Shanghai – Modern Adventures in a Historic City

Shanghai, a city where ancient traditions meet the futuristic skyline, is the perfect destination to introduce children to a blend of history and modern adventure. From the scenic Bund waterfront to the peaceful Yu Garden and the educational Shanghai Museum, there’s so much for families to explore together. This blog post highlights books, discussion questions, and a fun activity to help families dive into the magic of Shanghai.

Book Recommendations

1. “I Am Shanghai” by Ruyu Liu
   Ages: 6-10
   This beautifully illustrated book introduces children to the vibrant life of Shanghai. It follows the city through the eyes of a young boy who explores iconic locations like the Bund and the Oriental Pearl Tower, giving young readers an understanding of Shanghai’s mix of modern and historic elements.
2. “Yu and Me: Adventures in Yu Garden” by Ming Liu
   Ages: 5-8
   This story introduces children to Shanghai’s Yu Garden, where a magical day of discovery unfolds. With vibrant illustrations and a playful storyline, this book brings Yu Garden’s serene beauty and cultural significance to life, inspiring a sense of wonder about Chinese heritage.
3. “The Spirit of Shanghai” by May Chen
   Ages: 8+
   A middle-grade novel that follows the journey of two children visiting Shanghai and exploring the city’s mix of old and new. They visit famous landmarks, learn about ancient legends, and interact with locals, blending adventure with cultural education.

Discussion Questions

1. How do you think Shanghai is different from other cities in China?
   • This question helps children think about Shanghai’s unique mix of ancient landmarks and futuristic architecture, encouraging them to reflect on what makes it stand out.
2. Why might it be important to preserve historic sites like Yu Garden in a modern city like Shanghai?
   • This can open up a conversation about the importance of preserving history, culture, and natural beauty amidst rapid development.
3. If you could visit any place in Shanghai, what would it be and why?
   • Encourage your child to think about the destinations in Shanghai, fostering excitement and curiosity about the city.

Interactive Activity: Build a Miniature “Bund Skyline” with Recyclable Materials

In this hands-on activity, families can recreate Shanghai’s skyline, focusing on the iconic buildings of the Bund. This activity not only reinforces what children have learned about Shanghai but also stimulates their creativity.

Instructions

1. Materials Needed: Cardboard tubes, small boxes, colored paper, markers, tape, glue, and scissors.
2. Identify Key Buildings: Look up images of the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Jin Mao Tower, and other famous buildings on the Bund. Show your child these pictures to help them visualize Shanghai’s skyline.
3. Create the Skyline: Using the recyclable materials, recreate the buildings. For example, cardboard tubes can represent tall skyscrapers, and small boxes can be used for shorter buildings. Color and decorate each building to match the photos.
4. Place in Order: Set up the buildings side by side to create a miniature version of the Bund skyline.
5. Explore Together: While crafting, discuss the significance of each landmark and imagine walking along the Bund in real life.

This activity provides a creative and educational way for children to learn about Shanghai’s unique cityscape and its fusion of past and present.