For more information and to book please visit www.mrandmrssmith.com or let us arrange your whole trip, by calling +44 (0)20 8987 4312 or from the USA dial 1 866 610 3867.
Celebrated in its Twenties’ heyday as the Paris of the East, Shanghai is now a dazzling showcase for 21st-century China. Despite its Communist legacy, this is a consumer society to the core, from the grand temples to Capitalism on the Bund to the bustling markets and endless restaurants. Refuel on delicious dim sum, stroll among Tai Chi enthusiasts at dawn or hit the extravagant bar and club scene – whatever path you choose, you’ll be electrified by this high-watt city.
The Yu Gardens are a fine example of Ming Dynasty design. This haven of pagodas and carp-filled ponds and can be a welcome respite from the helter-skelter streets of Shanghai. Once you've got your breath back you can plunge into the neighbouring shopping alleys around Fangbang Zhonglu.
Our round-up of the hippest hideaways and romantic boutique hotels in Shanghai
A Twenties European façade conceals the sensuous and theatrical interiors of Jia Shanghai, a apartment-style city stay where slick chinoiserie meets bespoke modern design.
China’s first carbon-neutral hotel has a lot more going for it than mere eco credentials; it’s a high-life living luxury pad that attracts a crowd as stylish as its interiors.
Planes, trains, automobiles, or maybe even helicopter – we tell you the best way to go.
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).
A welcome relief from incessant high rises, this Art Deco building boasts a bar, restaurant and club overlooking the river. The Mimosa Supperclub is a stunning multi-level restaurant of cushion-strewn booths. Order a ginga ninja to get started and see if you can book the private glass-walled room, overlooking the other diners.
82 Yi Chang Road, Suzhou Creek, Shanghai, 200060
This restaurant is a Balinese island paradise with scented blooms, exotic statuary and carved teak furniture in a pretty residence beside a lily-carpeted lake in the middle of Jingan Park. This is a popular spot with the local romantics and is a very chilled out option in an urban metropolis.
189 Huashan Road, Shanghai 200040
This gastronomic temple at is the three-Michelin-star chef’s only signature restaurant outside New York. Inspired by old Shanghai grandeur, the moody lounge is filled with pony-hair club chairs and eel-skin benches leading through to a luxurious burnished copper and cobalt blue dining room.
3 Zhong Shan Dong Yi Road, Shanghai
Adam D Tihany’s eccentric design (giant snuff bottles and a deconstructed rice bowl) and French chef Paul Pairet’s deliciously quirky molecular cuisine conspire to make Pudong Shangri-La’s signature restaurant Jade on 36 one of the city’s most talked-about new dining experiences. The bar, in a fuchsia-inlaid jade box, is a destination in its own right offering creative cocktails, international DJs and jaw-dropping views of the Bund and TV tower.
Tower 2, Pudong Shangri-La, 33 Fu Cheng Lu, Shanghai
The view from the Bund at night is awesome, and this bar on the 7th floor at Bund 18 is one of the best places for evening cocktails.
Level 7, 18 Zhong Shan Dong Yi Road, Shanghai
This bar is a great spot to drink cocktails (try the Glamour Bar’s Orange Marmalade martini) and watch the neon come alive. Avoid overly hectic Saturday nights.
5 Guangdong Road, The Bund, Shanghai
©2009 Mr & Mrs Smith
Member offer
