Peter Baur and his wife pose for a photo. [Photo by Meng Yuhan/Shanghai Observer]
Shanghai’s iconic Oriental Pearl Tower marked a historic milestone on Sept 29, welcoming its 100 millionth visitor since opening its doors three decades ago.
The visitor, Peter Baur, a retired physics teacher from Germany, was visiting Shanghai for the first time with his wife to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary. Baur praised Shanghai’s skyline, ranking its night view as unparalleled compared to other global cities he’s visited.
Since its inauguration on Oct 1, 1994, the 468-meter tower, strategically positioned across the Huangpu River from the Bund’s architectural marvels, has become a symbol of Shanghai and a popular tourist destination. A representative of the Oriental Pearl Tower said that the arrival of the 100 millionth visitor marks a new beginning for the landmark as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. Moving forward, the tower will continue to develop diverse experiences, including cultural tourism and entertainment, to attract both local and international visitors.
The celebration also saw the unveiling of a striking “SHANGHAI” art installation designed by Tore Claesson. Commissioned by Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, the installation features a bold color scheme and geometric design representing different facets of Shanghai. Claesson explained that the “S” in the 3D “SHANGHAI” lettering symbolizes both the initial of the city and the winding flow of the Huangpu River, while the upward-pointing triangles are inspired by the city’s architecture and symbolize its focus on technology and commerce.
New “SHANGHAI” art installation is on display. [Photo by Meng Yuhan/Shanghai Observer]
Zhong Xiaomin, director of the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, presented Claesson with a “Shanghai Gift” in recognition of his contribution to promoting the city’s image. Shanghai is committed to attracting more domestic and international tourists through a series of initiatives, including enriching tourist experiences, optimizing tourism services, and strengthening international marketing efforts, aiming to position Shanghai as a major destination for inbound tourism in China.
Vice Mayor Liu Duo attended the event and awarded a commemorative certificate to the honored visitor.
Source: Shanghai Observer
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