Shanghai

The lowdown 

Home to World Expo 2010, leading nightlife and great shopping, there's never been a better time to visit Shanghai.

Local tip

Any local you bump into will tell you to run straight to the World Expo. The biggest event the city has ever hosted, it's the opportunity to see the world in the heart of Shanghai. Running until the end of October 2010, this event is the biggest seen since World Expo '88 in Brisbane - and that was huge. We're not being biased, but Australia's showing at World Expo 2010 is one of the highlights, but upstaged - as expected - by China. Now, Expo 2010 is not the main reason someone should visit Shanghai, but it's a very good excuse to see the city full of colour and life over the next five months.

Foodie hotspot

Given the city is an incredible fusion of the East and West, Shanghai's cuisine is some of the most eclectic in Asia. One spot that continues to turn up on the culinary radar is Lost Heaven, a Yunnan restaurant with two locations in the city - one in the former French concession and alongside the Yangtze River at the Bund. The food is inspired by ethnic groups along the Ancient Tea Horses Trail, including from the Lijiang. Reservations are a must and when picking which restaurant to eat at, Time Out recommends heading for the former French concession and then heading for drinks by the Bund after. Other spots also worth feasting at include Coconut Paradise (38 Fumin Rd, +86 021 62481998), Peoples 7 (805 Julu Rd, Jing'an, +86 021 54040707), Sashas, Azul & Viva (18 Dongping Rd, Xuhui, +86 021 64331172), Sun with Aqua (2/F Zhongshan, Dong Yi Lu), New Heights (5 Zhongshan Dongyi Rd, Huangpu, +86 021 63210909), Mesa and Maya.

Drinking dens

The city's most popular spot for drinking is the Bund, thanks to the area's amazing views of the Yangtze River, the Pearl Tower and Jin Mao Tower just across the way. The best way to enjoy the view and soak up what Shanghai is all about is at Bar Rouge, a place that's been popular with expats and locals since the mid-2000s. While the service may not be the best in the city, the cocktails are up there and the view can't be ignored.

It may not have the views, but if you're looking for a bar that's always fun, visit Zapatas where bar-top dancing takes precedence. It's a Mexican-themed bar, when but combined with the Shanghainese crowd, it does make for a fun night out. Other top bars worth checking out include Velvet, Mesa, Mint (7/20 Guangdong Lu, Cnr The Bund, +86 021 63509988), Lounge 18, Longitude (2/F, 1 Yueyang Lu, +86 021 6431 7751) and Laris (3 Zhong Shan Dong Yi Rd, +86 021 63233355), particularly on Thursdays.

Where to stay

Shanghai's hotels are regarded as some of Asia's finest and in China's most happening city, there is something for all tastes and budgets. Time Out recommends the Radisson Hotel Shanghai Hong Quan, which is only a short cab ride away from the city's top attractions. The property is located just north of the city's Hong Qiao Business District, which means you're close to the Shanghai International Circuit (home of the Formula One Grand Prix), the Jade Buddha Temple (a must for any visit) and popular shopping spot Nanjing Road. Radisson Hotel Shanghai Hong Quan features 301 rooms, each with complimentary internet access and plasma TVs, along with three restaurants that serve local and Western cuisine. The hotel also offers limousine transfers to the airport and, given how much of a difference a pleasant ride to the city is, we'd recommend booking one when making your reservation.

Getting there

Cathay Pacific flies several times daily to Hong Kong from Sydney and sister carrier Dragonair then offers a number of connecting flights to Shanghai. Qantas also flies to Shanghai, direct from Sydney.

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