The Rise of the East in Shanghai
The west bank of the Huangpu River hosts Shanghai’s historical legacy, but the city’s future is focused across the water
The west bank of the Huangpu River hosts Shanghai’s historical legacy, but the city’s future is focused across the water
Acentury ago, the city of Shanghai was almost all located on the western side of the Huangpu River, an area known as Puxi. The impressive edifices of numerous Chinese and foreign financial institutions stood along the famous riverfront Bund, looking east across the water to an open expanse of muddy flatlands known as Pudong, where the only habitation was a ramshackle fishing village.
How times have changed. As Shanghai’s fortunes took a turn for the better during the final decades of the 20th century, building in Pudong began and soon exploded into a frenzy of expansion, quickly becoming packed with high-rise buildings, some with globally renowned architectural profiles.
Today, Lujiazui, the area of Pudong directly opposite the Bund, has taken over Puxi’s role as Shanghai’s financial hub, transforming into “China’s Wall Street” and standing alongside major global finance centers like Manhattan, London’s Square Mile and Central in Hong Kong. Lujiazui’s skyscraper-strewn cityscape now boasts the highest building density in China, while many believe that it can also claim to have the best view in Shanghai, looking across to the Bund skyline.
Pudong’s development eschewed an Old Shanghai-style ambience, instead taking on the polished, contemporary look of a Western city. Following the establishment of the headquarters of the People’s Bank of China and Shanghai Futures Exchange in Lujiazui, both Chinese and international financial institutions started to shift their business to Pudong.
On this high-flying plot of land many of New Shanghai’s most famous landmarks can be found, from the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the sky-piercing Jin Mao Tower to the iconic Shanghai World Financial Center and the Shanghai International Finance Centre. Lujiazui is also home to an impressive assemblage of five-star hotels, including the Shangri-La, Ritz-Carlton, Grand Hyatt and Park Hyatt.
The carefully planned 11-squaremile Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone is divided into a financial center, a business area, administrative and cultural center, residential area, and so on, but is constantly expanding. However, most people are only familiar with the area bordered by the Huangpu River to the west and north, Pudong South Road to the east, and by Dongchang Road and Pudong Avenue on its southern edge. Indeed, locals refer to this smaller three-square-mile area as “Little Lujiazui.”
Lujiazui has become the focus for all sorts of important business events and conventions. However, it inevitably lacks the elements of history, architecture and cultural tradition that make for a good sightseeing tour. As a consequence, most business travelers head across the river to the Bund and Puxi for a cultural fix. But for those looking for some retail therapy, a top eatery or cool bar, no travel is necessary, as Lujiazui is blessed with excellent culinary and shopping options.
On the Menu
Flair, located on the 58th floor of The Ritz-Carlton Pudong, offers the best views of the Huangpu River and Puxi from its outdoor seating area. This bar is popular and at night is always crowded.
Another favorite is the Living Room at Park Hyatt, which provides outstanding high-end cuisine in an elegant lounge setting. The much-loved 100 Century Avenue Restaurant at the top of Park Hyatt is the highest restaurant in Shanghai, a luxurious space serving a wide range of cuisine. At the Pudong ShangriLa, Nadaman Restaurant serves up unrivaled Japanese cuisine. Created by
Lujiazui now boasts the highest building
density in China
top designers, Nadaman is decorated with traditional Japanese-style paper lanterns in combination with modern elements like reflective glass curtain walls and granite tables. What distinguishes the Grand Kempinski (formerly the Gran Melia) from other hotels is its Albero Spanish restaurant, plus bars like the relaxed and opulent Red Passion Club or Havana Night where you can let your hips go wild to the passionate Cuban Cabaret.
If you want to get away from the hotel scene, Lujiazui’s oldest Super Brand Mall offers mid-priced options for food and