Shanghai, the sister city of Mumbai, offers a mesmerizing experience for travellers. Like Rome’s Colosseum, Paris’s Eiffel Tower, or India’s Taj Mahal, Shanghai has its own iconic landmark: the Bund. Located along the Huangpu River, this is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike, especially in the evening when the spectacular lights create a magical atmosphere around the historic and modern buildings with their diverse architectural styles. It is worth mentioning here that the name “BUND” were given by Britishers which was derived from “INDIA”, it means an embankment used especially in India to control the flow of water.
As the sun sets, the colourful lights illuminate the city and highlight Shanghai’s economic and financial prowess. However, the city’s government and citizens are also aware of the importance of preserving the environment and combating climate change, so the lights are switched off around 10:00 p.m. to conserve energy.
Whether you stand on either side of the river, there’s plenty to see. As I write this, I’m standing by the river watching boats loaded with goods pass by, with a view of Shanghai’s second tallest building, a pink tower that glows in different shades. It has a western design, reminding me of being in Europe, while old buildings can also be seen from my vantage point.
While taking in the mesmerizing view of the city, I attracted the attention of some children who were learning English at school. They greeted me with “Hello” while I responded with “Njihao” in Mandarin, making them burst into laughter. I also noticed some adults taking pictures of me due to my Indian features. Eventually, a young woman approached me and asked to take a photo with me, turning me into a cultural ambassador as a line of people soon formed to take pictures with me.
Overall, Shanghai offers a delightful mix of old and new architecture, a vibrant economy, and friendly people eager to connect and share their stories with visitors.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
