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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.
Continue to People's Avenue and the Shanghai Grand Theatre 3 [map] (Shanghai
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-
terfere with your mobile phone reception) to the Shanghai Urban Planning Centre 4 [map]
(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.
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