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Further Distractions Renmin Square An unmissable central landmark of Shanghai, Renmin Square was the site of massed Red Guard demonstrations in the 1960s and Shanghai’s own 1989 protests. Now it is the peaceful setting for some of Shanghai’s chief modern civic buildings. The Shanghai Grand Theatre and Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall flank the Shanghai Government on the north side, while the Shanghai Museum (see Key Attractions) stands in the centre. Renmin Square, Huangpu Transport: Metro Renmin Square. Hongkou Park A pleasant park with a boating lake and a quiet atmosphere, Hongkou Park also holds the Tomb of Lu Xun, which gives the park its other name, Lu Xun Park, and the museum of the Lu Xun Memorial Hall. Lu Xun (1881-1936), novelist and essayist, is celebrated as the writer who created modern Chinese literature with a vernacular fictional style that is worlds away from outworn classical influences. This is a place of pilgrimage for the great writer’s devotees – other visitors can simply enjoy the park. Sichuan Bei Lu, on the corner of Dalian Xi Lu and Baoshan Lu Transport: Bus 2. Opening hours: Daily 0600-1800. Admission: Free. Lu Xun Memorial Hall 2288 Sichuan Beilu Tel: (21) 6540 4378. Opening hours: Daily 0900-1700; no entry after 1600. Admission: RMB5 (concessions available). Longtangs Longtangs are the signature domestic architecture of Shanghai, a melange of British-style terraced housing and the Chinese central courtyard, with each house traditionally sublet ad infinitum into warren-like neighbourhood communities. The most cosmetic renovation of the longtang style can be seen in the new Xintiandi entertainment area off Huangpi Nan Lu, paved and prettified for tourists. More authentic examples, inhabited by actual residents rather than bars and franchise coffee chains, can be found throughout the French Concession area. Xintiandi, off Huangpi Nan Lu Transport: Metro Huangpi Lu. French Concession Transport: Metro Shanxi Nan Lu. |
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