Shanghai

A city of dollar signs, Shanghai is unlike any other Chinese city. The old fades into the shadows of the new as impressive skyscrapers and beautiful apartments spring up throughout the area. I felt comfortable being alone and found the metro a familiar friend—the Chinese relative of my beloved Seoul subway line. With a rapidly growing number of tourists and expats, Shanghai is easily navigated without any Chinese knowledge and my limited nee-how (hello) and xie xie (thank you) were enough.

The Bund and Nanjing Road

One of the city's most popular tourist spots and landmarks, the Bund is a stretch of buildings and sidewalk along the Huangpu River. From the Puxi side, where old historic hotels and government buildings shadow the sidewalk, you can view the future of architecture in Pudong. Looming skyscrapers with hard lines and jagged edges stand alongside the Pearl Tower's famous pink curves. At night, a venture across the river to Pudong provides an opportunity to watch the sun set over Puxi as lights illuminate the skyline and create a romantic atmosphere hard to resist for even the most hesitant bachelor.

Old Town and Yuyuan Gardens

The old part of town has become its own tourist attraction for travelers seeking a glimpse into the less-glamorous lifestyle. Ancient Chinese homes hide in back alleys lined with hanging laundry and hole-in-the wall restaurants. What was once probably a sleepy little area has become a bustling maze of souvenir shops and red lanterns. Its location near the river is prime real estate and I wonder how long the city will protect its traditional neighborhood before paving its memory with posh river-view apartments.

Tucked away from the shopping and food sits the tranquil Yuyuan Gardens. One of Shanghai's most enjoyable sights, the classical gardens offer a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of the city—as long as you arrive early in the morning before the thousands of other tourists. Meandering the curved pathways reveals hidden rock crevices, sparkling goldfish ponds, and endearing private pavilions.

Shanghai Museum

Situated in Renmin Square, the Shanghai Museum holds an impressive collection of various Chinese artifacts, pottery, furniture, paintings, sculptures, and coins. With well-written English captions and beautiful displays, the museum is a nod to the future and the steps China is taking to properly show off their history.

Jing'an Temple

In the middle of a busy city street, Jing'an Temple rises up alongside modern office buildings and shops. The beauty of the temple and its enveloping walls almost deletes the surrounding sounds of cars and construction. A thick aroma of incense infuses the air and for a minute it's as if you've stepped into a completely different world.

Taikang Road

Away from the traditional souvenir shops and tourist sights, Taikang Road is brimming with creativity and interest. A series of alleys off the main street wind and connect to create a maze of art galleries, shops and restaurants; each one more unique than the last. With strings of lights and windows of candles around every corner, it is the perfect place for an evening of shopping, dining, or chatting with friends.