Shanghai

The Bund is the largest waterfront area of Shanghai and probably its most famous symbol. A testament to the unique melding of cultures in the city over the years, here you’ll find buildings in an array of architectural styles, from Gothic and Baroque to Romanesque and Renaissance.

The flood control wall became known as ‘Lover’s Wall’ and was a romantic spot during the last 100 years. There are now added hollows in the wall for couples and it is covered in flowers and lit up at night.

There are too many museums in Shanghai to list them all, but the first one on your list should be Shanghai Museum. Located in the middle of People’s Square, this is home to an incredible amount of ancient Chinese art and artefacts.

It has eleven galleries and three exhibition halls, including ceramics, bronze wares, paintings and calligraphy. There are also displays showcasing early Chinese currency – it was one of the first countries to use monetary coins.

If time allows, you should also visit the Jewish Refugees Museum, the Chinese Martial Arts Museum and the Power Station of Art.

Qibao Ancient Town in the centre of Minhang District is a thousand-year-old town with waterways with beautifully preserved ancient architecture. Here you can take in traditional Shanghai culture, including cricket fighting, the wonderful Qibao Temple and an absolute must-see: The Shadow Plays. Using colourful drawings, music and actors, these tell stories about famous historical events.

Yuyuan Garden is the largest ancient garden in Shanghai with Ming and Qing dynastic architecture. Dongping National Forest Park is an area of stunning beauty – a massive man-made forest with recreational activities like grass skiing and rock climbing.

Shanghai Disneyland Park is what you would expect from a Disney resort, and is an ideal place for the family. With six theme lands, the park blends typical Disney styles and favourite characters with Chinese culture and there are plenty of rides and exhibits to keep the kids occupied.

For a more sedate activity with the family, check out Shanghai Wild Animal Park, covering 153 hectares and home to over 200 species. You can see performing animals, take a tour bus through the park and interact with some of the animals there.

Another theme park is Happy Valley, and more wildlife fun can be found at Ocean Aquarium.

 For older children, Madame Tussards is always a source of great amusement!

Shanghai is known as the “Oriental Paris” thanks to its incredible shopping areas. You can get a tax refund and tax-free shopping on Nanjing Road and Yuyuan Garden. You’ll find shopping malls selling high-end items on Nanjing Road, and for traditional wares, try the Yuyuan Tourist Mart. Here you can pick up antiques, jade, gold and silver items, as well as local arts and crafts.

For traditional wares, try the Yuyuan Tourist Mart. Here you can pick up antiques, jade, gold and silver items, as well as local arts and crafts.

Shanghai fashion is popular, and it now hosts its own Fashion Week twice a year in April and October. You’ll find international designers showcasing their latest designs, but the event is primarily based around promoting new Chinese talent.