Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
to a hollow pinnacle that glows different colours by night. The cosy JW Marriott hotel library
on the 60th floor is recognised as the world's highest by the Guinness World Records.
A little further along Huangpi Road, you can stop at
Wagas
, see
2
, in Central Plaza for a
sandwich or coffee, or head next door to chic cocktail lounge
Constellation
, see
3
, if you're
feeling in the mood for something a little stronger.
Dajuyuan; 300 People's Avenue; tickets: 6372 3833;
www.shgtheatre.com
;
tours Mon
9-11am; charge). Designed by French architect Jean-Marie Charpentier, the futuristic glass
confection has flamboyantly upturned eaves, mimicking a traditional Chinese roof. Dubbed
the 'Crystal Palace' by locals, the 1,800-seat theatre hosts a packed season of ballet, clas-
sical music and opera, some imported and some local. The Monday tours are a great way to
get an insider's look at the theatre. Or if you can, catch a performance here to appreciate the
venue's excellent acoustics.
SHANGHAI URBAN PLANNING CENTRE
Continue east along People's Avenue, past Shanghai City Hall (which will almost certainly in-
(Shanghai Chengshi Guihua Guan; 100 People's Avenue;
www.supec.org
; Tue-Sun
9am-5pm [last entrance at 4pm]; charge, extra with audio guide) to make some sense of
urban Shanghai. The museum's highlights are on the third floor: the remarkable 500 sq m
(5,380 sq ft) scale model of Shanghai depicts every building over six storeys high, including
ones as yet unbuilt. Also on this floor is the not-to-be-missed
Journey of Wonder in Shang-
hai
, a 360-degree movie that takes the audience on a bird's-eye flight across the city. For an-
other excellent view, the top-floor café - which is almost always empty - has wonderful views
across People's Square.