A Beacon of Modern China

A beacon of 21st-century China, Shanghai is modernizing at an electrifying rate. Nowhere is this more evident than the skyscraper-punctuated Pudong commercial district. The most distinct - the Oriental Pearl Tower - has a ball at the top and bottom and has fabulous city views. A number of towers also twist as they go up – a feat of contemporary engineering.

This side of the city also houses Shanghai Pudong International Airport, while Shanghai Hongqiao Airport is over the Huangpu River in the Puxi district. An area of older and less dominating buildings, Puxi features the elegant Bund area whose varied architecture includes a surprising array of Art Deco.

With a choice of shopping centers and small shops beneath brightly lit neon signs just like Chinatowns across the world, Shanghai shopping is fantastic.

Other must-see Shanghai attractions include the wonderful Shanghai Museum and the Jade Buddha Temple. For a break from the hustle and bustle, head to the Yuyuan Gardens, the beach or peaceful Zhujiajiao Water Town in the west.

Whether you choose one of the Shanghai hotels, apartments or hostels, take time to go to a tea house, a Chinese institution. Also worth sampling are Shanghai hairy crab, steamed dumplings and the freshwater fish so popular with locals.