Shanghai is easily the largest city in the country of China and is known as well as the eighth largest city in the entire world. A city so large can easily hide some of the most amazing, unusual, and unique attractions known to man. While the rest of the world is focused on Beijing this summer, you are encouraged to take a few moments to explore the beauty that is Shanghai. We’ve gathered our five favorite aspects of Shanghai and hope you enjoy exploring them as much as we have.

1. Jewish Shanghai

Shanghai is the melting pot of China, known for being an international hub as it has served as a target destination for waves of immigrants throughout history. The Jewish population in Shanghai has increased tremendously over the past two centuries, from the arrival of the Sephardic Jews in the 1840’s to the arrival of the Russian Jews at the turn of the 20^th century. The 1930’s found a third wave of Jewish immigrants flooding to Shanghai as they attempted to flee from Hitler to what was notably one of the only cities anywhere willing to accept and shelter them.

If you’re interested in the history of Jews in Shanghai, be sure to visit the Ohel Moshe Synagogue, otherwise known as Moxi Huitang. The building is no longer an active synagogue, but is now a museum dedicated to educating visitors about the history of the Jewish population in the city of Shanghai. There are dozens of other Jewish synagogues throughout the city, and you’ll be surprised to learn about the impact the Jewish population has had on the city’s culture. For more information about the Jewish culture in China, visit www.chinajewish.org.

2. Huangpu River Cruise

The Huangpu River Cruise is unique in its ability to expose participants to such a wide variety of cultural icons. The river itself is the main route by which ships can reach the East China Sea or the Yangzi River. The river forms a definitive line between the eastern and western sides of the city, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the older city’s historical culture on one side and while taking in the modern day city on the other.

Your trip down the river will expose you to the beautiful green pyramid roof of the Peace Hotel and the clock tower situated snugly atop the Customs House. Further up the river you’ll find the place where the Suzhou Creek meets the river, guarded by the Waibaidu Bridge. The bridge itself holds memories of the Jewish occupation, when Chinese citizens had to ask permission to cross.

The river is lined with bridges, buildings, and architecture sure to amaze even the uneducated eye. You’ll be shocked at the amount of traffic competing for space on the river’s crowded waters.

3. Site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China

Despite the unusually long name and political implications, the Site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China is

incredibly important to Shanghai’s history. The building was originally built in 1921 and was later gutted and rebuilt in 1999. The building was the home of two of the party’s original members and became the home of the first meeting, housing thirteen members and marking the beginning of the Communist Party in China.

While the building is not the original, it is an authentic recreation. The furniture and articles are placed exactly as they were during the first meeting while the documents scattered throughout the building aim to give visitors the opportunity to explore the party’s history. If that’s not realistic enough, the wax figures throughout the museum will add a life-like quality to the atmosphere.

4. Jade Buddha Temple

The Jade Buddha Temple is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in the world. The history of the two jade Buddha’s is unique as well. The two statues were originally brought to Shanghai from Burma by a monk. The original temple was destroyed at the end of the Qing Dynasty, but the Buddha statues were saved and later placed in the new temple after it was built in 1928.

The statues themselves are considered works of art, as is the temple with its defining and modern architectural style. The statues themselves, the Sitting Buddha and the Recumbent Buddha, are both intricate and can each tell their own stories. Both are made of white jade and the Sitting Buddha is encrusted with emerald as well. You don’t have to be a Buddhist to visit the statues or to enjoy the calming atmosphere within the temple walls.

5. Oriental Pearl TV Tower

The Oriental Pearl TV tower stands 468 meters high and is the fourth tallest radio and television tower in the entire world. The tower is unique because when studied it presents a vision of “twin dragons playing with pearls.” The sheer beauty of the artistic scene alone is enough to draw thousands of people to the site each year, but that is not all.

The tower itself is a combination of stanchions, steel spheres, and wide columns coupled with decorative spheres to form one of the most interesting architectural phenomenons today. When viewed from a distance, it appears as though the tower is actually a jade plate filled with pearls.

To make things more interesting, the tower houses two of the largest and fastest elevators in the country, giving the public the ability to climb to the top and view the city of Shanghai. Teach part of the tower houses a different museum, restaurant, or attraction and the five small spheres actually form a hotel!

Shanghai is certainly home to some of the most breathtaking attractions you’ll see in China. Be sure to take the time to immerse yourself in the culture as often as possible! A few events will be held in Shanghai for the Beijing Olympics Games so stop by in August to see these sporting events as well.

Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6