Your essential guide to Shanghai

With its glittering skyscrapers and breathtaking views over the Huangpu River, Shanghai is home to one of the world’s most incredible skylines. Survey the city from above the clouds by taking a trip up to the viewing deck of the 128-storey Shanghai Tower, the world’s tallest building – which is also just a short walk away from the Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai. The hotel’s location is particularly exciting because of its proximity to Harbour City, a cutting-edge new arts district, making what was once a purely financial area into a stimulating, fast-evolving hub.

 

For a cultural fix, it’s worth hopping over the river to the west bank, where you’ll find the historic Bund, central Shanghai’s gleaming waterfront. Known locally as Waitan (translated as ‘outer beach’), today the busy parade is packed with luxury shops, restaurants and art galleries. Yet it retains its historic roots as the heart of Shanghai’s old International Settlement, built by the British in the early 20th century. Spot the diverse architectural styles on display including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance revival and Art Deco. At number 13 is the Customs House. It was built in 1927 to replace the traditional Chinese-style Customs House and remains an architectural highlight. Fun fact: its clock and bell were made in England in imitation of Big Ben.

Discover some of China’s most iconic buildings right on your doorstep. Within walking distance is the record-breaking 468m-tall Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower – which had the honour of being China’s tallest building when it was completed in 1994. And despite having its crown stolen by the even-taller Shanghai World Financial Center 14 years later, it still offers impressive views. In addition to housing a TV and radio station, there are 15 observatory levels open to the public – the highest of which is a dizzying 350m above ground. To relax and get your bearings, grab a bite at the 267m-high revolving restaurant. You’ll need to make a reservation if you want to guarantee a coveted window seat. To soak up some Chinese history, take a stroll around Huangpu Park – it’s the triangular stretch of green at the northern end of the Bund, and the oldest and smallest park in the city. This is the site of the large Monument to the People's Heroes, commemorating those who helped to free China from foreign occupation, and of the Bund Historical Museum, which documents the history of the Bund in old photographs.

 

Shanghai is famous for its world-class, cosmopolitan bar scene – and deservedly so. Try the creative cocktails at , the pan-American cocktail bar featured in the 2017 World’s Best Bars Guide. This new addition to Mauro Colagreco's fine-dining restaurant, Colagreco, serves up spicy Latin flavours. A must-try drink is the Absolut Elyx (Beefeater gin, Lillet vermouth and orange bitters). There’s also an intriguing range of rum and pisco drinks that are always exquisitely presented in an eclectic mix of glassware.

Chinese restaurant, Yong Yi Ting. Beyond Pudong, try the Michelin-starred Fu He Hui, helmed by renowned chef Tong Lu. It’s a tasting-menu only, vegetarian restaurant that even meat-eaters love, offering innovative takes on high quality produce.