China is bursting with history at every turn, but to truly appreciate how it all fits together, it helps to have a basic knowledge of its art and culture throughout the ages. There are few better places to learn about Chinese history than the Shanghai Museum, located on the People's Square. With a collection of more than 120,000 pieces ranging from jade, bronze, and ceramic to calligraphy and coins, it tells the fascinating story of the Middle Kingdom, from the earliest household items of 5,000 years ago to the sophisticated oil paintings and sculptures of the early twentieth century. The Gallery of Ancient Sculpture, for example, contains the pottery and terracotta of the Shang and Zhou dynasties, Qin stone sculptures, and earthenware figurines from the Han dynasty. An especially impressive collection of sculptures of the Tang dynasty (618-907) represents the brilliant realism of the era, with human forms and Buddhist sculpture designed to bridge worldly and spiritual thought. It's an interesting perspective to have with you as you explore a city that's at once ancient and modern. Starwood has eight Shanghai properties, including the elegant Le Royal Méridien Shanghai.
