Shanghai's Old Town.

My first impression of Shanghai was super modern and extremely overpopulated. The advertising sings of western products were attacking you on each street corner. The people and the constant jostle in the metro were a bit overwhelming. At first I view Shanghai as any other super modern city, until I found the hidden pearl, the old town. A living history located to the southeast of the city center. This place kept the original Chinese architecture; narrow street, vibrant markets and relatively unchanged life style.

The unique construction of the zig-zag bridge keeps negative energy and bad spirits away from the buildings gates. In ancient China people believed that those harmful spirits cannot navigate corners,

therefore this style of bridge should keep them away from the households.

Drip tiles, made out of terracotta clay resemble bats in the shape. Bates, which symbolize good luck, were commonly used as a decorative motives. Many door knobs in ancient Chinese buildings have bat as a symbol.

 Gold intricate ornaments are decorating the ancient buildings. Gold symbolize not only wealth but also a good fortune.

 The stunning ancient architecture.

Shanghai's green tea street vendors.

Nanjin Road, Shanghai Bussiest Street.

Nanjin Road is a paradise shopping for Chinese people and visitors from around the world. This road is 3.4 mile long, it stretches from the east side of the Bund to the junction of Jin’an Temple and Yan’an Street.
The Nanjin Road is a home to over 600 businesses, you can find here world- famous food venders, upscale boutiques and traditional Chinese stores that sell scissors, jade goods, embroidery, silk and clocks.

Busy, overcrowded Nanjing Road, a paradise shopping.

Visitors from around the world and China come for a stroll or window shopping.

Paradise for scissors lover. This store specialize only in scissors.

Shanghai attracts people form countryside, they are working hard to improve their life conditions.

Night view of Nanjing Road, illuminated with neon signs.

Shanghai in my eyes.

Shanghai, located in the  Yangtze River Delta is one of the largest metropolitan area in the world. According to the latest data the number of residents reached 19.21 million at the end of 2009. This dynamic, exciting city offers modern shopping malls, contemporary architecture and traditional Chinese style of buildings, the one that is know to as from old movies. There are temples, classical gardens and streets markets. 

The contrast between the modern and the traditional is visible at every step. Personally,  I think that the contrast makes Shanghai one of the most interesting city to visit.

The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is located in Pudong Park in Lujiazui, Shanghai, this 468 meters tower is the world's third tallest TV and radio tower.

The Bund, famous waterfront is known as a symbol of Shanghai. It stretches along Haungpu River, form Wainbaidu Bridge to Nanpu Bridge. Along Bund on the west site are situated 26 buildings representing different architectural style: Gothic, Classicism, Renaissance and Baroque.

A boat with large commercial banner, Shanghai is very commercialized. The neon are beautifully illuminating skyscrapers, and others buildings in Shanghai. The new face of the metropolis emerges after dusk.

The Russian Consulate in Shanghai dates to the mid-nineteenth century when a temporary Consulate of Russia opened in this city. The building from the architecture point of view became one of the best among city’s consular offices and one of the most beautiful Russian diplomatic missions abroad.

At first sight you see that Shanghai is a showcase of Chinese business. The center of Shanghai is filled with architectural gems, the renown high designer brands are competing to attract more customers. Shanghai left me with the impression of power and money.