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A scene from The Bund

The Bund is the most attractive part in Shanghai. This is the business district of this mega city. The landmark of the city, The Oriental Pearl Tower, is situated just opposite this. The Bund is a beautifully landscapped stretch of the river bank that gives a panoramic view of the concrete jungle of Shanghai. The other side of the River Huangpu boasts of Oriental Pearl Tower and most of the very tall buildings of the city.

Orinetal Pearl is a 450 Mater tall TV tower that has three stages of sperical landings, offeres the tourists a great view of the city . We can go upto 350 meters. There are highspeed lifts to take the visitors. The slim girls who operate these lift mumble something in English -the things they have learned by heart. I rightly guessed what they say, it was all about the tower! The entry fee to reach upto the third stage is 150 yuans. The height at the 3rd stage is 350 meters. The bird's eye view of the commercial capital of China from this height is enough to cast a magical spell on the visitors.

"The Oriental Pearl Tower was designed by the Shanghai Modern Architectural Design Co. Ltd.  Construction began in 1990 and the tower was completed in 1994. At 468 m (1,535 feet) high, it was the tallest structure in China  from 1994–2007, when it was surpassed by the Shanghai World Financial Center. The Oriental Pearl Tower belongs to the World Federation of Great Towers."

River Huangpu looked to be a very busy river. This river divides Shanghai into two - Pudong and Puxi. A number of vessels were seen sailing in the river up and down carrying goods.  There were many other vessels meant for cruises offered by tour operators. The river connects the industries of the city as well as China itself to the East China Sea.


The goods from there cruise to the world's different destinations. There are a few tunnels underneath this river that are used for metro rail. One of such tunnels carry tourists on a joy ride from the Bund to the bottom of the Oriental Parl Tower. The 50 yuans ride from one bank to the other is of course a pleasure trip.

Over the top of the Tower, a walk on the transparent floor will certainly take our breath away. At 350 meters height, no floor to see under the feet makes one so frightened. What we see when we look down  are the busy roads all over and the foot of the tower. So many people scream and a few jump in excitation when they take a walk along the transparent floor. There is a restaurant and a few curio shops over there to pass time.

Shanghai's amazing infrastructure development and the disciplined way the city moves on wheels are all a treat to our eyes. Sitting in the chairs there on the top of the Tower and staring at the magnificient picture that unvails in front of us may tempt, at least for a moment, to change our mind in favour of extending the visa for a few more months...at least.

Click the link for more photos : View from The Bund and The OrientalPearlTower