12+13. DAY 12+13 - 19+20 MAY 2015.GUI LIN- SHANGHAI.
DAY Twelve+Thirteen - 19+20 May 2015. GUI LIN - SHANGHAI TRANSIT.
MAP OF DAY TWELVE+THIRTEEN - ROUTES AND PLACES : SHANGHAI : 19+20 MAY 2105 .
This is the screen shot of the map of places seen and routes followed on day
12and 13. of the trip .
To see interactive map GO HERE.
OR
Copy this shortened URL in URL bar:https://goo.gl/sur2zK
This will open interactive map.Any clarifications about how to use this map,just send me a mail.
To see the complete album of photos on day Twelve and Thirteen,click here. If you see photos with LONG captions DO read them.You may find them interesting.
GUI LIN - to - SHANGHAI.
19 May 2015.
This day we were told that wake up time was 0400 packed breakfast and to the airport by 0530 as our flight was supposed to be at 0730/0745. Our local Chinese guide kept telling our tour manager that there was no need to get ready so early and even if we reach the airport by 0700 it would be okay.Our tour manager just refused to listen to him.
All of us were seasoned travellers so we got ready and reached the airport by 0530. To our surprise there was not a soul present at the terminal.First time I ever saw a the doors of an airport locked and shut.Apparently local guide had told the tour manager that the airport opens at 0700 , but he refused to accept his advice and fixed the timings.Dilip who had kept quite throughout the trip finally lost his shirt . Took tour manager's pants off and gave him such a dressing down that he is not likely to forget it in near future.
Finally the airport gates were opened at 0700 and all of us trooped in to get in the "Q" for checking in.By and by every one had checked in and we were ready to depart for Shanghai or last destinations of the tour.
Guilin Airport.Will catch flight to Shanghai.
Guilin Airport.Will catch flight to Shanghai.
Landed at Pudong Airport of Shanghai around 0945. Claimed our baggage and after loading it in the coach set course for first attraction of the day and Shanghai which was Jin Mao Towers,Shanghai.
The route from the airport to the city once again very strongly brought home to us that no efforts,money or time has been spared to make the city as beautiful and people/tourist friendly as possible .
Arrived at Pudong Airport Shanghai.
Getting in to our coach at Pudong airport. , Shanghai .
On the way to The City of Shanghai.Notice the tree plantation drive.
Light of the East
This large scale sculpture mimicking a sundial serves mainly as modern art. Numerous sculptures etc are built at various highway squares and reflect the efforts to beautify the city .
Photo taken from the coach on the move.Location 31.224320, 121.534265 in sattelite view.
No efforts have been spared to make the city as beautiful and attractive as possible.
No efforts have been spared to make the city as beautiful and attractive as possible.
Shanghai
History of Shanghai goes back to prehistoric Neolithic period.There after through 475 BC to 1685 AD it was ruled by various Dynasties . It was around this time that the city port was gradually developed,so much so that it became a major trade ,centre and financial hub of great importance.After 1840 the British Army entered Shanghai and opened it as a treaty port in 1843. Many other countries set up concessions there.It was at that time that British settled at the present Bund area and developed it to be major financial hub.In May 1949 Shanghai was liberated.On Oct 1 of 1949 It became a municipality directly under the Central Government , and began to revive. Besides regaining its position as a shipping, industrial and economic centre, the city became the science and technology base of China.
Today,Shanghai, Hu or Shen for short,is a renowned international metropolis drawing more and more attention from all over the world. Situated on the estuary of Yangtze River, it serves as the most influential economic, financial, international trade, cultural, science and technology centre in East China. Also it is a popular destination for visitors to sense the pulsating development of the country.
In addition to its modernization, the city's multicultural flair endows it with a unique glamour. Here, one finds the perfect blend of cultures, the modern and the traditional , and the western and the oriental. New skyscrapers and old Shikumen(Shikumen is a traditional Shanghainese architectural style combining Western and Chinese elements that first appeared in the 1860s) together draw the skyline of the city. Western customs and Chinese traditions intertwined and formed the city's culture, making a visitor's stay truly memorable.
After getting acquainted with Shanghai , Let us proceed to the first attraction of our visit.
After getting acquainted with Shanghai , Let us proceed to the first attraction of our visit.
Jin Mao Towers,Shanghai.
As we progressed towards the city,number of modern buildings and the number of high to very high rise building kept increasing and we realised that we were approaching most important area and financial centre of modern Shanghai.We were taken to coach park and proceeded on foot through a well paved courtyard . At places work was still going on.Finally we reached a very tall building . this was Jin Mao Towers,Shanghai.
The Jin Mao Tower,also known as the Jin Mao Building or Jin Mao Tower, is an 88-story (93 if counting the floors in the spire,excluding basement floors) landmark skyscraper.It is 420.5 metres (1,380 feet) tall and is the 18th tallest building in the world. It contains a shopping mall, offices and the Grand Hyatt Shanghai hotel. Along with the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Centre and the Shanghai Tower it is part of the Lujiazui skyline seen from the Bund. It used to be the tallest building in China but its height was surpassed on September 14, 2007, by the Shanghai World Financial Centre which is located close by. The Shanghai Tower, a 121-story building located next to these two buildings, surpassed the height of both these buildings in 2015.
Height : 420.5 Mtrs.(1380 Ft.)
The Jin Mao Tower,also known as the Jin Mao Building or Jin Mao Tower, is an 88-story (93 if counting the floors in the spire,excluding basement floors) landmark skyscraper.It is 420.5 metres (1,380 feet) tall and is the 18th tallest building in the world. It contains a shopping mall, offices and the Grand Hyatt Shanghai hotel. Along with the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Centre and the Shanghai Tower it is part of the Lujiazui skyline seen from the Bund. It used to be the tallest building in China but its height was surpassed on September 14, 2007, by the Shanghai World Financial Centre which is located close by. The Shanghai Tower, a 121-story building located next to these two buildings, surpassed the height of both these buildings in 2015.
Height : 420.5 Mtrs.(1380 Ft.)
Top Floor : 348.4 Mters. (1143 Ft)
Observatory : 340.1Mtrs.(1116 Ft)
Floor count : 88 + 4 spire floors + 3 basement floors : Total 95 floors.
In the lobby there was a panoramic poster of the Pudong area as seen from the observatory.We went to the observatory,the 88th floor-the highest floor, is reserved for the tower's observation deck, which can hold 1000 people at any one time,by an express elevator.The 360 degrees view from there was really breath taking.However that feeling of superiority in the tower occupants must now be a few notches down as from 2015 on words there are TWO more towers higher than it.Jin Mao They are Shanghai World Financial Cantre and Shanghai Tower.
Proceeding to Jin Mao Towers.
First view of Jin Mao Towers,Shanghai.
Shanghai World Financial Cantre, which is very close by,has over taken Jin Mao in height. It is 2nd tallest building in Shanghai.
Lobby of Jin Mao Towers,Shanghai ,
A panoramic wall poster in the lobby of Jinmao Towers,Shanghai showing view as seen from observatory at at 88th floor.
DITTO.
DITTO.
DITTO.
Orient Pearl Tower , Shanghai. As seen from Jin Mao Towers,Shanghai.
Shanghai Tower,as seen from Jinmao Towers,Shanghai.At 632 mtrs(2073 ft) it is 212 Mtrs(693 Ft ) taller than Jin Mao and tallest building in Shanghai.Also the tallest in not only Shanghai but also whole of China.
Shanghai Bund and Huangpu River view from Jinmao Towers,Shanghai.
Scale model of of Jin Mao Towers at Observatory .The 88th floor-the highest floor, is reserved for the tower's observation deck, which can hold 1000 people at any one time.
Pudong Area Shanghai and Huangpu River view from Jin Mao Towers,Shanghai.
After about 45 - 50 minute at Jin Mao Towers we were ready to go to next place that was The Bund.Where as Jin Mao Towers is located on the Eastern side of the Huangpu River , The Bund is located on the Western side of the river so we had to cross the Huangpu River. This we did in what , by some is considered , as yet another attraction and that was "Bund Sight Seeing Tunnel".
The Bund Sight Seeing Tunnel :
The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel goes under the Huangpu River connecting the Bund and Lujiazui Area of Pudong District. Its length is 646.7 meters.Opened in October 2000.The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel is almost a virtual facility under the ground and provides a memorable experience of special multimedia effects.This is given by ever changing coloured lights , some steady , some flashing and some constantly changing pattern , It has a sort of mesmerising effect and will be loved greatly by the kids.Specially as the lightning pattern are accompanied by six channel surround system and the sound effects changes as the scenery and the lighting changes.The compartments of sightseeing train are completely transparent and it allows 360 degrees view. The compartments are unmanned and it provides steady and fluent ride. It takes 3-5 minutes to travel through the tunnel and enjoy the sites to the fullest.The tunnel links Puxi ('West of the Huangpu') and Pudong ('East of the Huangpu'). The entrance on the Bund is located in the north of Chenyi Square, while the one in Pudong is situated on the south side of the Oriental Pearl TV and Radio Tower, facing the International Convention Centre.
Descending to Shanghai Bund Sightseeing Tunnel .
Shuttle Train at Shanghai Bund Sightseeing Tunnel .
Inside view of Bund Sight Seeing Shuttle Train
In side view of Shanghai Bund Sight Seeing Tunnel lighting from the Shuttle Train .
In side view of Shanghai Bund Sight Seeing Tunnel lighting from the Shuttle Train .
In side view of Shanghai Bund Sight Seeing Tunnel lighting from the Shuttle Train .
In side view of Shanghai Bund Sight Seeing Tunnel lighting from the Shuttle Train .
In side view of Shanghai Bund Sight Seeing Tunnel lighting from the Shuttle Train .
We got out of the Shuttle Train Terminal near Nanjing East Road in Puxi Bund. Coming out of the tunnel to ground level we found ourselves on the Bund.
The Bund:
The Bund is Contrast of the Old and the New Shanghai.The Bund is regarded as the symbol of Shanghai with its magnificent landmarks. It is actually a waterfront area of Pu Xi (West City/Shanghai Old Town) that faces the newer part of Shanghai - Pu Dong (East City/Shanghai New Town), with the renowned Huangpu River flowing in between. Here in the Bund, you can see the essence of Shanghai, the prosperous, historical and elegant Shanghai. So, it is not exaggerating to say, if you have never been to the Bund, then you have never been to Shanghai. The Bund is also an epitome of Shanghai's history. Dating back to the time from the 1840's to the 1930's, many foreign businesses snatched the Bund to establish concessions, banks, headquarters, consulates and so on. Hence, Shanghai, a small seaside town one hundred years ago, rose to be the largest city in China. It also earned the reputation of "The Oriental Wall Street". Even today, visitors can still feel the prosperity of the old Shanghai, when looking at those old buildings at the Bund.
Hailed as the "world's architecture museum", there are group of magnificent buildings standing in various styles, Gothic, Baroque, Rome, Renaissance, Classic Indian colonnade, American design and green vault tops are all the distinct examples in the field of architecture. and the combination of Eastern and Western style. Although these buildings were completed at different time and are in different styles, the main elements of these buildings are fairly unified and the overall outline is well coordinated.Dozens of buildings standing on the Bund have witnessed the historical development of the Bund,
Strolling on the Bund at night is an amazing experience, as the skyline on both sides of Huangpu River is illuminated, including the grand buildings at the Bund and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the skyscrapers across the river.
The Bund promenade.Shanghai.
Shanghai Tower and World Financial Cemter,Shanghai.Area on the river bank is Binjiang Park Shanghai.Panoramic view of Huangpu River,Shanghai.
Walking along and enjoying the the beauty and the atmosphere of The Bund we were led to place "g" Waterfront..Here we went for lunch to restaurant called "Kebab on the Grill" We were accommodated on the first floor . Luckily we grabbed strategically located table from where we had excellent view of the river front and all the majestic buildings of Pu Dong.Had good Photo shoot from the balcony of the restaurant.
Entrance to "g"Water Front .There were quite a few foody places we had lunch in one of them.
"g" Water Front
Lunch at g Watre front restaurant.
Excellent view of Pu Dong from balcony of the restaurant.
Excellent view of Pu Dong from balcony of the restaurant.
Excellent view of Pu Dong from balcony of the restaurant.
Excellent View of Huangpu River and skyscrapers on Pudong District from Kebabs On the Grill Restaurant on the Bund.World Financial Centre(Giant Bottle Opener) and Shanghai Tower.Shanghai Tower Tallest Building , not only in Shanghai but in all of China as well.
After lunch , while walking to our next destination , saw a very interesting building :
Gutzlaff signal tower , The Bund Shanghai.
The Gutzlaff Signal Tower, also known as the Bund Weather Tower or the Bund Signal Tower is a major landmark in Shanghai's Bund. It is a 36.8m tall (50m focal height) signal station built in Art Deco style, originally intended to provide weather information to ships on the Huangpu river, in particular typhoon warnings.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gutzlaff_Signal_Tower
After a little while we reached The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Ce-
intre.
The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre:
Completed in 2000 and opened to the public in the same year, Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre is the first of its kind in China showcasing a city’s development. The Exhibition Centre is a six-storey building, with two basement levels, which displays Shanghai's urban planning and development. The focus of the exhibit is a large scale model in the entirety of urban Shanghai, showing existing buildings and approved future buildings. Other exhibits relate to Shanghai's history and planned development, including smaller scaled models focusing on particular areas of interest such as the Bund. The Exhibition Centre also has space for temporary exhibitions with a wide range of subject matter.
The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre is located on People's Square, Shanghai,
Lobby of The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre.
Lobby of The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre.
Lobby of The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre.
Main attraction of The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre.
Scale model of present day Shanghai and city planners vision for Shanghai of 2020.
Main attraction of The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre.
Scale model of present day Shanghai and city planners vision for Shanghai of 2020.
Main attraction of The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre.
Scale model of present day Shanghai and city planners vision for Shanghai of 2020.
Main attraction of The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre.
Scale model of present day Shanghai and city planners vision for Shanghai of 2020.
Main attraction of The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre.
Scale model of present day Shanghai and city planners vision for Shanghai of 2020.
Main attraction of The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre.
Scale model of present day Shanghai and city planners vision for Shanghai of 2020.
After going around the scale model of present and futuristic Shanghai,without going any where else,we left Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre to head for old Shanghai and the Yu Garden .
Yuyuan Garden, OR Yu Garden OR Garden of Peace and Harmony:
Yu Garden is located in the north-eastern of the old Chinese city not far from the Bund.Yuyuan Garden or Yu Garden of Shanghai is a pearl of classical gardens in southern area of the Yangtze River built in 1559 in Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) with a history of more than 400 years. It is a private garden of Pan family. As the name implies, Yu means pleasing and peace in Chinese. The founder Pan Yunduan built by Pan Yunduan, minister of finance in Sichuan Province during the Ming Dynasty.He invited the famous designer to build this garden for his parents as the tranquil place to spend their remaining years in comfort and happiness. The garden is famed as "an architectural miracle in South China". When you penetrate deeper, it seems you are getting lost in a maze: the landscape seems to wind on forever as the gardens are purposefully designed to distort space and distance. And the elegant wood carving or engraving you come across, are the obvious characteristics of the gardening style of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The more you step inside, the more you get fascinated for Yuyuan Garden, a maze of houses, grottoes, pavilions, lotus ponds, and zigzag bridges crossing streams, a maze in a Chinese way.Not to forget the Grand Rockery.
Altogether, the garden is divided into six areas, separated by walls, each more interesting than the other.
Covering an area of 20 000 square meters, the attraction can be divided into four parts, the Eastern Area, the Western Area, The Central Area and Internal Garden. Each part owns distinguish features within several characteristics scenic spots. There are totally 48 masterly partitioned scenic spots in the garden, providing visitors a different scene at every step. Chambers, pavilions, halls, rockeries, terraces and waters all reflects the style and features of Ming and Qing dynasties' gardening art of the south of the Yangtze
However is is usual with group tours we missed out on many of these attractions.
Shanghai Down Town Gate to the Old City.Taken on the move.
One of the Gates created in stone to Old city / Yu Garden . Most probably East Gate.Taken on the move.
Shanghai Old City Bazar(?) . Old City Shanghai, China
Delicately embossed and carved/engraved stone gate of Yuyuan Garden Carved in Stone, The Western Gate .Taken on the move.
Delicate embossed and carved/engraved stone gate of Yuyuan Garden Carved in Stone, The Western Gate .Taken on the move.
The Dragon Wall, located here in the third area of Yuyuan Garden, is certain to be one of the most memorable sights in the garden. There are few places in China where one can see so many dragons in one place. And the most powerful of those dragons in Yuyuan Garden are depicted on the Dragon Wall.Without a doubt, the Dragon Crossing the Clouds, shown in the photo, is the most famous dragon in the garden and the best looking, as well.
Hexu Hall, or the Hall of Harmony . What catches the eye is typical Chinese architecture.The Warrior Statues on the roof eves are intriguing because usually these have animals and birds.
Typical Roof architecture . Exquisite statutory adorns the roof shingles.All such statues have a story connected to the characters in the statue.
Remarkable gate with two dragons, gate 3rd and 4th area of the garden.The dragons here are supposed to be playing with a pearl between them.
Goldfish in the large pond .Part of the Grand Rockery.Yuyuan Garden.
Priti and Madhuri near Goldfish pond. Yuyuan Garden.
Rockery Garden .Part of the The Grand Rockery, Yuyuan Garden.
Exquisite Jade Rocks .The exquisite Jade Rock in front of the Yuhua Hall is one of the three most well-known rocks in China. The other two are "Ruiyun Rock" in Lingering Garden in Suzhou and "Zhouyun Rock" in Hangzhou Flower Nursery. This is supposed to be central piece of YU Garden , the exquisite jade rock is about 4 meters in height and weighs 5 tons and has 72 holes. It is said that if a joss stick burns at the bottom of the rock, the smoke will surprisingly rise from all the holes; similarly, if one pours water on the top of the rock, waters will flow out from every hole. .
Pavilion of Listening to Billows. Yu Garden .Animals and birds on the roof have special significance,
Now out of the Garden and in old city.Old City Shanghai area .Near Yu Garden.
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Shanghai Old Temple Antique Market, There are over a hundred stores and shops in this area, and most of these store buildings are nearly a century old. Shanghai Old City, China. Last photo in yu Garden Area.
Huangpu River Cruise :
After visit to Yu Garden and tour of old city streets we went back to river front and Huangpu River Cruise terminal to take river cruise on Huangpu River considered the done thing when visiting Shanghai.
The Huangpu River is a tributary of the Yangtze River,formerly known as Huangxiepu or Chunshen River. The Huangpu River wriggles like an undulating dragon from Wusong to the East Sea. The yellow and ice-free river is 114 kilometers (about 71 miles) long and 400 meters (0.25 miles) wide with an average depth of nine meters (30 feet). It joins 29 kilometers (18 miles) north of downtown Shanghai and divides the city into two parts, east and west. Local people call them Pudong and Puxi.The Huangpu River is not only the mother river of Shanghai, but also assembles the splendid attractions of the city. Here, the Huangpu River cruise is a traditional tourist program. The cruise starts from the Bund and goes upstream. Towards the south, it takes you to look at the Nanpu Bridge, and then turns round to the north to go to the Yangpu Bridge and finally reaches Wusong Mouth .
After visit to Yu Garden and tour of old city streets we went back to river front and Huangpu River Cruise terminal to take river cruise on Huangpu River considered the done thing when visiting Shanghai.
The Huangpu River is a tributary of the Yangtze River,formerly known as Huangxiepu or Chunshen River. The Huangpu River wriggles like an undulating dragon from Wusong to the East Sea. The yellow and ice-free river is 114 kilometers (about 71 miles) long and 400 meters (0.25 miles) wide with an average depth of nine meters (30 feet). It joins 29 kilometers (18 miles) north of downtown Shanghai and divides the city into two parts, east and west. Local people call them Pudong and Puxi.The Huangpu River is not only the mother river of Shanghai, but also assembles the splendid attractions of the city. Here, the Huangpu River cruise is a traditional tourist program. The cruise starts from the Bund and goes upstream. Towards the south, it takes you to look at the Nanpu Bridge, and then turns round to the north to go to the Yangpu Bridge and finally reaches Wusong Mouth .
Huangpu River cruise, provided you the best night view of the Shanghai's exceptionally well lit panoramas of the best buildings of Shanghai. You'll see the magnificent building skylines on both the historic west side (the Bund), and the modern east side (Pudong) . It's fun to see such lively river life as well as Shanghai's amazing skyline. It is a good way to relax a bit and sight-see at the same time. It is fun for young kids and family friendly.A worth having experience.
After the river cruise we went to Kebabs on the Grill Restaurant located in The Central Plaza for dinner and then on words to Ramada Encore Hotel for a well deserved good nights rest .
Jetty of Huangpu River Cruise terminal.
On the cruise boat at Jetty of Huangpu River Cruise Terminal .
Huangpu River Cruise.Well lit sky line . Pearl Oriental Tower.
Huangpu River Cruise.Well lit sky line . Pearl Oriental Tower.
Huangpu River Cruise.Well lit sky line . Pearl Oriental Tower.
Srtangers in the night . Another cruise boat crossing.
Huangpu River Cruise Buildings on the Bund .
Huangpu River Cruise Buildings on the Bund .
Huangpu River Cruise Buildings on the Bund .
End of the cruise. Photo taken through glass front of Terminal building.
Central Plaza Shanghai.On the way to Kebabs on the grill .
Kebabs On the Grill . We had dinner here .
LAST PHOTO FOR 19/5/15.
Huangpu River cruise, provided you the best night view of the Shanghai's exceptionally well lit panoramas of the best buildings of Shanghai. You'll see the magnificent building skylines on both the historic west side (the Bund), and the modern east side (Pudong) . It's fun to see such lively river life as well as Shanghai's amazing skyline. It is a good way to relax a bit and sight-see at the same time. It is fun for young kids and family friendly.A worth having experience.
After the river cruise we went to Kebabs on the Grill Restaurant located in The Central Plaza for dinner and then on words to Ramada Encore Hotel for a well deserved good nights rest .
Jetty of Huangpu River Cruise terminal.
On the cruise boat at Jetty of Huangpu River Cruise Terminal .
Huangpu River Cruise.Well lit sky line . Pearl Oriental Tower.
Huangpu River Cruise.Well lit sky line . Pearl Oriental Tower.
Huangpu River Cruise.Well lit sky line . Pearl Oriental Tower.
Srtangers in the night . Another cruise boat crossing.
Huangpu River Cruise Buildings on the Bund .
Huangpu River Cruise Buildings on the Bund .
Huangpu River Cruise Buildings on the Bund .
End of the cruise. Photo taken through glass front of Terminal building.
Central Plaza Shanghai.On the way to Kebabs on the grill .
Kebabs On the Grill . We had dinner here .
LAST PHOTO FOR 19/5/15.
DAY 19 MAY 2015 OVER .
20 May 2015.
20 May 2015.
It was quite late and we were pretty tired by the time we had reached the hotel so there was not much time to look around and judge the ambiance of the Hotel.That is one on the reasons I always have pre-breakfast morning photo session to catch the hotel lobbies and surroundings.Ramada encounter has impressive appearance . Lobby is good and overall has good ambiance all around.The courtyard though relatively small,has also been beautified with a fountain and a good garden.
Ramada Encore Hotel ,Shanghai. We stayed here.
Beautiful Fountain , Porch and entry Gate Ramada Encore Hotel ,Shanghai.That is our coach for the day.
Dining Hall Ramada Encore Hotel ,Shanghai
Over looking the lobby . Ramada Encore Hotel ,Shanghai
The lobby . Ramada Encore Hotel ,Shanghai
After breakfast , photo session and all it was time to move out for the days sight seeing . Today it was to be the famous Jade Buddha Temple.
Jade Buddha Temple. :
Located in the west of modern Shanghai, the Jade Buddha Temple is an active Chan (Zen) Buddhist monastery with peaceful and serene atmosphere conducive to uplifting sense of spirituality.
Originally built in 1882 during Qing Dynasty (1638-1911), it is a temple to enshrine two jade Buddha statues which were brought from Burma by the monk Hui Gen from Mount Putuo in Zhejiang Province.According to the story, Hui Gen had brought back 5 jade Buddhas and left a sitting and a reclining Sakyamuni (The sage of the Shakya clan") in Shanghai and raised money to build the temple, that is how Jade Buddha Temple name came about.The temple was destroyed by the revolution overthrowing the Qing government ,fortunately the two jade Buddha statues were saved. The present temple was rebuilt later and completed in 1918 Covering about 77 acres, the classical layout and architectural style of rebuilt temple of Song Dynasty makes it unique and inimitable with neat and strict composition, ingenious structure and splendid appearance. Along the central axis from south to north,main buildings of Devajara Hall, Mahavira Hall and the Jade Buddha are located.On the two sides in the east and west are the Kwan-yin Hall, the Amitabha Hall, the Zen Hall, Recumbent Buddha Hall, Cultural Relic Room and the Dining-Room, a total of over 200 rooms and halls.The Buddhist Institute of Shanghai is also located in the temple. The vegetarian food in the temple is also one of the most famous in China.
As mentioned earlier temple was built to house the two jade Buddha statues, both of which are preciously carved from the whole sparkling and crystal-clear white jade, making the statues a thing of beauty.The sitting Buddha is in Jade Buddha Tower is 1.92 meters high and weighs 1 ton( some web sites say 3 tons) with fine carving and beautiful shape. Decorated gold leaves and agates encrusted on the statue are donated by disciples, portraying the Buddha in his meditation and enlightenment.The reclining Buddha is 0.96 meters long; it is a statue of Parinirvana Sakyamuni by his age of 80. Lying on the right side, the figure has his left hand placing on the left leg, supporting the head by his right hand, making a shape called as "lucky repose". His sedate face just shows the peaceful mood of Sakyamuni when leaving this world.The Jade of reclining Buddha is of purest white quality and translucence The it makes it almost priceless . The facial expressions of peace and serenity and has an overwhelming effect on the onlookers,devotees ,disciples and tourists alike.In the temple there is also another Recumbent Buddha which is four meters long and was brought from Singapore by the tenth abbot of the temple in 1989.In addition to these marvels over 7000 Tripitaka sutras are also kept in the Jade Buddha Tower; furthermore,inestimable culture relics as well as many other ancient paintings and Buddhist scriptures, hundreds of statues are stored/ displayed in different halls of the temple.
All these rare collections of statues , the high sense pf spiritual ambiance make this place extremely popular with the devotees , disciples and the tourists alike and the reason for its popularity and thousands of footfalls every day.No wonder The Jade Buddha Temple is amongst the top ten attractions of Shanghai.
Gate Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai, China.
Jade Buddha Temple's main courtyard and Grand Hall .Shanghai, China.
Jade Buddha Temple's main courtyard with giant Incense burner . Grand Hall, Shanghai, China.
Jade Buddha Temple's main courtyard with giant Incense burner . Grand Hall, Shanghai, China.
Three Golden Buddhas. The central sculpture is of the Buddha, the left Amitabha and the right Bhaisajyaguru.Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai, China.
Gods of the Twenty Heavens. The Gods of the Twenty Heavens, covered in gold, line the eastern and western sides of the Grand Hall.Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai, China.
Gods of the Twenty Heavens. The Gods of the Twenty Heavens, covered in gold, line the eastern and western sides of the Grand Hall. Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai, China.
Gods of the Twenty Heavens. The Gods of the Twenty Heavens, covered in gold, line the eastern and western sides of the Grand Hall. Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai, China.
Gods of the Twenty Heavens. The Gods of the Twenty Heavens, covered in gold, line the eastern and western sides of the Grand Hall. Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai, China.
Guanyin, Sudhana and his 53 teachers. A large golden statue of Guanyin stands on at northern entrance to the Great Hall, with Sudhana at Guanyin's side and sculptures representing the 53 teachers of his life above.Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai, China.
Statues of 53 teachers of . Guanyin, Sudhana This represents the 53 teachers of his life Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai, China.
Statues of 53 teachers of . Guanyin, Sudhana This represents the 53 teachers of his life Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai, China.
Statues of 53 teachers of . Guanyin, Sudhana This represents the 53 teachers of his life Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai, China.
Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai, China.
Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai, China.
18 Arhats. 18 unique golden arhats( An enlightened person.) stand in two groups of nine. Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai, China.
18 Arhats. 18 unique golden arhats( An enlightened person.) stand in two groups of nine. Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai, China.
18 Arhats. 18 unique golden arhats( An enlightened person.) stand in two groups of nine. Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai, China.
18 Arhats. 18 unique golden arhats( An enlightened person.) stand in two groups of nine. Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai, China.
Intricately carved stone piller .Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai, China.
Intricately carved stone piller .Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai, China.
Intricately carved jade piller displayed in glass case .Poor picture quality due to reflections in the glass..Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai, China.
Hundreds of lanterns decorating,Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai,
Hundreds of lanterns decorating,Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai,
Hundreds of lanterns decorating,Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai,
Reclining Jade Buddha carved in whole white jade.Jade BuddhaTemple,Shanghai,
Saved the best for the last.
Reclining Jade Buddha.The sparkling and crystal-clear white jade gives the Buddha the beauty serene expression .
At Jade Buddha Temple I would have taken minimum of one day to see it properly,we,being in a group spent about 50 minutes and left to go for lunch. Well ! As some one would say some thing is better than notthing,so at least had the satisfaction of having paid a flying visit to this woderful place :-).
Had lunch at Kebabs on the Grill which is located at a place called Cool Docks . It was a place developed to house various foody places , restaurants , Bars and clubs with a specious courtyard with water tank having fountains , cherry trees etc around 2008. Today it has become the "in place" for the young crowd to gather to wine , dine and have a good time.
From there left for Longyang Road Maglev(Derived from Magnetic Lavitation) Train Station,for a ride on Maglav Train .
From there left for Longyang Road Maglev(Derived from Magnetic Lavitation) Train Station,for a ride on Maglav Train .
The station also houses Shanghai Maglev Museum so we started by visiting it first.
Museum exhibits interactive exhibits including Transrapid Assemble Game, and Cycling. The museum has lots of models of the Shanghai Maglev.It is composed of five sections :
1. Birth of the Maglev : The section named "Birth of the Maglev" describes how the maglev technologies were started. It includes models of the first maglevs.
2. Maglev Shanghai Line : The section named "Maglev Shanghai Line" describes the history of the Shanghai Maglev. Many models are located in this section.The Shanghai Maglev Train,is the first commercial maglev line in the world, which was developed by China and Germany, completed in 2002 after over one year’s construction and began its commercial operation from Jan. 4th, 2003. The train was designed with a speed of 430km per hour, and the average speed is 380km per hour,Maglev train is also known as the Transrapid, The line connects Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Longyang Road Station on the outskirts of central Pudong, Shanghai. It covers a distance of 30.5 kilometres (19.0 mi) in 8 minutes. The Shanghai system was labeled a white elephant by rivals.
3. Maglev Technology : The section named "Maglev Technology" describes the modern technology of the maglev.I feel rather than leave it at that , this is the proper place to briefly explan in a nut shell what is it.
Maglev (derived from magnetic levitation) is a transport method that uses magnetic levitation to move vehicles without touching the ground. With maglev, a vehicle travels along a guideway using magnets to create both lift and propulsion, thereby reducing friction by a great extent and allowing very high speeds.
4. Maglev Superiorities : The section named "Maglev Superiorities" describes the advantages of the maglev.
5. Prospects For The Maglev : The section named " Prospects For The Maglev" describes the future of the maglev. The interactives Transrapid Assemble Game and Cycling are located on this exhibit.
After familiarising ourselves with the Maglev by going through the museum ,we went to the plateform to await arrival of the train.Within 10 to 20 minuts we saw the the train approaching from Pudong side.Train runs between Pudong and Longyang Road. The same train which had come would return and keep repeating the pattern during its hours of operation.After about 20 mts of halt it started return journey.The coaches were airconditioned , seats very specious and comfortable.Both ends of the coach had digital read out showing real time speed of the train. Acceleration was quite high and within seconds we reached 380 KMPH, there after acceleration was gradual then steadied at aroun 420 KMPH,for few minutes and then touched 431 KMPH for cpouple of minutes this was the fastest we had travelled by any sort of surface transport.God alone knows when we will ever travel at such speeds again. Speed there after dropped to 420 KMPH and remained steady till we decelerated to stopped at Pudong International Airport our dastination.After wait of 15 to 20 minutes started return journey to Longyang Road Station.What was most memorable and noticeable during the ride was absence of noise.Excepy very very faint swishing sound of wind caused by train passing through a tmosphere at such high speed.Another astounding fact was the smoothness of the ride,total absence of jolts, jerks and sideways movements felt on conventional railways.The ride was a real unique and unforgetable experience.
On the way to Longyang Road Station for maglev train ride.
Longyang Road Maglev Train Station - Shanghai. .
Shanghai Mag Lev Museum at Longyang Road Maglev Train Station - Shanghai. .
Photo and model Exhibition explaining theory of Maglev Train, at Shanghai MagLev Museum , Longyang Road Station - Shanghai.
Photo and model Exhibition explaining theory of Maglev Train, at Shanghai MagLev Museum , Longyang Road Station - Shanghai.
Photo and model Exhibition explaining theory of Maglev Train, at Shanghai MagLev Museum , Longyang Road Station - Shanghai.
Photo and model Exhibition explaining theory of Maglev Train, at Shanghai MagLev Museum , Longyang Road Station - Shanghai.
Waiting for the train.Priti,Madhuri and Dilip at Longyang Road Station - Shanghai.
Mag Lev Train arriving at Longyang Road Station .
Interior . The Mag Lev Train.
Interior . The Mag Lev Train.
Country side viewd from Mag Lav Train on the way to Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
Country side viewd from Mag Lav Train on the way to Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
On the both sides of Each coach digitial display indicates date and the train speed at that time.398 KMPH.
On the both sides of Each coach digitial display indicates time and the train speed at that time.425 KMPH
431 KMPH.This is the maximum speed on ground , at which we have travelled till date .
Journey completed at Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
Journey completed at Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
Out side view during return journey.
Information board at Longyang Rd Station.station. End of train ride.
After the Mag Lev Train ride next stop was Shanghai Science and technology Museum.Our guide had taken us at the entrance which was facing the Centuary Square .
As we entered we saw a large, a bit complicated but beautiful bronz sculpture of concentric circles/Rings supported by four dragons.Unfortunatly there was no information plaques or board at the site to tell us what was the name of the sculpture. I googled for the images and the data and came across concentric circle spheres very much like our bronz spheres . They were called Armillary Spheres. So I decided to call our sphere as "Armillary Sphere"
Fortunately OR unfortunately entrance to Under ground Mall / Market , also known as Local Fake Market was right next to Armillary Sphere. Majority dicided to go on a shopping spree rather than the Science Museum.Priti and I went around very big and extensive Mall selling every thing under the sun without buying any thing . After that went for dinner and went back to the Hotel.
To tell the truth we were sourly disappointed as we had missed out on Shanghai Science and technology Museum, considered in top ten Shanghai attractions and one of the best in China.
But than that is the story of Group Tours .
As per itenerary on the morrow, the 20 May 2015,day 14 of trip, we were starting our return trip home.
There were no sight seeing trips planned. Programme was to Leave hotel around 1100 hrs , Go to restaurant for lunch . Then leave for Pudong International Airportto catch our flight home.
AND that would be the end of our memorable 15 days tour of Japan - China.
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