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The Shanghai Museum: 5,000 years of Chinese history

With more than 120,000 first-class artefacts of national importance, the Shanghai Museum is a top attraction. The unparalleled collection, representing 5,000 years of Chinese art history, includes everything from ritual bronzes and early paintings to porcelain from the Yuan dynasty and calligraphy art. There are so many items on display that it will take you at least a day to see only a small part of the collection.

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Top collections of bronzes, calligraphy and ceramics

The museum’s collections of bronze artefacts, calligraphy and ceramics are world-class. The bronzes – treasures from the Shang and Zhou dynasties – are approximately 3,500 years old. Household items, such as three-legged cauldrons, bowls and clocks are often decorated with animals. Calligraphy, an art form where Chinese characters are written with a brush, also dates back to the Shang dynasty. The oldest known calligraphy is engraved in bone. The collection of antique ceramics ranges from Stone Age pots and green-grey glazed vases to white porcelain statues from the Ming dynasty. Take a break at the museum’s tea house and visit the museum store to buy replicas of the beautiful collection pieces. Just keep in mind that the porcelain items are very fragile so pack them carefully for your flight home.

The museum in the early evening light

A comprehensive museum

Over the years, the Shanghai Museum has greatly expanded its collection. Since the museum first opened in 1952, it has already moved twice after running out of space. Construction of the current museum building at the People’s Square in the heart of the city began in 1993. Three years later the museum was inaugurated. To emphasize its comprehensive collection, the museum’s building consists of a square base with a round upper part. According to traditional Chinese philosophy, the square shape represents the earth and the circle symbolizes heaven.

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Nightlife

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The water village of Zhujiajiao is just an hour's drive from the busy modern centre of Shanghai, but it feels as if you are entering a whole other world, going 1700 years back in time. The many canals and rivers make this 'Venice of Shanghai' a popular day trip destination. Visitors come to enjoy a boat ride as well as to admire the picturesque traditional architecture.

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The Pudong skyscrapers are the pride of Shanghai. The Shanghai Tower, the second highest building in the world, was recently added to the Shanghai skyline, transforming the business district at the Huangpu River into a world-class destination.

Nightlife

Shanghai’s nightlife is centred around the west bank of the Huanpu River. Luxury hotels along the Bund offer their rooftop patios for a fabulous view of the illuminated skyscrapers. At the circus, acrobats dazzle the audience with spellbinding performances, and local theatres host many classic and dramatic Chinese operas.

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The Yuyuan Garden is a masterful example of Chinese garden architecture. The classical garden in the heart of Shanghai is home to water and rock formations that have been designed with the utmost precision, and according to Feng Shui principles. The organised asymmetry and alternating use of the elements make the garden feel much more spacious than it actually is. The pavilions, the zigzagging bridges and many nooks create a delightful garden to explore.

Nightlife

Like many other Chinese cities, the Shanghai nightlife centres around a few districts that offer a wide range of entertainment. Cafes and bars are always packed. Large nightclubs host world famous DJs and organise special theme nights. Make sure you check the entertainment listings for the best options.

Arts & Culture

Riverside promenade The Bund is the ‘golden mile’ of Shanghai. This string of colonial bank buildings, consulates and hotels is a favourite hangout of Shanghai residents. The historic character of the Bund contrasts sharply with Shanghai’s modern skyline on the other side of the Huangpu Jiang River.