Cruises from Xingang

Xingang is a densely populated area in the region of Shanghai. Xingang serves as a port for cargo ships and is largely an industrial area. The port in Xingang is a docking destination for many cruise ships. Once ashore in Xingang, travellers can take tours into nearby Shanghai. Other travellers often choose Xingang as a starting point for day trips into the city of Shanghai.

The Shanghai metropolitan (which includes Xingang) is one of the most populous industrial areas in the world with approximately 20 million people. Weather in Shanghai is marked by harsh, cold winters beginning in January and lasting until March. Moisture in the air often makes it feel colder than the actual temperature. Summer runs from April to September or October and is marked by heat and humidity. Rain can occur at any time, but July is traditionally the wettest month. The nicest time to visit is undoubtedly autumn. Beginning in September or October and lasting into November, this is the driest period and is also the most temperate.

Shanghai’s most famous attraction is the Bund. Formerly a significant business district it is lined with exquisite buildings that exemplify various styles of architectural design including Art-Deco, Gothic, Renaissance, Romanesque, and Neoclassical. The contrast of styles and various foreign influences is impressive.

Yu Yuan Garden is located in the centre of Shanghai’s old city, near the Bund. Originally constructed during the Ming Dynasty in the 16th century, the garden was later destroyed in 1842 during the first opium war. It has since been rebuilt in classic Ming Dynasty style. Covering approximately five hectares, there are over 40 different attractions within the inner and outer gardens including various rock and tree gardens, fish ponds, and dragon-lined walls and doorways. Other exhibits include clay sculpture and paintings from famous artists, brick carvings, and calligraphy. Of special interest in the garden is the “Exquisite Jade Rock,” a five ton boulder beautifully shaped with many holes caused by water erosion over time. Aside from its natural beauty the rock performs some interesting tricks, if a joss stick is burned at the base of the rock, smoke will rise and emit evenly from each of its holes. Likewise, if water is poured over the top of the rock it will act as a fountain spouting water evenly from each of its holes. These feats are said to be extraordinary to behold.

Another popular and large attraction is the Shanghai Museum. Featuring over 120,000 works of art, visitors should allot at least one half day to fully enjoy all the museum has to offer. There are galleries devoted to calligraphy, jade, bronze, ceramics and sculptures. Additionally, there are areas with paintings, ancient coins, furniture dating to the Ming and Qing dynasties and other historical artefacts. The item descriptions are available in both Chinese and English (which is a nice plus) and the audio tours are both worthwhile and recommended.

While there are no special dining or shopping opportunities in Xingang, these too can be found in the city of Shanghai. For instance, one very popular Shanghai restaurant is “M on the Bund.” They have a large terrace that offers a breathtaking view of the Bund, and their food is prepared with strong European and Middle Eastern influences. For dessert the Pavlova is a recommended speciality.

The shopping malls on Huaihai Road and Nanjing Road are famous for their designer fashions or if boutiques are more your style, check out the shops on Changle Road.

While Xingang itself does not have much to offer in terms of tourism, its proximity to Shanghai makes it a perfect place to set up camp and then venture into the city.