Shanghai, China

A Fusion of Two Very Different Worlds Lying at the mouth of the Yangtze river in China is one of the largest cities in the world, Shanghai – population 20 million, where the old world has blended well with the new, and briefcase toting businessmen share the road equally with vegetable baskets carried by old ladies.  This is the Middle Kingdom, today a conglomeration of American commerce, European vogue and Chinese traditional cultures. You have got to see it to believe how it all meshes together.  To get a better idea here are six things you can do when you are in Shanghai that will give you that insight. 1.   Walk on the Bund. This waterfront, also called the Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu had depicted Shanghai’s character for centuries.  Today it is Shanghai’s most famous landmark.  The Bund begins at the Baidu Bridge and is less than 1500 meters long.  It is a great walk.  You might want to start from the Peace Hotel and simply meander, enjoying the sights and taking time to go inside one or two buildings along the way.  Some of the sights include the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the Cenotaph-a monument of people’s heroes standing on a man-made island, and some 52 buildings which would be an architect’s dream with European variations ranging from classicism to medieval Romanesque, late medieval Gothic, 16th century Baroque, up to 17th century renaissance.  For haute cuisine you may want to lunch at M on the Bund. 2.   The Maglev Train, also called the Shanghai Transrapid, is considered to be the fastest train in the world.  You could see the city in less than 10 minutes if you are the impatient type.  But if you are in Shanghai for business purposes, you will also find this train to be most convenient. 3.   Pudong, also called the New Area, is a district along the east Huangpu River.  It is China’s financial hub.  Here you will find the Trade Zone, the Stock Exchange, and the Oriental Pearl Tower, the tallest completed tower in Asia.  There are 15 observation levels inside and a revolving restaurant with a breathtaking 360 degree view of Shanghai, which is best seen at night. 4.   Shopping.  For luxury brand shopping in Asia, there is always Shanghai, which aims to compete with Paris, New York and Milan.  And this city is doing a good job of keeping up, especially in Nanjing West road and Huaihai road, where you will find Dior, Bally, Prada, Max Mara, Armani, Loewe, and Chanel, among others. 5.   Pearls. Try the Hong Quiao New World Pearl Market along Hong Mei Road.  Although it is a bit out of the way, there are many ready-made items to choose from and even better, you can design your own freshwater pearl jewelry, and they will make it for you here.

6.   Entertainment. The Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe is the best, ever.  Performing at the Shanghai Center Theatre, people of all ages will enjoy watching them high-flying, umbrella tossing, knife throwing, hoop diving, and chair balancing. The question is, what can’t you do in Shanghai?  With its amazing selection of excellent restaurants, wonderful markets, lovely sights and things to do, Shanghai is a destination of choice where the best in the world find their habitat in Asia. This is a guest blog by Maria Freeman who writes for Briefcases Direct, a website that offers luxury brief cases and a unique rolling briefcase selection, all direct from the manufacturer. She is a freelance writer and self-appointed world traveler who left San Francisco to travel the world, starting in Asia and made her way through Western Europe in 3 months. Maria is based in Manila, Philippines and spends more than half of every year seeking out new adventures, great food and the best bargain shopping in the world.