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SHANGHAI China’s

SHANGHAI China’s megacity is an icon of 21st-century brilliance that embraces its cosmopolitan, artistic identity and welcomes visitors into the hustle and bustle of its beating heart One of the world’s most iconic cities, Shanghai stands on the estuary of the Yangtze River, its skyline an elegant marriage of traditional and modern. For centuries the city has been seen as an important port, but a turning point came in 1554 when a wall was constructed to protect Shanghai from Japanese pirates, demonstrating its imperial importance. Shanghai was also the site of the 15thcentury City God Temple, and the city’s global reputation was ensured in the 19th century when Europeans recognized the potential for trade at the Yangtze River delta. Only given city status in 1927, the city’s 25 million population today makes it the most heavily populated in China. From the 268 mph magnetic levitation (Maglev) train that takes you to and from the airport to the cutting edge trendsetters who strut along the Bund promenade, Shanghai embraces modernity. Colorful food stalls and markets pepper the city, and history is all around, from the Ming Dynasty People’s Square to the French Concession with its art deco residences; there is a real unification of the modern and classical that sets it apart from the rest of China. Must-sees On the west embankment of the Huangpu River, the Bund is the focal point of the Clockwise, from top left: Shanghai’s shimmering skyline; Chinese Garden in Yuyuan; Chinese dumplings; City God Temple; tea drinking is a favorite pastime in Shanghai. distinctive skyline. Its elevated riverside boardwalk features Gothic, baroque, Romanesque and neoclassical buildings. Nearby Yuyuan Garden is a 400-year-old classical garden in Old Town, dotted with pagoda-style pavilions and 82 VIKINGCRUISES.COM | EXPLORE MORE 2017

CITY GUIDE carp pools. Pan Yunduan, a Ming-era governor of China, spent 20 years building this for his parents to enjoy. The leafiest district in Shanghai is the old French Concession, with its shady sycamore trees and stuccoed villas in Fuxing Park. Huaihai Road is the busy commercial thoroughfare, but a walk along Fuxing Xi (West) Road takes you to pretty shops and cafés. The People’s Park and Square is home to the Shanghai Museum, featuring calligraphy, bronze statues and ceramics. One of the city’s oldest and respected galleries is at 50 Moganshan Road, a collection of former warehouses that is now the hub of Chinese contemporary art. Don’t miss the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe. Established in 1951, they’re considered the best in China. Meanwhile, a more participatory Chinese pursuit is acupuncture, a centuries-old healing practice. Shopping The bustling and prosperous Nanjing Road is the premier commercial street in Shanghai—over a million people shop here every day. Another of Shanghai’s four famous shopping streets is North Sichuan Road where bargain hunters pounce on locally produced souvenirs. Food is the order of the day on Middle Tibet Road, while Maison Mode on Huaihai Middle Road features brands such as Gucci, Hugo Boss and Kenzo. Eating Filled with juicy pork, the soup dumpling, or xiaolong bao, is a Shanghai staple. Also try a Yunnan ham stir-fry at Jishi (41 Tianping Road). Tianshan Tea City (Zhongshan West Road) is a multilevel labyrinth completely devoted to Chinese cha (tea). Or enjoy a drink beside Shanghai’s cool elite at the Vue Bar (199 Huangpu Road) on the Bund, and take in the vista of Pudong’s futuristic skyline. Go online: You can watch a video about the Viking Imperial Jewels of China cruise at vikingcruises.com VIKINGCRUISES.COM | EXPLORE MORE 2017 83