Pudong 浦东
- Located on the east side of the Huangpu River
- Once the poorest district of Shanghai
- Now a forest of gleaming skyscrapers
- Special economic zone
- Home of the Oriental Pearl Tower and Jinmao Tower
- Museums include the Museum of History & the China Sex Culture Exhibition
The east side of the Huangpu River was known historically as the "wrong side" of the water and was a largely agricultural area famous for its crime, poverty and sleaze. Shanghai crime boss Du Yuesheng (1887-1951) aka "Big-eared Du" was associated with this rough part of town.
This all changed in 1990 when Pudong was granted New Open Economic Development Zone status and the once poor district has now risen to be the financial and commercial hub of the Chinese economy.
Lujiazui Skyscrapers
Lujiazui is the main commercial area of Pudong located across from the Bund spreading out from the entrance of the Bund Tourist Tunnel.
Here is the 457 meter-high Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the more elegant Jinmao Tower, both buildings offering superb views back to the Bund.
The 420 meter-high Jinmao Tower, was mainland China's tallest building until overtaken by the Shanghai World Financial Center (see below).
Both are over-reached by the 632 meter-high Shanghai Tower which was completed in 2015. It is the world's second-tallest building by height to architectural top.
The Jinmao Tower is home to the 5-star, 555-room Grand Hyatt Hotel and the high-altitude Cloud 9 bar.
Shanghai Municipal History Museum
The Shanghai Municipal History Museum (Tel 021 5879 8888) is located in the base of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower with fun, interactive exhibits dealing mostly with Shanghai's pre-1949 history as a foreign-influenced port. Dioramas recreate the atmosphere of treaty port-era Shanghai shops and businesses.
Shanghai World Financial Center
Other high-rise in the Lujiazui area are the Shanghai World Financial Center and the Shanghai Stock Exchange. The Shanghai World Financial Center includes the world's highest hotel - the Park Hyatt Shanghai and is presently the highest building on mainland China.
China Sex Culture Exhibition
The China Sex Culture Exhibition, the personal collection of academic Liu Dalin, is on the Binjiang Dadao promenade on the river's edge. On display are exhibits of historic dildoes, sex toys and erotica.
Century Park
4 km south west from Lujiazui along Shiji Dadao is Century Park, one of Shanghai's largestest open spaces, and the Science and Technology Museum at the subway stop of that name on Line 2. The exhibits include sections on China's space program, robotics and life science as well as some amazing IMAX cinemas.
Oriental Arts Centre
North of the museum is the Oriental Arts Centre (425 Dingxiang Road, Tel: 021 6854 1234) designed by French architect Paul Andrea, who was also behind the National Grand Theater in Beijing.
The vast, glass orchid-shaped concert venue puts on both international and domestic opera, classical musical concerts and plays. The building is lovely, particularly when illuminated at night.
Shanghai Disneyland
A new addition to Pudong came in 2016 with the opening of Shanghai Disneyland, part of Shanghai Disney Resort, the second Disneyland in China, after Hong Kong Disneyland. Shanghai Disney Resort has many of the standard rides which you can find at Tokyo Disney Resort but with the addition of Pirates of the Caribbean and TRON Lightcycle roller coaster. The spectacular Pirates of the Caribbean is an immersive cinematic boat ride that is a hit with kids and adults alike; head for this ride as soon as you enter the park to avoid long queues later on. The thrilling TRON roller coaster is not for for the faint-hearted, sitting on a motorbike with only your feet locked in; if you are brave enough, try letting go of the handlebars and sitting up straight for the entire ride!
Pudong Access - how to get to Pudong
The nearest subway station to Lujiazui in Pudong is Lujiazui Station on Line 2. Pudong Avenue is on Line 4 to the east. Line 4 intersects with Line 2 at Century Avenue. There are also ferries across the river from the Bund to Pudong. Take subway Line 11 to get to Shanghai Disneyland.
Book Hotel Accommodation in Shanghai China
If you wish to stay in Shanghai here are several recommended options. The five-star The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi is a luxurious choice with a spa, an indoor pool and several stylish restaurants.
Lanson Place Jinlin Tiandi Residence Shanghai offers apartments with a balcony, cable TV and a modern kitchen.
The Sukhothai Shanghai is another five-star property with a bar, a fitness center, and two fine restaurants.
The Okura Garden Hotel Shanghai, also five-star, boasts large landscaped gardens, five restaurants, an indoor pool and a tennis court.
In Pudong itself try the opulent Regent Shanghai Pudong, The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong with indoor pool and exclusive spa and the Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai with a penthouse indoor pool, a spa and six eateries. All are five-star properties and the last word in modern luxury.
China Architecture
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