Shanghai
Shanghai’s dynamism and progress is amazing when you consider that, up until
1842, the city was little more than a fishing village. Today, flights to
Shanghai arrive at a diverse and multicultural destination, home to some of the
most exciting restaurants, nightlife venues and hotels that China has to offer.
Shanghai is also the tallest city in mainland China (the 632m Shanghai Tower is
the second tallest in the world), as well as its most populated. And, with the
Shanghai Stock Exchange being one of the most influential in the world, this is
China’s financial centre too.
If you’re looking for tranquillity in this city of 24 million, it pays to be an
early riser. With a lot of popular sites, it’s best to get there early in the
morning, when the crowds are lighter and the light makes for great photos. Set
your alarm to check out the Yuyuan Gardens and the Jade Buddha Temple.
Shanghai’s architecture is an interesting mix of old and new – among all the
space-age skyscrapers there are many examples of colonial architecture from the
city’s boom time in the early 1900s. Travel to Shanghai’s fringes, to ancient
water towns such as Zhujiajiao for example, and you’ll see historical
architecture that dates back even further.
Shanghai’s neighbourhoods are as diverse as the architecture, and each one has
something different to offer. For the liveliest nightlife, visitors and locals
flock to neon-lit Lujiazui. But if what you're really interested in doing is
spending your holiday budget, then shopaholic’s heaven Tianzifang is the place
to go.
It’s hard to know where to start in a city that has so much, but that’s half the
fun – whether you’re strolling down The Bund along the waterfront, bargaining
for souvenirs in Dongtai Lu Antique Market or cycling through the French
Concession, there’s always something to do in Shanghai.
Things to do in Shanghai
■ Stroll along The Bund
■ Visit Shanghai Museum
■ Climb the SWFC Observatory
■ Travel on the Maglev
■ See motorbike stunts at Shanghai Circus World
■ Dance in Fuxing Park
Eat in Shanghai
■ CHAR (Steakhouse)
■ Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet (Contemporary)
■ Mercato by Jean-Georges (Italian)
■ Jian Guo 328 (Shanghainese)
■ Tsukiji Aosora Sandaime (Japanese)
■ The Commune Social (Spanish)
Stay in Shanghai
■ Yangtze Boutique Hotel Shanghai
■ The Waterhouse at South Bund
■ Shanghai Park Hyatt
■ The Peninsula Shanghai
■ Astor House Hotel
■ The PuLi
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