Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, Shanghai (must see)

To gain an understanding of urban Shanghai's development and its history, consider visiting the Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. This distinctive building, designed in the shape of a white magnolia, the official flower of Shanghai, boasts an innovative design and comprehensive exhibits. It provides valuable insights into the ambitious plans of the city's urban planners. It's advisable to visit this attraction early in your trip to Shanghai, as it offers a wealth of information on the city's past and future, covering various aspects like geology, transportation, and offering useful facts and recommendations.

Shanghai is situated in the Yangtze River delta, currently one of the world's fastest-growing urban areas. This growth is vividly depicted on the 3rd floor, where you can find Shanghai's largest scale model, showcasing the city's potential future spread over 100 square meters. This model includes skyscrapers, apartment blocks, and urban transportation systems, all meticulously detailed at a 1:2,000 scale.

Adjacent to this area, there's a video room where you can embark on a virtual 3D tour of this plan, referred to as the "Journey of Wonder in Shanghai." Another highlight is the panoramic view of People's Square from the top-floor cafe and gift shop, providing a bird's eye perspective.

Other floors house maps of upcoming construction projects and a collection of vintage images depicting colonial-era Shanghai, which is particularly fascinating if you are already somewhat familiar with the city's modern appearance. If you are new to the city, don't worry – after exploring Shanghai at the Exhibition Hall, you'll be well-prepared to delve deeper by exploring the actual streets. Be sure to carry a notebook and jot down notes about the places you'd like to visit.