Memories of the ShangHai 上海 World Expo 2010 (1)

May 1st - October 31st, 2010.

Shanghai is one of China's most dynamic and cosmopolitan cities, blending a rich history with modern skyscrapers and vibrant culture. Here's what you need to know as a tourist visiting Shanghai:

Historical and Cultural Landmarks:
The Bund: This iconic waterfront promenade along the Huangpu River features colonial-era buildings on one side and futuristic skyscrapers on the other, offering stunning views of Shanghai's skyline.

Yu Garden: Dating back to the Ming dynasty, Yu Garden is a classical Chinese garden with pavilions, ponds, and rockeries. The nearby Yu Garden Bazaar is a great place to shop for souvenirs and traditional crafts.

Shanghai Museum: Home to an extensive collection of Chinese art and artifacts, including bronzes, ceramics, paintings, and calligraphy, the Shanghai Museum is a must-visit for history and art enthusiasts.

Jing'an Temple: One of Shanghai's most famous Buddhist temples, Jing'an Temple is known for its beautiful architecture, peaceful atmosphere, and towering golden Buddha statue.

Modern Attractions:
Shanghai Tower: Ascend to the observation deck of this iconic skyscraper, the tallest in China and the second-tallest in the world, for panoramic views of the city.

The Oriental Pearl TV Tower: Another iconic landmark, this futuristic tower offers observation decks, a glass-bottomed skywalk, and a revolving restaurant.

Shanghai Disneyland: Located in the Pudong district, Shanghai Disneyland offers a magical experience for visitors of all ages with its themed lands, attractions, and entertainment.

Shopping and Entertainment:
Nanjing Road: One of the world's busiest shopping streets, Nanjing Road is lined with department stores, boutiques, and restaurants. Don't miss the nearby pedestrian-friendly Nanjing Road East, known for its lively atmosphere and street performers.

Xintiandi: This upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment district features a mix of traditional Shikumen-style buildings and modern amenities, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

French Concession: Explore this historic neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets, charming cafes, boutiques, and art galleries.

Culinary Delights:
Shanghai Cuisine: Sample local specialties such as xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), shengjianbao (pan-fried dumplings), and Shanghai-style noodles.

Street Food: Wander through the city's bustling food markets and snack streets to taste a variety of street foods, from savory pancakes to grilled skewers.

Practical Tips:
Transportation: Shanghai has an efficient public transportation system, including the subway, buses, and taxis. Consider purchasing a rechargeable transportation card for convenience.

Language: While Mandarin is the official language, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.

Weather: Shanghai experiences four distinct seasons, with hot, humid summers and chilly winters. The best times to visit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and comfortable.

Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions, such as using polite language and avoiding loud behavior in public places.

Shanghai offers a captivating blend of old and new, with its historic landmarks, modern skyscrapers, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, shopping, or dining, Shanghai has something to offer every type of visitor.

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30 Chinese drinks

30 popular drinks and beverages you might encounter in China, including traditional favorites and popular choices: Green Tea (绿茶, lǜchá) - Refreshing and commonly served in Chinese restaurants and households. Black Tea (红茶, hóngchá) - Another classic tea variety enjoyed across China. Oolong Tea (乌龙茶, wūlóngchá) - Semi-oxidized tea with a diverse range of flavors. Jasmine Tea (茉莉花茶, mòlìhuā chá) - Fragrant tea infused with jasmine flowers. Pu-erh Tea (普洱茶, pǔ'ěrchá) - A fermented tea known for its earthy flavor and health benefits. Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶, júhuā chá) - Light and floral tea made from chrysanthemum flowers. Hawthorn Juice (山楂汁, shānzhā zhī) - Tart and slightly sweet juice made from hawthorn berries. Coconut Water (椰子水, yēzi shuǐ) - Refreshing and hydrating natural drink from young coconuts. Soy Milk (豆浆, dòu jiāng) - Nutty and creamy beverage made from soybeans. Milk Tea (奶茶, nǎichá) - Popular sweetened tea with milk, often served cold or hot. Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶, zhēnzhū nǎichá) - Sweetened tea or milk drink with chewy tapioca pearls. Lemon Tea (柠檬茶, níngméng chá) - Tea infused with lemon juice, often served cold. Lü Cheng Ice Tea (绿茶, lǜchá) - A popular bottled tea often found in convenience stores. Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶, júhuā chá) - Light and floral tea made from chrysanthemum flowers. Soy Milk (豆浆, dòu jiāng) - Nutty and creamy beverage made from soybeans. Milk Tea (奶茶, nǎichá) - Popular sweetened tea with milk, often served cold or hot. Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶, zhēnzhū nǎichá) - Sweetened tea or milk drink with chewy tapioca pearls. Lemon Tea (柠檬茶, níngméng chá) - Tea infused with lemon juice, often served cold. Lü Cheng Ice Tea (绿茶冰, lǜchá bīng) - Bottled green tea served chilled with ice. Beer (啤酒, píjiǔ) - Commonly enjoyed alcoholic beverage in China, with popular brands like Tsingtao and Snow Beer. Rice Wine (米酒, mǐjiǔ) - Traditional Chinese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. Baijiu (白酒, báijiǔ) - Strong Chinese distilled spirit made from grains, commonly consumed during celebrations. Plum Juice (酸梅汤, suān méi tāng) - Tangy and sweet juice made from preserved plums. Winter Melon Tea (冬瓜茶, dōngguā chá) - Refreshing tea made from winter melon, often sweetened. Red Bean Soup (红豆汤, hóngdòu tāng) - Sweet soup made from boiled red beans, served hot or cold. Honey Citron Tea (柚子蜂蜜茶, yòuzi fēngmì chá) - Tea infused with honey and citron fruit, served hot. Laba Congee (腊八粥, làbā zhōu) - Sweet rice porridge traditionally enjoyed on Laba Festival, made with various ingredients like nuts and dried fruits. Wolfberry Tea (枸杞茶, gǒuqǐ chá) - Tea made from goji berries (wolfberries), known for their health benefits. Osmanthus Tea (桂花茶, guìhuā chá) - Fragrant tea made from osmanthus flowers, often sweetened. Lemon Water (柠檬水, níngméng shuǐ) - Simple infused water made with lemon slices and water. These are just a few examples of the diverse and delightful drinks you can enjoy in China. Each region may have its own specialties and variations of these beverages.

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The Putuo ZongCheng Temple in ChengDe, HeBei province, is a Qing dynasty Buddhist temple. The complex was constructed between 1767 and 1771 during the reign of emperor QianLong (1735–1796). It is located just north of the ChengDe Mountain Resort. Along with the equally famed Puning Temple, it is one of the Eight Outer Temples of ChengDe (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The temple was modeled after the Potala Palace in Tibet. The temple complex covers a surface area of some 220,000 square meters, making it one of the largest in China. The Mountain Resort in ChengDe 避暑山庄 (BìShǔ ShānZhuāng literally means "Mountain Villa for Avoiding the Heat") was an imperial get-away. Built between 1703 and 1792 during the Qing dynasty, the vast Mountain Resort covers a total area of 5.6 square kilometers (2.2 square miles) and is surrounded by a mini 'Great Wall', which one can walk. It contains a variety of gardens, pagodas, temples and palaces representing the styles from various regions of China.