Century Square Shanghai is located in the very heart of Nanjing Road, one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in China.
This place of interest serves both as a leisure and a cultural spot for connecting the citizens and the tourists by offering them a wide circle of modern entertainment, striking art displays, and metropolis electric feel.
Whether one visits the place during the daytime or at night, Century Square is one spot that carves a niche for Shanghai's modernistic culture while embracing traditional facets of Chinese heritage.
Century Square is not just a public square but also a place for many live performances, events, and festivals that are often organized in celebration of some cultural and artistic feats. From performances of dances to music shows, the place gets converted into a huge outdoor theatre where one can witness traditional Chinese and foreign performances. At night, the LED screens and laser projections light up the place, thereby making it an interesting sight for people who get fascinated by nighttime in Shanghai. Performances are chiefly popular during the time of Chinese holidays; therefore, it is an excellent place to be if you want to experience the local traditions.
Probably the most distinctive feature of Century Square is its open-air gallery of public art installations. Scattered around the square, sculptures and modern art pieces speak to the harmony between Shanghai's modern aspirations and its rich cultural past. Some installations draw their symbolic meanings from Chinese folklore and philosophy, while others represent Shanghai's global vision. This has given a chance to the enthusiasts of art to appreciate Chinese art within reach in an accessible urban environment.
Running alongside Century Square is famous Nanjing Road. It is over five kilometres long and lined with all types of shopping. It showcases high-end designer stores, boutiques, and local specialty shops that stock everything from high fashion to unique souvenirs. Moreover, the street vendors of local snacks and knick-knacks add to the retail experience of Shanghai-style shopping whereby visitors can engage with both local and international retail culture. As night begins, neon lights lighten up, making it cool to go on a spree of shopping together with crowded streets.
Indeed, there is much more that gourmets can get excited about around Century Square as its surroundings are dotted with restaurants and food stalls. From high-class restaurants to tiny eateries, even street-side food stalls-one can find something for every taste bud. In case one wanted to try some traditional Shanghainese dishes, such as soup dumplings, scallion pancakes, and various seafood delicacies, this would be a fine place. In fact, many tourists spend their day meandering around the square and its sights, shopping, and having local flavors to capture it all for a general sensory experience.
Sited on Nanjing Road, Century Square is surrounded by many historical landmarks which offer tourists the possibility of touching base with Shanghai's past. The famous Peace Hotel, within walking distance, rises high and has been a popular landmark since the 1920s. General European architectural styles have mixed with a splash of local design elements, giving one a sense of the diverse cosmopolitan history that Shanghai was a part of. Visitors can also take in the Bund, with its colonial-era buildings lining the edge of the water; a jarring contrast to the modern structures surrounding Century Square. And such is Shanghai : an intriguing city because of this mix of old and new.
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Century Square takes on a complete different personality as the sun sets. As neon signs and digital billboards fill the area, it becomes one teeming night scene. Interactively used screen and light shows on the square further make it a favorite among photographers and night owls alike. Everything from a quiet rooftop lounge to a dancing floor is available through beverage places, clubs, and late-night eateries, catering to all kinds of travelers who want to see Shanghai after dark.
Lykkers, have you ever been to Shanghai or explored dazzling Century Square? If yes, what do you think was the most memorable part: vivid performances, endless shopping, or mouth-watering street food? Share with us your thoughts or tell a story of your visit. If not, would this place make it to your traveling list?