Pudong/Lujiazui: Shanghai

Fifteen years ago, Pudong new area, which is comprised of the river-side Lujiazui area and business zones towards the Eastern fringes, was a muddy swamp. Today it is home to hundreds of futuristic skyscrapers comprising one of the world's most recognizable skylines, including the Shanghai TV tower, JinMao Tower and the new tallest building in China, the Shanghai World Financial Center. Pudong literally means "east of the river," referring to the Huangpu river, which divides Shanghai in half. Lujiazui, at the core of the Pudong New Development Project, is a hub of financial institutions, international hotels, and shopping malls, making it one of the best places to visit for anyone interested in a world-class hotel, dining experiences, bar hopping or shopping. The dichotomy between the eastern and western shores of the Huangpu River show the old Shanghai on the West, where the historical Bund area lies and the modern, financial and industrial Eastern side that is Pudong.

The area around Century Park is teeming with sights for perfect people watching, and is a must-see for anyone staying in Shanghai over a week. Pack a picnic and a kite and go watch the Shanghai locals do exercises, play games or paddle boats around the lake. The area is also famous as a sort of 'lovers lane' so strolls in the park around sunset will provide for a romantic setting indeed.

The Science and Technology Museum in Pudong is one of the best attractions in the city, with lively exhibits and an amazing park. Underneath the museum at the metro station tourists bargain for deals in one of the city's most popular shopping areas for souvenirs, T-shirts and fake jackets and purses.

Though only a swamp in recent history, the government's special economic plans for the area and careful planning have paid off. Pudong, and especially Lujiazui along the eastern Bund, is one of the highlights of a trip to Shanghai, and well worth a day.

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