SHANGHAI
China’s never-night city
SHANGHAI
SHANGHAI Established as China’s primary hub of modernity, innovation and futurism, Shanghai has risen to pre-eminence as one of the world’s most promising cities Writer: Jonathan Dyble | Project Manager: Matthew Cole-Wilkin
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ynonymous with futuristic technologies and innovative architecture, Shanghai is a modern city that typifies China’s progressive qualities. Delving into the nucleus of the metropolis, you can find the world-famous waterfront promenade, the Bund, strewn with magnificent coloni-
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al-era buildings. Crossing the river, you will meet the Pudong district and its iconic landmarks – the 632-metre-tall Shanghai Tower and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Architecture aside, the Maglev similarly epitomises Shanghai’s avant-garde attitudes. The world’s fastest train, travelling at speeds of up to 430
kilometres per hour, it’s able to cover the 19 miles between the Shanghai Pudong International Airport and central Pudong itself in just seven minutes. Swerving away from the downtown glitz and glamour, meanwhile, you will find a traditional side to China’s largest city that’s steeped in character. Be it the artistic, pagoda laden Yuyuan garden that is no less than an oasis amongst the bustling streets, or narrow back streets home to market vendors showcasing brightly coloured vegetables and fresh fish, it’s worth noting that Shanghai is, albeit more quietly, a champion of Chinese culture.
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Ignite the magical dream within your heart!
Shanghai Disney Resort, the first Disney resort in Chinese mainland, is a whole new world of fantasy, imagination, creativity and adventure nestled in the Pudong New District of the country’s most vibrant city. Housing Shanghai Disneyland theme park, two themed hotels, Disneytown, a larger shopping, dining and entertainment district, a Broadway-style theatre, Wishing Star Park and other outdoor recreation areas, the 963-acre Shanghai Disney Resort site opened its doors in June 2016. Shanghai Disney Resort is a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and Shanghai Shendi Group, designed by experts from China and around the world to ensure an authentic Disney and distinctively Chinese appeal. Shanghai Disneyland theme park comprises seven themed lands: Adventure Isle, Gardens of Imagination, Mickey Avenue, Tomorrowland, Treasure Cove, Fantasyland and Disney Pixar Toy Story Land. The centerpiece of the park is the iconic Enchanted Storybook Castle, the tallest, largest and most interactive castle that represents all the Disney princesses. The resort’s two hotels (Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and Toy Story Hotel) offer quality accommodation options and catering to a range of visitor needs, and between them present more than 1,200 rooms. As well as serving the city’s bustling tourism market, Shanghai Disney Resort is an important contributor to the local community in a number of ways. For example, on opening in 2016 it hired more than 10,000 employees, known as Cast Members, and will continue to provide more employment opportunities as the site develops and grows. Further, the group supports efforts to address a wide range of needs for local children. In honor of the Grand Opening of the resort, The Walt Disney Company announced a 20 million RMB ($3.1 million) donation to support the creation of Disney-themed play spaces, the first of which opened at the Shanghai Children’s Hospital in June 2017. Cast Members are also encouraged to donate their time and many talents to charitable and community endeavors through the VoluntEARS program. Since 2012, Shanghai Disney Resort VoluntEARS has contributed more than 44,000 hours in the community, positively impacting more than a million people’s lives.
Shanghai Disney Resort Tel: 86 21 3158 0000 www.shanghaidisneyresort.com ©Disney
SHANGHAI
The Business End
FACTS & FIGURES
HOME TO BOTH the Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport, Shanghai has established itself as transit hub for not only China but equally the Asia-Pacific region. Patrick Chen, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism (SMACT), explains: “Last year the number of passengers arriving and departing the Pudong International Airport stood at roughly 74.05 million, while the number of passengers arriving and departing the Hongqiao airport was about 43.65 million. Combined, these totalled 117.7 million. “Further, it is reported that as of 2018, 107 Chinese and foreign airlines 6 | Outlook Travel magazine
have opened regular flights in Shanghai, connecting 300 destinations in 48 countries around the world, of which 135 are international destinations.” This has largely helped to uphold Shanghai’s reputation as an international economic, financial, trade, shipping and technological innovation centre, with a multitude of giant multinational corporations both based and headquartered within the city itself. With a city-wide GDP of ¥3.27 trillion ($475 billion), a figure larger than the national GDP of Austria, Nigeria, the UAE or Norway, it’s ultimately easy to see why this reputation has emerged and will continue to strengthen.
Languages: Chinese Area: 6,340 km² Population (2019): 26.32 million GDP(2015): ¥3.27 trillion Currency: Chinese renminbi Time zone: China Standard Time Dialling code: +86 21 Internet TLD: .cn Climate: Humid subtropical Highest recorded temperature: 40.9°C
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In Focus The Bund THE BUND, OR Waitan as it is otherwise known, is a waterfront area and socioeconomic hub found in central Shanghai. Located between the Waibaidu Bridge that stretches over the Huangpu River and the East Jingling road, the 1.5-kilometre-long district neatly presents both the city’s distinguished history and visionary characteristics. On the western side a total 26 buildings stand tall, each comprising a fabled architectural style and standing as individual marvels of engineering and construction. “The Bund is regarded as a symbol of Shanghai,” states Chen. “Featuring Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, Chi-
nese and western style buildings, it is famed as a museum of international architecture.” This in mind, the promenade is understandably a hit for both photographers and river cruises in terms of leisure. Yet it is often better known as an epicentre for business travellers, home to the likes of the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, the Shanghai Council of Trade Unions, AIA Insurance and an array of globally famous hotels. Early evening is is considered to be the optimal time to visit, providing the chance to watch the sun set behind Shanghai’s spectacular skyline while eating a world-class meal or sipping on an exquisitely created cocktail.
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THE KUNLUN JING AN www.thekunlunjingan.com
Perfectly situated in the heart of Shanghai, The Kunlun Jing An enjoys an exceptional location in one of Shanghai’s most fashionable and commercial districts, only a short walk from the famous Jing An Temple and West Nanjing Road. 250 Hua Shan Road, Shanghai 200040, China T: +86 400 921 7063 F: +86 21 6248 1472 info.jingan@thekunlunhotels.com
JIN YAN
Jin Yan is committed to staying true to the traditions and flavors of Cantonese gastronomy.
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T: +86 400 921 7063 39F, The Kunlun Jing An
Xian Yan presents an array of culinary fare from across China and is committed to delivering an unhindered flavor of nature, and taste. T: +86 400 921 7063 Lower Lobby, The Kunlun Jing An
SHANGHAI
Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism OWED TO BOTH business and leisure travel, the role of tourism is rising as an additional driver of economic success across Shanghai – an industry that the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism is helping to propel. Patrick Chen took the time out to answer our questions, providing insight as to why Shanghai is becoming such an illustrious, fruitful tourist hotspot. Asia Outlook (AsO): Can you firstly talk me through the origins of the SMACT, how it came about, and its initial vision? Patrick Chen (PC): China started a new round of institutional reforms of the State Council last year. As a result, it now consists of 26 ministries and
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commissions, including the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Under this umbrella, the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, also known as SMACT, formed in November last year. The SMACT is the component department of Shanghai Municipal Government responsible for the development and management of the culture and tourism industries in Shanghai. It consists of 20 departments including promotions and marketing, resources development, industry development, museum, media, intangible cultural heritage and preservation of culture relics departments, amongst others. Ultimately, our mission is to promote Shanghai as an ideal destination for business, exhibitions, MICE and indeed leisure.
AsO: Since inception, how has the SMACT developed and progressed in terms of its key objectives and the messages it tries to get across? PC: Culture and tourism have a tight connection. Culture is the soul of the tourism industry, and tourism is the carrier of the culture. Since inception, our task has been to promote the development of the culture and tourism industry and spearhead the market, promoting the supply of more high-quality products. On March 3, 2019 we issued 40 recommended tours in Shanghai, combined with the main culture and tourism resources. Among these tours, you can visit the popular scenic spots, taste delicious food, visit theatres, museums, art centres and so on. Through attending a variety of tourism fairs and
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exhibitions both home and abroad, we update the market with the latest information on Shanghai. Besides this, we also invite foreign travel agencies and media groups to tour the city. AsO: How would you say Shanghai has developed in recent years as a business travel hub and what are the key reasons behind its growing appeal? PC: Our convenient visa policy helps the development of business travel in Shanghai. Besides Chinese visas, foreigners can also apply for 144-hour transit visa-free stopovers in Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang province with certain requests. For tourist groups there are port visas and 15-day visa-free policies which are valid for those who visit Shanghai by cruise. There are also many international meetings, conferences, events and expositions held in Shanghai every year, and about 49 scientific research institutes and colleges and universities. Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism is the secre-
“Culture and tourism have a tight connection. Culture is the soul of the tourism industry, and tourism is the carrier of the culture�
tary-general of the ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) China committee. Last year there were 82 international conferences held in Shanghai, the city standing 28th in the global ranking list issued by ICCA. Last year Shanghai attracted 45 new regional headquarters of transnational corporations. It is reported that as of 2018, there were 670 regional headquarters of transnational corporations in Shanghai. This is the foundation of the development of our MICE industry. There are many convention and exhibition centres, hotels and special venues in Shanghai such as the National Exhibition and Convention Centre (NECC). This is one of the largest single block buildings and exhibition complexes in the world, with a total construction area of 1.47 million square metres. Equally, the Shanghai International Convention centre is located in Lujiazui financial centre, adjacent to The Oriental Pearl Radio and TV Tower and across the river from the Bund and its international buildings. Shang-
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The Ultimate Driving Experience: After opening in April 2018, the Porsche Experience Centre Shanghai has made it easier and closer to experience your dream Porsche. Whether you want to improve your driving skills, increase your confidence in hazardous situations or simply have a fantastic experience driving your dream Porsche, the dedicated Porsche Tracks provide a unique and challenging driving environment. The centre offers 1-to-1 guidance from a Porsche instructor for all levels of skill and packages on offer. From the 911 GT3, with it’s 4.0 litre, six-cylinder engine putting out 500HP for thrills around the track, to the Cayenne off-road experience. You’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.
A Venue For All Occasions: Located at the world-famous Shanghai International Circuit, just a short drive from the heart of Shanghai, the Porsche Experience Centre Shanghai is an ideal venue for hosting bespoke events, with the guarantee of Porsche-standard quality. Offering a wide range of flexible spaces and state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, whether you’re looking for an exciting place to host a product launch, a team building day or private party, the Porsche Experience Centre Shanghai allows you to combine business with pleasure.
Tel: +86 21 8031 6911
Email: experience@porsche.cn
Web: www.porsche.cn/experience
SHANGHAI
hai’s New International Expo Center (SNIEC), hotels like the Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, JW Marriott Hotel, InterContinetal Shanghai Pudong and more are also present. AsO: Why, in your opinion, should someone visit Shanghai? PC: Firstly, the traffic is very convenient in Shanghai. You can take the metro, buses and/or taxis to go around the city, while its airports act as an important gateway, connecting to other cities in China and the Asia Pacific region. Secondly, there are plenty of hotels to choose from. Be it the low-budget hotels or the luxurious hotels, from the international hotel groups to the boutique hotels, the city meets the demands of many different requests. Shanghai also provides different activities. The Shanghai Disney Park and Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park are perfect for families with children; while the Shanghai Circuit is great for automotive fans. In addition, Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China, the Huangpu River Cruise, and Xintiandi, with the old Shikumen-style buildings of the early 20th century, are similarly fantastic attractions.
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Besides these, you can also experience the art and culture of the city by visiting art museums, theatres, and cultural exhibitions. Personally, I think everyone should visit Shanghai at least once. AsO: What trends are transforming the tourism industry in Shanghai at present? How are you responding to these trends? PC: I think there are two trends. Firstly, our government is placing more and more emphasis on integrating the development of culture and tourism. Secondly, with the continuous development of the social economy and the improvement of people’s living standards, people’s demands for culture and tourism are also rising. In terms of tourism, for example, people used to travel mainly by visiting scenic spots, taking photos and shopping. Nowadays, more and more are likely to experience the lifestyle and regional culture of tourist destinations. They like to experience more culture and enjoy the local life. AsO: Are there any plans or projects in the pipeline that you wish to highlight? PC: As Shanghai is the important destination for the MICE sector, we can provide professional services to support the international conference team in organising international conferences. In 2012 we issued the first local standard of conference services, also the first standard in China, in
order to promote the positive development of the MICE industry. Besides this, we have developed an app called Venues – the leading authoritative platform in China that provides plenty of information about attractions and offers tools to help clients to organise conferences. AsO: Are you optimistic about the future of the tourism industry in Shanghai? PC: Yes. The Shanghai government puts great emphasis on high-quality development of the tourism industry, aiming to build Shanghai into a world-famous tourist city. We are working hard to promote the development of inbound tourism, attracting more and more foreigners to come to Shanghai, and I believe that with our efforts the future of the tourism industry will be brilliant.
SHANGHAI
Outlook Recommends “Few cities in the world evoke so much history, excess, glamour, mystique and exotic promise in name alone” – Lonely Planet
THINGS TO DO
ACCOMMODATION
Disneyland
The Kunlun Jing An
The world’s sixth Disney park and the first to have opened in China, Shanghai Disney Resort has quickly become one of the city’s and indeed country’s major tourist attractions. Having opened its doors on June 16, 2016, the park welcomed 5.6 million visitors within just six months, and it’s easy to see why. Home to seven themed areas in the form of Mickey Avenue, Gardens of Imagination, Fantasyland, Treasure Cove, Adventure Isle, Tomorrowland and Toy Story Land, the 1.5 square mile resort allows visitors to experience everything from fantasy and romance to adventure and magic.
Porsche Experience Center Shanghai The first Porsche Experience Center in Asia, the Shanghai edition can be found suitably next to the city’s international Formula 1 circuit. The facility epitomises innovation, offering both Porsche customers and enthusiasts the opportunity to witness and experience the thrills of a racetrack, showcasing the full range of the automaker’s premium cars. Spanning 100,000 square metres, it’s home to not only its own handling course and off-road track, but equally a restaurant, café, conference rooms and a Porsche Driver’s Selection Store. Here, you can experience the fascination of Porsche first-hand.
Shanghai Circus World 16 | Outlook Travel magazine
Perfectly situated in the heart of Shanghai, The Kunlun Jing An offers visitors both an exceptional service and an unrivalled location in one of the city’s most fashionable commercial districts. Building on the brand’s illustrious history, The Kunlun Beijing having been the capital’s first five-start hotel, the Shanghai edition retains this same enviable reputation, established as one of China’s finest hotels. The hotel provides superior hospitality and unforgettable dining experiences that are underpinned by service with sincerity, and, to top it all off, the rooms offer wonderful views of the Shanghai skyline.
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The Peninsula Shanghai Opened on the Bund itself in 2009, The Peninsula Shanghai is the group’s flagship hotel in mainland china, standing as a beacon of luxury hospitality along the city’s iconic riverfront promenade. Equipped with extraordinary facilities, world-class services and critically acclaimed, Michelin star-rated restaurants, it harmonises exquisite interiors and contemporary comforts.
MUSEUMS Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum RESTAURANTS Aura Lounge & Jazz Bar
Shanghai Natural History Museum Shanghai Museum Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai
Shanghai Development Exhibition Hall
The MEAT Al Borgo Urban Thai Outlook Travel magazine | 17
SHANGHAI
Transport Links
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extensive bus system with nearly one thousand bus lines, operated by numerous transportation companies.” In addition, Shanghai is also home to the best managed taxi service in China, easy to spot with their bold cyan, yellow, white, green, blue, red, dark blue and dark red colours, each of these different colours representing a different operator. “You can also take the hop-on hopoff bus to get around the city,” adds PHOTO: PASCAL KOBEH
AS YOU MIGHT expect from such a modern and efficient city, Shanghai has an extensive public transport system that is largely based on buses and a rapidly expanding metro system, not to mention the infamous Maglev. “Shanghai Metro has 16 lines at present and extends to every core urban district as well as neighbouring suburban districts such as Songjiang and Jiading,” explains Chen. “Further, the city also has the world’s most
Chen. “There several different tours to choose from including the Shanghai city tour, ancient city tour, Pudong tour, expo tour and more. It provides audio guide with eight languages – it’s very easy for you to see famous Shanghai landmarks aboard this opentop double decker bus. “Personally, however, I think the best way to get around the city is to book a private car with a private chauffeur.”
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Landmark Attractions Shanghai Circuit
“Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower, with a height of 468 metres, is the fourth highest in Asia and the sixth highest tower in the world. Built with eleven steel spheres in various sizes hanging from the blue sky to the green grassland, the body of the tower creates an admirable image, which is described in an ancient Chinese verse as large and small pearls dropping on a plate of jade” – Shanghai Highlights
“A motorsport racetrack, Shanghai Circuit hosts the annual Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix. Futuristic and designed to maximize spectator excitement, the track provides an enjoyable race viewing experience” – Inspirock IMAGE BY PLANET LABS, INC. - , CC BY-SA 4.0,
Oriental Pearl TV Tower
Shanghai Tower “As the third tower in the trio of signature skyscrapers at the heart of Shanghai’s new Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone, Shanghai Tower embodies a new prototype for tall buildings. Placed in close proximity to Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center, the new tower rises high above the skyline, its curved façade and spiralling form symbolising the dynamic emergence of modern China” – Skyscraper Center
Yu Garden “Yuyuan Garden, located in the centre of Shanghai’s Old Town and next door to Mandarin Gardens Bazaar, is considered one of the city’s finest, most lavish Chinese gardens. A traditional private Chinese garden park, Yuyuan Garden is replete with beautiful pavilions, lotus ponds, stone bridges and - of course - rock formations… Considered the best garden in Southeast China, Yuyuan Garden has maintained its classic beauty over the centuries” – China Travel
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