You really must see the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe in person to believe it. Although Shanghai is great for dining, clubbing and other entertainment, the acrobatics show offers something spectacular and traditionally Chinese. Go here and be dazzled by the balancing, spinning and juggling acts that will leave you with lasting memories of your trip to the Chinese city.
Shanghai Museum offers exhibits from the rich history of the old country of China, as well as from the more recent history of the young city of Shanghai and the region. Sections of the museum include displays of calligraphy, ceramics, jade and more. It may take a long time to see the entire museum in depth, so just pick a single area to examine in full.
Almost every city in China has its own Town God temple, and Chenghuang Miao is exactly that for the city of Shanghai. Chenghuang Miao is an orthodox Taoist temple dating from 1403, which is dedicated to three local deities or city gods. Visit here to see traces of its 15th century beginnings, from the locals burning incense to statues of gods, noodle shops and souvenir stalls.
Also known as “the Garden of Peace and Comfort”, the Yu Yuan offers a slice of old Shanghai. The pace of life slows down at this 16th century Ming Dynasty garden that features 30 pavilions, temples, halls and a grand rockery. The Garden is the ideal oasis that offers respite in the heart of the Shanghai bustle.
Regarded as the “first street of China”, the Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is a microcosm of the culture and history of Shanghai. This street is ideal for shoppers and window shoppers alike. Go here during the day to browse the more than 600 shops that line the streets. Return in the evening to watch the street as it begins to twinkle, impressing pedestrians with the glitzy lights of a modern city.
Zhujiajiao is an ancient water town full of water canals straddled by old buildings. A true water village that well represents old Shanghai, Zhujiajiao is ideal for taking a boat trip down the river. You may then walk through the tiny shopping streets, cross the marvelous bridges, and tour the old houses and beautifully laid out gardens. Don’t forget your camera for the great photographic opportunities!
The city of Suzhou is famous throughout China for its splendid gardens. While you can spend an entire day just visiting the marvelous gardens, there’s plenty more to see and do in Suzhou. Venture into the famous water town, beautiful temples and variety of scenic areas that will keep you busy and well entertained during your visit.
If you still haven’t had your fill of water towns, visit Zhouzhuang next. One of China’s most famous water townships, Zhouzhuang is notable for being the oldest of China’s water villages. The town is surrounded by lakes on its four sides, with canals flowing beneath beautiful stone bridges, as well as between the Qing and Ming Dynasty houses that line either side.
Also visit Nanjing Lu, a shopping street with a rich history. The bustling heart of Shanghai’s shopping and tourism scene, Nanjing Lu is also the world’s longest shopping district. The eastern section of the street is pedestrianized, while the western section offers Shanghai specialties such as silk, jade and clocks. You can also take the trackless sight-seeing train that will take you the entire length of the street by night.
Situated in central-eastern China, adjacent to the East China Sea, Shanghai is home to a bounty of scenic and historical sites, mixed with plenty of futuristic high-rise constructions. Shanghai overflows with things to do. Your challenge will be to prioritize the city’s attractions and see all you want to see within the time you have here.
1. Dong Tai Lu
Situated off the Xizang or Tibet Road close to the old part of town, Dong Tai Lu is a famous outdoor market at which you can find many “antiques.” Dong Tai Lu was built in 1902 during the Qing Dynasty.
In the beginning, Dong Tai Lu was actually a place where people would gather to drink morning tea or have breakfast. Since ancient times, Chinese people have been fond of collecting antiques and curios, and therefore many customers would bring their collections and swap items over tea or breakfast.
Soon antique shops began to appear and Dong Tai Road gradually became a gathering spot for antique shops and stands. Today there are about 125 stalls here that sell everything from trinkets and curios to furniture items. Most of the booths are run by women.
The only catch is that the majority of “antiques” found here are in fact factory-made items and most of the stalls sell similar items. The good thing about this is that you have a good chance of getting a low price if you bounce back and forth between booths stocking the same items.
While most of the “antiques” here are fake some are genuine. So why not pick up something genuine from China’s past? But unless you are a certified antiques dealer, don’t expect to come away with an authentic Ming vase. The best thing is just to go with an open mind and enjoy having a look around.
The market offers a nice change of pace from the large malls and department stores in the surrounding areas. Besides feasting your eyes on the dazzling items on sale, the bustling scenes and sounds are just as interesting, as they reveal to the visitor a glimpse of local life.
Even if you don’t wish to purchase anything, the Market is a great spot to witness daily life of Shanghai. Walk past booths with laundry hanging over your head, food trucks cruising up and down the rows and vendors socializing with each other when they are not selling. Amid the trinkets and jade items you will encounter old people loudly playing cards or shouting as they slap tiles on tabletops.
You could easily spend half a day wandering around the stalls of Dong Tai Lu. The road is bisected by another smaller street with antique stores proliferating all over the tiny neighborhood. Here you will find just about anything, from ceramics to baskets and lanterns.
There are also vintage items, traditional crafts, ornamental items, pottery, bronze ware, bamboo items, clothing, ancient coins, and embroidered slippers for bound feet, chopsticks, calligraphy brushes, jade articles, old-style fans, sculptures, communist-era posters, copies of The Little Red Book and other Mao memorabilia.
Dong Tai Lu is a great place to shop for lovely blue and white porcelain ginger jars. You can also find antique maps of Shanghai, old wooden rice buckets and reed-woven fishing baskets.
2. Yu Yuan
“Yu Yuan” is Chinese for “Yu Garden” and is the most famous classical garden in Shanghai. Situated in the center of Nan Shi, the old Chinese part of town, Yu Yuan was established during the Ming Dynasty and later expanded greatly. Once considered the best garden in southeast China, Yu Yuan was designed with the intention of bringing pleasure and happiness to the owner’s loved ones.
Some of the highlights of Yu Yuan include Sansui Hall, which was built with 5 rooms during the Qing Dynasty, with the aim of entertaining guests. The Hall was later used to host celebrations and announcements of imperial edicts. The Grand Rockery was created by a celebrated rockery artist of the Ming Dynasty and is regarded as the best treasure in Yu Yuan, as well as the best rockery in south China.
The Exquisite Jade Rock is situated in front of the Yuhua Hall, and is one of the 3 most well-known rocks in China. The beautifully shaped rock measures 4 meters high, and is characterized by its slender shape, wrinkled appearance, translucent nature and many holes eroded by water.
Stone City is a stone exhibition gallery that houses a great number of stone sculptures and engravings. This site is great for lovers of visual arts and human values.
During the 1853 uprising by the Dagger Association against foreign imperialists in Shanghai, the Yu garden was used as the headquarters for the operation. Today, many weapons, home-made coins and announcements by the Dagger Association are on display inside the garden’s spring hall.
Situated on Shanghai’s Anren Street, Yu Yuan is best visited during early spring when the garden shows fully its subtle and graceful beauty.
Owing to its position at the center of the Nan Shi Old Town and its reputation as one of the best-preserved and finest gardens in China, Yu Yuan is crowded on most days. Nonetheless, the popular garden still manages to maintain an air of serenity that makes for a very worthwhile visit.
3. Suzhou
Situated about 70 miles inland from Shanghai, Suzhou is the 5th largest city in China, and the place where the past of China meets its future. A dynamic city, where the long, glorious past of China lives on and thrives, Suzhou was founded in 514 BC.
Spending time in Suzhou is like taking a magic trip back into the powerful past of China. China’s historical and cultural capital, Suzhou boasts 2,500 years of history visible in its myriad of ancient temples, places, gardens, canals and fortifications. Also alive here are Chinese opera, art and traditions such as Su embroidery, silk production, tea ceremony and herbal healing.
Suzhou is particularly famous for its amazing Grand Canal and 9 classical gardens. Suzhou is a historically wealthy city partly due to its large silk industry. Many of its residents established classical gardens which are today preserved and open to the public.
The reason why Suzhou’s gardens are so famous throughout china is because they differ from the imperial parks found in Beijing, seeing as they were built for the enjoyment of a private family. In contrast to the grandeur of the imperial family gardens, Suzhou’s gardens were simple and intimate.
The gardens were designed to be lived in and were situated adjacent to family houses and compounds. Owners invited extended family members and guests for special parties such as moon-viewing during the Moon Festival. Although small, the gardens were designed such that visitors enjoy a new perspective at every turn. For instance a previously hidden pavilion surrounded by lotus becomes apparent.
The Lingering Garden was built in 1566 and serves as a classic example of Ming Dynasty private garden style. Its most famous feature is the Cloud-Crowned Peak.
The Humble Administrator’s Garden is situated adjacent to the Suzhou Museum. The most famous of Suzhou’s gardens, the Humble Administrator’s Garden was built in 1509. It is another example of Ming garden landscaping in which the garden is centered on a large water feature. A good time to visit the garden is in August when the lotus is blooming.
The Lion Grove Garden was built in 1342 during the Yuan Dynasty and is famous for its rockeries, which comprise man-made formations of hand-picked rocks.
The Master-of-Nets Garden was built in 1180 during the Southern Song Dynasty and comprises a small but beautiful example of a private Suzhou garden.
Other gardens worth visiting include the Garden of Cultivation; Mountain Villa with Embracing Beauty; the Couple’s Garden Retreat; the Surging Wave Pavilion; and the Retreat and Reflection Garden.
It was Su Dongpo, the ancient poet who said “to visit Suzhou and not see Tiger Hill would lead to a lifetime of regret.” Tiger Hill is one of the oldest parts in Suzhou, which derives its name from legend. In the year 496, after King Wu buried his father at the top of the hill, a white tiger appeared to guard the tomb. It is said that the fog over Tiger Hill descends to conceal the tiger.
Situated just a few miles from the Suzhou center, Tiger Hill is like a whole different world: canals meandering through ivy-covered embankment; tranquil glades of shade trees and flowering shrubs; and white walled cottages with ancient black-roofs.
Everything you will see in Tiger Hill is magical. Your will enter through a dramatic ocher gate and encounter the Yunyuan temple that dominates your vista. The temple features an imposing Leaning Pagoda that was built 1,000 years ago. And then there’s the rather mysterious Sword Pool said to hold the swords of a king in its waters.
Wangjing Villa comprises a half-acre of potted miniature bonsai trees, some of whom are more than two hundred years old. Although bonsai is today a Japanese passion, the art form originated in China. The beautiful dwarfed trees here are complemented by rocks and other features intended to create miniature landscapes of China and Suzhou. You may spy a master gardener trimming bonsai with delicate traditional tools.
The oldest section of Suzhou is what China was like before it had motor vehicles. Ideal for wandering either by foot or cruising on a lazy gondola ride, the old town features whitewashed walls and black roofs of houses that are hundreds of years old, as well as steep-sided bridges arched over the canal.
Picturesque, narrow, cobblestoned streets meander through this old town. A narrow, flagstone-paved street, Pingjian Road dates from 960 and has an even older canal running alongside it. Shantung Street is famous for its temples and memorial bridges arched over busier and bigger streets. Sinquan Street boasts architecture from the Ming Dynasty mid-1300s to mid-1600s.
Take a gondola ride on the Grand Canal or smaller, adjacent canals. From the water you will enjoy an entirely different face of Suzhou. Visitors can also stay in traditional Chinese accommodations and sample the garden-fresh cuisine of Suzhou, including tasty street dumplings.
4. Zhujiajiao
Many of the towns and villages situated on the Yangtze River Delta used the abundance of water for transportation and irrigation. It is for this reason that numerous villages were built around a canal system. While modern infrastructure and architecture have all but made the canals obsolete, the villages feature old centers which still haven’t changed for hundreds of years.
Zhujiajiao is an ancient water town that is located west of downtown Shanghai, past the Hongqiao Airport. The town makes for an easy half-day trip and enables visitors to experience a smaller town than Shanghai.
Zhujiajiao boasts a preserved old city that resembles a living museum. The old city features a couple of streets and lanes amid several canals and rivers. Visitors can ply the waterways on a boat poled by a guide or simply wander the small alleys and streets adjacent to the water.
All the buildings are fairly ancient, dating from the Qing Dynasty, although many of them have been modernized. You may enjoy a stroll up and down the streets stopping by the numerous souvenir shops, crossing and posing among the many picturesque bridges that span the waterways.
Sample the local cuisine at the different riverside restaurants and snack shops. Ask for a riverside table for beautiful views and settle down for your delicious meal as you watch the sun set. After dinner, cross the bridge to the small performance hall where you can see the Water Heavens by Tan Dun.
Some of the points of interest in Zhujiajiao include Kezhi Garden; City God Temple; Great Qing Post Office; Yuanjin Buddhist Temple; Ah Po’s Tea House & Han Lin Stele Museum; and the Shanghai Handicraft Zhujiajiao Exhibition Hall. It can get a bit confusing after you start your wanderings so pick up an English map before you embark on your tour.
5. Zhouzhuang
The quaint little water town of Zhouzhuang offers a lovely break from the big-city China you will encounter in Shanghai. Situated on the Yangtze River Delta in Jiangsu Province, Zhouzhuang offers a look back in time with its houses that are typically not higher than 3 stories, butted up against each other in an ancient jumble. Stone bridges, each with a story, link its streets which are in turn divided by canals.
Zhouzhuang is an ancient town that abounds with lakes and rivers. Widely regarded as one of the best water towns of China, Zhouzhuang boasts a history of over 900 years with numerous structures built within the Ming and Qing Dynasties from 1368 to 1911. There are close to 100 houses with courtyards, 60 of which have arch gateways made of carved bricks.
With lakes on 4 sides, the beauty of Zhouzhuang is particularly found along the waterside lanes, and around several stone bridges. A different vista is to be found at every turn here, which makes for a very enjoyable visit. You can also enjoy the fairyland atmosphere of the evenings here when the myriad of stars twinkle as though in communication with the glittering town lights.
Zhouzhuang is surrounded and divided by rivers and lakes, and features fourteen stone bridges that cross the rivers, offering distinctive views of the water town. The water town is noted for its profound cultural background, well-preserved ancient residential houses, elegant watery views and strong local colored customs and traditions.
Zhouzhuang is particularly famous mainly for its small water lanes and ancient riverside buildings. Some of the highlights of the town include the stone bridges, the Fu’an Bridge, Zhang’s House, Shen’s House and the Twin Bridges.
The Twin Bridges are the most famous and are regarded as a symbol of Zhouzhuang. Built during the Wanli Era of 1573 to 1619 of the Ming Dynasty, the Twin Bridges are situated to the northeast of the town. Shide Bridge has a round arch, while Yongan Bridge’s arch is square. The Twin Bridges resemble an old-style Chinese key, as they cross two crisscrossing rivers.
One of the most pleasant things to do is take a boat ride down through the canals or have lunch at one of the restaurants that open out onto the river. Just as important as its architecture, the traditional cuisine of Zhouzhuang is a must. Here you can sample the many delectable culinary delicacies including Wansan “Eight Bowls” (Homemade), Wansan Pork Shank, San Wei Yuan and Fish Dishes.
Visitors can also enjoy shopping for traditional handicrafts and local specialties from Zhouzhuang. You can grab some really beautiful and quaint souvenirs here. And don’t forget to tip the old ladies who serenade you with traditional song during your stroll around.
You can easily spend an hour or two in the little village of Zhouzhuang, while visiting as part of a couple of days touring Suzhou or as a day’s excursion from Shanghai.
6. Nan Shi
Situated just southwest of the Bund, the old Chinese city of Nan Shi was the first area of Shanghai to be settled. Today, foreign and domestic tourists alike flock Nan Shi, the old town of Shanghai, in droves to get their fill of culture. All sorts of treasures are to be uncovered in this small area, a former walled enclave of Chinese-only, when Shanghai was divided into foreign concessions.
Chinese cities were traditionally walled and the walls of Nan Shi date from the 16th century. In 1912, the walls were torn down but a remnant remains on Renmin Road. Surrounding the garden is a maze of old alleys and laneways inhabited by locals. With its narrow winding streets and old houses, Nan Shi offers a sense of traditional life around the old Chinese streets.
Most of the fun of the old town and its bazaar is simply wandering through its lanes. Arm yourself with a map as most of the small alleys are not labeled, although you will eventually find a main street. At Central Fangbang Road you will find the main artery of the old city, which is filled with curio shops. Stroll around the area and admire its classical Chinese architecture.
Lao Jie is the old street of Shanghai which stretches along Fangbang Zhong Lu. The street features traditional shop houses selling antiques, tea, ethnic crafts and collectibles that reflect the cultural and architectural evolution of Shanghai as you walk east from the Ming Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty into the Chinese Republican era.
Fuyou Antiques Market is one of the liveliest antique markets in Shanghai where you will encounter 4 floors of vendors selling everything from ceramics and coins, to jewelry and cameras.
Continue east while entering or passing by shops as your interest dictates. You will then arrive at the 2-storey Old Shanghai Teahouse which will provide a refreshing cup of tea or juice for visitors fatigued from all the wandering and shopping.
At Si Pai Lou, you can enjoy a wonderful glimpse into the daily life of ordinary Chinese around the old city. Basic food stalls sell everything from fresh produce and meat to specialties such as pan-fried dumplings and tofu.
Move further along to the novelty stores such as the Pear Syrup Shop and the Five Flavor Bean Shop. Then head over to the Small Commodities Street or Xiaoshangpin where you will find shops that specialize in everything from musical instruments to bamboo crafts and chopsticks.
Also visit the Chenxiang Ge temple and thereafter the Dajing Lu Markets. These are actually makeshift markets and stalls that sell everything from fresh fish and meat to tofu, tea and spices. This is another wonderful street that offers a glimpse into the daily life of the old Chinese city, as you encounter grandmothers and housewives make their daily shopping rounds.
Next, take a peek inside the Baiyun Guan temple which is made distinct by its red walls. Admire the hundreds of Daoist deities and possibly attend a Daoist service. West of the temple is the ancient city wall, the only remaining preserved section of the old city wall of Shanghai that was built originally in 1553. There is a small exhibition on life in the old Chinese city here.
Have a taste of some of the Shanghai snacks available in the bazaar around the Yu Yuan, as well as the Huxingting Tea House. Huxingting Tea House is a stately floating structure that sits outside the Yu Yuan gardens within a pond. The tea house is accessed by the nine-turning bridge. Be sure to also sample some Xiao Long Bao at the Nanxiang Dumplings.
Plan to spend a pleasant half-day wandering around. Go on a walking tour of Nan Shi that should last you 2-4 hours. The best time is during the early mornings, especially on Sunday when you can enjoy a visit to the Fuyou antiques market, and then stop somewhere for a dumpling lunch. The area is also fun to visit at night when the buildings’ eaves are all lit up, offering great night photography opportunities.
7. Chenghuang Miao
Cheunghuang Miao is Shanghai’s city god temple, an attractive spot for locals and visitors alike, and a well-known Taoist temple in the area, Cheunghuang Miao is also known as the “Yi Temple.” Cheunghuang temple is situated in Huangpu and is very popular with the residents of Shanghai.
The temple features numerous halls including the Yama palace, bedroom palace, grand hall, middle hall, star gods hall, Xuzhen god hall and more. The temple spans an area of over 10,000 square meter and features two famous gardens, the East garden and the West garden.
Stroll along Huang Miao, the famous food street at the Cheunghuang temple. Sample local drinks at the Cheunghuang Ancient Street and enjoy a memorable Shanghai food experience of dim sum, Chinese vegetables and a babao rice banquet.
Plan your visit around the Sanxun Festival during which almost all Shanghai locals will come to the temple to burn incense and worship their god. All the shops in and around the temple are meanwhile decorated in red lanterns that celebrate the festival. There are also folk arts such as acrobatics and penmanship performances held on the temple grounds.
8. Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe
Want to see incredible stunts? Feel the adrenaline rush in your blood? Visit the Shanghai Center Theater to watch a show by the professional Chinese Acrobatic Troupe that will leave you amazed with memorable performances.
Chinese acrobatics is one of the oldest performing arts of China. The art form began during the Warring States Period that spanned 475 BC-221 BC, and is believed to have originated from the people’s rigorous labor and self-defense skills, which they practiced and demonstrated during their leisure time.
Early performances typically involved walking on 3-meter high stilts while juggling 7 gaggers, before developing into an entire art form. Juggling remains one of the traditional elements of Chinese acrobatics. A national art today, Chinese acrobatics involve basics such as dancing, tumbling, balancing, flexibility, endurance, strength and sheer will-power.
Visitors can go to the Shanghai Theater to watch one of the performances that will leave you completely astounded. During the show, the performers illustrate the harmonious beauty of the human body with headstands, somersaults, handsprings, leg and waist flexibility, and much more.
The light effects and theme music perfectly coincide with the performance to make the atmosphere even livelier, while the costumes further enhance the beauty of the performance and increase its visual effects.
Watching a performance of Chinese acrobatics offers a truly unforgettable experience. Wonderful performances to enjoy include plates spinning, the leg and foot juggle, rolling cups, poles climb, bungee jump, trapeze, rolling hoops dives, bicycle feasts, body contortionism, Chinese yo-yo and the feast of equilibrium which involves a balancing act.
9. Shanghai Museum
Situated at Renmin Avenue, Shanghai Museum is a big museum that houses exhibitions on ancient Chinese art. In fact, Shanghai Museum is home to one of the best collections of traditional Chinese artifacts on mainland China.
The museum features a vast main collection, as well as special exhibitions. The permanent collection is housed on 4 floors, divided into 11 galleries and 3 exhibition halls. The 11 galleries cover most of the key categories of Chinese art: Ancient Ceramics, Ancient Bronze, Ancient Jade, Ancient Sculpture, Calligraphy, Paintings, Seals, Coins, Qing and Ming Furniture and Minority Nationalities.
The bronze ware of the Zhou and Shang dynasties contribute to the modern understanding of the ancient Chinese civilizations. More than four hundred pieces of exquisite bronze wares covering the history of ancient Chinese bronze art can be seen here.
The collection of ancient ceramics is another special treasure of the Shanghai Museum. Among the 500 plus pieces are artworks from different dynasties including gray and painted pottery of the Neolithic age; primitive celadon of the Zhou, Shang and Warring States; mature celadon of the East Han Dynasty; the famous tri-colored glazed pottery of the Tang Dynasty; black, white and blue glazed and painted porcelain of the Liao, Jin and Song; as well as brilliant works of Jiangzi, Jingdezhen, the industrial center during the Qing, Ming and Yuan dynasties.
The calligraphy and paintings of China have unique national styles and profound traditions. Painting and calligraphy masterpieces from different genres and periods are also found here.
The Gallery of Chinese Ancient Sculpture at the Shanghai Museum is mainly focused on Buddhist sculptures.
In ancient China, Jade was both a form of decoration and a symbol of power and wealth. It was further personified to symbolize perfect morality. The elegance of the jade wares found at the Shanghai Museum glows through its vivid patterns and crystal colors.
The heydays of Chinese furniture occurred during the Qing and Ming dynasties. The museum gallery has on display a refined garden-like residence from that period. Even the simplest chair you see here demonstrates Chinese etiquette and culture.
The Gallery of Chinese Seals is a first of its kind, and it reflects the historical importance of seals from the Western Zhou until the end of the Qing Dynasty.
China is one of the early nations to use currency and the Shanghai Museum has on display close to seven thousand pieces in its Gallery of Chinese coins. The gallery traces the development of Chinese currency and growth of economic exchange between China and other countries.
Chinese culture is the result of the collaboration and melding of numerous nationalities. During China’s long history, its minority nationalities have created their own colorful and unique cultures. From clothing to textiles, sculpture, metal ware, pottery, bamboo and lacquer wares, the different styles of their artwork give a general idea of the passion for life and creativity among these ethnic groups in China.
Spend at least half a day at the Shanghai Museum exploring Chinese history. Audio tours are available, and so is a tearoom and restaurant. There is a Museum Shop situated on the lower level which is great for picking up souvenirs and gift items after your tour.
10. Nanjing Lu
Nanjing Lu is the earliest and most famous of Shanghai’s shopping streets. Regarded as China’s first commercial street, Nanjing Road offers beautiful restaurants and spectacular night views. One of the busiest and best built roads dating from the 1840’s, Nanjing road stretches from the Bund east towards Hongqiao.
The history of Nanjing Lu can be traced to 1845 when it was known as “Park Lane”. In 2000, the road was renovated into the characteristic pedestrian street that it is today. The longest shopping precinct in the world, Nanjing road attracts more than 1 million visitors each day, and comprises two parts the West Nanjing Road and the East Nanjing Road.
East Nanjing Road is the commercial zone which was traditionally the hub of European-style cafés and restaurants. Close by is the Central Market, a century-old outdoor market that specializes in digital media and electronic components.
Further west you will find the Nanjing Road Pedestrian Mall which houses most of the largest and oldest department stores in Shanghai, as well as a variety of domestic retail outlets and some traditional eateries with a rich history.
West Nanjing Road is situated close to the Jing’an Temple and comprises upscale shopping centers, restaurants, office buildings and 5-star hotels.