4 DAYS, PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE OF SHANGHAI

Shanghai's Jewish District: Shanghai is a city not only of modern splendor, but also of rich historical merit. With its diverse past steeped in international relations and foreign influence, the city sheds light on a chapter in world history unfamiliar to many in China and abroad. U China Travel is delighted to feature a half-day tour of Shanghai's Jewish District to add yet another layer of richness to its extensive history. The tour provides insight into the significant influence the immigrant Jewish community had on the city's economic and architectural growth, highlighting the achievements of one of its most prominent families, the Sassoon's. In Shanghai's Hongkew District the tour visits the Ohel Moshe Synagogue, a museum documenting the history and experiences of the more than 20,000 Jewish immigrants that sought refuge in Shanghai at the height of WWII.

-Jade Buddha Temple:  The Jade Buddha Temple was established in 1882 when a Chinese monk named Huigen imported two jade Buddha statues from Burma.  Although the original temple was destroyed during the 1911 revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty, the jade Buddha statues were saved, and relocated in a new temple that was constructed in 1928.  This famous Buddhist temple located in the Western part of Shanghai is a quiet escape from the modern flourishing city.

Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall:  To gain insight into the fascinating plan for Shanghai's future be sure to stop by the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall.  Just a short walk through Renmin Square, across from the Shanghai Museum, the exhibition hall houses a large-scale model of the sprawling metropolis as envisioned by the city's developers.  Informative displays explain concepts for urban green spaces, leisure activities, and port improvements, while walkthroughs provide visitors with an understanding of Shanghai's vision of modernity.

Lu Bo Lang Restaurant:  Featuring four of Shanghai's most distinctive dishes, Lu Bo Lang Restaurant entices visitors with its authentic Shanghai-style cuisine.  Enjoy snacks with a local flavor, shark's fin, seasonal crab dishes, or sansi meimao su, a house specialty.  This crescent shaped pastry stuffed with pork, mushrooms, and bamboo is a favorite of President Clinton's, one of many head's of state that has dined here.

Yuyuan Garden:  Peacefully situated within the bustling center of Shanghai close to the Yuyuan Bazaar is the Yuyuan Garden.  This exquisite 5-acre garden is famous for its design.  Meandering paths lead visitors across bridges, past rockeries, around picturesque lakes, and through decorative halls and pavilions.  The intentional location of trees and shrubs within the garden serve as frames for charming views and create a sense of peace and harmony throughout the garden.

Yuyuan Market:  Just outside Yuyuan Garden is the bustling Yuyuan Market.  Stop by this vibrant energetic market to pick up local crafts and trinkets or grab a quick bite at one of the many snack venues.

Shanghai Museum: Regarded by many as China’s largest and most impressive museum, the Shanghai Museum was designed to resemble an ancient Chinese cooking vessel.  The museum houses a stunning collection of bronze, ceramic, and porcelain sculptures as well as calligraphy, furniture, and ethnic artifacts, spanning centuries of Chinese history.   Don’t forget to see if there are any traveling exhibitions on view and be sure to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy this extensive collection.

Shanghai World Financial Center: This 101-story tall skyscraper completed construction and was opened to the public in mid-2008.  Reaching 492 meters (1,515 ft) above the hustle and bustle of Shanghai, this mixed-use skyscraper consisting of offices, conference rooms, observation decks, a shopping mall on the ground level, and a Park Hyatt hotel, became the tallest building on China’s mainland, including Hong Kong.

M50- Once a textile mill, M50 is rapidly emerging as Shanghai's most prominent artist community.  Over 120 galleries and studios instill an electric energy into the area's industrial setting.  Locally and internationally known artists blend together to create an eclectic atmosphere for China's contemporary arts to flourish.

Huangpu River Cruise (from South Bund to Wusong):  Enjoy breathtaking views of Shanghai on a Huangpu River Cruise.  Winding through the city from the South Bund to Wusong, admire the buildings of the Bund that line the Western shore of the Huangpu from the deck of your riverboat.  Longer cruises carry passengers as far as the mouth of the Yangtze, passing some of the worlds busiest wharves and river traffic along the way.  On an evening cruise take in views of Shanghai’s spectacular display of city lights lining the East and West banks of the Huangpu River.

After the breakfast you will be transfered to airport.