A Quick Guide to Shanghai

The largest and most developed city in China, Shanghai is a sprawling megalopolis with a distinctive East-meets-West feel. Modern and trendy, its distinctive Art Deco buildings sit between traditional Chinese style edifices and towering skyscrapers, as well as the exciting and innovative architecture that makes its skyline one of the most recognisable in the world. The city split into two areas by the Huangpu River, and each are itself into further districts each with its own distinct feel and atmosphere, it is one of the most diverse yet unique cities. Over 23 million visitors travel here each year, and with cheap flights to Shanghai available across all airlines, it’s easier than ever to travel the miles to a different world.

It is hard to believe that this thriving, hugely modern space was once a modest village whose main revenue came from the fishing and textiles industries it cultivated. Unlike some other Chinese mega-cities, there are no obvious glorious old-style temples or huge embellished Buddha statues, but venture into Old Shanghai and you’ll get a feel for the history of the place, a history that was almost swept entirely under the carpet by the roaring pace of urban regeneration. Try the YuYuan Gardens for a taste of classical Chinese architecture. The Gardens are a reconstruction of a classical Chinese garden as they would have looked during the Ming Dynasty, and features ponds, pavilions and intricate outdoor corridors. The main square is a pretty place to hang out, and the Fabric Market is a great place to hunt for a bargain and sample the hectic market atmosphere of hawking and haggling.

If all this has put you in a whimsical mood, then amble down to Dongtai Road, off Xizang Road. Crammed with shops selling all sorts of fascinating antiques and curios, this could be the perfect place to pick up a gift for a loved one, or to find a hidden treasure.
A trip to The Shanghai Museum on the People’s Square will supplement this new-found knowledge of the city. It houses some of the most important Chinese and Asian art pieces and artefacts in the world, from impressive ancient bronzes to delicate jade imperial jewellery, as well as Ming and Qing Dynasty furniture. The architecture of the outside – the building is shaped to resemble a Chinese ding – is matched only by the beautiful interior.

For a relaxing day after all the sightseeing, head down to Jinshan City Beach. A welcome retreat from the heat and clamour of the city, this man-made stretch of sand features a bustling seafood market selling fresh fish poled from around the island, as well as a footpath to stroll down, a Ferris wheel, and beautiful views out onto the city.

At night, Shanghai’s downtown districts play host to a burgeoning jazz and blues scene that it quickly taking hold on the live music scene. Speakeasy-style bars and live music lounges are seeing a revival, and local talent is hitting the scene in a big way. From Chinese fusion jazz to full-blown burlesque, locales like Chinatown in the Hongkou district and The Two Cities Gallery in the Moganshan Lu art district are following the path carved by the famous JZ Club, hosting regular jazz nights that draw locals and tourists alike.