Exploring Shanghai :: The Longemont Shanghai Hotel

I wanted to stay along the Huangpu River but since the event I was attending was held at The Longemont Shanghai Hotel, we thought it would be convenient to just stay there.

The Longemont Shanghai Hotel

I must say it was an exceptional accommodation with a very relaxing atmosphere and breathtaking view!

View from my room @ 47th Floor

The hotel is located on the conjunction of Yan An West Road and Fan Yu Road. It’s about 3km to the city centre and approximately 15km to the Pudong airport.

The room were pretty luxurious and very well furnished. It comes with a host of modern amenities a free internet access.

Speaking of internet, the first thing I did upon check in was plugging my laptop to check my emails. I was pretty pleased with the connection speed. Once done with my work, I tried logging into Facebook but were not able to. I thought something must have went wrong with the site and move on to Twitter. Failed too.

Then it hit me. Most social networking sites are banned in China!

The lobby (A little Xmas-ish, don't you think so?)

My office for a week

Lovin this gadget! I am so getting one!

At the ballroom

I love housekeeping. They even arrange my ties properly. lol

Hotel website HERE!

~Cheers!

Exploring Shanghai :: Yuyuan Garden

One of the first place I visited was the Yuyuan Garden, an elaborate traditional garden which has been converted into a bazaar.

I was told that Yuyuan Garden was established in 1559 as a private garden created by Pan Yunduan, who spent almost 20 years building a garden to please his father Pan En, a high-ranking official in the Ming Dynasty.

His dad must be extremely hard to please.

It was beautiful

I was shocked to see the amount of people there. Later on I was told that it was low season; crowds were usually in thousands.

Despite the crowd, the garden was still very peaceful

Check out the intricate work on the finishing. Simply amazing!

This was built in 1559 where hi-tech equipment were yet to be invented.

Interesting lanterns in the bazaar

Shanghai World Financial Center in the background

~Cheers!

Exploring Shanghai

I had the opportunity to visit the largest city (by population) in the Republic of China, Shanghai.

China has always been on the list of places I’d like to visit so, I was thrilled when I was invited to the International Property Awards Summit & Gala in Shanghai. With great expectation, I pack my bag and went.

Before I proceed with details of my trip, let’s get to know Shanghai a little better.

• The commercial and financial centre of mainland China was the largest and most prosperous city in the Far East during the 1930s, and rapid re-development began in 1990s. This is exemplified by the Pudong District (where I stayed!), which became a pilot area for integrated economic reforms.

• Today, Shanghai is again one of the most prosperous cities in the world. Its cosmopolitan character, sophisticated and affluent consumers, and highly educated skilled labor force make it highly attractive to investors.

• Shanghai has recorded double-digit growth for 15 consecutive years since 1992 to become the centre of finance and trade in new China and now aiming to be a global finance hub and international shipping centre.
  

Shanghai has a rich collection of buildings and structures. I am a big fan of buildings and architectural styles and I must say, Shanghai by far has the most distinctive buildings I have ever seen.

It is a beautiful and inspiring city with two sides; the rapid growth, skyscrapers and then peace. Despite rampant redevelopment, the old city still retains some buildings of a traditional style.

~Cheers!