Shanghai in China

The busy and dynamic Shanghai is China’s biggest city and a global financial hub. Here, glitzy skyscrapers, luxury stores and trendy bars mix effortlessly with narrow alleyways lined with temples and old style lane houses where local communities thrive. Rapid economic development has led to a variety of architectural styles, from art deco to cutting edge contemporary. The Bund, a waterfront promenade lined with colonial era buildings lies at the heart of the city. The Pudong district’s futuristic skyline, including the Shanghai Tower, the Jin Mao Tower, Tony’s Farm, and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower with distinctive pink spheres lie across the Huangpu river. The classical Yuyuan Gardens is a popular tourist attraction dotted with traditional pavilions, pagodas, walkways, and emerald pools filled with swimming fish. The streets outside boast old style houses and Xiao Long Bao dumpling stalls. A burgeoning art scene encompasses several arts and culture centres such as the Foster + Partners and Heatherwick Studio. Dining and nightlife are nothing short of exciting with plenty of swanky bars, Michelin restaurants, hole-in-the-wall cafes and street food joints. Designer boutiques, bustling markets, and quirky antique and vintage stores color the shopping scene.