Shanghai holidays - A contemporary insight into China's culture

An ultra-modern world that's ahead of the trends

Shanghai is East China’s powerhouse city; an economic force that can match anywhere in the world.

For some reason, even though everyone has heard of Shanghai, no-one can name a single thing that is there. But this lack of famous sites doesn’t detract from Shanghai – it improves it.

Instead of getting bogged down by ‘must-see’ attractions, you get the chance to experience the city for what it is – a juggernaut of modern Chinese living featuring everything from swanky restaurants, futuristic trains, skyscraper bars and eclectic, electric nightlife.

This super-modern, high-rise city could be described as an archetype East-meets-West situation with Chinese style and cuisine donning a hyper-capitalist mantra and building skyward.

Often characterised as a slightly cultureless vision of bright lights and business deals, Shanghai is striving to make cultural in-roads on the back of a number of museums and art galleries. The Shanghai Museum is actually one of the finest in the country.

Why visit Shanghai?

• Shanghai Museum is one of the best in China with the especially impressive Ancient Bronze exhibit being one that should definitely be considered a must-see
• If you’re looking for an upmarket shopping experience, Nanjing Road is brimming with classy boutiques and high-end brand stores
• Visit one of the scenic water towns and hop on and off canal barges to get to little bars hidden away
• Shanghai’s cuisine presents a delicious fusion of other foods from around the region – try to eat regularly in restaurants serving local dishes
• The nightlife here is really fantastic with everything from cheap bars sporting karaoke nights to uber-cool nightclubs and cocktail bars

Inspired? Tropical Sky also arranges Far East holidays in other Chinese destinations including Shanghai and Beijing.