Shanghai

First published on 13 Feb 2012. Updated on 28 Mar 2012.

Architecturally, Shanghai is one of the most appealing cities in Asia, if not the world. From the historic buildings along the Bund to the futuristic skyscrapers in Pudong, Shanghai has two very different sides to it that gel together magically well. After a walk along the riverfront, another great way to see this city is on a classic motorbike, and the team at Shanghai Sideways offer thrillseeking tours zooming along back streets and main roads of the city alike. Prices start from a very reasonable 800 RMB (AU$120) for a one-hour tour for two people on a Changjiang 750CC motorcycle complete with a sidecar. On the tour, you’ll make a few stops and be able to explore some of the city’s top attractions. Shanghai is well known for shopping: you’ll find everything from Uni-qlo and Zara to Ralph Lauren and Gucci. You’ll also be able to hunt for antiques in markets.

The city’s French Concession continues to evolve and along with that, bars and restaurants are popping up on and around Fuxing Lu. Salute is a small wine bar set inside a shop that’s the size of a delicatessen. There’s a small courtyard and the bar focuses on serving top European drops. The house wines are fine and well priced, while you’ll also find a very good range of Temperanillo and Montepulciano. Like a good delicatessen, Salute offers a great range of cheese and meats. 59 Fuxing Xi Lu, near Yongfu Lu, Shanghai. Just down the street from Salute is the Apartment. On a balmy summers’ night, kick back on the roof with a Mojito or Tsing Tao in hand. While the crowd is a tad Euro-trashy, it’s not overly flashy. 3rd Fl, 47 Yongfu Lu, near Fuxing Xi Lu, Shanghai. Back on the Bund, you’ll find a plethora of bars commanding top-floor places of classical buildings. Time Out’s favourite is M on the Bund, which has great views over the Huangpu River, an excellent champagne, and barkeeps that can stir a great Vesper. Lvl 7, 20 Guangdong Rd, Shanghai. Over at the Kerry Hotel, they’re starting a revolution. Off from the lobby of the hotel is the Brew, a pub and microbrewery that’s the first in China to bottle craft beer. Order a steak and wash it down with a pint of the Pale Ale. Next door at the Cook, you’ll find a restaurant with a good dozen or so open-kitchen stations that serve everything from seafood to dumplings. Upstairs at the Meet, it’s about great graded steak and flashy bottles of red. 1388 Hua Mu Rd, Pudong, Shanghai.

The new hip brand from Shangri-La, Kerry Hotels made its global debut in Shanghai last year and the 574-room hotel in Pudong has made quite a statement. Think oversized rooms, the latest technology, great bars and restaurants and first-class service. The Kerry Hotel Shanghai is located just moments from the Maglev train to the airport and surrounded by parklands. 1388 Hua Mu Rd, Pudong, Shanghai  If you’re after some great digs in town, try the Kerry’s sister hotel, the Shangri-La Hotel Shanghai, which is located in the heart of the city close to the Huangpu River. 33 Fu Cheng Rd, Pudong, Shanghai

 

Qantas flies directly to Shanghai from Sydney. Airbus A330s feature Skybeds up the front in Business and seat-back entertainment down in economy. The airline recently won a swag of awards for its onboard wine offering and the revamped food menu from Neil Perry impresses. Alternatively, Time Out recommends flying Cathay Pacific to Shanghai via Hong Kong, or on Singapore Airlines via Singapore.