Flights to Shanghai

Shanghai’s past and future face off across the Huangpu river - historic Puxito the west and the skyline of Pudongto the east. Truth be told, you can have a brilliant time sticking to the latter’s panoramic bars and viewing platforms.

How you take in Shanghai really depends on how well-travelled you like your paths. You could take Puxi’s famous promenade, The Bund, at dawn. From here, it’s easy to join the stream of tourists south from the Waibaidu Bridge past an array of waterfront Art Deco, neoclassical, gothic and baroque architecture. 

Consider stopping in at the Rockbund contemporary art museum along the way. From there you might follow the main Nanjing Lu shopping street. This runs up to People’s Square, the geographical centre of the city, where locals play mah-jong and hold outdoor ballroom dancing classes. 

When the work day is done, consider exploring the dining options of upmarket areas like Xintiandi or Jing’ An, or spend an afternoon strolling around Tiánzfáng, a labyrinth of arts and dining. It’s only a short stroll from here to the French Concession, a scenic cluster of tree-lined streets, boutiques and cafes.