The Bund Historical Museum — Attraction in Shanghai

I went through this museum in 2002 and marveled at the historical dioramas that were on display there. Unfortunately there were signs that no photographs could be taken inside the museum proper so I don't have good documentation. It was clear that the dioramas had been around for decades and I gather the the museum was an "Indoctrination museum" aimed at Chinese students and citizens, but with signs that had recently been translated into English (among other international languages). What I found amazing was the dichotomy between the nationalist communist propagandistic words used in the signage and the local pride evident in Shanghai and its history as a cosmopolitan and international center of commerce and culture. I gather that Shanghai has long been viewed with suspicion by much of the rest of China, given that it was opened by the Western Powers and Japan. It's morals and ethics were suspect -- perhaps like some of us view Las Vegas. The signs would read like, "Here in Shanghai in 1883, the first modern waterworks in all of Asia was built by the capitalist running dog imperialist forces from England." and "Here we see a model of the first electrical lighting system complete with streetlights built by the European Imperialist Capitalist Running Dogs in 1884." There were revealing photos of a bank building with a sign in English carved into the stone edifice reading,"The Japanese Bank of Tai-Wan" with a detailed history of the imperialist Japanese and the modern banking system they introduced and how the bank personal were overworked and lead to the first strike by workers in China. It was all very thought provoking. I suspect that they displays have been revised substantially since the Olympics, but I would love to see photos of those dioramas and signs posted on the internet. History should be preserved even when it doesn't serve...

At the far end of the Bund, you’ll find the Monument to the People’s Heroes, a striking landmark commemorating the sacrifices of those who fought in China’s revolutionary struggles. The monument is a tall, modernist structure made of three granite pillars that rise into the sky.

While impressive during the day, the monument takes on a more unusual look at night, as it is illuminated with a distinct red light. This bold choice in lighting gives the structure an almost surreal quality, casting a warm, intense glow that’s both eye-catching and slightly eerie. The red lighting is symbolic, echoing the themes of revolution and sacrifice, though it does stand out against the more traditional white and gold tones of...

Among the numerous cities I have visited, Shanghai boasts the most captivating and breathtaking skyline, with The Bund offering an unparalleled vantage point. This area also provides ample opportunities for relaxation, with numerous benches and a wide array of coffee shops and restaurants conveniently...