Experience Classic Shanghai in 4 Days & 3 Nights (1)

By Li Xinyi Compiled Report

Shanghai, this unique city, exudes an air of nobility and luxury along both banks of the Huangpu River. On the west side lies the Bund, once known as the "Ten-Mile Foreign Concession," adorned with magnificent European-style architecture that commands grandeur; on the opposite bank, Pudong boasts skyscrapers vying to be the tallest — whether it’s the Oriental Pearl Tower or the Shanghai World Financial Center, each represents Shanghai in different eras. The hosting of the 2010 Shanghai Expo marked a new chapter in the city’s global integration. Even after the Expo, one pavilion and four axis zones were preserved as permanent structures and opened to visitors. This recommended itinerary invites you to savor the classic charm of Shanghai, perfect for first-time travelers.

Located in the heart of the Pudong Expo site, the Expo Axis was also the largest single-structure project at the 2010 Shanghai Expo. Serving as the main spatial and pedestrian traffic corridor and the principal entrance to the Expo, it's called the "Expo Axis" for its central axis positioning within the Expo grounds.

As a modern, large-scale multi-functional public space, the Expo Axis incorporates various eco-friendly and energy-saving designs aligned with green principles. For instance, it uses solar power and greenery on both sides to channel fresh air and natural light into various levels. In terms of water recycling, it utilizes groundwater, river water, and rainwater, with the reclaimed water used for site cleaning and landscape irrigation — fully realizing the concept of sustainability.

 

The pavilion’s architectural design embodies the theme “The Crown of the East, Flourishing China, the Nation’s Granary, Prosperity for the People,” expressing the spirit and essence of Chinese culture. The exhibition follows the thread of “Exploration,” guiding visitors through three zones — “Footprints of the East,” “Journey of Discovery,” and “Low-Carbon Action” — to uncover and reflect upon the wisdom of Chinese urban development. The national pavilion rises prominently in a layered, upward-reaching form, featuring the iconic Chinese architectural element of the Dougong (bracket set) in striking red. Covering a floor area of 46,457 square meters and standing 69 meters tall, it consists of one underground level and six above-ground floors. The regional pavilion is 13 meters high, with one underground level and one above-ground level, its exterior clad in overlapping seal script patterns that spread horizontally to form a stable base, creating a civic public activity space.

 

Stretching 5 kilometers from the Bund in the east to West Yan’an Road in the west, Nanjing Road is the famous “Ten-Mile Shopping Street.” With West Tibet Middle Road as the midpoint, the eastern section is Nanjing East Road and the western section is Nanjing West Road. Nanjing East Road is famed for its dense array of shops, as if the whole of Shanghai has converged here. It is also part of the Nanjing East Road walking zone. Since the section between West Tibet Middle Road and South Henan Middle Road was turned into a pedestrian area, strolling here has become a must-do when visiting Shanghai.

Over half a century ago, Nanjing East Road was one of Shanghai’s most bustling areas, with over 400 shops at its peak and 1.5 million visitors daily. During rush hour, pedestrians and vehicles shared the road. Now transformed into a pedestrian zone, its vibrancy remains unmatched. Here, you’ll find century-old shops, restaurants, and souvenir stores alongside the latest and trendiest shopping malls and department stores. It’s lively during the day, and by night, it captivates with dazzling illuminated views.

 

In Shanghainese, the upper stream of a river is called “inside” (里) and the lower stream “outside” (外). The Huangpu River bends near Longhua and again near Lujiazui. Locals refer to the riverside area from Jinling Road to Waibaidu Bridge as the “Bund,” a name that has stuck and grown into a major attraction recognized by visitors from around the world. The area south of Jinling Road is known as the “South Bund,” the area north of Waibaidu Bridge in Hongkou is the “North Bund,” and the opposite Lujiazui area is dubbed the “East Bund.” The Bund is celebrated as the “Exhibition of International Architecture.”