Lujiazui
Lying on the east bank of Huangpu River and facing the Bund, Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone occupies 28 square kilometers (10.8 square miles) and is studded with around 100 high-rise buildings. Many are landmark buildings of Shanghai, making the area a great place to experience the modern flavor of this metropolis.
Often called the 'Wall Street of China', Lujiazui is the largest financial zone in mainland China, with more than 400 banks and financial institutions from both home and abroad, including HSBC, Citibank, and Standard Chartered Bank. In addition, it is home to the headquarters of over 70 international giants and about 5,000 companies engaged in trade, investment, and intermediary services. The sum of transactions in the Shanghai stock market ranks it the 2nd in the world only behind the New York Stock Exchange.
Since the reform and opening-up policy carried out in 1978, Shanghai has enjoyed a great economic boom, and Lujiazui is gradually becoming more widely known. However, few know the origin of the name (Lu Jia Zui in Chinese), which literally means Lu family dwelling on a mouth-shaped alluvial beach. In fact, the name is associated with Lu Shen, a noted scholar of Imperial Academy in the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). After Lu retired, he lived on this land until his death. Today, you can still find Lu Shen's calligraphy in Shanghai Museum. His former residence and family cemetery are located in this area.
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Oriental Pearl Tower, measuring 468 meters (1,536 feet) in height, has three viewing floors. An exhibition hall, demonstrating the history of the city, is at the base of the tower. The lower sphere has a viewing hall at a height of 90 meters (295 feet), providing a wonderful position to see the Bund and the graceful scenery along the Huangpu River. Visitors can also have a panoramic view of the whole city on the transparent observatory at 259 meters (850 feet) or the Capsule Sightseeing Floor at 351 meters (1,152 feet).
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As the tallest flat-roof building in the world, it is 492 meters (1,614 feet) high with 101 stories. Sightseeing area occupies storeys from the 94th to the 100th floor. The viewing hall on the 100th floor is at a height of 474 meters (1,555 feet). The sightseeing bridge on the 97th floor seems to be constructed in the air. It would give you an illusion that you are wandering in the sky.
At present, it is the tallest building in China, measuring 632 meters (2,073 feet) in height. The exterior of the building spirals upward to the top with one degree twist per storey to reduce the wind effect.
Central Parkland
Central Parkland |
How to get to Lujiazui?
Take metro line 2, and get off at Lujiazui Station.
By bus
1. Take bus 82, 314, 583, 795, 870, 961, or 985, and get off at Lujiazui Station.
2. Take bus Lujiazui Financial City Line 4, 85, 774, 779, 798, 799, 971, or 992, and get off at Lujiazui Subway Station.
3. Take bus Lujiazui Financial City Line 1, 81, 313, 583, 791, 795, 799, 870, 939, 961, 985, 993, Cailu Special Line, or Lujiazui Financial City Loop Line, and get off at Lujiazui Loop Line Mingshang Road Station.
4. Take City Sightseeing Bus Line 2, and get off at Dongfang Mingzhu (Oriental Pearl) Station.
Shanghai Bus / Metro Search
Watch Lujiazui Video.
Further Reading:
Where to Stay in Shanghai
15 Free Things to Do in Shanghai