Shanghai Pudong New Development Area

In the 1980's Pudong was agricultural land on the other side of the Huangpu river from the historic city of Shanghai. The fields of Pudong have been planted with skyscraper seeds and they have sprouted up all over. The China's building boom began and Shanghai's Pudong New Development Area is China's answer to Hong Kong. Many foreign banks and insurance companies have opened Shanghai offices in Pudong. The planning in the Pudong New Development Area has been good, and it is blessed with wide boulevards, bicycle lanes, subways, tunnels under the river and a fast train out to the new Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

Its modernism is in stark contrast to The Bund's row of European architecture and the old city's many classic buildings. But it is interesting, like New Delhi and Old Delhi in India. You can see modern China in Pudong, while you can still find Hutong (alleyway) culture in places on the other side of the Huangpu river. There are some beautiful new five-star hotels in Pudong. The Grand Hyatt in Pudong's tallest building, the Jinmao, has spectacular views and a five star ambience with high ceilings and a multi-story atrium that goes up through the core of the hotel like something out of Star Trek. Other luxury hotels include the Pudong Shangri-La Hotel, Sofitel Jin Jiang Oriental Pudong, Holiday Inn Pudong Shanghai and the Shanghai New Asia Tomson Hotel. Also a centerpiece for travelers to Shanghai is the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, which is lit up at night and is always a prominant part of the skyline. A giant TV and communications ariel, you can travel to the middle or top and take in the 360-degree views around Pudong and Old Shanghai. Do it on a clear day. An hour up in the Oriental Pearl Tower is probably enough and you can then enjoy a stroll through Pudong or along the Huangpu river front promenade.