Places

Shanghai has many historic places and buildings, which can be regarded as manifestations of multinationalism and multiculturalism. These places and buildings are usually located within former international settlements, and form a fascinating mix of West and East in many domains, including business, entertainment, and housing.

The Bund (外滩), the center of the former Shi-li-yang-chang (十里洋场; literally meaning a ten-mile place with exotic sights and sounds), is known as a gallery of world architecture (Item 10). It has been iconic of Shanghai since the late 19th century and once housed many of banks and trading agencies. The recent rise of New Shanghai revives the Bund's status as the city's premier financial and commercial center. Meanwhile, the newly renovated Temple of God (城隍庙; Item 12), not far away to the south, forms an interesting contrast to the Westernized Bund.

Located on the east bank of Huangpu River facing the Bund, Pudong (浦东) is the new skyscraper-laden financial and commercial district, with several of the tallest buildings in the world (Item 14). This newly developed area reflects the latest international influences on this vital city.

Immediately to the west of the Bund is city's historic commercial center—Nanjing Road (南京路; Item 16)--the equivalent of New York's Fifth Avenue. In the early 20th century , the street not only saw the birth of modern department stores that introduced Shanghainese to new forms of consumption and western fashion trends, but also witnessed nationalistic resistance to foreigners' privileges in international settlements.

Other forms of urban space under western influence include cinemas, coffeehouses, theaters, dance halls, parks, racecourses, entertainment centers and residences. The Great World Entertainment Center (大世界; Item 13) is architecturally a combination of western classical style and Chinese traditional décor. Similarly, the Shikumen (石库门; Item 15) residences for the middle class forms a unique Shanghainese cultural element with a hybrid architecture featuring western townhouse exteriors and Chinese courtyard interiors.