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Shanghai, the "City on the Sea," is the largest city in China and a global financial hub. During its long and tumultuous history it has been under many different governments and it has been known by many different titles, from "Paris of the East" to China's "showpiece." Through all the shifting appellations and political powers, Shanghai grew into the bustling cosmopolitan center it is today. From this cosmopolitan hub of crowded streets, astonishing cityscapes, and visible layers of a unique history, here are 12 must-have moments.
If you're cramming everything into a 24-hour stint in Shanghai, avoid Fridays at all costs. Taxis are tough to hail at the end of the working week. If you can, opt for an early midweek slot.
Photo Caption: Taxis in downtown Shanghai.
With its thrilling 431kph top speed and a construction bill that ran over the one $1billion mark, there's something peculiarly Shanghainese about what, in any other city, would have been a workaday airport commuter train.
Photo Caption: The world's fastest train, the Shanghai Maglev in Shanghai, China.
Shun the crowds and hassle of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and soak up stunning 360-degree views of Shanghai with a cocktail glass in hand. The Grand Hyatt and the Le Royal Meridien are top choices.
Photo Caption: View of the Shanghai skyline from the Grand Hyatt Shanghai.
There are three standout addresses along the gilded colonial strip that makes the Bund (No. 3, No. 5, and No. 18). Eat at the gourmet restaurants, window shop at the luxury stores, and admire the impressive architecture of each of these three historic buildings (once the Union, Nissin, and Chartered Bank, respectively) which were built in the first quarter of the 1900s to house mercantile and financial organiziations.
Photo Caption: The Shanghai Bund bustles at your feet when you peer down from the top of Three on the Bund.
Shop (or just marvel) at one of over one hundred world-renowned luxury brand stores at this 66 story commercial double skyscraper, China's most prosperous commercial center.
A series of interlinking alleys in a quiet corner of the French Concession has expanded massively to become the funkiest neighborhood in town. It's a rawer, earthier, and - frankly - better version of the more famous Xintiandi.
Photo Caption: Taikang Lu, in the French Concession, Shanghai.
What was once a burbling brook that divided colonial concessions is now an elevated sci-fi super highway offering great views of the city's neon nightscape.
Photo Caption: Yan'an Lu elevated road, Shanghai.
In the East's great sin city, jazz became the soundtrack to sleaze during the 1930s. JZ Club and the House of Blues and Jazz may be more family-friendly establishments but the music still has that seductive edge.
Photo Caption: Reggie's Red Hot Feetwarmers perform at The House of Blues & Jazz, Shanghai.
Old acrobatic classics are blended with elegant modern choreography and terrifying new stunts in the breathless stage show ERA: Intersection of Time.
Photo Caption: Shanghai Museum.
For anyone with the remotest interest in Chinese history, the Shanghai Museum is essential viewing. As an added bonus, it's now free.
Photo Caption: Tai Chi in Fuxing Park, Shanghai.
Photo Caption: Taxis in downtown Shanghai.
Photo Caption: The world's fastest train, the Shanghai Maglev in Shanghai, China.
Photo Caption: View of the Shanghai skyline from the Grand Hyatt Shanghai.
Photo Caption: The Shanghai Bund bustles at your feet when you peer down from the top of Three on the Bund.
Photo Caption: Taikang Lu, in the French Concession, Shanghai.
Photo Caption: Yan'an Lu elevated road, Shanghai.
Photo Caption: Reggie's Red Hot Feetwarmers perform at The House of Blues & Jazz, Shanghai.
Photo Caption: Shanghai Museum.
Photo Caption: Tai Chi in Fuxing Park, Shanghai.