Shanghai

‘Bund’ is a word you’ll be hearing a lot during your stay. It refers to the waterfront promenade of striking colonial-era buildings running along the stretch of the mighty Huangpu River between the distinctive iron Waibaidu Bridge in the north and
the Waldorf Astoria in the south. With its gorgeous architecture and ‘wow!’ views of the Pudong skyline opposite, it’ll come as no surprise that the Bund also plays host to the crème de la crème of Shanghai’s hotels and fine dining restaurants, attracting Michelin Star chefs and international luxury brands aplenty.

Meaning ‘East of the Huangpu River’, Pudong is mostly associated with two things
– the international airport 50km to the east of the city center, and that collection of glitzy, world-beating skyscrapers. Despite its gleaming appearance and stunning collection of five star hotels (the Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons, Park and Grand Hyatts all have a presence over here), the area is regarded as the ‘dark side’ by urbane downtown types thanks to its less than lively demeanor.

Shanghai at its laidback, walkable best. A bundle of narrow, tree-lined streets teeming with life, this is where gorgeous, colonial-era villas house contemporary brands, Shanghai’s hip-young-things sip macchiatos in the sunshine, and elderly residents hang out their washing or sit on stools slurping noodles come meal time. The occasional strains of an old Shanghai jazz record drift from lane house windows, but the click and whir of mopeds whizzing by prevails. Despite its connectedness, the area is larger and more spread out than you might expect, with several separate pockets of activity.

Shanghai seem a little too ‘Westernized’ for you? Too many fancy malls and office towers? The Old City is your antidote! The area has seen its fair share of commercial development and tourism (especially in the northern
section, around the Yu Garden) but the southern section contains miles of narrow alleyways, tumbledown houses and gritty street markets prove the perfect explo- ration ground for those that want to get off-the-beaten-track. It’s also an interesting place to explore the city’s religious heritage – China’s ‘three traditions’; Buddhism, Daoism and Confucianism are all represented here in various forms.

Confusingly named, you’ll
be hard pushed to identify any kind of square here, but the presence of municipal government and some of the city’s most venerable institutions clearly announce the de facto city center. The Shanghai Museum, Urban Planning Center and Museum of Contemporary Art are your reason to visit, while the northern section is home to a leafy park famous for its weekend ‘matchmaking market’. Nanjing Road runs west from here towards the Jing’an Temple, where some of the swishest upscale malls (yes, more!) and an increasing number of top hotel and dining options are located.