ching Ling (1893-1981), Honorary Chairman of the People's Republic of China, erected on June 4, 1981." On both sides of the tomb are exhibition halls wherein on display are relics of Soong Ching Ling's life story, giving a picture of her revolutionary activities, her study and living.
In the north of the Soong's burial ground are camphor, cypress and pine trees. In the flower beds on both sides of the tomb and all around the memorial square are planted various kinds of flowers, plants and trees which Comrade Soong Ching Ling used to love best, such as camphors, pines, lilacs, crape myrtles, azaleas, winter-sweets, white Chinese roses, white magnolias. The whole burial ground tastefully laid out appears solemn and quiet. Madame Soong was specially attached to Shanghai, because Shanghai was not only her birthplace but also a place where she had lived most of her life and carried out revolutionary activities. It was here that she came in contact with many revolutionaries and progressive friends. It was from here that she sent large quantities of medical supplies to the liberated area to support the people's army. It was also here that she met a number of foreign friends after liberation. In her lifetime she mentioned time and again that in Shanghai there was Dr.Sun Yat-sen's former residence and things left by him, and besides, her parents were buried here. She said that she loved the city so much that she would loved to have her ashes buried here. Our Party and government, respecting her last wishes, had her ashes buried in the Soong's burial ground in the Wanguo Cemetery of Shanghai. In the mausoleum there are no magnificent buildings or huge tombstones, and it is simple and unadorned. People come here in endless streams to pay their respects to her. Obviously, the monument of Soong Ching Ling is in the hearts of the people.
"Soong Ching Ling's Mausoleum" was a very big place and there were a statue of her in the garden. We took some pictures here and we bought into the display room where there were many Fengshui pictures. Here, we were told of the Fengshui and the "Pi Qiu". But something unhappy happened here. So shall skip this part.
At 11.30am, we reached "Cheng Huang Miao", we were able to walk around the place and buy things. We bought some local foodstuffs, handicrafts, bags before we went off to the last visiting point. We left at about 12.30pm.
[Shanghai Cheng Huang Miao]
Located next to the Yu Garden and also known today as the Yu Garden Market, the City God Temple was built in the fifteenth century during the Ming Dynasty. Originally a temple built to honor the Han statesman Huo Guang (68 B.C.), it is a busy market today, specializing in traditional arts and crafts. Outside, however, it still looks like a temple.
One hundred years ago, as more and more pilgrims came to worship in the temple, many peddlers began to open shops near the City God Temple. Slowly, a popular, old-fashioned market came about. Today, around the temple and in a circumference of one-third of a mile there are more than one hundred small shops and restaurants. It is not only an ideal shopping place for Shanghai residents--they can find things unobtainable elsewhere and they dine at their favorite restaurants, but also an 'Must' tourist and shopping center where visitors loitering among a cluster of shops, restaurants and recreation facilities invariably find themselves making a tour of discovery of local folklore and Ming and Qing architecture.
Today's City God Temple Bazaar is composed of specialty stores selling traditional Chinese arts and crafts, medicine and souvenirs. Over a hundred small stores stand side by side, beautifully laid with a large collection of commodities, each with its own unique feature and alive with shoppers, keeping the style of traditional Chinese town streets.
At 1.45pm, we reached "Xiang Yang Lu", the last point for our guided tour, then we will be on our own. "Xiang Yang Lu" was famous for its imitation goods. At "Xiang Yang Lu, you can get all the different brands of high-class products here. We bought a few bags and went to take-away our lunch.
[Xiang Yang Lu]
Xiangyang Market is the place to get brands for less. Sometimes you get even three of more designer labels on the same garment, and as the service is not with the par of designer boutiques, you may already guess that the items sold here are fake.
There are more than a hundred stalls selling bags, garments, watches, movies, CDs and other items worth replicating. If you’re going to buy something, check the item carefully, as you don’t have any rights for claims. Note that your home country may have a strict rule for pirated items, and the customs may take them away and give a fine instead.
The police raids the place from time to time, so the selection may be limited. Come again in a few days and the stalls have been supplied new items. Prepare for heavy pestering for watches, DVDs, bags and scarfs. Remember to smile while saying no, so nobody looses face.
As requested by some of the members, the bus sent us back to the hotel. On the way to the hotel, "Xiao Cai" asked whether we want to go for an additional tour at S$50. We decided to join in since it's another 1/2 day program, can kill time and don't had to think about where to go. Total 6 out of 20 people joined the additional tour. I think maybe they don't like the local tour guide, "Xaio Cai". We reached the hotel at 3.00pm.
We had lunch at the hotel, food which we take-away from one of the restaurants in Xiang Yang Lu. The food from that restaurant were not too bad. So had a quite full lunch.
At about 4.30pm, we met at the hotel lobby then we proceeded to "Wai Tan". Forget to mention, as only 8 of us including "Xiao Yuan" & "Xiao Cai", so "Xiao Cai" sent us around using his vehicle. He got a mini-van.
The Bund (Wai Tan) 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. 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.
“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 (once called British Public Gardens). More of a pedestrian walkway than a conventional park, this area was also under the control of the Brits. 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.
Approximately at 6.00pm, we reached "Jin Mao Da Sha". The building was 88 storeys high and the lift only take 45 secs to reach the vistor centre. Actually, we went to take a look at the Hyatt Hotel and the cost of 1 night stay at Hyatt Hotel will cost a sum. From the vistor centre, one can see the surrounding of "Jin Mao Da Sha". The roads, Oriental Pearl TV Tower , the skies, all can be seen from here. It's quite a nice place.
[Jin Mao Tower]
Jin Mao Tower is 420.5m high, with altogether 88 stories and total construction area of 290,000 square meters. It is a perfect combination between the Chinese Traditional Architecture Style and the advanced technologies of the world.
The spacious, bright and magnificent lobby occupies the first and second floors. From 3F to 50F is large space of office block without column, with each story of 4 m high and 2.7 m net high. 51F and 52F are used for mechanic and electronic equipment. From 53F to 87F is the highest deluxe five -star hotel of the world --the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Shanghai.Especially in the middle hall with height of 152m and diameter of 27m, the 28 winding corridors, after being illuminated by neon lights, are colorful and attractive, which make you feel as if you were in a time-space tunnel. The Observation Deck on 88F has a construction space area of 1,520 square meters. It is the highest and biggest Observation Deck of China, breaking the Guineas Record of the Shanghai Great World. Adjacent to the tower is a skirt building of auxiliary facilities, shopping area and entertainment site for business office.Jin Mao Tower represents the top level of architectural science & technology.The tower has the most advanced glass screen wall with the frame bonderized, which almost eliminates light pollution.
In the tower, the new mode of self-rescue is adopted in the fire-fighting and life guarantee system instead of the traditional mode of rescue by others. The best vertical transportation system includes the special lift of the tower , which only takes 35min to reach the office floor and the in-the-air abutment function, etc. The intelligent system of the tower controls all the function and areas, with the information highway leading to each office table and room. Because of its advanced and leading technologies, the tower is a landmark in the history of the world architecture.
We did not went to "Oriental Pearl TV Tower" but we could see from "Jin Mao Tower". Because "Jin Mao Tower" was a newer attraction, we decided to go "Jin Mao Tower" instead of "Oriental Pearl TV Tower". Anyway, "Jin Mao Tower" will be more worth the money cause one can go to the top of the building "but Oriental Pearl TV Tower" can only go until the middle. So "Jin Mao Tower" better.
[Oriental Pearl TV Tower]
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 (1,536 feet) 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. The base of the tower is supported by three seven-meter wide slanting stanchions. Surrounding the eleven steel spheres that are "strung" vertically through the center of the tower are three nine-meter wide columns. There are three large spheres including the top sphere, known as the space module. Then there are five smaller spheres and three decorative spheres on the tower base. The entire structure rests on rich green grassland and gives the appearance of pearls shining on a jade plate.
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 during the rapid 1/4-mile ascent. 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.
The inner tower is a recreational palace, while the Shanghai Municipal History Museum is located in the tower's pedestal. The large lower sphere has a futuristic space city and a fabulous sightseeing hall. From here, on a clear day a visitor can see all the way to the Yangtze River. The base of the tower is home to a science fantasy city. The five smaller spheres are a hotel that contains twenty-five elegant rooms and lounges. The pearl at the very top of the tower contains shops, restaurants, (including a rotating restaurant) and a sightseeing floor. The view of Shanghai from this height fills you with wonder at the beauty that surrounds you. When viewed from the Bund at night, the tower's three-dimensional lighting makes it a delight of brilliant color.
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. All of this and it really is a TV and radio tower that services the Shanghai area with more than nine television channels and upwards of ten FM radio channels. Truly, "oriental pearl" is the most suitable name for this tower.
Moving off from "Jin Mao Tower, we went to "Shanghai Grand Theatre". But perhaps it was due to peak hours, we took quite some time to reach "Shanghai Grand Theatre". There was an acrobatics show at 7.30pm inside the "Shanghai Grand Theatre". The acrobatics show was very extraordinary and it was my first acrobatics show. So quite tense & nice to view. Took quite a lot of pictures of the acrobatics and the best part of the show was 3 motorbikes moving in a steel circle.
[Shanghai Grand Theatre]
Located at the People's Square, the city's hear t, the Shanghai Grand Theatre occupies an area of 2.1 hectares, facing the People's Boulevard in the south, along Huangpi Beilu in the west, next to the Shanghai Municipal Building in the East. With its unique style and beautiful outlook, the the-atre has become a representative building in Shanghai, whose existence renders the People's S-quare virtually the city's center of politics and culture.With a total construction area of 62,803 square meters and a total height of 40 meters, the Sha-nghai Grand Theatre has 10 storeys, two for underground, two for lofts and six on the ground .
Designed by Charpentier's France, the new style architecture combines the Eastern and West-ern flavor. It looks like a crystal palace in the light at night as the white arc-shaped roof joins co-herently with the light-sensitive glass curtain wall.The lobby of Shanghai Grand Theatre is approximate 2000 square meters with the white as its main tone, which signifies elegant and pure. A large chandelier, formed by six pan-pipes shaped lamp, is suspended in the lobby. The floor is made of a rare marble called "Greece Crystal Whi-te". The patterns shaped like piano digital, together with the pillar and the stairs, are full of rhyth-ms.
While being inside, it's really like staying in a musical world.At the theatre, which is made up of three parts, such programs as the opera, ballet and sympho-ny can be performed. The Shanghai Grand Theatre has three theatres. With 1,800 seats, the ly-ric theatre is divided into the auditorium, the 2nd-floor, the 3rd-floor and six balconies. The drama theatre has 750 seats and the studio theatre has 300 seats.
The acrobatics show ended at about 9.30pm, we had our dinner at 10.00pm-dinner at "Mao Long". One of the featured restaurant in the magazine. The food there were very nice. It was about 11.30pm or so when we reached the hotel to rest for the day.
My Thoughts:
Today, unhappy events unfolded, so were actually quite upset over it but haizzz, what can I say. Despite so, I had a fun day today. Had to be happy. Went to various shopping areas to shop today. Bought kinda of lots of things also. But I really like "Jin Mao Tower", 45 secs to the vistor centre. Kind of different in air pressure, from ground floor to higher floor and there was even a lift meter inside the lift that moves when the lift went up. The place was very nicely decorated. With the glass panels, everything was just amzaing.
"Shanghai Grand Theatre" was a very beautiful place, can be compared to Esplande. But of course, "Shanghai Grand Theatre" was much more grand. The design was marvellous. The acrobatics show was good too. "Jumping over the rings", " Bicycle show", "Motorcycle Show" was great. Love to watch the "Motorcycle Show". First one motor went into the steel ring, then followed by the 2nd motor and then the 3rd motor. All 3 motors spining in one steel ring. It was great but I think it was too dangerous.
Dinner at "Mao Long" was great cause at "Mao Long", we were treated to many local dishes. "Xiao Cai" knew the shop owners well so they cooked for us even though they were already prepared for closing. So touched. The food were great too, no wonder they were featured on the tour book.
Today ended very well cause I think I have a wonderful time even though unhappy things happened in the morning. But it went out of my mind soon. Plan for my route tomorrow cause it will ready be a free and easy day, not more tour guides along. Also, we have to pack our luggages cause we will be flying off tomorrow night. A busy night of packing but too lazy, leave it till tomorrow morning.
posted by Sherry at 7/16/2005 10:10:00 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home