Culture
Present day Chinese culture is an amalgamation of old world traditions and a westernized lifestyle. The two co-exist like the traditional Yin Yang formula of balance. This can be seen in the juxtaposition of towering skyscrapers with heritage buildings, the contrast of western fashion with the traditional Chinese Qipao dress, the people’s paradoxical affinity for both dim sums and McDonald’s.
Ancient Chinese Culture is older than 5000 years. Chinese cultural history has enormous diversity and variety. The sophisticated Chinese civilization was rich in the Arts and Sciences, elaborate Painting and Printing techniques and delicate pottery and sculpture. Chinese architectural traditions were much respected all over the world. Chinese language and literature, philosophy and politics are still reckoned as a strong influence. Chinese culture managed to retain its unique identity till the advent of Western culture in the mid-19th century.
Chinese Religion, Philosophy and Politics: Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism have left a collective and lasting impression on Chinese culture and tradition. Confucianism propagated “Ren” (Love) and “Li” (rituals), signifying respect for society and social hierarchy. Taoism advocated the controversial philosophy of inaction. Buddhism emphasized on the need to attain self- emancipation through good deeds.
Shopping and Entertainment
Entertainment
There is no shortage of things to do. According to one count Shanghai boasts some 3,700 entertainment spots, including clubs, dance halls, video game rooms, bowling alleys and lots of karaoke bars. One guidebook has 23 pages of restaurants and 23 pages of nightclubs. Some people say it is wise to stick to bars, restaurants and nightclubs at major hotels.
The most popular nightspot in Shanghai for many years was J.J.’s, a high tech disco built in partnership with the People’s Liberation Army with foreign money. It features Chinese and non-Chinese yuppie guys with cell phones, gyrating young women, fog-machines, crowded dance floors, Filipino DJs, strobe lights and a human-sized model of a mosquito.
The Tropicana (261 Sichuan Middle Road) is a replica of 1930s dance hall. It is located near the Bund on the top of an office building raised by the Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank in 1912. Large enough to accommodate about 300 dancers, it features antique glass windows, an upstairs roof garden and colonial-era furniture, The club is owned b a Polish entrepreneur who loves salsa music.
Romantic Getaways
China’s first wetlands reserve, Banyan Tree Hangzhou is a Jiangnan-style “water village” resort with spacious accommodations and a unique setting that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The houses in the village have tiled roofs and ivory walls surrounded by the wetlands. Surrounded by channels and lakes, the villas at the hotel remind you of a quaint Jiangnan-style Chinese town from a long time ago. The 72 suites and villas combine oriental and contemporary design and feature all of the best modern amenities.
Visit the resort’s world-class spa and try one of the signature pearl and tea infused treatments used by Asian women for over 3,000 years for their rejuvenating effect. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner with a view of the ocean or lush garden views, the resort offers several unique dining settings and distinct dining flavors. For those who don’t want to leave the main resort pool, Flow swim-up bar serves refreshing cocktails and quick snacks.
