Worth getting out of bed for
Highlights the best Shanghai has to offer, from art and culture to fun-packed activities; we've even found the most inspiring place to enjoy the views from.
- Viewpoint
- Located in Pudong, the Jin Mao Tower is China’s tallest building and the third tallest in the world. Head to the Cloud Bar at the top of the Hyatt for cocktails and get views of all of Shanghai, but be sure to take in the breathtaking lobby halfway up. Not for vertigo sufferers.
- Arts and culture
- The Urban Planning Museum gives a fascinating (if somewhat unbelievable) vision of Shanghai in 2010. There’s a giant detailed model of the city and a 360 degree virtual tour.
- Something for nothing
- Go Tai Chi watching on the Bund or in any public park early every morning. And it costs nothing to join in.
- Shopping
- Upmarket shopping centres can be found at The Bund at Plaza 66 on Nanjing Xi Road, or Xintiandi, where Shikumen architecture forms an attractive backdrop. The famous IPR-dodging Xiangyang market has been closed down, so there’s no longer a one-stop shop for all your counterfeit requirements. You’ll come across guys flogging watches and other ‘luxury’ goods on most of the main tourist drags. Never pay more than half the original asking price. Visit Dongtai Road Antique Market for all your Mao memorabilia and other China kitsch requirements.
- Daytripper
- Hangzhou, two hours south of Shanghai, is a beautiful area of lakes, bridges and pagodas centred around the beautiful West Lake.
- Activities
- Get yourself a massage. Dragonfly on Xinle Road (www.dragonfly.net.cn) is one of the most sensuous options. Go for the deluxe Love Nest where you and your partner can be pampered and pummeled together. Green Massage at 58 TaiCang Road in the Luwan district is fantastically affordable (www.greenmassage.com.cn).
- And...
- If you’ve got a mobile with you and a local sim card, text Guanxi (9588 2929) with a destination name and get the address (in English or Chinese) in seconds.
Diary
Late January Chinese New Year, which means bangers and fireworks on every corner. Mid June Shanghai International Film Festival is growing in size and prestige every year. Good to check out the burgeoning Chinese film industry and also to see which international films are making it in China (www.siff.com). 1 October Formula 1 roars into town surrounded by a bevy of spectacular parties (www.formula1.com). Mid October Shanghai Tennis Open: one of the few times the big players hit Asia (www.masters-cup.com).
