Shanghai's Best

Shanghai's Best, Portland

Shanghai's Best, PDX

Shanghai's Best refers to the premier attractions, culinary delights, cultural landmarks, and innovative developments that define Shanghai, a global metropolis located on the eastern coast of China. As one of the world's largest cities, Shanghai is renowned for its vibrant culture, historical significance, and rapid modernization. This article explores various aspects that contribute to Shanghai's esteemed reputation, including its iconic skyline, rich culinary scene, bustling markets, and cultural festivals.

Attractions

Shanghai is home to a plethora of attractions that showcase its unique blend of traditional Chinese heritage and modern cosmopolitan lifestyle. Key attractions include:

• The Bund: A famous waterfront area in central Shanghai, known for its historic buildings and spectacular views of the modern Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River.
• Oriental Pearl Tower: A distinctive TV and radio tower that has become a symbol of modern Shanghai, offering panoramic views of the city.
• Yu Garden: A classical Chinese garden that reflects traditional Ming Dynasty design, featuring pavilions, rockeries, and ponds amidst lush greenery.
• Shanghai Museum: A museum of ancient Chinese art, housing a vast collection of artifacts that span China's long history.

Culinary Scene

Shanghai's culinary scene is as diverse as its population, offering a wide range of dishes that blend Eastern and Western flavors. Notable contributions include:

• Xiaolongbao: Steamed buns filled with meat and broth, known for their delicate skin and rich flavors.
• Shanghai hairy crab: A seasonal delicacy, highly prized for its sweet meat and creamy roe.
• Shengjianbao: Pan-fried buns filled with pork and gelatin that melts into soup when cooked, featuring a crispy bottom and tender top.

Cultural Festivals

Shanghai hosts numerous cultural festivals throughout the year, celebrating traditional Chinese holidays as well as international events:

• Shanghai International Film Festival: One of Asia's largest film festivals, showcasing a diverse array of Chinese and international films.
• Mid-Autumn Festival: A traditional festival celebrated with mooncakes, lanterns, and family reunions.
• Chinese New Year: The city comes alive with fireworks, dragon dances, and special events to ring in the new lunar year.

Innovation and Development

Shanghai is at the forefront of China's economic and technological development, with several districts dedicated to innovation:

• Pudong New Area: A symbol of China's rapid economic development, home to the Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone and numerous multinational corporations.
• Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park: Known as China's Silicon Valley, it houses research and development centers for both Chinese and international tech companies.

Conclusion

Shanghai represents the dynamic fusion of the ancient and the modern, where traditional Chinese culture coexists with cutting-edge innovation. Its status as "Shanghai's Best" is not only a testament to its historical landmarks and cultural heritage but also to its role as a driving force in global economic and technological advancements.