Shanghai is one of the world's biggest and most vibrant metropolises. It's associated with everything modern and posh. But for many, the city's main charm is what the skyscrapers and neon lights hide -- the city's former architecture. And now, twenty-three sites will be open for free, and only this Saturday.

The decision to open the sites free for one day was made by the Shanghai government. And three of the twenty-three sites scheduled for free entry are on China's National Heritage list. Most of the buildings, which include banks, hotels and churches, were built between 1911 and 1945, a time when the Eastern port city was receiving heavy Western influence. A mixture of styles is evident, as Greek, baroque and renaissance features all found their way into the tiles and pillars. Some of the buildings have never been open to the public.

If the move proves a success, more sites will be added next year, and for a longer time.

(CCTV.com May 19, 2004)